The Best Daycare Centers in Allison Park, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Allison Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Allison Park
Bright Horizons at McCandless
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at McCandless offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and offer flexible scheduling options for working families. The center is known for its strong parent communication and development tracking system.
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The Goddard School of Wexford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Wexford provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic preparation with social development. Certified teachers implement STEAM-focused activities and age-appropriate technology integration. The facility features secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and dedicated learning centers for art, reading, and dramatic play. Their comprehensive safety protocols include rigorous staff background checks and emergency preparedness training. The school offers extended hours and emphasizes individualized learning plans with regular progress reports to parents.
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Primrose School of Wexford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wexford operates with the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on exploration. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, sanitization protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Highly qualified lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds and indoor motor skills areas, with a strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Allison Park, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Allison Park, PA?
In Allison Park and the surrounding North Hills area, full-time daycare costs vary based on the type of facility. For center-based care, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for an infant. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often more affordable, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that these costs are slightly above the Pennsylvania state average, reflecting the suburban nature of Allison Park. Many facilities also require a one-time registration fee.
How do I verify that a daycare in Allison Park is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the DHS website or by contacting the regional OCDEL office. When touring a facility in Allison Park, ask to see their current license and their most recent DHS inspection report. Additionally, look for local specifics: a safe, clean environment, structured daily routines, qualified staff with required clearances (PA Child Abuse, FBI fingerprints, and Criminal History), and ask about their emergency procedures for local situations like winter weather or their plan for communication during power outages common in the North Hills.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Allison Park, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Allison Park, especially those affiliated with local schools or community centers. Due to high demand in this family-oriented suburb, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-12 months before their desired start date. Some popular centers have waitlists that extend over a year. It's a good strategy to get on multiple lists and to follow up periodically. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), looking 9-12 months before the fall semester is advisable.
What are some of the key differences between the daycare options available in Allison Park, such as centers, church-based programs, and in-home providers?
Allison Park offers a mix of options. **Daycare Centers** (e.g., national chains or local standalone centers) are often larger, with structured curricula, multiple classrooms, and set hours. They are subject to strict state licensing. **Church-Based Preschools & Daycares** (common in the area, like those at local Presbyterian or Lutheran churches) often provide part-day preschool programs with a faith-based component, and some offer extended daycare hours. They are also DHS-licensed. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** are smaller, home-based settings typically caring for 4-6 children, offering a more intimate, family-like atmosphere, often with more flexible hours. Your choice depends on your child's needs, your schedule, and your preferences for environment and educational philosophy.
Are there any local resources or programs in Allison Park that can help with childcare costs or finding providers?
Yes, there are several key resources. First, the **Allegheny County Department of Human Services** administers the Child Care Works subsidized childcare program for eligible families based on income. You can apply through COMPASS, the state's benefits portal. For finding providers, **Trying Together** (formerly the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children) is a vital local advocacy and referral organization serving Allegheny County, including Allison Park. They offer a free referral service to help match families with licensed care. Additionally, the **North Hills Community Outreach** may have resources or support networks for local parents. Always check with your employer, as some Pittsburgh-area companies offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific centers.