The Best Daycare Centers in Concord, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Concord. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Concord
The Goddard School of Glen Mills
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Glen Mills provides a premier early childhood education program serving the Concord area with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum elements, language development programs, and character education. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the comprehensive communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum that includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their balanced approach combines structured academic preparation with creative expression and physical development. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes character education, community service projects, and extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation provided.
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Primrose School of West Chester
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of West Chester delivers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum focuses on developing literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies skills while emphasizing character development and life skills. The school features secure facilities with age-appropriate learning environments, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated art and music rooms. Their Harmony & Heart® program incorporates music, art, and movement into daily learning. The school maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents value the consistent communication and strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Concord, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Concord, Pennsylvania?
In Concord and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family childcare in Concord is often more affordable, 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's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families in Concord to help offset these costs.
How do I verify that a daycare in Concord is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare providers in Concord must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history, including any violations, through the public DHS website or by calling the Southeast Regional Office. Additionally, you should always visit the facility in person. Ask to see their current license, their emergency evacuation plans (especially relevant for areas near major roads like Route 1 or 322), and their state-required health and safety inspections. Many Concord parents also check local community Facebook groups for personal recommendations and experiences.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Concord, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Concord, especially for infant rooms. Due to high demand in this family-oriented community, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, aiming to start your search 6-9 months in advance is advisable. Some larger centers in the Concord/Garnet Valley area may have shorter lists, but popular in-home providers often have very limited openings. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Concord?
While many centers in Concord prioritize full-time enrollment, you can find part-time and flexible options. Several local daycare centers offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week programs, particularly for preschool-age children (3-5 years). For more flexible or irregular hours, your best bet is often licensed family childcare homes, which may accommodate shift workers common to nearby areas like the Philadelphia Airport or the AstraZeneca facility. Additionally, local organizations like the Concordville-Chadds Ford YMCA offer preschool programs with partial-week schedules. For occasional care, consider using registered babysitting networks that serve Delaware County.
What unique local resources or programs support childcare and early learning in Concord, PA?
Concord parents have access to several valuable local resources. First, the **Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU)** provides early intervention services and supports for eligible children. For finding and comparing providers, the free referral service **Child Care Information Services (CCIS) of Delaware County** is essential. The **Garnet Valley Library**, serving the Concord area, hosts regular free storytimes and early literacy programs that complement daycare learning. Furthermore, many daycare providers in Concord participate in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating system, which helps parents identify programs committed to higher standards of care and education. For school-age care, the Garnet Valley School District offers its own before and after-school programs.