The Best Daycare Centers in Curtisville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Curtisville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Curtisville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Moon Township offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and extensive outdoor play areas. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with daily communication to parents through the proprietary mobile app. What sets this school apart is their focus on individual child development with low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Primrose School of Wexford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wexford provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their exclusive curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The school maintains stringent safety standards including secured entry, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The facility features dedicated infant rooms, age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Parent communication is exceptional with daily updates and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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The Children's Campus of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
The Children's Campus of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, offers a research-based curriculum informed by the latest child development research. Their Reggio Emilia-inspired approach emphasizes project-based learning and child-directed exploration. The center employs highly qualified educators with bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, multiple outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music studios. Safety is paramount with secured access, health screening protocols, and comprehensive emergency procedures. The center serves as a training site for early childhood education students, ensuring cutting-edge teaching practices and low child-to-teacher ratios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Curtisville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Curtisville, PA?
In Curtisville and the surrounding Westmoreland County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $225 to $350 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $200 to $300 per week. Home-based family childcare providers often charge slightly less, ranging from $160 to $250 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families in Curtisville to help offset these costs.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Curtisville, and how can I secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infants, waitlists at the most sought-after licensed centers in Curtisville can be 6 to 12 months long. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists during your second trimester if expecting. To improve your chances, be proactive: schedule tours, complete all pre-registration paperwork promptly, and ask specific questions about your position on the list. Consider expanding your search to include high-quality licensed family childcare homes in residential neighborhoods, which may have shorter wait times. Staying in regular, polite contact with the center director can also help keep your application top of mind.
What specific Pennsylvania state licensing regulations should I verify when touring a daycare in Curtisville?
All legal childcare providers in Curtisville must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Key regulations to verify include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for young toddlers), comprehensive background checks (PA State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI fingerprinting) for all employees, and required annual training in health, safety, and child development. Providers must also have current fire and health department approvals. You can and should ask to see their most recent DHS Certificate of Compliance, which must be posted publicly. You can also check a provider's compliance history and any reported violations online through the DHS Provider Search tool.
Are there any unique local programs or resources for finding and evaluating childcare in Curtisville, PA?
Yes, a primary local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Westmoreland County including Curtisville. The ELRC offers a free, personalized referral service to help parents find licensed and certified providers that match their needs. They also administer the Child Care Works subsidy and can provide guidance on quality indicators. Additionally, local parents often rely on community Facebook groups (e.g., "Curtisville Community Chat") for personal recommendations and to hear about openings in smaller home-based programs. The United Way of Southwestern PA's 211 service is another tool for connecting with childcare resources.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Curtisville area?
For school-age children attending Curtisville Elementary or other schools in the Kiski Area School District, options include school district-run programs (if available), local daycare centers that offer school-age programs, and specialized before/after-school clubs like the local YMCA branches, which often provide bus transportation from school. These programs typically operate from around 6:30-7:00 AM until school starts and from school dismissal until 6:00 PM. Costs are usually lower than full-time daycare, averaging $75-$150 per week. It's crucial to inquire about space on school buses for transportation, planned activities for homework help and recreation, and coverage for school in-service days and summer breaks.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Curtisville: