The Best Daycare Centers in Etters, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Etters. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Etters
The Learning Experience - Etters
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Etters offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs including L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and philanthropy curriculum. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, security cameras, and strict pickup protocols. Certified teachers provide age-appropriate learning through play-based activities, with specialized programs for infants through school-age children. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gym, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parent communication is maintained through regular updates and a dedicated app.
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The Goddard School of Etters
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Etters provides a play-based learning approach through the F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program. The center employs degreed teachers who create individualized learning plans for each child. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features age-specific playgrounds, art studio, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular conferences and classroom observations.
Daycare Services:
New Story Academy
New Story Schools
New Story Academy serves the Etters area with specialized educational programs for children with autism and emotional support needs. The center employs Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), special education teachers, and therapeutic staff who provide individualized education plans. The facility features sensory rooms, structured learning environments, and behavior-analytic approach to learning. Safety is prioritized through trained staff in crisis prevention and individualized safety plans. The program focuses on academic achievement, social skills development, and functional life skills. Transportation services are available for Etters residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Etters, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Etters, PA?
In Etters and the surrounding York County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents 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 Etters 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's Child Care Works subsidy program may be available to eligible families in Etters to help offset these expenses.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Etters?
All childcare providers in Etters must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the state's online **COMPASS Child Care Provider Search** tool. You can search by provider name, location (Etters, PA 17319), or type. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any recent compliance inspection reports, including non-compliance citations. You can also contact the DHS's regional office serving York County for additional information or to request records.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Etters, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at many highly-regarded daycare centers in the Etters area, especially for centers associated with larger employers or specific school districts. Wait times can range from 3 to 9 months. The best strategy is to begin your search and make inquiries during your second trimester if expecting. Contact multiple providers—including centers, family homes, and church-affiliated programs—to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100). Follow up politely every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Lewisberry, New Cumberland, or Mechanicsburg for more options.
What are the key differences between daycare centers and registered family home providers in Etters?
In Etters, parents typically choose between two main licensed options. **Daycare Centers** are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured educational curricula (like Creative Curriculum or HighScope), and multiple staff members. They usually have stricter hours (e.g., 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM) but offer more peer interaction. **Registered Family Child Care Homes** are operated in a provider's residence and can care for up to 6 children (with no more than 3 infants). They often offer more flexible hours, a mixed-age group setting resembling a family, and potentially lower costs. Both are regulated by PA DHS, but centers undergo more frequent unannounced inspections. The choice often depends on your child's need for structure versus a home-like environment.
What local resources or referral services are available in York County to help parents in Etters find childcare?
The primary local resource is the **York County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 8**. Funded by Pennsylvania, this agency provides free, personalized childcare referrals for parents in Etters. Their specialists can match your needs (location, hours, budget, child's age) with licensed providers in your area. They also manage the Child Care Works subsidy application process. You can contact them via their website or by phone. Additionally, local pediatricians' offices, the West Shore School District administrative office, and community hubs like the Etters Fire Company bulletin board can be good sources of information on local home-based providers and new center openings.
Childcare Insights for Etters
Finding quality childcare with an immediate opening can feel like searching for a rare treasure, especially when you need it most. For parents in Etters, Pennsylvania, navigating this search requires a blend of local knowledge and proactive strategy. The good news is that with a focused approach, you can uncover excellent daycare options right in our community that are ready to welcome your child.
Your first and most valuable step is to tap into the local networks that define Etters. Personal recommendations from neighbors, coworkers at the Capital City Mall or nearby offices, and friends at local parks like the ones in Lewisberry can lead you to the most trusted providers. Often, the best-kept secrets in childcare are shared through these word-of-mouth connections. Simultaneously, make it a daily habit to check the online profiles and Facebook pages of daycares and in-home providers in the 17319 area. Many smaller centers and licensed family homes in our area update their availability on social media or their websites before it appears on larger state databases, giving you a crucial head start.
While searching for "daycares near me with openings," remember that Pennsylvania offers a robust public resource to aid your search: the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) website. Their childcare search tool allows you to filter for licensed providers in Etters and view their latest inspection reports. This is essential for verifying the health, safety, and compliance standards of any center you consider. When you contact a provider, whether it's a larger center near the Route 74 corridor or a home-based program in a quieter neighborhood, be prepared with specific questions. Ask not just about the opening, but about their daily routine, caregiver-to-child ratios, their philosophy on learning and play, and their policies on communication. For families in Etters, practical considerations like their proximity to major routes—741 or 194—for your commute, or their protocol for delayed pickups during seasonal traffic, are important local factors.
Flexibility can be your greatest ally. If your ideal center has a waiting list, inquire about part-time options or alternative start dates that might be available sooner. Sometimes, an opening for a Tuesday-Thursday schedule exists even when a full-time spot is filled. Also, consider expanding your search slightly to the surrounding communities of Lewisberry, New Cumberland, or Goldsboro, as a short drive might reveal the perfect fit with immediate availability. Ultimately, finding the right daycare in Etters is about pairing diligent research with trust in your instincts. Visit the locations, observe how the staff interacts with the children, and see if the environment feels warm and engaging. Your peace of mind comes from knowing your child is in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating place close to home, allowing them to learn and grow while you work. With persistence and these local insights, you will find a wonderful childcare solution that meets your family's needs.