The Best Daycare Centers in Cheswick, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cheswick. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cheswick
KinderCare at Harmarville
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Harmarville provides comprehensive early childhood education just minutes from Cheswick. The center follows a research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features include secure keypad entry, highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, and age-appropriate learning environments. The facility offers nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds, and regular parent communication through the KinderCare app. Their program emphasizes school readiness with structured learning activities balanced with play-based exploration.
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The Goddard School of Fox Chapel
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fox Chapel offers a premier early childhood education program serving the Cheswick area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic learning with creative play. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, highly educated teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, and spacious classrooms with modern learning materials. The curriculum includes STEAM activities, foreign language exposure, and character development. Parents appreciate the daily photo updates, low student-teacher ratios, and focus on individualized learning plans for each child.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Harmar Township
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy in nearby Natrona Heights provides quality childcare with a comprehensive educational approach. Their proprietary curriculum, Links to Learning, focuses on school readiness across all developmental domains. The center features secure entry systems, experienced teachers with ongoing professional development, and modern classroom technology. The program includes hands-on learning activities, nutritious meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. The facility maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families from Cheswick and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cheswick, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cheswick, PA?
In Cheswick and the surrounding Allegheny 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. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family daycare providers in Cheswick often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $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 Cheswick to help offset these expenses.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Cheswick?
All childcare providers in Cheswick 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 and review their compliance history through the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This resource allows you to search by provider name or location and view their license status, capacity, and any reported violations or inspection reports. For the most direct local insight, you can also contact the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Allegheny County, for guidance and to inquire about any known community feedback on local providers.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Cheswick, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Cheswick, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. Some popular centers may have even longer waits. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and process. As an alternative, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Springdale, Harmar Township, or Oakmont, and explore licensed family daycare homes, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Cheswick area?
For children attending the **Allegheny Valley School District** (which serves Cheswick), the district itself often facilitates or partners with programs for before and after-school care. The primary option is typically the **AVSD Elementary School's "Cub Care" program** (or similarly named), which operates at the school building. Additionally, local daycare centers like **The Goddard School** or **Kiddie Academy** in nearby commercial areas often provide transportation to and from district schools for their school-age programs. Community organizations like the **Cheswick Presbyterian Church** may also offer seasonal or ongoing programs. Contacting the district's administrative office is the best first step for the most current information.
What unique local resources or programs support parents seeking childcare in Cheswick?
The key local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Allegheny County. They provide free, personalized referrals to licensed childcare providers in Cheswick and can guide you through the **Child Care Works** subsidy application. For developmental support, the **Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) 3** offers early intervention services. Locally, the **Cheswick Public Library** hosts regular storytimes and early literacy programs, which can be a great way to connect with other parents and learn about community-based childcare options. For emergencies or last-minute care needs, exploring reputable babysitting networks through local community Facebook groups or apps like Care.com, filtered for the 15024 zip code, can be helpful.