The Best Daycare Centers in Bradfordwoods, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bradfordwoods. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bradfordwoods
The Goddard School of Wexford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Wexford 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-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and health standards make this a top choice for families in the North Hills area serving Bradfordwoods.
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Primrose School of Wexford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wexford provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum focuses on character development and life skills alongside academic preparation. The facility features secure environments with dedicated infant rooms, interactive learning centers, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers use the Primrose proprietary curriculum that includes literacy development, math readiness, and social studies. The school emphasizes health and safety with strict protocols, nutritious meals, and regular communication with parents. Their location just minutes from Bradfordwoods makes them conveniently accessible for local families.
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Bright Horizons at Cranberry Woods
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Cranberry Woods offers research-based early education with The World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that prepares children for academic success. Their NAEYC-accredited center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, maintaining excellent staff-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure classrooms, developmentally appropriate learning materials, and outdoor nature exploration areas. Their emergent curriculum follows children's interests while building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social development. The center provides enhanced health and safety measures, including comprehensive background checks for staff and secure building access. Serving the broader North Hills region, they are easily accessible from Bradfordwoods via Route 19.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bradfordwoods, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Bradfordwoods, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Bradfordwoods and the surrounding North Allegheny School District area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower at $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Preschool programs often cost between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by the higher cost of living in Allegheny County and the reputation of the local school district. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families. You can apply through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or scholarships. It's also worth checking with local employers, as some companies in the Pittsburgh metro area offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or partnerships with specific providers.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Bradfordwoods is properly licensed and what specific Pennsylvania regulations should I be aware of?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Bradfordwoods, 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 **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), required background checks (PA State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI fingerprinting for all employees), and annual health and safety training. Facilities are also subject to unannounced inspections. Given Bradfordwoods' proximity to Pittsburgh, many providers also pursue additional accreditations like NAEYC or Keystone STARS ratings, which indicate higher quality standards beyond the minimum state requirements.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Bradfordwoods, and when should I start looking for care, especially for an infant?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality daycare centers and in-home providers in Bradfordwoods and the wider North Hills area, particularly for infant spots. Due to high demand and limited infant-to-staff ratios, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists **during their second trimester or as early as possible**. Some popular centers have waitlists that are 6 to 12 months long. For preschool programs tied to the school year (starting in September), inquiries should begin the prior January or February. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare options are most available in Bradfordwoods, given it's a smaller borough?
As a smaller residential borough, Bradfordwoods itself has a limited number of dedicated childcare facilities. Parents often look to neighboring communities such as Wexford, McCandless, and Warrendale for a wider selection. The most common options accessible to Bradfordwoods residents include: 1. **Childcare Centers**: Larger facilities, often in nearby commercial areas. 2. **Family Child Care Homes**: Licensed in-home providers, which can be found within Bradfordwoods and adjacent towns. These often offer smaller group settings. 3. **Preschools**: Many local churches and community centers in the North Hills offer part-day preschool programs for ages 3-5. 4. **Nanny Shares**: This is a growing option, where families in the neighborhood collaborate to hire a shared nanny, leveraging the community's close-knit feel. Transportation is a key consideration, so evaluating commute times to providers in neighboring towns is an important part of the decision.
How does the local school district, North Allegheny, interact with preschool and pre-kindergarten programs in the area?
The North Allegheny School District (NASD), which serves Bradfordwoods, does not currently operate a universal public preschool program for all residents. However, they do offer a specialized **Early Intervention Pre-Kindergarten program** for children ages 3-5 who have been identified with developmental delays or disabilities. Eligibility is determined through an evaluation. For typical learners, most families utilize private preschools, daycare centers with preschool curricula, or the part-day programs offered by organizations like the North Allegheny School District Community Education program or local churches. These private programs often prepare children for the highly-regarded NASD kindergarten curriculum. It's advisable to contact NASD's pupil services department directly for specific questions about early intervention services.