The Best Daycare Centers in Colver, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Colver. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Colver
KinderCare Learning Center at Johnstown
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Johnstown offers a nationally accredited curriculum focused on early childhood development through play-based and structured learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education certifications, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their approach includes STEAM activities, literacy programs, and social-emotional learning. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the nurturing environment that supports developmental milestones. The center provides nutritious meals and has indoor and outdoor play areas designed for age-appropriate activities.
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The Goddard School of Johnstown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Johnstown emphasizes a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates FLEX Learning Program elements, promoting literacy, math, science, and arts. Staff hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and CCTV monitoring for safety. Highlights include a focus on individualized learning plans, regular parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities like yoga and music. The school is known for its clean environment and strong community involvement, with high parent satisfaction for its communicative and inclusive approach.
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ABC Day Care
ABC Day Care (Independent)
ABC Day Care in Ebensburg provides a family-oriented environment with a curriculum that blends Montessori and traditional methods, focusing on hands-on learning and social skills. The center boasts experienced staff with CPR and first aid certifications, and maintains small group sizes for personalized attention. Safety features include secured entrances and regular health inspections. The program includes outdoor play, creative arts, and early literacy activities, with an emphasis on nutritious, home-style meals. Parents value the consistent updates and the center's adaptability to individual child needs, contributing to its reputation for reliability and caring staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Colver, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Colver, PA?
In Colver and the surrounding Cambria County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, there are Family Child Care Homes, which are operated in a provider's residence and are licensed for a smaller number of children, offering a home-like setting. Second, there are Child Care Group Homes, which are slightly larger but still home-based. Finally, for a more center-based approach, parents often look to nearby towns like Ebensburg or Johnstown for Child Care Centers, as Colver itself is a smaller borough with limited center-based options. All providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which you can verify through the state's online COMPASS provider search tool. Due to Colver's rural nature, many families also rely on informal networks or registered but unlicensed "relative/neighbor" care.
How can I check the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Colver?
Pennsylvania provides excellent public transparency for childcare licensing. You should use the **Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Certification Search** tool online. You can search by provider name, county (Cambria), or zip code. This database will show you the provider's current license status, capacity, ages served, and, crucially, their inspection reports. These reports detail any non-compliance citations (like health, safety, or program violations) and whether they have been corrected. It's highly recommended to review the last 2-3 years of inspection reports for any provider you are considering in the Colver area. You can also contact the DHS Regional Office that oversees Cambria County for additional information.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Colver area, and are there financial assistance programs?
Costs in Cambria County are generally lower than state averages but can vary. For a licensed Family Child Care Home in the Colver area, you might expect to pay between **$150 to $225 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Center-based care in nearby larger towns may range from **$180 to $275 per week**. Financial assistance is primarily available through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You apply through the Cambria County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are daycare waitlists common in Colver, and how far in advance should I start looking for care?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care and highly-regarded home providers in Colver and the surrounding rural communities. The limited number of licensed slots in a small borough means availability can be scarce. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, and if you are expecting a child, to start contacting providers during your second trimester. When you call providers, be sure to ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you should check in, and the estimated wait time. Exploring options in neighboring communities like Nanty Glo, Portage, or Ebensburg can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are some local resources or organizations in Cambria County that can help me find and evaluate childcare near Colver?
Your primary local resource is the **Cambria County Child Development Corporation (CCCDC)**. They serve as the county's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 6, funded by the state. The CCCDC offers free referral services to help parents find licensed care that meets their needs, provides information on the Child Care Works subsidy, and can offer guidance on quality indicators. You can contact them by phone or visit their website. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like community Facebook pages for Colver or Cambria County) can provide personal recommendations and insights into local providers' reputations and availability.