1. Accreditation: We're among only a handful of centers on the Peninsula to be NAEYC accredited. Yes, there are other types of accrediation out there, and you'll possibly see websites for other centers listing various accreditations... but NAEYC is considered the gold standard in the early childhood field.
2. Rating: We're among the very few Peninsula child care centers to be rated four stars through the Virginia Star Quality Initiative. (And the numeric score we received was near the top of the range for a rating of four).
3. Teacher quality: Our teachers have a formal education in early childhood. You won't find many centers where the teachers have bachelor's and associate's degrees.
4. Sliding-scale tuition: We know it—child care is expensive! That's why, thanks to grants and generous donors, we've been able to subsidize tuition for children ages 3 to 5, allowing you to pay based on your family income and need. We're also able to offer competitive rates for infants and toddlers.
5. Specialty staff: Look around, and you won't find many (if any!) child care centers with staff that includes an on-site nurse and education director. We go the extra distance for your child.
6. Amenities: Unlike most centers—little buildings with a playground parcel, all wedged into a commerial block of property—our two sites are large buildings set into an expansive campus. Both boast large, sunny classrooms and wide, open playground space with abounding nature. Both have a gymnasium, ideal for physical play during extreme temperatures and precipitation. Come visit to discover the additional reasons our facilities are ideal for child development.
7. History: A lot of centers come and go. But we've been going strong since 1971. Ours is an experienced program with tried-and-true methods (though we are always reexamining our techniques and keeping up to date with the latest research on child development).
8. Local connections: As a long-standing nonprofit with a place in the heart of many prominent Peninsula leaders, DHCDC is frequently chosen for programs like The Mayor's Book Club, special visitors and live shows, to the delight and education of our children.
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