The Best Daycare Centers in Chester, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chester
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Brookhaven serves the Chester area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement a play-based curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the school's focus on individualized learning paths for each child.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Aston serves families from Chester with a research-based curriculum that includes phonics, mathematics, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, dedicated age-specific learning centers, and outdoor learning environments. Their Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school through structured academic activities balanced with creative exploration. The center employs certified teachers with early childhood education degrees and provides regular parent-teacher conferences. Safety protocols include comprehensive background checks, CPR-certified staff, and secure campus monitoring.
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Chester Early Learning Center
Community Action Agency of Delaware County
Chester Early Learning Center operates as a comprehensive early childhood facility serving the Chester community directly. The center provides high-quality early education through developmentally appropriate practices and follows Creative Curriculum standards. They offer specialized services including Early Intervention support, nutrition programs, and family engagement initiatives. The facility maintains NAEYC-aligned standards with qualified early childhood educators and low child-to-staff ratios. The center focuses on school readiness through literacy-rich environments, STEM activities, and social skills development, with particular strength in serving diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chester, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Chester, PA, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Chester, Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes, group childcare homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or call the DHS Southeast Regional Office. It's crucial to check this, as operating without a license is illegal and means the facility is not subject to state health and safety inspections.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Chester, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Chester and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$1,000 to $1,400 per month**, while toddler care may cost between **$900 and $1,200 per month**. Costs can vary based on the type of center, its amenities, and whether it holds a Keystone STARS quality rating. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program**. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). You can apply through the Delaware County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Chester, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many licensed daycare centers and highly-rated family childcare homes in Chester, especially for infant care. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by stricter staff-to-child ratios), it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date**. For popular centers, you may need to get on a list even earlier, sometimes before your child is born. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and estimated timeline. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family homes and centers in neighboring communities like Brookhaven or Trainer, can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are the Keystone STARS ratings, and why are they important when choosing a daycare in Chester?
Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. Facilities are rated from STAR 1 (meeting basic licensing requirements) to STAR 4 (exceeding standards with high-quality practices). A higher STAR rating generally indicates better-trained staff, stronger educational programs, and more family engagement. In Chester, looking for a STAR 3 or STAR 4 program can be a good indicator of quality. These programs often have lower staff turnover and a more structured curriculum. You can filter by STAR rating on the Pennsylvania Child Care Finder website. While a high rating is a positive sign, it should be one factor in your decision—always visit the facility to see if it's the right fit for your child.
Besides traditional daycare centers, what other types of childcare options are available for families in Chester, PA?
Chester offers a variety of childcare options to suit different needs and schedules. Beyond licensed childcare centers, parents can consider: - **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often smaller, home-based settings that may offer more flexible hours and a family-like environment. - **Pre-K Counts and Head Start Programs:** These are free, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, focusing on school readiness. The Chester Upland School District and community partners operate several locations. - **Before/After-School Care:** Many local elementary schools and community organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Chester offer programs for school-age children. - **Faith-Based Programs:** Several churches in the area operate preschools or daycare programs. Exploring these alternatives can provide more choices, especially if you are looking for part-time care or a specific educational approach.