The Best Daycare Centers in Clifton Heights, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clifton Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clifton Heights
The Goddard School of Springfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Springfield offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Parents praise the school's communication, engaging curriculum, and nurturing environment that prepares children for elementary school.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional learning. Their proprietary Links to Learning program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The academy emphasizes parent partnership through regular communication, progress reports, and family events. The facility is known for its structured yet nurturing environment and strong kindergarten readiness program.
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Creative Learning Academy
Independent
Creative Learning Academy offers a balanced approach to early childhood education with a focus on individualized learning plans. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional preschool education, emphasizing hands-on learning and exploration. The center features modern security systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous training in child development and safety protocols. The academy is recognized for its inclusive environment, nutritional meal program, and strong emphasis on social skills development and community building.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clifton Heights, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Clifton Heights, PA?
In Clifton Heights and the surrounding Delaware County area, costs can vary based on the type of care and the child's age. For a full-time, licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month for an infant/toddler, and $900 to $1,300 per month for a preschool-aged child. In-home family daycare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, and some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare in Clifton Heights is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history, including any violations, through the DHS's public website called "COMPASS" or by calling the Child Care Certification office for the Southeast Region. Additionally, you can check with the Delaware County Office of Children and Youth Services for local insights. When visiting a potential daycare in Clifton Heights, always ask to see their current license, their emergency evacuation plans, and their staff certification records for First Aid/CPR. Many parents also find reviews on local community Facebook groups (like "Clifton Heights Community") helpful for anecdotal feedback on safety and quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Clifton Heights, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the popular daycare centers and preschools in Clifton Heights and nearby communities like Springfield and Drexel Hill. For infant care spots, which are the most limited due to strict staff-to-child ratios, it is highly recommended to start your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool openings, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100). It's also a good strategy to get on multiple lists and consider nearby family daycare homes, which may have more flexible availability.
What are some of the local options for childcare beyond traditional daycare centers in Clifton Heights?
Clifton Heights offers a few alternative childcare options. The borough is served by the **Clifton Heights Public Library**, which often hosts free storytimes and early literacy programs that can supplement care. Several local churches, such as St. John's Lutheran Church and Clifton Heights Methodist Church, offer morning preschool or "Mom's Day Out" programs. For before and after-school care, the **Clifton Heights Recreation Center** may offer programs for school-age children in partnership with the William Penn School District. Additionally, exploring registered family daycare homes in residential neighborhoods can provide a more home-like setting. The local YMCA branches in nearby Lansdowne or Springfield also offer robust childcare and preschool programs.
What should I know about the preschool and Pre-K options available in Clifton Heights before my child enters kindergarten?
In Clifton Heights, children will attend the William Penn School District for kindergarten. To prepare, you have several Pre-K options. The district itself may offer a limited Pre-K Counts program for income-eligible families. There are also private preschools within the borough, such as those affiliated with local churches, which often offer programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. Pennsylvania's learning standards for early childhood focus on social-emotional development, literacy, and math through play. When evaluating a local preschool, ask about their curriculum alignment with these standards, the qualifications of their teachers, and their kindergarten readiness assessment process. Many programs will have a mix of academic and play-based learning to prepare children for the full-day kindergarten schedule in the district.
Nearby Cities
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