The Best Daycare Centers in Avella, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Avella. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Avella
Avella Area Preschool
Avella Area School District
Avella Area Preschool operates as part of the Avella Area School District, providing high-quality early childhood education with certified teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. The program focuses on school readiness through structured learning activities, social-emotional development, and hands-on experiences. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, playgrounds, and access to school resources. What sets this center apart is its integration with the local school system, ensuring smooth transitions to kindergarten and strong community connections. Teachers hold Pennsylvania teaching certifications with specialized early childhood education training.
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Bright Horizons at Southpointe
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Southpointe is a nationally recognized childcare center located approximately 15 miles from Avella, serving families throughout Washington County. The center implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum, emphasizing STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood degrees, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The center stands out for its comprehensive safety protocols, low teacher-to-child ratios, and strong parent communication system through the MyBrightDay app.
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The Goddard School of North Strabane
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of North Strabane, located about 12 miles from Avella, offers F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for art, technology, and literacy. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school distinguishes itself with its focus on individualized learning plans, daily progress reports, and enrichment programs including yoga, Spanish, and music. Safety features include secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Avella, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Avella, PA?
In Avella and the surrounding Washington County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. The most common are Family Child Care Homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often run by a single provider and licensed for a limited number of children, offering a more intimate environment. You may also find Group Child Care Homes, which are slightly larger home-based programs. Due to Avella's rural nature, larger Child Care Centers are less common within the immediate town and are more likely to be found in nearby communities like Washington or McMurray. All licensed providers in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet state standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications. The Pennsylvania DHS website offers a searchable database to find licensed providers by zip code.
How can I check the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Avella?
It is crucial for parents to verify a provider's standing. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) maintains an online tool called "Child Care Finder" (www.findchildcare.pa.gov). You can search by provider name, city, or zip code (15321 for Avella) to view the license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Most importantly, you can access recent inspection reports, which detail any compliance issues or violations of state regulations. We recommend reviewing at least the last 2-3 inspection reports to understand any recurring concerns. You can also contact the DHS Regional Office that oversees Washington County for additional information.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Avella area?
Childcare costs in rural areas like Avella can vary but are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Pennsylvania. For a licensed Family Child Care Home, you can expect to pay approximately $150 - $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Rates for centers in nearby towns may be slightly higher, ranging from $200 - $275 per week. These are estimates, and costs can depend on the provider's specific offerings, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to ask what the weekly fee covers. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania offers the Child Care Works subsidized program for eligible families, administered through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, which serves Washington County.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Avella, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in a small, rural community like Avella, availability can be tight, especially for infant care which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for reputable home-based providers to have waitlists of several months. We strongly recommend beginning your search at least 6-9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, starting during your second trimester is wise. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask to be placed on their waitlist (sometimes with a small deposit), and check back periodically. Expanding your search to neighboring communities such as Hickory, McDonald, or even into northern West Virginia may provide more options, though consider the commute.
What local resources or organizations in Washington County can help me find and evaluate childcare?
The primary local resource is the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, which serves Washington County. They are a state-funded hub that assists parents in finding licensed childcare, understanding quality indicators, and applying for the Child Care Works subsidy program. You can contact them at (724) 250-1151 or visit their website. Additionally, the Washington County Family Center may offer parenting support and community connections. For informal recommendations, local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Avella, PA Community") can be valuable for getting personal experiences and referrals from other parents, but always verify any provider's licensing status independently through the state DHS.