The Best Daycare Centers in Darby, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Darby. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Darby
Bright Horizons at Bala Cynwyd
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bala Cynwyd offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure access systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. Bright Horizons is known for strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, serving families throughout the Greater Philadelphia area including Darby residents.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Chesterbrook Academy
Chesterbrook Academy in nearby Folcroft provides a balanced educational approach combining academic preparation with social development. Their Links to Learning curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while promoting character development. The center features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with educational technology, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers hold early childhood certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling options and serves nutritious meals. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and family events, making it a popular choice for Darby area families.
Daycare Services:
Wonderspring Early Education
Wonderspring
Wonderspring Early Education in Drexel Hill is a NAEYC-accredited center serving the Darby community with high-quality early childhood programs. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes cognitive, social, and physical development through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, developmentally appropriate classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Certified teachers implement individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The program includes nutritious meal service and emphasizes inclusive practices. Wonderspring has built a strong reputation for supporting working families with flexible hours and comprehensive care options for children from infancy through school age.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Darby, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Darby, PA?
In Darby, PA, the cost of full-time daycare can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,500 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $900 to $1,300 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $700 to $1,100 monthly. These costs are generally lower than in nearby Philadelphia but have been rising. It's crucial to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families in Delaware County to help offset these costs, and many providers in Darby accept it.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Darby is properly licensed and safe?
All childcare providers in Darby 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, view their compliance history, and read any inspection reports (which note violations) for free through the state's online **COMPASS Child Care Provider Search** tool. Additionally, you should visit the facility in person to observe cleanliness, safety protocols (like secured entrances and outlet covers), staff-to-child ratios, and ask for their certification in Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Local resources like the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) can also provide guidance on choosing a quality, licensed program.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Darby, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in and around Darby, especially for programs with strong reputations or those affiliated with schools or community centers. It is strongly recommended that you begin your search and tours at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and for infant care, even earlier—up to a year in advance. Be prepared to put down a deposit to secure a spot on a waitlist. Exploring options in neighboring communities like Yeadon, Lansdowne, or Sharon Hill can provide more availability. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists.
What childcare options are available for parents with non-traditional or shift work hours in Darby?
Finding childcare for evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts can be challenging in Darby, as most centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible hours, or seeking a private nanny or babysitter. You can search for providers who advertise "non-traditional hours" on the state's COMPASS database. Additionally, some regional chains or hospital-affiliated centers in the greater Delaware County area may offer extended hours. Networking through local Facebook groups for Darby/Delco parents is a practical way to find recommendations for caregivers who accommodate shift work.
What resources are available in Darby to help me find and compare local daycare programs?
Several local and state resources can assist your search. Start with the **Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 17**, which serves Delaware County. Their referral specialists can provide free, personalized lists of licensed providers in Darby based on your needs (age of child, hours, budget). You can contact them at (844) 830-2217 or visit their website. The **Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU)** also offers support and information on early childhood programs. For community-based insights, join the "Darby, PA Community" or "Delco Moms" Facebook groups to get unfiltered reviews and recommendations from other parents.