The Best Daycare Centers in Allenport, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Allenport. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Allenport
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Venetia offers a premier early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic, social, and emotional development through hands-on activities. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs in music, art, and Spanish. Known for their strong communication with parents through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Peters Township
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Peters Township provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, STEM activities, and literacy. Features highly qualified teachers with CPR/first aid certification and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, live streaming for parent viewing, and modern learning environments with interactive technology. Offers nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor learning spaces, and transportation for school-age children. Emphasizes community involvement and parent partnerships through regular family events and detailed progress reporting.
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Tender Years Learning Center
Tender Years Inc.
Tender Years Learning Center offers a well-established childcare program with a balanced approach to education and development. Their curriculum focuses on school readiness through structured learning activities, creative expression, and social skill building. Features experienced teaching staff with background checks and continuous training in early childhood development. The facility includes secure environments with surveillance systems, age-separated playgrounds, and bright, stimulating classrooms. Provides family-style dining with nutritious meals and maintains strong relationships with local school districts for seamless transitions. Known for their commitment to individualized attention and developmental milestone tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Allenport, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Allenport, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Allenport, as in all of Pennsylvania, childcare providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This applies to both childcare centers and group/family daycare homes serving multiple children. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. Simply searching by provider name or zip code (15412 for Allenport) will show their license status, capacity, and any recent inspection reports. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the Allenport area.
Given Allenport's small size, what types of childcare options are typically available locally versus in nearby towns?
As a borough with a small population, Allenport itself has very limited dedicated childcare centers. Parents will most commonly find licensed **Family Child Care Homes** operated within a resident's home, which offer a smaller, home-like setting. For larger childcare centers or preschool programs, families in Allenport typically look to neighboring communities. The closest options are often found in **California, PA** (home to California University of Pennsylvania) and **Charleroi**, which have several established centers. Many parents in the area commute for work to Washington or Pittsburgh, leading some to utilize childcare options along their commute route. It's important to factor in transportation and travel time when considering these nearby options.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Allenport area?
Costs in the Allenport region are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh but can vary based on the type of care and specific location. For a licensed childcare center in nearby California or Charleroi, you can expect to pay approximately **$800 to $1,100 per month** for full-time infant care. A licensed Family Child Care Home in Allenport or immediate vicinity may range from **$650 to $900 per month**. Toddler care is typically slightly less expensive. Pennsylvania offers financial assistance through the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program** for eligible families. You can check your eligibility and apply through the Allegheny County Assistance Office, which serves this region, to help offset these costs.
Are waitlists common for daycare in and around Allenport, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common, particularly for infant spots and at the more sought-after centers in nearby university towns like California, PA. Due to limited local options and high demand for quality care, parents in the Allenport area are advised to **begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date**, especially for an infant. For popular providers, a year in advance is not unheard of. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists increases your chances of securing a placement when you need it.
What local resources or organizations can help me find and evaluate childcare options in the Allenport region?
The primary resource is the **Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Key**, which is part of Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) system. While Allenport is in Washington County, the regional key serving your area is ELRC Region 5. They offer free, personalized **Child Care Referral Specialists** who can provide a list of licensed providers matching your needs (hours, location, age of child). They can also guide you through the Child Care Works subsidy application. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, local community hubs like the **California Area Public Library** or community boards at the **Allenport Volunteer Fire Department** may have flyers or word-of-mouth information about local family daycare homes.