Day Care
and Child Care
Serving Salem & Christiansburg, VA
Children’s Academic Center is a Safe, Supportive, and Engaging Learning Environment
For day care and child care serving Salem and Christiansburg, VA, choose Children’s Academic Center of Shawsville. Children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. Children’s Academic Center offers high-quality child care, day care, and pre-K programs to foster growth, independence, and confidence. With a structured curriculum and engaging activities, children build strong foundations in academics, social skills, and problem-solving. Give your child the best start in life with a safe, enriching, and nurturing environment at Children’s Academic Center. Call (540) 268-5656 to schedule a tour or learn more about our day care, pre-K, and child care programs.
Comprehensive Child Care Services for Every Age
Every child deserves personalized care and attention. Our programs are tailored to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, ensuring each stage of development is nurtured. From sensory play for infants to interactive lessons for preschoolers, each day is filled with activities that promote early literacy, creativity, and social interaction.
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Pre-K Programs That Prepare Children for Kindergarten
Early childhood education is critical to future academic success. Our pre-K program provides structured learning in reading, math, and critical thinking skills to give children a head start before entering kindergarten. Hands-on activities, guided play, and teacher-led instruction create an environment where children develop confidence in their abilities.
A Balanced Approach to Learning and Play for Deeper Engagement
Children learn best when they are engaged in both structured activities and free play. Our curriculum includes:
Creative arts
to foster self-expression
Outdoor play
to promote physical activity
STEM activities
to encourage problem-solving
Social development exercises
to build confidence and teamwork
By combining academic learning with interactive play, children develop a love for learning while having fun in a supportive setting.
A Team of Experienced and Trusted Educators
Our teachers are passionate about child development. With extensive experience in early childhood education, our staff provides compassionate guidance while maintaining a structured and engaging environment. We prioritize safety, communication, and individualized attention to ensure children feel comfortable and supported throughout the day.
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Meet Our Staff
Darlene McGuire
Ms. Darlene has been the proud owner/director of Children’s Academic Center for 18 years. I promise you will not find a more dedicated, involved, and hands-on individual at a preschool. The love for the children and her staff is extraordinarily amazing. Ms. Darlene has been in childcare for 38 years. She started out as a mom, teacher’s assistant then to a lead preschool teacher. As she wanted to expand her great expectations, she completed her Career Studies Certificate in child development, and is currently enrolled in Career Studies Certificate for infants and toddlers. She is completing her goals with a Child Development associate’s degree. Let’s also keep in mind these qualifications: adult and child CPR, first aid and MAT (medication administration training). If you want to meet someone who truly gives it her all, you have found her. Ms. Darlene was awarded a life membership of Shawsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, which she has achieved by volunteering her time for 12 years. We also would like to recognize she has accomplished all training required as an EMT (emergency medical technician) and EVOC (emergency vehicle operator). Ms. Darlene is a masterpiece of her own that requires no introduction. We all as a community, staff, parents and children here in Shawsville are exceptionally blessed to have her.
Crystal Hall
Mrs. Crystal has been with our center for 8 years. She started out as a preschool teacher and then moved to the schooler room, but she has found her calling as a lead infant teacher. Mrs. Crystal has taken some classes for a Child Development Certificate. Being a nurturing advisor, she also gets to share this experience with her daughter, Miss Madison, who is also a blessing to our center. CPR and first aid is a major qualification to our center, especially being in the infant room, not to mention annually reviewing the safety of infant information that’s provided. Mrs. Crystal is immensely dedicated to her career at Children’s Academic Center. As we all know, learning starts at a very early age and Mrs. Crystal is here to coach those developmental milestones that you don’t want your child to miss out on. Children’s Academic Center encourages you to drop in and see her magic in person.
