The Best Daycare Centers in Danville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Danville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Danville
Danville Child Development Center
Independent
Danville Child Development Center is a highly-regarded local facility known for its comprehensive developmental approach. The center features a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEAM education, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, with all staff holding CPR and First Aid certifications. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas with modern safety equipment. They emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, while providing nutritious meals and snacks. Their strong focus on kindergarten readiness and individualized learning plans makes them a top choice in the Danville area.
Daycare Services:
Bloomsburg Children's Center
Independent
Located just 10 miles from Danville, Bloomsburg Children's Center serves the broader Montour County region with exceptional early childhood programs. The center employs a research-based curriculum that blends Creative Curriculum with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes several educators with Master's degrees in Early Childhood Education. The facility features secure access controls, comprehensive safety protocols, and developmentally appropriate learning spaces. They offer enrichment programs including music, movement, and Spanish language exposure. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent community, transparent communication, and excellent track record of preparing children for elementary school success.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Lewisburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Lewisburg (approximately 15 miles from Danville) brings nationally recognized early childhood education standards to the region. Operating under the respected Goddard Systems framework, they implement F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes academic readiness through play-based learning. Their faculty includes state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development requirements. The modern facility features secure entry systems, age-specific playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and character education. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, safety standards, and the visible developmental progress children make. Their flexible scheduling and extended hours accommodate working families throughout the Danville service area.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Danville, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Danville, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Danville, as in all of Pennsylvania, childcare providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes (caring for 4-6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and child-to-staff ratios. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history, including inspections and reports, for free on the DHS website using the "Child Care Finder" tool. It's highly recommended to check this database and even ask the provider directly to see their most recent inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Danville, PA?
The cost of childcare in Danville is generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania metros but varies by type. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. Toddler care often ranges from $750 to $950 per month. Licensed family childcare homes may be slightly less expensive. Costs are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, hours of operation, and included amenities (meals, etc.). It's important to ask what is included in the tuition. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania offers the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Columbia-Montour County Assistance Office.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Danville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at the most sought-after centers in Danville, especially those affiliated with major local employers like Geisinger Medical Center. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date**, particularly for infant care. Some popular providers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and process. Don't limit your search to just one option; consider a mix of centers and licensed family homes to increase your chances of securing a spot.
What local resources or referral services are available to help me find and compare childcare options in the Danville area?
The primary local resource is the **Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) Early Childhood Education Department**. They serve Columbia and Montour counties and operate the "Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7." This free service helps parents find licensed childcare, understand quality indicators (like Keystone STARS ratings), and navigate financial assistance programs. You can contact them by phone or visit their website for a personalized referral list. Additionally, local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Danville/Montour County parents) can be valuable for personal recommendations and insights into current availability.
What are Keystone STARS ratings, and why are they important when choosing a daycare in Danville?
Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. A STAR 1 through STAR 4 rating indicates a program has met increasingly rigorous standards for staff education, learning environment, leadership, and family engagement. In Danville, a higher STAR rating (like STAR 3 or 4) generally signifies a program with more qualified teachers, a stronger curriculum, and a greater commitment to continuous improvement. While a license ensures basic health and safety, a STAR rating helps you gauge educational quality. You can filter for STAR-rated programs using the state's Child Care Finder tool. Many parents in Danville prioritize STAR-rated centers for their structured approach to early learning.