School Year Programs
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation has a 50+ year track record for providing safe, structured environments where children are surrounded and supported by adults who care about them. We understand the importance of recreation for children to be their best self, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our fun and educational activities stimulate the children and help them reach cognitive developmental milestones. Our childcare programs during the school year are offered for Preschool – 5th graders.

School Year Childcare Programs Registration

2022/23 Standard Registration: June 4 - July 31
Once Standard Registration ends, please complete the interest form link located to the right of this page and a Registration Management Team member will follow up with you in 24-48 hours.

All participants of our School Year Childcare Programs receive a Virginia Beach Recreation Center membership that is valid from September 1 - August 31 of that school year.

 Early Childhood

Licensed Early Childhood Programs

Our licensed Preschool and PreK programs encourage creativity and independence while developing literacy, language development, problem-solving, reasoning, and gross and fine motor skills in a safe environment. These programs are licensed and regulated by the Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing. Children must be fully potty trained. Snacks are provided, however children will need to bring their lunch daily. 

These programs operate annually, from September – August each year. A Parks & Recreation Fee Waiver is applicable to these programs.

  • Preschool: 2.5*–4 years  |  PreK: 4-5 years (will enter Kindergarten the following school year)
  • Hours: 6:30am – 6pm   |  Cost: $65 Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable, non-transferrable)
                                                             $682 monthly full fee   $341 monthly reduced fee
Recreation Center Locations: Bow Creek, Kempsville, Princess Anne*, Williams Farm
*The minimum age for Preschool at Princess Anne Recreation Center is 3 years

​
 ​*NEW* at Princess Anne Early Childhood Program | The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a dedicated space where children are provided hands-on, play-based experiences and awarded the opportunity to explore, problem-solve, and create in the areas of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) This room features awesome activities such as:
  • Science Exploration Table
  • Coding Activities
  • Engineering Magnet Wall
  • Make & Take Art Area
  • Math Games
We are excited to help children to develop a strong foundation for future learning by exploring STEAM skills and concepts through play.

How to Register

Standard Registration (online) is not available for our Licensed Early Childhood Programs. We have a very specific process in place to determine program availability, eligibility and to register. If interested, please complete our Licensed Early Childhood Programs Interest Form located in the Related Information section. Children must be fully potty trained and meet the programs age requirements at the time of registration. An Early Childhood Supervisor will contact you to conduct a prescreening, schedule a tour and answer any specific questions you may have at that time. They will submit your information to Registration Management once they determine program eligibility. If space is available, Registration Management will notify you by e-mail with the steps to begin the enrollment process. If space is not available, your child will be placed on the waiting list at that time.

To help you prepare, the following is required once you are contacted by us to begin the enrollment process

Accept the ePACT invite or reconfirmation to complete our required childcare forms and upload any required documents (sent to the email address on your Parks & Recreation Account)

  • Complete all General, Medical and Allergy/Dietary Information regarding your child
    • Grade= Preschool or PreK
    • School= Recreation Center Location your child will attend
    • Allergies must be diagnosed and reflected on page 1&4 of your child's Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form
  •  Complete all Family Information regarding parent/legal guardians related to your child
    • The work address for at least 1 parent/legal guardian is required
  • Complete at least 2 Emergency Contacts other than a parent/legal guardian
    • Must be 18 years of age or older
    • Complete all waivers and consents
Required Documents to upload

Need Help Paying for PreSchool?

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation is a proud to participate in EVMS' Minus 9 to 5 program. This program aims to help three and four-year-olds in Hampton Roads receive free tuition through Mixed Delivery Grant Funding. Click here to learn more about the program. 
(Online registration closed Aug. 22, 2021)


 ‭(Hidden)‬ Safe Learning Centers

 Before School

Before School

High-Quality, affordable, and easy-access Before School programs are offered at various Virginia Beach City Public Elementary Schools. These programs are exempt from licensure under state code §22.1-289.030 and run concurrently with the school operating calendar. A Parks & Recreation Fee Waiver is applicable to these programs.

Note: if your child attends ODS during the school day, they will no longer be able to attend our before school programs at their designated home school. Due to the staffing requirements to facilitate those transfers, we are unable to offer that service.

