The Best Daycare Centers in Brookhaven, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brookhaven. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brookhaven
The Goddard School of Brookhaven
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Brookhaven 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 curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are educated in early childhood development and receive ongoing professional training. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive early education program with a balanced approach to learning. Their curriculum includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration activities. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and dedicated playgrounds for different age groups. Their qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. The program emphasizes character development and prepares children for elementary school success through structured learning activities and social skill development.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Brookhaven in Havertown, Creative Kids Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play spaces, and enrichment activities in music, art, and movement. The center maintains excellent safety standards with secure access controls and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their experienced teachers create individualized learning plans and provide regular progress reports to parents. The center is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong community connections, serving families throughout the Brookhaven area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brookhaven, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Brookhaven, PA?
In Brookhaven and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Brookhaven often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families in Brookhaven to help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Brookhaven is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Brookhaven, 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 and review their compliance history online through the DHS Provider Search tool. This public database shows the license type, capacity, and any recent inspection reports, including citations for non-compliance. We also recommend contacting the Delaware County Assistance Office for local insights and visiting the facility in person to ask about their latest inspection results and how they've addressed any past violations.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Brookhaven, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Brookhaven, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tours at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. For popular programs with strong local reputations, you may even need to get on a list during pregnancy. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable in PA), and how often the list moves. Exploring nearby options in Aston, Parkside, or Upland can provide more availability.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Penn-Delco School District?
For families in Brookhaven whose children attend schools in the Penn-Delco School District (like Brookhaven Elementary School), there are several options. The district itself may partner with a specific provider for a school-age child care (SACC) program held on school grounds. Additionally, many local licensed daycare centers in Brookhaven offer before and after-school transportation and care. There are also private programs and registered family homes that cater to school-age children. It's crucial to confirm transportation logistics, as some providers have buses that service specific schools, while others may require drop-off and pick-up. Contacting the Penn-Delco district office or your child's school directly is the best first step for a list of affiliated providers.
What resources are available in Brookhaven to help me find and compare different types of childcare?
The primary local resource is the Delaware County Child Care Information Services (CCIS). They maintain a referral database of all licensed centers, group homes, and family homes in the Brookhaven area. You can contact them for a customized list of providers that match your needs (age of child, hours, location). They also administer the state subsidy program. Another excellent tool is Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 19 website, which serves Delaware County. It offers search functions, quality indicators (like Keystone STARS ratings), and guidance on what to look for during a visit. Finally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook are invaluable for getting firsthand recommendations and experiences from other Brookhaven families.