Bridgewater/Harrisonburg preschools (Staunton: low income, day care, home)

[sassyaztec]

We are back from our visit and now the fun of the move begins! We are relocating to Bridgewater and the "most wonderful preschool" in town is very Christian based, evangelical- which won't work for us. We are an interfaith family and while I don't mind a slight religious slant, I prefer something more non-religious.

Can anyone help me out with info or resources to find a school in Bridgewater or south/central Harrisonburg (around JMU is fine). A lot of the info I have found online is dated or not very complete.

Thank you!

[ukusmom]

We are very similar to you. When we first moved here we didn't even see any preschools that didn't involve churches, but there are a few. For example, Minnieland in Harrisonburg, JMU's Preschool program, and the Harrisonburg Rec Center has a preschool program for 3 and 4 year-olds. (I am not sure if you have to live in Harrisonburg to get in the last one or not).

As far as Bridgewater, I don't think there are any non-religious preschools in Bridgewater unless you opt for home daycare.
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I hope this has helped you some. We moved into the area two years ago and know how it is to be the new one in town. Please message me if you need any further help.

[sassyaztec]

Thanks! I actually left a message at Minnieland, but the others are either low income or for residents only (I think- can't remember now). I did find one in Bridgewater, Bridgewater Preschool, and it sounds great but has a waiting list of course.

I also just got a name of a home preschool/daycare in Bridgewater. She is looking into opening up a preschool in the area. We'll see. I'll PM you.

[TN Lily]

I HIGHLY recommend the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Child Day Care Center which is operated in the lower floor of Asbury United Methodist Church. It is at 205 South Main St., Harrisonburg. Though the child care center is in a church, it is not church affiliated organization per se. The church allows this group to function there. Children of all religions attend this center. There is no religious proselytizing. The children are fed two meals plus a snack.

My daughter attended there for three years. She had a wonderful time. I never worried about her safety. They taught her many useful and valuable things. The staff is outstanding.

Perhaps the best endorsement is that this child care center has been around long enough that the first kids to go through it have kids of their own that are now attending this child care center.

[TN Lily]

A couple more things. Here is the phone no for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Child Day Care Center: 540-434-5268.

This child care center is a non-profit organization supported by the United Way.

Minnieland is a for profit child care center. That may or may not make a difference to you.

[alice_61]

It's probably too far but Staunton has a Montessori school that goes up to elementary school.