Madison Hall
Miss Madison has worked at Children’s Academic Center for almost 7 years. She started out as the shoolers lead teacher before helping Mrs. Crystal out in the infant room as her second teacher, and has decided that snuggling with the newborns is where her heart has landed her. She loves working with children, and plans to further her education soon by getting her Child Development Certificate. She is CPR and first aid certified and is always the first to complete annual trainings. Miss Madison is a warm and welcoming face when you walk in early in the mornings as she is one of our openers for the center! If your child is having a rough drop off, Miss Madison is always near for the reassurance that today will be a bright learning day!
Ashley Fitch
Mrs. Ashley is our teacher for 2-year-olds at Children’s Academic Center, and has been an asset for 11 years. During those years she has achieved a CDA in child development. The Child Development Associate credential is the most recognized credential in the United States, and she is immensely proud of this. She is CPR and first aid certified. Mrs. Ashley truly believes that it’s crucial to introduce academics in a child’s life and strives to make a difference. If you’re looking for your child to be potted trained, Ashley is 100 percent your go-to. Open communication is extremely important to her. Be sure to come by and see her succeed in our future.
Jennifer Long
Miss Jen is the one teacher that all children will remember as their favorite when they grow up. This special gem was a God-send to Children’s Academic Center about a year ago. Our preschoolers stand at the door waiting for her presence in the mornings. The special and detailed planning that Miss Jen puts into her calendar will blow you away. Miss Jennifer has been in childcare for 4 years with the knowledge of a preschool professor. Her academic training skills for the children are hands-on, which makes all basic learning very sticky in a child’s memory. The famous JEN-AYE is CPR and first aid certified, as well as having completed some years of college in Early Childcare Education. She has MAT diabetes certification also. Miss Jen not only is an amazing teacher but also an asset to our community and surrounding towns. She has such a heartwarming gift that everyone strives to have, with a catching smile that brightens every face. Every child should be able to experience Miss Jen’s preschool class to fully be prepared for kindergarten.
Nevaeh Quesenberry
Miss Nevaeh has been with Children’s Academic Center for about a year. She has a very special bond here at our center, as she was enrolled in our preschool class when she was little. CPR and first aid certified is just the beginning of her introduction into learning. Miss Nevaeh is currently enrolled full time in college and is pursuing her education in social work. Helping others is what Miss Nevaeh has always strived to do. The walker room is where Nevaeh has landed her mission here at our center. She’s so precise with her work she that deserves the “MOST INQUISIVE” award. You can find the walkers jumping to the catchy beats of Miss Neveah’s songs as they learn very essential milestones.
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April Parkins
Miss April has been with Children’s Academic Center for 3 years. Her face is well known as all the children run to her for warm hugs and a loving smile. April has been a charm in all classrooms and her cuisine lunch touches everyone she serves. April is first aid and CPR certified. Our children at Children’s Academic Center get extra special treatment from Miss April as she loves to make the children look “fancy” by doing their hair. It’s a special bond that she brings to the table as well as her teaching skills she has developed. Miss April is in the infant room in the afternoons, where those warm hugs are expressed until it’s time to go home. You couldn’t ask for a more affectionate teacher for your precious littles.
Faith Cook
Miss Faith is a very known face at Children’s Academic Center. She was a volunteer for a year before becoming a professional assistant for the 2-year-olds. With that being said, she has the intelligence of a skilled teacher who is ahead of her time. Miss Faith has always been one to depend on to jump in and accept any task. CPR and first aid training, she has achieved as well as focused on helping children with potty training. Miss Faith is the youngest of our team, but she is nothing less than an exceptionally organized mentor.
Chelsea McGuire
Miss Chelsea has been with Children’s Academic Center for 3 years. You will encounter Chelsea in all rooms, with her expertise in the baby room for the afternoons. With her remarkable handwriting abilities, she has a special place in the office, making sure we tackle requirements that are necessary. CPR and First Aid have been conquered, she is adamant about her annual trainings. Miss Chelsea is loyal when it comes to her position as Children’s Academic Center. You wouldn’t find her unforgettable hilarity and high-spirited identity anywhere else.
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