The Best Daycare Centers in Clearfield, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clearfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clearfield
Clearfield Child Development Center
Independent
Clearfield Child Development Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They follow a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and physical education. The facility maintains excellent safety records with regular drills and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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The Learning Center at Penn State DuBois
Penn State DuBois
Located just 15 miles from Clearfield, The Learning Center at Penn State DuBois offers high-quality early childhood education with a research-based curriculum. The center serves as a laboratory school for early childhood education students, ensuring cutting-edge teaching practices and constant professional development. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, language development, and social skills through structured play and inquiry-based activities. The facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized learning centers. Staff include certified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and ongoing professional training. The center is known for its inclusive environment, strong parent partnerships, and comprehensive developmental assessments.
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Kindercare Learning Center at State College
Kindercare Education
While located in State College (approximately 30 miles from Clearfield), this Kindercare Learning Center serves families throughout the region with its nationally-recognized early childhood education programs. The center implements Kindercare's proprietary curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood professionals who receive ongoing training. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports, nutritious meal programs, and the center's focus on building foundational skills for lifelong learning. Their enrichment programs include music, phonics, and Spanish language exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clearfield, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Clearfield, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Clearfield, Pennsylvania, all childcare providers caring for four 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 family childcare homes, group childcare homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training in child abuse recognition and CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the DHS **Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the regional OCDEL office that serves Clearfield County. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clearfield, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Clearfield County, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from **$175 to $250 per week**. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around **$160 to $225 per week**. Family childcare homes can sometimes be more affordable. These costs are generally lower than the state average but are a significant portion of a local family's budget. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as working or attending school). You can apply through the Clearfield County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Clearfield, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot for my child?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms and highly-regarded centers in Clearfield. Due to limited capacity and high demand for quality care, parents are advised to begin their search **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date. The best strategy is to contact multiple providers (both centers and licensed family homes) to get on their waitlists as early as possible. Be prepared to provide your child's anticipated start date and age. Follow up with providers every few months to express continued interest. Exploring options in neighboring towns like DuBois or Curwensville can also increase your chances. Being flexible on your start date by a week or two can sometimes help secure an opening.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Clearfield, and what are the key differences?
Clearfield offers three main types of licensed childcare settings. **Childcare Centers** (like Clearfield Child Development Center or Head Start programs) are larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. They often have set hours and may offer preschool components. **Group Childcare Homes** provide care for 7-12 children in a residential setting, offering a more home-like environment with potentially mixed-age groups. **Family Childcare Homes** care for 4-6 children in the provider's home, offering the most intimate setting and often more flexible hours. Your choice depends on your preference for structure, environment, group size, and schedule. Many Clearfield families use a mix, starting with a family home for infants and transitioning to a center for preschoolers.
Beyond basic care, what educational or enrichment programs are typically offered by daycares and preschools in Clearfield?
Many daycare centers and preschools in Clearfield integrate early learning standards into their daily routines. Look for programs that use structured curricula like **Creative Curriculum** or participate in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating program (a STAR 3 or 4 center indicates a strong educational component). Common enrichments include pre-literacy activities (like the "PA One Book" initiative), basic math concepts, science exploration, and social-emotional learning. Some centers may offer optional programs like music/movement, introductory Spanish, or yoga. The Clearfield Area School District also partners with certain providers for Pre-K Counts, a state-funded preschool program for eligible families, which has a strong academic focus. Always ask providers for a sample daily schedule and their educational philosophy.