The Best Daycare Centers in Clarence, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clarence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clarence
The Goddard School of State College
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and extensive outdoor play areas. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social development, with daily communication to parents through the Goddard Connect app. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines.
Daycare Services:
Covenant Nursery School & Daycare
Covenant United Methodist Church
Covenant Nursery School provides a Christian-based early childhood education in a nurturing, secure environment. Their developmentally appropriate curriculum includes hands-on learning activities, music, art, and physical education. The center features secure access controls, modern safety equipment, and age-specific learning centers. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, kindergarten readiness skills, and character education. Parents receive daily reports and regular progress updates.
Daycare Services:
A Step Up Learning Center
Private Ownership
A Step Up Learning Center offers comprehensive childcare services with a focus on individualized learning and development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum and Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, with specialized programs in literacy, mathematics, and science exploration. The center maintains enhanced security protocols including coded entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms, spacious preschool classrooms, and secure outdoor playgrounds. The center emphasizes parent partnership through regular conferences, daily communication logs, and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clarence, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Clarence, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Clarence, Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family child care homes, group child care homes, and child care centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the DHS's regional office. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans as part of your research.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Clarence area?
Childcare costs in Clarence and the surrounding rural regions of Centre County are generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania cities, but prices vary by type of care. For a licensed child care center, you can expect to pay an average of **$800 to $1,100 per month** for full-time infant care. Family daycare homes may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from **$650 to $900 per month**. Costs for toddlers are often $50-$150 less per month. It's important to inquire about what's included (meals, supplies, curriculum) and to explore potential financial assistance through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program if you qualify based on income.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Clarence, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given Clarence's smaller, rural community setting, the number of licensed daycare facilities is limited compared to urban areas. While some in-home providers may have immediate openings, the more structured centers that serve Clarence and neighboring towns often have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to **begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Be proactive: contact providers directly, ask about their current waitlist length and policy, and consider putting your name on multiple lists to increase your options.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a small town like Clarence, PA?
In Clarence and similar rural communities in Pennsylvania, the most prevalent options are: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often run in a provider's residence, offering a home-like setting with mixed-age groups. This is a very common model in the area. 2. **Group Child Care Homes:** Slightly larger than family homes, serving more children but still in a residential setting. 3. **Child Care Centers:** These are less common directly in Clarence but may be found in nearby larger towns like Philipsburg or State College, which some Clarence residents commute to. 4. **Part-Day Preschool Programs:** Often affiliated with local churches or community organizations, which may cater to older toddlers and preschoolers. Due to the rural nature, exploring providers in the immediate Clarence area as well as in surrounding towns is a practical approach.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Centre County that help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Centre County Office of Children & Youth Services**, which can provide referrals and information. However, the primary statewide resource is your local **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 6**, which serves Centre County. The ELRC is a one-stop shop for parents: they maintain a database of licensed providers, help parents understand quality indicators (like Keystone STARS ratings), and administer the Child Care Works subsidy program. You can contact ELRC Region 6 by phone or through their website for personalized assistance in navigating childcare options in and around Clarence. Additionally, local Facebook community groups for Clarence/Philipsburg are often used by parents to share personal recommendations and learn about smaller, in-home providers.