The Best Daycare Centers in Elkins Park, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elkins Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elkins Park
The Goddard School of Elkins Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Elkins Park offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts while promoting social, emotional, and physical development. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. 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.
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The Learning Experience - Jenkintown
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Elkins Park, The Learning Experience in Jenkintown provides a structured curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. Their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum includes early literacy, mathematics, and foreign language exposure. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive extensive training in child development. The facility includes dedicated learning centers, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Their philanthropy curriculum teaches children the importance of giving back to the community.
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Cheltenham Friends Nursery School
Cheltenham Friends Meeting
Cheltenham Friends Nursery School, serving the Elkins Park community, offers a play-based, Quaker-inspired educational approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and community values. The school focuses on developing the whole child through hands-on learning experiences, creative arts, and outdoor exploration. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and creates nurturing classroom environments. The curriculum includes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration through play. The school features spacious classrooms, extensive playground equipment, and a nature-based outdoor learning environment. Parent involvement is encouraged through classroom participation and community events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elkins Park, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Elkins Park, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Elkins Park, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the type of program and the child's age. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Home-based daycare options may be slightly less expensive. Pennsylvania offers financial assistance through the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program, which is administered locally by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact providers directly and apply for CCW through COMPASS, the state's online benefits portal, to determine your eligibility.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare center or family childcare home in Elkins Park?
All childcare providers in Elkins Park must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their most recent inspection reports, including any compliance history or violations, through the DHS's publicly accessible **Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name, address, or zip code (19027 for Elkins Park). This tool is crucial for parents to ensure a facility meets state health, safety, and staff qualification standards. You can also contact the Southeast Regional Office of Child Development and Early Learning for further assistance. Always ask a provider for their license number and cross-reference it online before enrolling your child.
Are there many daycare centers in Elkins Park with extended hours or weekend care to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended hours (e.g., before 7:00 AM or after 6:00 PM) or weekend care in Elkins Park can be challenging, as most traditional centers operate on a standard 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday schedule. However, some options exist. Certain in-home family childcare providers may offer more flexible hours. Additionally, centers located near major employers or hospitals in adjacent areas like Abington or Jenkintown might have extended care programs. Your best strategy is to explicitly ask about hours during your initial inquiries and start your search early. For reliable weekend care, you may need to explore networks of licensed babysitters or nanny shares within the local community.
What is the current waitlist situation for infant daycare spots in Elkins Park, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for infant daycare spots in Elkins Park are common and can be lengthy, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for highly regarded centers. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, if not earlier. Many facilities have a "rolling" enrollment based on anticipated openings. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family daycare homes can increase your chances of securing a spot when needed.
What are some of the enrichment or educational philosophies commonly offered by preschools and daycares in the Elkins Park area?
Elkins Park offers a diverse range of early childhood educational approaches. You will find programs following play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and faith-based (Jewish and Christian) curricula. Many centers also incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities and language exposure. Given the community's demographics, several Jewish preschools offer Hebrew language and cultural education. The local Abington School District's pre-kindergarten program also influences expectations, so many centers focus on kindergarten readiness skills. When touring, ask about the daily schedule, teacher-led vs. child-led activities, and how they assess developmental progress to find a philosophy that aligns with your family's values.