​KidzQuest  | Kindergarten – 5th Graders 

Locations: Brookwood, Centerville, Christopher Farms, Cooke, Creeds, Glenwood, Green Run, Hermitage, Indian Lakes, Kempsville, Kempsville Meadows, Kings Grant, Kingston, Landstown, Linkhorn Park, New Castle, Newtown, North Landing, Pembroke Meadows, Point O’View, Princess Anne, Rosemont Forest, Salem, Strawbridge, Tallwood, Thoroughgood, Three Oaks, White Oaks, Windsor Oaks, Woodstock (locations are subject to change)

Hours: 6:30am – schools begins
Cost: $65 Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable, non-transferrable)
         $148 monthly full fee   $74 monthly reduced fee

How to Register

Standard Registration is available June 4, 2022 – July 31, 2022. Your child must be a current Kindergarten – 5th Grader. If your child is enrolled in PreK, they are not eligible for our before school program. Once standard registration ends, please complete the Before & After School Interest Form link located to the right of this page under Related Information (one form per child is needed) and a Registration Management Team member will follow up with you in 24-48 hours. 

Complete our required forms and documents managed through ePACT 
  • Invitations are sent to the email address on your Parks & Recreation Account within 24 hours after your initial enrollment
  • If you previously completed ePACT for us, a reconfirmation email will be sent if any waivers and consents are required or the information previously submitted is outdated
    • All general, medical and Allergy/Dietary information regarding your child is required
    • At least 2 Emergency Contacts other than a parent/legal guardian is required
      • Emergency Contacts must be at least 18 years of age. Minor Siblings cannot be listed as Emergency Contacts or Authorized to Pick-Up
    • All waivers and consents is required
Required Documents to upload IF applicable to your child

 After School

After School

Our After School programs aim to provide children with the skills that allow them to better manage stress and maintain resiliency. These programs are exempt from licensure under state code §22.1-289.030, run concurrently with the school operating calendar , are located in every Virginia Beach City Public Elementary School and VBCPS Transportation will transport students from select Elementary Schools to Select Recreation Centers.  A Parks & Recreation Fee Waiver is applicable to our KidzQuest and RISE programs. Recreation Center programs are not eligible.

Note: if your child attends ODS during the school day, you may register for our after-school program at ODS, on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the staffing requirements to facilitate transfers, we are no longer able to accommodate students being dropped off at their home school sites. 

KidzQuest  | Kindergarten – 5th Graders

Locations: Alanton, Arrowhead, Centerville, Christopher Farms, Cooke, Corporate Landing, Creeds, Fairfield, Glenwood, Hermitage, Indian Lakes, John B. Dey, Kempsville, Kempsville Meadows, Kings Grant, Kingston, Landstown, Linkhorn Park, Malibu, New Castle, North Landing, Ocean Lakes, ODS, Pembroke, Pembroke Meadows, Princess Anne, Providence, Red Mill, Rosemont Forest, Salem, Shelton Park, Strawbridge, Tallwood, Thalia, Thoroughgood, Three Oaks, Trantwood, White Oaks, Windsor Oaks, Windsor Woods, Woodstock. (locations subject to change)

Hours: school dismissal – 6pm
Cost: $65 Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable, non-transferrable)
         $248 monthly full fee   $124 monthly reduced fee

Note: A Parks and Recreation Reduced Fee is applicable towards this program.

RISE | Kindergarten – 5th Graders

Locations: Bayside, B.F. Williams, Birdneck, Brookwood, College Park, Diamond Springs, Green Run, Holland, Luxford, Lynnhaven, Newtown, Parkway, Point O’View, Rosemont, Seatack. (locations subject to change)

Hours: school dismissal – 6pm
Cost:  Registration Fee: $65 (one-time, non-refundable, non-transferrable)
          Monthly: $248 (full fee)   $124 (reduced fee)

 Note: A Parks and Recreation Reduced Fee is applicable towards these programs or e-mail a copy of your child’s 2022/23 School Year Lunch Letter indicating they receive Free or Reduced Lunch to OSTRegistration@vbgov.com to receive the reduced fee rate  

Recreation Center | Kindergarten – 5th Graders

Transportation to the Recreation Centers below, from the corresponding schools is provided by Virginia Beach City Public Schools Transportation (locations are subject to change)

  • Bayside Recreation Center: Hermitage Elementary, Old Donation School, Thoroughgood Elementary
  • Great Neck Recreation Center: Alanton Elementary, John B. Dey Elementary, Old Donation School, Trantwood Elementary
  • Kempsville Recreation Center: Indian Lakes Elementary, Kempsville Elementary, Kempsville Meadows Elementary, Providence Elementary
  • Princess Anne Recreation Center: Old Donation School, Princess Anne Elementary, Strawbridge Elementary, Three Oaks Elementary 

Hours: school dismissal – 6pm 
Cost: $65 Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable, non-transferrable)
         $348 monthly full fee

How to Register
Standard Registration is available June 4, 2022 – July 31, 2022. Your child must be a current Kindergarten – 5th Grader. If your child is enrolled in PreK, they are not eligible for our after school programs. Once standard registration ends, please complete the Before & After School Interest Form link located to the right of this page under Related Information (one form per child is needed) and a Registration Management Team member will follow up with you in 24-48 hours. 

