The Best Daycare Centers in Ellsworth, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ellsworth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ellsworth
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Washington provides a comprehensive early childhood education program serving families in the Ellsworth area. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning experiences. All teachers meet state qualification requirements and receive ongoing professional development in child development best practices. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their strong emphasis on parent communication through daily updates and regular family engagement events, along with their nutritious meal program that follows USDA guidelines.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in McMurray offers a premier early childhood education program that serves Ellsworth families with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum emphasizes academic readiness, social skills, and creative expression through structured learning centers. Certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education implement individualized learning plans and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The state-of-the-art facility includes secured classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Distinguished by their focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness drills.
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Primrose School of South Strabane
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of South Strabane provides balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance from educated teachers. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities. All staff members hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The secure facility features age-specific learning environments, indoor gyms, and nature-inspired playgrounds. Notable for their partnership with parents through regular progress reports, family events, and their exclusive Primrose Promise® program that builds compassion and community awareness in young children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ellsworth, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ellsworth, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ellsworth and the surrounding Washington County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $150 to $225 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. Pennsylvania offers financial assistance through the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program, administered locally by the Southwest Corner Office of the Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, training, etc.). Parents in Ellsworth should contact the Southwest Corner Child Care Information Services (CCIS) to apply and get a list of approved providers in the area.
How can I verify that a daycare or preschool in Ellsworth is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Ellsworth, 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 and review their inspection history, including any violations or corrective actions, through the public-facing website **COMPASS**. Simply search by the provider's name or location. It's highly recommended to review these reports, as they detail health, safety, and program compliance from unannounced annual inspections. You can also contact the Southwest Regional Key for additional support in finding and vetting quality licensed providers in Washington County.
Are there many licensed home-based daycares (Family Child Care Homes) in Ellsworth, and what are their advantages for a small community?
Licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) are a popular and vital option in smaller communities like Ellsworth. They offer a home-like environment with smaller group sizes (up to 6 children, depending on the license), which can mean more personalized attention and a family-oriented setting. They often provide more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for parents with non-traditional work schedules common in the region. Finding them can require more direct networking—check local community boards, Facebook groups for Ellsworth/Washington County parents, and ask for referrals from neighbors. All licensed FCCHs undergo the same state health, safety, and training requirements as centers, so be sure to verify their license through COMPASS.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in and around Ellsworth, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand and limited provider capacity in smaller towns like Ellsworth, waitlists for infant and toddler care at established centers can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you are expecting or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), spots may be more readily available, but popular programs still have waitlists. Don't limit your search to Ellsworth alone; consider expanding to nearby towns like Canonsburg, McMurray, or Eighty Four, but be prepared for potential commute and possible longer waitlists at regional centers.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Ellsworth that are specific to our rural/suburban community?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally-relevant questions: 1) **Transportation & Field Trips:** Do you provide transportation to/from local Ellsworth-area schools (like Bentworth School District) for before/after-care? For field trips, how do you handle transportation on rural roads? 2) **Weather & Closures:** What is your policy for delayed openings or closures due to severe winter weather common in Western PA? 3) **Outdoor Play:** Describe your outdoor play space and routine. Given our setting, do children have access to nature-based play? 4) **Local Partnerships:** Are you connected with local resources like the Ellsworth Public Library for story times or other community events? 5) **Staffing Consistency:** What is your staff turnover rate? In smaller communities, consistent caregivers are crucial for building trust and community ties.