The Best Daycare Centers in Drexel Hill, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Drexel Hill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Drexel Hill
The Goddard School of Drexel Hill
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Drexel Hill offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, daily sanitization protocols, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Certified teachers implement STEAM-focused curriculum with hands-on learning activities, foreign language exposure, and character development programs. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play areas, and regular parent communication through their proprietary mobile app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and low student-teacher ratios make them a top choice for families seeking academic preparation in a nurturing environment.
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Kiddie Academy of Drexel Hill
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Drexel Hill implements their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, social skills, and academic readiness through purposeful play and structured learning. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and rigorous health and safety protocols. Their degreed teachers create individualized learning plans with progress tracking in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, interactive technology integration, and spacious outdoor playgrounds. Their community connections program and family engagement events foster strong parent partnerships, while their flexible scheduling accommodates various family needs.
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The Malvern School
The Malvern School
The Malvern School in Drexel Hill provides exceptional early childhood education with their proprietary Links to Learning curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional development. The center maintains enhanced security measures including surveillance systems, strict access control, and emergency preparedness drills. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood certifications. The facility features modern classrooms with natural lighting, dedicated art and music areas, and nature-inspired outdoor learning environments. Their comprehensive approach includes regular developmental assessments, individualized learning plans, and strong emphasis on literacy and STEM education, preparing children for academic success while nurturing their unique interests and abilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Drexel Hill, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Drexel Hill, PA?
In Drexel Hill, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,800 per month for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often more affordable, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program can help eligible families offset these costs, and some local centers may offer sibling discounts. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment programs).
How do I verify that a daycare in Drexel Hill is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a Drexel Hill provider's license status and view their compliance history through the **Pennsylvania Key** website. When reviewing inspection reports, look for: - **Certification Status:** Ensure the license is current and not provisional. - **Violations:** Pay attention to any cited violations, particularly those categorized as "Serious" (which pose a risk to health, safety, or child development). Common areas include staff-child ratios, background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, and facility safety. - **Plan of Correction:** See if the provider has addressed past violations satisfactorily. You can also contact the Southeast Regional Key (serving Delaware County) for additional guidance. Always visit the facility in person to observe conditions firsthand.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Drexel Hill, and when should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Drexel Hill, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended to begin your search **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. For popular programs, some parents even put their child on a list during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Exploring a mix of centers, faith-based programs, and licensed family childcare homes can increase your options. The Delaware County Resource and Referral service can help identify available openings.
What are some local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Drexel Hill and Delaware County?
Parents in Drexel Hill have several valuable local resources: - **Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) - Early Childhood Programs:** They administer Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs for eligible families and offer general guidance. - **Child Care Information Services of Delaware County (CCIS):** This is your primary point of contact for the **Child Care Works** subsidy program and they maintain a referral database of licensed providers. - **Pennsylvania Key Provider Search:** The state's online search tool allows you to filter by location, age, and program type. - **Local Parenting Groups:** Facebook groups like "Drexel Hill, PA Community" or "Delco Parents" are excellent for getting personal recommendations and hearing about unexpected openings. - **Word of Mouth:** Ask for recommendations from your pediatrician (many are part of the Main Line Health or Crozer-Keystone systems), neighbors, and local libraries.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a family childcare home in Drexel Hill, and how do I decide which is right for my child?
The main differences lie in setting, structure, and scale: - **Daycare Centers:** These are facilities in commercial or institutional buildings. They often have multiple classrooms, larger groups of children, a structured curriculum, and multiple staff members. They may offer more enrichment activities and have stricter policies for closures (e.g., snow days). They are regulated by PA DHS with specific ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). - **Family Childcare Homes:** These are licensed programs operated in the provider's own home. They offer a smaller, mixed-age group setting that can feel more like a family. Schedules are often more flexible, and the environment may be less institutional. They have different ratio requirements (e.g., no more than 6 children, with only 3 being infants/toddlers). To decide, consider your child's temperament (does they thrive in busy or calm environments?), your schedule (do you need extended or non-standard hours?), and your priorities (academic prep vs. social-emotional focus in a home-like setting). Tour both types in Drexel Hill to get a feel for the environment and ask about their philosophy, daily routines, and emergency procedures.
Nearby Cities
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