How do I choose the right daycare in Portsmouth?

When choosing a daycare in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth?

Portsmouth offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 28 facilities Headstart Programs — 4 facilities Church Daycare — 12 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 5 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 Portsmouth, Virginia (4 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 Portsmouth for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Portsmouth

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.

Grove Church

4.56 score

4.7(20)

6006 Churchland Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 69 children

Grove Church is a religious facility in Portsmouth, Virginia with a 4.7/5 Google rating. Reviews consistently praise the church's spiritual teachings, welcoming community, and pastor. All reviews focus on the worship experience and spiritual guidance rather than daycare services.

Spiritual nourishmentwelcoming congregationanointed pastorlife-applicable teachings

Hope Charitable Services

4.53 score

4.9(7)

3701 Clifford Street, Portsmouth, VA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 150 children

HOPE Charitable Services is a religious facility in Portsmouth that receives consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the spiritual atmosphere, supportive staff, and community service focus. Reviews emphasize the friendly and helpful nature of the people working there.

spiritual environmentsupportive staffcommunity servicefriendly people

Thomas B. Hargrave Educational Center

4.52 score

4.7(14)

801 Tazewell Street, Portsmouth, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children

Thomas B. Hargrave Educational Center receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews giving 5-star ratings. Parents consistently highlight the director Ms. Joy's compassionate leadership, professional and engaging staff, strong educational curriculum, and safe, clean facilities. Children reportedly enjoy attending and come home excited about what they've learned each day.

Professional and caring staffDirector Ms. Joy's dedication and involvementStrong educational curriculum with daily learningSafe and clean environment

Sweethaven Baptist Church

4.5 score

5(5)

5000 West Norfolk Road, Portsmouth, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 100 children

Reviews describe Sweethaven Baptist Church as a welcoming place of worship with a friendly and supportive congregation. Parents highlight the church's traditional Baptist values and spiritual community. Note: Available reviews focus on the church itself rather than daycare services specifically.

Friendly congregationwonderful pastorstrong church communityspiritual environment

Central Baptist Church - Portsmouth

4.47 score

4.6(18)

1200 Hodges Ferry Road, Portsmouth, VA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 60 children

Central Baptist Church in Portsmouth receives unanimous positive feedback from reviewers. Parents consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere, kind staff, and strong community feel. The facility is noted for quality Bible teaching, good children's programs (VBS and Awana), and a warm, family-oriented environment.

Welcoming atmospherekind and friendly staffstrong sense of communitygood Bible teaching

Court Street Baptist Church

4.47 score

4.8(7)

447 Court Street, Portsmouth, VA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 160 children

These reviews describe Court Street Baptist Church as a historic religious facility in downtown Portsmouth, Virginia, rather than evaluations of its daycare services. Reviewers praise the building's architectural beauty, stained glass windows, and welcoming congregation.

Historic significancebeautiful architectureexceptional stained glass windowsfriendly and welcoming members

Simonsdale Presbyterian Church

4.45 score

4.9(5)

5016 Vick Street, Portsmouth, VA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 56 children

Parents praise Simonsdale Presbyterian Church's preschool and daycare for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The facility is noted for its small-town feel, loving teachers, and strong community environment. Families appreciate the church's programs and report positive long-term experiences.

Friendly and welcoming staffwonderful teacherssmall hometown feelloving environment

Effingham Street Family Ymca

4.4 score

4.5(20)

1013 Effingham Street, Portsmouth, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 154 children

The Effingham Street Family YMCA in Portsmouth receives consistently high praise from members. Reviews highlight the welcoming community atmosphere, quality fitness instruction, and exceptional staff who treat members like family. Parents specifically praise the youth programs and childcare services, noting their child has become more confident and built friendships.

Friendly and welcoming staffknowledgeable fitness instructors (especially Deborah Clark and Tamika

Abby'S Ark Early Learning Center

4.33 score

4.6(6)

601 Washington Street, Portsmouth, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

Parents consistently praise Abby's Ark for its caring, committed staff and strong educational programs. The facility is noted for its spacious grounds, small class sizes with favorable teacher-to-student ratios, and diverse activities including soccer, music, and field trips. Multiple reviewers report long-term positive experiences and recommend the center highly.

Small class sizeslow teacher-to-student ratioscaring and experienced staffspacious playground

Ymca Child Care At Portsmouth Ymca

4.32 score

4.4(20)

4900 High Street West, Portsmouth, VA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 250 children

Parents consistently praise the Portsmouth YMCA for its welcoming environment, excellent staff, and quality fitness classes and youth programs. Multiple reviewers highlight the instructors, particularly Marco, and note the facility's cleanliness, variety of equipment, and positive community atmosphere. The facility is commended for responsive management and customer service.

Excellent instructors (especially Marco and Emma)welcoming and caring staffclean facilityvariety of exercise equipment and classes

Headstart Programs in Portsmouth, Virginia

There are 4 headstart programs in Portsmouth, Virginia, making up 8% of the 49 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 Portsmouth, 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 4 headstart programs daycares in Portsmouth, Virginia, out of 49 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 Portsmouth, 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

Portsmouth offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 28 facilities
Headstart Programs — 4 facilities
Church Daycare — 12 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 5 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 Portsmouth for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Portsmouth 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.

4 Headstart Programs in Portsmouth, Virginia

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Portsmouth

Top Rated

Cavalier Annex Head Start Center

J E Parker Head Start Center

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Daycare types in Portsmouth

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