Complete our required forms and documents managed through ePACT
  • Invitations are sent to the email address on your Parks & Recreation Account within 24 hours after your initial enrollment
  • If you previously completed ePACT for us, a reconfirmation email will be sent if any waivers and consents are required or the information previously submitted is outdated
    • All general, medical and Allergy/Dietary information regarding your child is required
    • At least 2 Emergency Contacts other than a parent/legal guardian is required
      • Emergency Contacts must be at least 18 years of age. Minor Siblings cannot be listed as Emergency Contacts or Authorized to Pick-Up
    • All waivers and consents are required
Required Documents to upload IF applicable to your child

 School Break Camps

School Break Camps

All Day Camps are available at select recreation centers for Kindergarten – 5th graders currently enrolled in a before or after-school program. Participants will enjoy recreational activities along with access to the recreation center game rooms, gymnasium, and pool.

All Day Break Camps | Kindergarten – 5th Graders enrolled in our 2022/23 before and after school programs

  • Hours: 6:30am – 6pm | Cost: $40/day per child
  • Dates: Nov. 4, Nov. 7, Nov. 8, Jan. 30, Feb. 20, Apr. 4 | Recreation Center Locations: Bayside, Bow Creek, Kempsville & Princess Anne Recreation Center

    *Due to low enrollment, the Great Neck Recreation Center Break Camp on 1/30 is cancelled.

  • Dates: Dec. 27, Dec. 28, Dec. 29, Dec. 30 | Recreation Center Locations: Bow Creek, Kempsville & Princess Anne Recreation Center

Note: online registration will be available until 5pm, the day prior to each camp. When online registration is no longer available, please call our Registration Management Office to enroll by phone between the hours of 8am – 5:30pm, Monday - Friday.

Spring Break Camp | Kindergarten – 5th Graders enrolled in our 2022/23 before and after school programs

  • Hours: 6:30am – 6pm | Cost: $178 per child
  • Dates: Apr. 10 – 14 | Recreation Center Locations: Bayside, Bow Creek, Kempsville & Princess Anne

Note: online registration will be available until 5pm, the day prior to each camp. When online registration is no longer available, please call our Registration Management Office to enroll by phone between the hours of 8am – 5:30pm, Monday - Friday.

 Payments, Refunds & Cancellations

Payments, Refunds & Cancellations

Most of our programs and camps require a non-refundable, non-transferable registration fee and/or deposit at registration. The monthly or weekly balances are due according to the dates indicated on the program payment schedule. Any past due balance(s) must be paid in full before you can register for any Parks & Recreation Program or Service. 

Payment Policy: If the monthly or weekly balance is not received by the due dates indicated on the program payment schedule, your child will be withdrawn from that session and/or week.

Payment Schedules:
  • 2022-23 Before & After School Payment Schedule
    •
  • 2022-23 Early Childhood Programs Payment Schedule

    • Refund & Cancellation Policy: Requests should be submitted in writing to OSTRegistration@vbgov.com at least 7 days prior to the start date to be eligible for a refund, minus any non-refundable fees. Requests submitted less than 7 days but prior to the start date are eligible for 50% of a refund. Approved refunds will be processed back to the appropriate payer and payment method.
    • Cash refunds are subject to availability of funds at any recreation center
    • Check refunds can take up to 30 days to be received
    • Credit Card refunds should post in 2-3 business days 

    Contact Information 

    Registration Management
    8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday (phone payments accepted from 8am – 5:30pm)
    757-385-0402 (direct) 757-471-2330 (fax)
    OSTRegistration@vbgov.com​​​​​​​



     Closings & Delays

    School Closings, Delays & Adjusted Dismissals

    Our school-age programs (KidzQuest, RISE, Mega Middle School Mania) at Virginia Beach City Public Schools and in our Recreation Centers, operate concurrently with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools school-year operating calendar.

      • On adjusted dismissal days, our after-school programs begin once the students have been released from school, without any additional cost to you.
      • Our programs are closed for most Holidays. Please refer to the school year payment schedule for specific dates.
      • We offer all-day break camps at select recreation centers for an additional fee for most days when schools are closed and we are open.

    The Early Childhood programs at Bow Creek, Kempsville, Princess Anne and Williams Farm Recreation Centers operate in accordance with the City’s (Recreation Center) operating schedule.

