The Best Daycare Centers in Apollo, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Apollo. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Apollo
Bright Horizons at Armstrong County
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Armstrong County offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the consistent communication and individualized attention given to each child's learning journey.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Ford City
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ford City provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Certified teachers implement STEAM-focused activities and promote critical thinking skills. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, indoor gymnasium, multiple playgrounds, and webcam access for parents. Their comprehensive approach includes language development, creative arts, and physical education components. The school maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Vandergrift
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center at Vandergrift offers a research-based curriculum that focuses on whole-child development across cognitive, emotional, and physical domains. Their early childhood educators receive ongoing professional development and maintain state certifications. The center features purpose-built learning environments with literacy-rich classrooms, STEM labs, and outdoor learning spaces. Safety protocols include strict pick-up authorization, regular security drills, and comprehensive background checks. The program emphasizes social skills development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers and hands-on activities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Apollo, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Apollo, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Apollo, Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes rigorous standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in child abuse recognition and first-aid), health and safety inspections of the physical facility, and program curriculum. Family daycare homes serving 4-6 children from different families also require a license. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the DHS "Child Care Finder" tool online or by contacting the regional OCDEL office that serves Armstrong County. Always ask to see a provider's current certificate of compliance during your visit.
What is the average cost for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Apollo, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Apollo area and surrounding Armstrong County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week, while toddler care generally costs between $150 and $225 per week. These rates can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and need. You can apply through the Armstrong County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to inquire directly. Local organizations like the United Way of Southwestern PA may also have information on community-specific support.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Apollo, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited high-quality childcare options in a smaller community like Apollo, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and ideally get on a waitlist before the baby is born. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search at least 3-6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: how many families are ahead of you, how often it moves, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Apollo, PA?
Apollo and its neighboring towns in Armstrong County offer a mix of childcare settings. You will find licensed childcare centers, which are often housed in dedicated buildings and may offer structured preschool programs. Licensed group daycare homes (in a provider's home with assistants) are another common option, often providing a more family-like environment. There are also registered family daycare homes for smaller groups. Given Apollo's rural/suburban character, in-home nanny or babysitter shares are less common but can be arranged privately. Many parents also look to nearby communities like Vandergrift or Kiski Township for additional center-based options. Local churches sometimes host preschool programs, but these may be part-time.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Armstrong County to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a key local resource is the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, which serves Armstrong County. The ELRC is your go-to hub for free referrals to licensed and certified providers, help understanding the Child Care Works subsidy, and information on quality early learning. They can be contacted by phone or through their website. Furthermore, you can look for providers participating in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating system—a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards in areas like staff education and learning environment. Attending community events in Apollo, like those at the Apollo Memorial Park, can also be a good way to network with other parents for personal recommendations.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Apollo: