The right preschool is one that is licensed, follows a clear daily routine built around play and learning, fits your family's hours and budget, and welcomes you to visit before you enroll. This checklist walks through each of those points and the questions worth asking, with examples from our own licensed preschool at Pulaski Community Youth Center (PCYC) in Fairlawn.
1. Start with licensing
In Virginia, child care programs are regulated by the state. Ask every program you are considering whether it is licensed, and ask to see its license and its most recent inspection. A licensed program has to meet state rules for health, safety and staffing, so this single question removes a lot of guesswork before you compare anything else.
If you want help finding programs near you, Child Care Aware of Virginia can help at 866-543-7852.
2. Look at the daily routine and curriculum
Young children learn through play, stories, conversation, movement and time outdoors. Ask how a typical day is structured, how much time children spend outside, and which curriculum guides the teachers. A good answer is specific: you should be able to picture your child's morning and afternoon.
At PCYC, our classroom uses the StreamIn3 curriculum, which relies on play and book based learning to support cognitive, social and physical development. Children also take part in weekly gardening classes, monthly visits from the library and dance classes in the spring.
3. Compare hours, meals, ages and cost
Practical details decide whether a program works for your family week after week. Use the questions below for every program you visit; the right-hand column shows how PCYC answers them.
| Question to ask | Why it matters | At PCYC |
|---|---|---|
| What are your hours? | Drop-off and pick-up need to fit your work schedule | Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 5:30pm |
| Which ages are in the classroom? | Children do best with activities planned for their stage | Children who have turned 3 until they start kindergarten |
| Which meals and snacks are included? | Saves time and cost, and shows how the day is planned | Breakfast and an afternoon snack |
| What does tuition include, and are there fees? | Avoids surprises later in the year | Listed on our childcare page: $140 a week plus a $25 yearly registration fee |
| Do you accept child care subsidy? | Opens the door to help with cost | Yes: approved subsidy vendor and Mixed Delivery provider |
4. Ask about help paying for preschool
Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families pay for care. Parents generally need to be working, looking for work, or in education or training, among other qualifying activities, and household income must fall within local limits. You can check eligibility or apply online through CommonHelp, or submit a paper application to your local department of social services. Applications are reviewed within 30 days, and many areas have had waitlists since July 1, 2024, so it helps to apply early (Child Care VA).
Virginia also funds the Mixed Delivery Program, run by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation through regional Ready Regions. It pays for birth-to-five slots at private, licensed child care centers and family day homes for low-income working families (Virginia Department of Education report, 2025). PCYC is a Mixed Delivery provider and an approved subsidy vendor, so if tuition is a barrier, call us at 540-739-2209.
5. Visit before you decide
A visit tells you more than any brochure. Watch whether children seem busy and comfortable, whether teachers kneel to talk with them, and whether the room is set up for play. Questions worth asking on the visit:
- What does a typical day look like, from drop-off to pick-up?
- How do teachers help a child who is upset at drop-off?
- How will you tell me about my child's day?
- What happens if my child gets sick during the day?
- How much time do children spend outdoors, and what happens in bad weather?
Frequently asked questions
At what age can my child start preschool at PCYC?
Our preschool serves children who have turned 3 years old, and they can stay until they begin kindergarten. Call 540-739-2209 or see the childcare page to ask about openings.
How can I get help paying for preschool in Virginia?
Start with the Child Care Subsidy Program: check eligibility or apply online through CommonHelp, or apply at your local department of social services. PCYC accepts subsidy and is a Mixed Delivery provider, so call us if tuition is a barrier.
What should I bring to a preschool visit?
Bring your questions about the daily routine, meals, hours, communication and tuition, and plan to watch a classroom for a few minutes. If possible, bring your child so you can see how they respond to the space and the teachers.
Next steps
Read more about our licensed preschool, compare all of our youth programs in Pulaski County, or contact us to schedule a visit.
Sources
- Child Care VA: Paying for child care (Child Care Subsidy Program, Child Care Aware of Virginia)
- Virginia Department of Education: Efficacy of the Mixed Delivery Program (RD370, 2025)
Published October 12, 2026 by Pulaski Community Youth Center.