How do I choose the right daycare in Alexandria?

When choosing a daycare in Alexandria, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: Licensing status with Virginia's regulatory agency Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Virginia) Safety measures and cleanliness Daily routines and educational curriculum Parent reviews and ratings Location and hours that fit your schedule

What types of daycare are available in Alexandria?

Alexandria offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 133 facilities Headstart Programs — 7 facilities Church Daycare — 28 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 11 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Headstart Programs in Alexandria, Virginia (7 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Virginia?

Daycare costs in Virginia typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Alexandria for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Alexandria

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

The Vine Preschool

4.8 score

5(20)

5614 Old Mill Road, Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

The Vine Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, welcoming environment where children thrive academically and socially. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, knowledgeable director (Kim), high teaching standards exceeding Virginia requirements, and excellent communication through daily photos and updates. Families report their children are excited to attend and experience significant growth and preparation for kindergarten.

Nurturing and caring environmentexperienced and well-trained staffdirector holds staff to high standardsclean facility

St. Gabriel'S Day Care Center

4.77 score

5(17)

4319 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children

St. Gabriel's Day Care Center in Alexandria, Virginia receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, faith-based curriculum, and affordable tuition. Parents consistently highlight their children's academic and social development, as well as the warm, nurturing environment that makes children feel safe and loved.

Caring and dedicated teachers and sistersfaith-based Catholic curriculumaffordable tuitionhome-cooked meals included

Childspace Learning Center

4.72 score

5(13)

2721 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 27 children

Childspace Learning Center receives universal 5-star praise from parents for its warm, attentive staff and enriching curriculum. Parents highlight the diverse enrichment classes (science, music, Chinese language), individualized attention, bright welcoming environment, and responsive leadership from owner Valentina. The center is particularly noted for flexibility, strong communication with families, and successfully preparing children for kindergarten readiness.

Warm and attentive teachersenrichment classes (sciencemusiclanguage)

Bright Mind Preschool

4.72 score

4.9(20)

322 N. Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

Parents consistently praise Bright Mind Preschool as a caring, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially. Staff are noted for their genuine dedication, strong communication, and ability to make families feel welcome. Multiple military families specifically mention the school's welcoming atmosphere and the difficulty of leaving when relocating.

Caring and patient staffsmall class sizesstrong teacher-child relationshipsdaily outdoor play and park visits

Innovation Station Child Development Center

4.67 score

5(10)

500 Dulany Street, Jefferson Building, Suite 1, Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 138 children

Innovation Station Child Development Center in Alexandria, Virginia receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, knowledgeable staff who genuinely invest in children's development, the clean and spacious facility, and the strong sense of community. Children show measurable growth in academic skills, emotional intelligence, and social development.

Caring and attentive teachersclean and spacious facilitystrong director leadership (Ms. Jacinta)excellent communication with families

The Vine Preschool

4.66 score

4.9(14)

8412 Richmond Avenue, Alexandria, VA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 61 children

The Vine Preschool receives consistently outstanding reviews from parents who praise the caring, nurturing environment and dedicated staff. Parents report their children are excited to attend, well-prepared for kindergarten, and form lasting bonds with teachers. The facility is described as a welcoming second home that prioritizes individual child development and maintains strong parent communication.

caring and dedicated teacherschild-centered approachstrong kindergarten preparationwarm and welcoming environment

Grow And Blossom Preschool Center

4.64 score

5(9)

6315 Beulah St., Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 47 children

Grow and Blossom Preschool Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and educational curriculum. Parents consistently report their children are happy, engaged in learning, and developing new skills. The center is noted for affordable pricing, convenient hours, and a welcoming atmosphere that supports both children and working families.

caring and nurturing staffclean and well-organized facilitystrong educational curriculumindividualized attention to children's needs

Madison Day School

4.64 score

4.8(20)

722 North Henry Street, 1106 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 126 children

Parents consistently praise Madison Day School for its caring, dedicated teachers who support children's development across all age groups. Families report strong educational programming with creative activities, outdoor time, and daily communication through photos and reports. All ten reviews are 5-star ratings, with parents citing difficulty leaving the school due to relocation as the primary reason for departure.

Caring and attentive teacherscreative activities and curriculumoutdoor timedaily photo updates with activity details

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

4.64 score

4.8(20)

318 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children

Note: The reviews provided are for Old Presbyterian Meeting House, a historic church founded in 1772, not a daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming congregation, strong music program, inclusive community, and historical significance of the building.

Warm and welcoming communityexcellent pastoral teamstrong music programinclusive and justice-oriented values

Children'S International-Alexandria Co.

4.62 score

5(8)

25 South Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 63 children

Parents consistently praise Children's International-Alexandria for its caring, experienced teachers, warm environment, and strong kindergarten preparation. The facility offers engaging activities including music, art, and optional soccer lessons, with affordable full-time preschool options and convenient hours for working parents.

Caring and experienced teacherswarm welcoming environmentstrong kindergarten preparationdiverse curriculum (music

Headstart Programs in Alexandria, Virginia

There are 7 headstart programs in Alexandria, Virginia, making up 4% of the 179 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Alexandria, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 7 headstart programs daycares in Alexandria, Virginia, out of 179 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Alexandria, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

Licensing status with Virginia's regulatory agency
Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Virginia)
Safety measures and cleanliness
Daily routines and educational curriculum
Parent reviews and ratings
Location and hours that fit your schedule

Alexandria offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 133 facilities
Headstart Programs — 7 facilities
Church Daycare — 28 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 11 facilities

Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Daycare costs in Virginia typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Alexandria for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Alexandria must be licensed by Virginia's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.

7 Headstart Programs in Alexandria, Virginia

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Alexandria

Top Rated

Gum Springs Head Start Children'S Ctr.

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Daycare types in Alexandria

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