The Best Daycare Centers in Aston, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Aston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Aston
The Goddard School of Aston
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Aston offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning through STEAM activities, literacy development, and character education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills while nurturing each child's individual interests and abilities.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Aston provides a comprehensive early education program with a research-based curriculum that prepares children for elementary school success. Their academically focused approach includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor learning spaces. Certified teachers implement differentiated instruction to meet individual learning needs while maintaining small class sizes. The program emphasizes character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers and enrichment activities including music, Spanish, and physical education.
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Creative Kids Learning Center of Brookhaven
Creative Kids Learning Centers
Located just minutes from Aston in neighboring Brookhaven, Creative Kids Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development. Their educational approach combines structured learning with child-directed activities, including literacy centers, math manipulatives, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and fenced outdoor play areas. Experienced teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and portfolio-based assessment to track each child's developmental progress and milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Aston, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Aston, PA?
In Aston, PA, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400 per month, for a toddler. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often more affordable, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities (e.g., meals, enrichment activities). It's important to note that costs in Delaware County are generally higher than the state average, so early budgeting and exploring potential financial assistance through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is advisable for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Aston is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All childcare providers in Aston must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a facility's license status, inspection history, and any reported violations by using the DHS **Child Care Finder** tool online. During an in-person visit to a center in Aston, look for: a current license posted visibly, clean and safe environments with secured exits, age-appropriate toys and learning materials, and a low staff-to-child ratio (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers as per PA regulations). Ask about staff qualifications, background checks, emergency procedures, daily schedules, and their policy on parental involvement. Observing how caregivers interact with children is crucial.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Aston, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers and highly-regarded preschools in Aston and the surrounding Delaware County area, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date. Some popular facilities may have waitlists exceeding a year. To manage this, contact multiple providers, get on several waitlists (there may be a small fee), and follow up periodically. Exploring licensed family childcare homes can also provide more immediate availability. Starting early provides the most options and reduces last-minute stress.
What are some of the local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Aston, Pennsylvania?
Parents in Aston have several valuable local resources. The primary tool is the **Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Finder** website, which lists all licensed providers. Additionally, **Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU)** offers early childhood resources and may have information on preschool programs. For personalized referrals, you can contact **Child Care Information Services of Delaware County (CCIS)**, which helps families find care and apply for subsidies. Local parenting groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Aston/Middletown Township parents) are also excellent for getting firsthand recommendations and reviews from other families in the community.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Aston, and are they harder to find than full-time care?
Part-time and flexible childcare schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week) can be more challenging to secure in Aston than full-time slots, but options do exist. Some daycare centers offer part-time enrollment, though they often prioritize full-time families. **Licensed family childcare homes** are frequently more adaptable with scheduling and may offer drop-in or flexible hours. Another growing option is **preschool programs** for children ages 3-5, which often operate on half-day schedules. For true flexibility, you might consider **nanny shares** with other local families or using reputable babysitting networks. Be sure to inquire about schedule policies and potential premium rates for part-time care during your search.