1. What ages of children do you serve?
We provide child care and education for children between 6 weeks and 5 years old at our Mary Peake Center site. Our Lincoln Street site hosts one 3-year-old class and one 4-year-old class. |
2. What are your hours of operation?
Our hours vary by location. They are:
Mary Peake Center: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lincoln Street Location: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
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3. Are you licensed and accredited?
Yes! We are licensed by the State of Virginia
and our program is accredited by the National Association for
the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which
recognizes high-quality programs. We also are tied as the best-rated center in Hampton, with a four-star rating from the state Virginia Star Quality Initiative/QRIS at both our Mary Peake and Lincoln Street locations (reviewed independently). |
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4. What is your teacher-to-student ratio?
The teacher-to-student ratio in each class depends on the ages of the children. The lowest ratio is in our infant class, at 1:4. All class ratios meet or surpass licensing standards. |
5. Do you serve children with special needs?
Absolutely. Our holistic program develops all children physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. We serve children with a wide range of needs. Children with special needs are included in classes with other children grouped by age. An inclusion specialist from Hampton City Schools works directly with our children with special needs (through the IPOP program), and also helps train our teachers. Learn more on our inclusion program page. |
6. Do you have a nurse?
Yes, we have an on-staff nurse at
our Mary Peake location. |
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7. How qualified are your teachers?
We are proud of our well trained and highly qualified teachers. All teachers must have either a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. Many of our teacher assistants have college degrees as well. We consider continuing education a priority, and hold two weeks of teacher training before every school year. We also employ an Education Director, who coordinates and leads staff development throughout the year. |
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8. What curriculum do you use?
Children enjoy learning with a combination of curriculums, which are described on our curriculum page. |
9. What is a typical day like?
Children learn best through play and by interacting with others. Children are encouraged to experiment and explore as they develop and learn. We provide opportunities for children to participate in large and small group activities as well as interest centers. A typical day may include activities such as: |
- Creative, open-ended art
- Music and movement
- Cooking
- Toys and games, for
small muscle development
- Outdoor exploration and play,
for large-muscle development
- Dramatic play
- Enrichment activities, such as
guest speakers and field trips
- Problem solving
- Language development
- Literacy activities
- Math and science
- Ongoing opportunities for
emotional and social growth
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10. How do I apply?
You can download an application from the For Parents page. Instructions for applying are also included on that page. |
11. How much is tuition?
Our affordable fees for children ages 6 weeks to 2 years are set at a fixed weekly rate. Fees for children 3 years and older are on a sliding scale and are calculated based on family income range and need. To find out the exact weekly fee for your child, please call us at 825-6200. |
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12. Where will I fall on the sliding scale?
Our sliding-scale tuition rate, for families of children 3 and older, is calculated based on family income range and need. All families, regardless of income, qualify for the sliding scale. To find out the exact weekly fee for your child, please call us at 825-6200. |
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13. Does my child qualify to attend DHCDC?
ALL children qualify! The students at our center come from a wide range of family incomes, backgrounds and ability levels. That's what makes DHCDC so special. |
14. How do I get my child into the 4-year-old Virginia Preschool Initiative program?
Enrollment in Hampton's Preschool Initiative for Four-Year-Olds is handled exclusively by Hampton City Schools. We partner with HCS to provide comprehensive services for four classes of children in that program at our Mary Peake Center location. To find out more about how to apply for that program, please contact the Early Childhood Department of HCS at 727-2448. |
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