The Best Daycare Centers in Bausman, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bausman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bausman
The Goddard School of Lancaster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lancaster offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, art, and social development. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Parents praise the comprehensive communication system, including daily reports and photos tracking child development milestones.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a well-rounded private school education in a preschool setting with their Links to Learning curriculum. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development through hands-on learning. The secure facility includes technology-enhanced classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The center features nutritious meal programs, regular parent-teacher conferences, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems and emergency preparedness training.
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The Learning Experience - Lancaster
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience - Lancaster offers their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum combined with enrichment programs in philanthropy, yoga, music, and foreign language. The bright, modern facility features secure keypad entry, sanitization stations, and monitored classrooms. Their approach focuses on early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development through structured play. The center employs early childhood certified teachers who receive continuous training and maintain CPR/first aid certification. Parents appreciate the regular updates through the mobile app and the center's focus on building confidence and school readiness skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bausman, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bausman, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Bausman and the surrounding Lancaster County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Lancaster County and the Lancaster County Community Foundation may offer resources or referrals. It's highly recommended to contact providers directly for their exact rates and to apply for the CCW program through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7, which serves Lancaster County.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in Bausman is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania that care for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location (like Bausman, PA 17504), or zip code. It will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any reported regulatory violations or inspections from the last three years. You can also contact the local **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7** for assistance and recommendations on licensed providers in the Bausman area.
Are there many in-home daycare options in Bausman compared to larger childcare centers, and what are the pros and cons of each locally?
Bausman, being a smaller census-designated place within Lancaster Township, has a mix of both licensed group child care homes (caring for 7-12 children) and family child care homes (caring for 4-6 children), as well as access to larger centers in nearby Lancaster city and towns like Millersville. In-home daycares often offer a more home-like, flexible environment with potentially lower child-to-staff ratios and may be more convenient for neighbors. Larger centers, often found a short drive away, typically provide more structured educational curricula, multiple staff members, and greater resources. A key local consideration is that many in-home providers in this community may have waitlists due to high demand and limited spots, so starting your search early is crucial.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare openings in Bausman, and what strategies can parents use to secure a spot?
Due to high demand for quality childcare in Lancaster County, waitlist times in the Bausman area can vary significantly. For infants, it's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for highly-regarded centers or popular home-based providers. For toddler spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers (both centers and homes) to get on multiple lists. Be proactive—follow up with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search radius to include neighboring communities like Lancaster, Millersville, or Willow Street. Also, inquire about "sibling priority" policies if you have an older child.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Bausman that are specific to Pennsylvania regulations and local community standards?
Beyond general questions, ask these Pennsylvania and Lancaster County-specific questions: 1. **"What is your Keystone STARS rating?"** This is Pennsylvania's quality rating system; a higher STAR level (1-4) indicates a commitment to quality standards. 2. **"Are all staff mandated reporters and trained in recognizing child abuse per PA Act 126?"** This is a critical state requirement. 3. **"What is your policy for sick children, especially regarding common illnesses in our community?"** This helps gauge local health protocols. 4. **"How do you incorporate Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards into your daily activities?"** This shows educational alignment with state goals. 5. **"What is your plan for emergency situations, and how do you coordinate with local Lancaster County emergency services?"** Ensures local preparedness. 6. **"Do you participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?"** This can indicate nutritional standards and may reduce meal costs.