The Best Daycare Centers in Commodore, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Commodore. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Commodore
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Indiana 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-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social skills, and physical development. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress through the Goddard School mobile app.
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Sunshine Station Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Station provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern classrooms, and large outdoor play spaces. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, mathematics, and creative expression. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, extended hours for working families, and transportation services for school-age children.
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Creative Beginnings Child Development Center
Independent
Creative Beginnings offers a nurturing environment with a research-based curriculum that combines structured learning with child-directed activities. The center is Keystone STARS 4 rated, demonstrating exceptional quality in early childhood education. Their program focuses on developing the whole child through hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, science, and arts. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-specific learning centers, and multiple outdoor play areas. Experienced teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development to implement best practices in early learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Commodore, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Commodore, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Commodore, Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children also require a certificate of registration. Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), background checks for all employees, health and safety inspections, and ongoing training. To verify a facility's compliance and view any recent inspection reports, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. This resource is crucial for parents in Indiana County to ensure they are choosing a legally operating and monitored facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Commodore area, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Commodore and the surrounding Indiana County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$800 to $1,100 per month**, while toddler care may range from **$700 to $950 per month**. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), hours, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania offers the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**, administered locally through the Indiana County Child Day Care Program. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and work or school requirements. We recommend contacting the Indiana County Assistance Office or a local referral agency like the United Way's 211 service to determine your eligibility and apply.
Are there many daycare options in Commodore itself, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
As a smaller borough, Commodore itself has very limited dedicated daycare centers. Most parents in Commodore find childcare options in nearby larger communities such as **Indiana (approx. 15-20 minutes away), Homer City, or Blairsville**. These towns offer a wider selection of licensed childcare centers, preschools, and registered family daycare homes. When searching, be prepared to factor in commute time. Utilizing the Pennsylvania Child Care Finder and filtering by zip codes of these neighboring towns is the most effective strategy. Additionally, local Facebook community groups for Indiana County are often used by parents to find and recommend in-home providers that may not be widely advertised.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare programs in the Commodore/Indiana County region, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists, especially for infant care and highly-rated centers in the Indiana County region, can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular programs to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months or longer**. To secure a spot, we strongly advise parents to begin their search and make inquiries **during pregnancy or as early as possible**. Contact multiple facilities, get on their waitlists (which may involve a small fee), and follow up periodically. Be flexible with your start date if possible. Also, consider expanding your search to include registered family daycare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more personalized setting, which can be a great fit for families in a rural area like Commodore.
What unique factors should I consider when choosing a daycare in a rural area like Commodore, such as transportation or emergency preparedness?
Choosing daycare in a rural setting like Commodore involves specific considerations. First, inquire about **transportation policies**—many local centers do not provide busing, so you'll need to confirm drop-off/pick-up logistics, especially in winter weather. Second, ask detailed questions about **emergency preparedness plans**. This includes protocols for severe weather, power outages, and medical emergencies, given potentially longer response times for EMS. Check if they have backup generators and stocked supplies. Finally, consider the **program's focus**; many rural-area daycares emphasize outdoor play and nature-based learning, which can be a wonderful benefit. Ensure the facility's daily schedule and philosophy align with your family's values and your child's needs.