The Best Daycare Centers in Concordville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Concordville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Concordville
The Goddard School of Glen Mills
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Glen Mills serves the Concordville area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention. Parents praise the school's communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a research-based curriculum that combines academic excellence with character development. Their proprietary Links to Learning program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while promoting critical thinking skills. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Certified teachers implement differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs. The school offers enrichment programs including foreign language exposure, music, and physical education. Parents consistently highlight the warm, nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for elementary school.
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The Malvern School
The Malvern School
The Malvern School in Glen Mills serves Concordville families with an exceptional early childhood education program that exceeds state standards. Their proprietary curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including biometric entry, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict visitor protocols. Highly qualified teachers hold bachelor's or master's degrees in education and participate in continuous professional development. The facility includes dedicated art and music rooms, STEM labs, and expansive outdoor learning environments. Parents consistently praise the school's commitment to safety, advanced curriculum, and exceptional teacher-child interactions that foster both academic and social-emotional growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Concordville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Concordville, PA?
In Concordville and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs are generally above the Pennsylvania state average. For an infant (under 18 months), parents can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates reflect the higher cost of living in the Philadelphia suburbs and the operational costs for facilities meeting Pennsylvania's strict staff-to-child ratios. Home-based family daycare providers in Concordville may offer slightly lower rates, often ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly, but availability is more limited. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as meals, formula, diapers, and enrichment programs.
How do I verify a daycare's license and inspection history in Pennsylvania?
All childcare providers in Concordville must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The primary tool for verification is **COMPASS**, the state's online resource. You can search for a specific provider to view their license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, you can also access their most recent **Inspection Reports**, which detail any regulatory violations (non-compliances) and the corrective actions taken. You can also call the Southeast Regional Office of OCDEL. Always visit a facility in person and ask the director for their most recent Certificate of Compliance, which must be posted visibly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Concordville, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are common for high-quality daycare centers in Concordville, especially for infant rooms, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have a 6 to 12-month waitlist for infant care. To navigate this, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple lists during pregnancy. When contacting a center, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list (typically $25-$100, often non-refundable), how often they update families, and if they offer priority to siblings of current students. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Glen Mills, Chadds Ford, or Media, and inquire about newer centers that may have shorter lists.
What are the key differences between daycare centers and registered family home providers in Concordville?
The two main licensed options in Concordville are **Child Care Centers** and **Family Child Care Homes**. Centers are larger facilities, often in commercial buildings, with multiple classrooms and staff. They typically offer structured curricula, more peer interaction, and may have amenities like commercial kitchens and playgrounds. **Family Child Care Homes** are operated out of a provider's residence, serving a smaller group of mixed-age children (max of 6 children, including the provider's own, if under school age). They often provide a more home-like, flexible environment and can be more accommodating to non-standard hours. Both are licensed by PA DHS, but inspection schedules and some regulations differ. Family homes can be a great option for infants seeking a quieter setting but may have less formal educational programming.
What local resources or programs in Delaware County can help with childcare costs?
Several resources can assist Concordville families with childcare expenses. The primary program is Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, administered locally through the Delaware County Assistance Office. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (work, school, or training). Additionally, many local daycare centers offer sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring if your employer offers a **Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)**, which uses pre-tax dollars. For guidance, parents can contact **Delaware County's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC Region 29)**, which helps families find quality care, understand subsidies, and navigate the COMPASS system. They are a free, invaluable local resource.
Nearby Cities
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