The Best Daycare Centers in Essington, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Essington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Essington
The Malvern School of Glen Mills
The Malvern School
The Malvern School offers a comprehensive educational curriculum focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) from infancy through kindergarten. Their proprietary Links to Learning curriculum emphasizes age-appropriate developmental milestones with certified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. Facilities feature secure access systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and extensive outdoor play areas. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides regular parent communication through digital portfolios and progress reports. Their approach combines structured learning with play-based activities to foster social, emotional, and academic development.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Chesterbrook Academy
Chesterbrook Academy provides a nationally-recognized, research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Their programs include specialized instruction in literacy, mathematics, and character development, with additional enrichment in Spanish, music, and physical education. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. The academy emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and digital communication platforms. Their safety protocols include comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training.
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Tinicum Township Early Childhood Center
Tinicum Township
As the primary local childcare provider serving Essington directly, Tinicum Township Early Childhood Center offers a community-focused approach to early education. Their play-based curriculum aligns with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and emphasizes social-emotional development through structured activities and free play. The center features certified early childhood educators, secure facilities with monitored access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Programs include hands-on learning centers, outdoor recreation, and family engagement events. The center maintains small class sizes and focuses on building foundational skills through creative expression, literacy development, and cooperative play experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Essington, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Essington, PA?
In Essington and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Essington often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs through CCIS (Child Care Information Services) of Delaware County for eligible families to help offset these expenses.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Essington?
All childcare providers in Essington 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 compliance history online through the DHS Provider Search tool. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (19029 for Essington). This report will show their license status, capacity, and any regulatory violations from recent inspections. For a more detailed look, you can also contact the Southeast Regional Office of OCDEL. Additionally, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit provides local resources and can help parents understand inspection reports.
Are there any daycare centers in Essington that offer extended hours for parents working non-traditional shifts?
Finding extended-hour care in Essington can be challenging, as most traditional centers operate from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. However, some home-based family childcare providers in the area may offer more flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care to accommodate shift workers at nearby locations like the Philadelphia International Airport or the industrial facilities along the Delaware River. Your best strategy is to use the search filters on the DHS provider website to look for "Shift Care" or "Non-Traditional Hours" options. You may also need to expand your search to neighboring towns like Tinicum, Lester, or Prospect Park, where a few centers might offer extended schedules.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in Essington, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited center-based options specifically in Essington, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and tour facilities during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search 6-9 months in advance is advisable. Some popular centers in the area have waitlists that are 12-18 months long for infants. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group? Exploring registered family childcare homes can often provide a shorter waitlist alternative.
What local resources or referral services are available to help me find and choose childcare in Essington?
The primary local resource for childcare referrals is **Child Care Information Services (CCIS) of Delaware County**. They maintain a comprehensive database of all licensed providers and offer free, personalized referrals based on your location, schedule, and child's age. You can contact them at (610) 891-5225. Another excellent resource is **Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 19**, which serves Delaware County. They provide counseling on choosing quality care, explain subsidy programs, and host parenting workshops. For on-the-ground insights, consider joining local parent groups on social media, such as "Essington Community" or "Delaware County Moms," where parents often share firsthand experiences and recommendations.
Childcare Insights for Essington
Finding quality care for your newborn is one of the most significant and emotional decisions you'll make as a new parent. If you're searching for "newborn daycare near me" in Essington, Pennsylvania, you're likely balancing the need to return to work with the desire for a safe, nurturing, and professional environment for your littlest one. The good news is that the Essington area, with its close-knit community feel and proximity to larger hubs like Philadelphia, offers several pathways to finding excellent infant care, though it requires some local insight and early planning.
First, it's important to understand that in Pennsylvania, "newborn" or infant care typically refers to programs that accept babies as young as six weeks old. Given the delicate nature of this care, state regulations are stringent, requiring a very low staff-to-child ratio. This means spots in licensed infant rooms are incredibly limited and often fill up months in advance. If you're expecting or have a young baby, starting your search now is the most crucial piece of advice. Many families in Essington begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the second trimester. Don't be discouraged if your first choice has a waitlist; get on it, as situations can change quickly.
When exploring options in and around Essington, consider the full range available. You will find dedicated childcare centers, some of which may be part of larger chains with structured curricula, as well as family childcare homes operated in a provider's residence. Family homes can offer a smaller, more intimate setting, which some parents prefer for infants. A key advantage of our location is the accessibility to options in neighboring communities such as Tinicum, Lester, and even the South Philadelphia area, just a short commute away. Be sure to visit any potential place in person. Look for cleanliness, observe how caregivers interact with the babies—are they engaged and responsive?—and ask about their policies on feeding, sleeping, and how they communicate with parents throughout the day.
Specifically for Essington parents, think about your daily route. Is the facility convenient to I-95 or the airport area, given the many employment opportunities there? Ask about security protocols, especially in centers that may have multiple access points. Inquire about their sick policy and how they handle common infant illnesses, a practical concern for every new parent. Finally, trust your instincts. You know your baby best. The right place will not only meet all safety standards but will also give you a sense of peace and partnership. Finding newborn daycare is a journey, but by starting early and asking the right questions, you can secure a spot where your baby will be cherished and cared for, allowing you to focus on your day with greater confidence.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Essington: