No-Cost Programs and Funding

Local Public School Preschool Programs require residency within that district to be eligible. Head Start/Early Head Start programs also have varying residency requirements based on the program. Be prepared to submit proof of residency for these programs. Learn more.

Salem Public Schools Preschool Program

Age

Cost

Hours

Transportation

School Year

Meal

Residence Required

Smart2Start Application

3-4

Free

School Day

Yes in zone

K-12 Calendar

Yes

Yes

Yes

  • East Salem Elementary
  • G.W. Carver Elementary
  • South Salem Elementary
  • West Salem Elementary

Reduced-Cost Programs and Funding​

The Mixed Delivery Program (MD) provides publicly funded Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services in licensed (non-faith-based), private ECCE settings for families who need/ prefer full-day, year-round childcare or preschool. The program addresses the growing demand for publicly funded ECCE in non-school-based settings. This funding support comes with a monthly copay that is paid to your program site and follows their parent handbook on payment schedules. While residency within a county is not required, you must be a Virginia residentAll guardians in the household must be employed, in an education/training, or job searching (only allowable for 90 days from eligibility determination) unless extenuating circumstances prevent so. There is a copay associated with the Mixed Delivery Program that is paid to the center, copay is based on income level and will not exceed 5% of annual income.

The Child Care Subsidy Program assists families in paying childcare costs for children under age 13 who are not eligible to attend public school during the part of the day when public education is available, or children with special needs under age 18 who reside with the applicant. If you are eligible and are approved for services, the Subsidy Program can pay a portion of your childcare costs directly to the childcare provider. To apply for subsidy childcare, please visit www.commonhelp.virginia.gov. There is a copay associated with Child Care Subsidy that is paid to the center, copay is based on income level and will not exceed 5% of annual income. To learn more, click here: FY26 Copayment

MD, PP, and/or Subsidy Site Name Contact Number Address Age Hours Smart2Start Application

PP, Subsidy

Loving Care Day Care

540-389-7371

955 Bird Lane Salem, VA

1mo-5yr, 11mo

M-F: 7a-5:30p

No

PP, Subsidy

540-387-3225

501 Colorado Street Salem, VA

1yr, 4mo-12yr, 11mo

M-F: 6a-6p

Yes

PP, Subsidy

540-344-6811

2111 Roanoke Blvd Salem, VA

1mo-12yr, 11mo

M-F: 6:15a-6:30p

No

PP, Subsidy

540-769-2300

1980 Electric Road Salem, VA

1mo-12yr, 11mo

M-F: 6:30a-6:00p

No

PP, Subsidy

540-904-6808

2131 Apperson Drive Salem, VA

1mo-12yr, 11mo

M-F: 6:30a-6p

Yes