About Us
Preparing every child for a bright future
We view each child as an individual who learns at his or her own level. Opportunities are provided for children to make discoveries that promote critical thinking skills through hands-on opportunities. Emphasis is placed on developing self-confidence, responsibility, social cooperation and problem solving. Children are allowed to make choices and learn in an environment that is inspiring, warm, creative – and where they are taught to love and value one anothers differences.
To encourage this emotional growth and the value of learning from others, we have developed a unique intergenerational program designed to bring together ages one to 100. Through intentional gatherings, children at Westminster Canterbury Richmond’s Child Development Center receive and give love, gain respect for their elders and learn lessons that only a grandparent can teach. Our well-planned Intergenerational Programming meets the developmental needs of children and the social needs of residents. It takes the collaboration of multiple departments to ensure these moments happen, but we’ve found that the benefits gained are more than worth the effort invested.
Our Center is licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services and serves children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. The program operates year round from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday with minimal holiday closings.
To visit our Child Development Center, or for more information about enrolling a child, click here to contact us online or call 1-804-200-1176.
All teaching staff meet the qualifications as required by state licensing. Lead teachers have credentials in Early Childhood Education and/or Elementary Education. We look for caring, empathetic staff members who have previous childcare experience. In an effort to maintain high standards, our teachers are certified in Infant/Child CPR, Pediatric First Aid and are trained to perform daily health observations.
Teachers are also required obtain continuing education hours each year that are related to child development, safety and the function of our Center.
Only at Westminster Canterbury Richmond’s Child Development Center will your child be able to reap the benefits of access to 50 acres of a beautiful, park-like campus. Children not only view, but participate in, productions in our 335-seat theater, take nature walks along the campus nature trail, and visit the ducks living on our Cochrane Pond. Pride is grown in the Children’s Learning Garden, where children plant and tend to flowers and vegetables.
How many times have you remembered last minute that you have to pack a lunch for your child, only to realize there is nothing healthy in the house to send? That isn’t an issue when your child attends our Child Development Center. Our staff dietician plans a healthy breakfast snack, lunch and afternoon snack for the children to please even the pickiest of eaters while instilling healthy habits that will serve them for a lifetime.
Lunches are prepared by Westminster Canterbury Richmond’s skilled cooks. Meals are planned to extend your child’s palate while still appealing to their tastes. Menus are posted each month so you may talk with your child about what they’ll be eating. On the menu you will find lunch combinations like: grilled chicken, waffle fries, kale and fresh fruit; spaghetti with meatballs, broccoli and fresh fruit salad; baked chicken, mashed potatoes, peas with pearl onions and fresh strawberries and bananas; and of course pizza, tossed salad, and fresh fruit. Fortified milk is served with all meals.
“The meals the girls get here aren’t like what are usually offered at a child care center. Many parents would be surprised to see how healthy the meals are. This is like a meal they’d get at home.”
– Center Parent
Our Child Development Center has many layers of security. We are a gated community with security guards on staff, electronic badge access for parents and staff, and a thumbprint clock in/out system. These systems, layered on top of a caring and conscientious staff who are posted around the building, ensure your child’s security.
The Commonwealth of Virginia helps assure parents that child day programs that assume responsibility for the supervision, protection, and wellbeing of a child for any part of a 24-hour day are safe. Title 63.1, Chapter 10 of the Code of Virginia gives the Department of Social Services authority to license these programs. While there are some legislative exemptions to licensure, licensed programs include child day centers, family day homes, child day center systems, and family day systems. The state may also voluntarily register family day homes not required to be licensed. If you would like more information, please contact:
Central Regional Office
1604 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 130