    Inclement Weather

    Our programs may be forced to close due to severe weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Parents will be notified to pick up their child(ren) within the hour if the need arises due to inclement weather and/or facility closure. Discuss with your child the alternative arrangements you may have chosen for them.

    Our programs may be forced to close due to severe weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Parents will be notified to pick up their child(ren) within the hour if the need arises due to inclement weather and/or facility closure. Discuss with your child the alternative arrangements you may have chosen for them.

    Inclement weather closings are announced on local radio stations and TV stations [radio stations including: WTAR (am 790), WXMM (FM 100.5), WWDE (FM 101.3) and TV stations: WTKR-TV News Channel 3, WAVY-TV Channel 10, WVEC-TV Channel 13.]

      • All Before School Programs will be closed when school is closed or there is a delayed opening.
      • All After-School Programs will be closed when school is closed or released early.
      • All Early Childhood programs at Bow Creek, Kempsville, Princess Anne and Williams Farm Recreation Centers will follow the operating conditions of the facility during inclement weather.

     Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation retains the right to adjust any program/camp details in the catalog, parent handbook and website including fees, locations, times, and starting dates. Fees are NOT pro-rated.​​

     Reviews

    Preschool Buddies at Kempsville Recreation Center

    "The level of education that my son received while under your care was remarkable. It takes a special person to be a teacher with the patience and skills needed to handle toddlers and young children, while also effectively delivering knowledge. The benefits my son is reaping from his previous education with your program are very noticeable. He is in kindergarten at the age of 5 and is now being taught things that he learned in your program at the age of 3."
    - Gloria F.

    Preschool Buddies at Princess Anne Recreation Center

    "Trust is extremely important to our family. As a whole, the staff at Princess Anne have taken such good care of our daughter. We had an opportunity to go to preschool for free, but because of the wonderful experience we have enjoyed, we ha ve chosen to keep our daughter here. The staff always have a smile, are very affectionate, and show true care and dedication."
    - Catrina W.

    Kinderbuddies at Glenwood Elementary

    "We wanted to take a moment to make you aware of how appreciative we are for the Kinderbuddies program. We are a two parent/two child household. We don't have to tell you how expensive childcare is in this area, but paying for childcare for our 6 year old and an infant is no small bill. We have generally felt ripped off by the whole 'daycare' system.  However, with Kinderbuddies this is the first time we can honestly say we got our money's worth. The peace of mind we had due to our son remaining at his elementary school and not being transported to a center in the middle of the day was worth the $100/week. The program was enriching, fun and educational. Our lead teacher Antoinette was phenomenal."
    - Devail and Nikki E.

    Kinderbuddies at Princess Anne Recreation Center

    "My son was enrolled in the morning program. He always looked forward to going and has learned so much.  If he was offered, I'm sure he would have stayed all day.  He loved all of the counselors, and I think you have a great program.  One of the best experiences yet with Parks and Rec. I just wanted to thank you because I never had to deal with dropping off an unhappy kid, worrying what he was doing, or how he was being cared for. Thanks for a great program. "
    - Renee S.

    Kinderbuddies at Thalia Elementary

    "While at school, my child spends much of the day in Kinderbuddies. She loves all her teachers, but when asked to pick her favorite, she chose Ms. Candance. She is patient with my daughter and makes learning fun. I am so glad she has a safe, fun learning environment that I can trust her to be in." 
    - Allison G.

    KidzQuest Before School Program at White Oaks Elementary

    "Mrs. Waters is a bright light of sunshine in the mornings. She greets students and parents with her warm smile and compassionate heart. She always offers to help the students as well as encouraging them to do their best. Many children gravitate toward her. She embodies devotion and enthusiasm. Her acts of selflessness are always appreciated by many parents."
    - Stephanie A.

    Windsor Woods Elementary After School Program

    "My daughter loves attending this program so much that I receive scowls and dirty looks from her when I arrive too early to pick her up from the afterschool program. The leaders are fun, loving, kind and caring. They treat children and parents with the utmost respect and kindness. They are angels. I know that when I am at work, my child is looked after and cared for." 
    - Jessica G.

    Fairfield Elementary After School Program

    "The Fairfield Elementary School afterschool staff have continuously done a great job supporting and encouraging our students. As a teacher and parent at FES, I have seen how well the staff members interact with the students. My students cannot wait to get to afterschool! They truly make a difference in every child's life."
    - Michelle S.

    RISE After School Program at Seatack Elementary

    "Ms. LaVonia is one of the best caregivers in this program. The kids respect her and always have a smile on when she is there. This community is a better one because of her. As a parent, it is nice to know your child is in good hands. "
    - Allen B.

    Contact Information