The Best Daycare Centers in California, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in California. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in California
The Goddard School of Peters Township
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Peters Township 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 curriculum elements, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Located just minutes from California, PA, this facility serves families throughout the region with flexible scheduling options and comprehensive safety protocols.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Southpointe
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Southpointe provides research-based early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing language development, cognitive skills, and physical well-being. The center features secure, modern classrooms with observation windows, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning materials. Highly qualified educators hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes USDA-approved meal programs, emergency preparedness protocols, and regular health screenings. Serving the California, PA area with corporate-quality standards and comprehensive developmental assessments.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Courtyard of Canonsburg
Spring Education Group
The Children's Courtyard offers a structured early learning environment with their proprietary Links to Learning curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success. The facility includes secure keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and spacious outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through hands-on activities and guided play. Certified teachers maintain small class sizes and provide regular progress reports to parents. The center serves families from California and surrounding communities with extended hours, summer enrichment programs, and transportation services for school-age children.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in California, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in California, PA, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities caring for 4 or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes centers, group homes, and family homes. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status in the California, PA area, you can use the DHS's online **Child Care Finder** tool or contact the **Bureau of Certification** in the Western Regional Office that serves Washington County. Always ask to see the provider's current certificate of compliance during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in California, PA, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the California, PA area (part of Washington County), costs can vary significantly. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from **$900 to $1,200 per month**. Home-based family daycare may be slightly less, around **$700 to $950 per month**. These rates are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh but have been rising. Pennsylvania offers financial assistance through the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the County Assistance Office. Additionally, local organizations like the **Southwestern PA Child Care Partnership** may have resources or referral services to help parents navigate options.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in California, PA, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms and highly-regarded centers or home providers. Due to limited slots and strict infant-to-staff ratios, it is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**. Some parents start researching even earlier during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot). Exploring multiple options—including centers, family homes, and possibly providers in nearby towns like Charleroi or Belle Vernon—can increase your chances of finding an opening.
What are some key local factors to consider when choosing a daycare in a small town like California, PA?
Choosing daycare in a smaller community like California involves specific considerations. First, evaluate **transportation and location**—is it conveniently located near your home, workplace, or major routes like Route 88? Second, consider the **provider's network and longevity** in the community; a well-established provider often has deep local ties and a known reputation. Third, inquire about their **plans for school-age children**; some local daycares may offer before/after-school care or summer programs that align with the California Area School District schedule, providing continuity as your child grows. Finally, in close-knit areas, personal recommendations from neighbors or local community Facebook groups can be invaluable.
How does Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating system work, and should I prioritize STAR-rated programs in my search?
Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. Ratings range from STAR 1 (meeting state licensing standards) to STAR 4 (exceeding standards with high-quality practices). A higher STAR rating generally indicates better staff education, lower turnover, richer learning environments, and stronger family engagement. In the California, PA area, prioritizing a STAR 3 or STAR 4 program can be beneficial, but availability may be limited. You can filter for STAR ratings on the state's Child Care Finder website. However, a well-regarded STAR 1 or 2 provider with excellent references and a nurturing environment can still be an outstanding choice. Always visit and use the STAR framework as one tool in your decision-making.