The Best Daycare Centers in Everett, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Everett. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Everett
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Everett and surrounding communities. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The center features qualified early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certifications, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and outdoor play in their safe, fenced playground. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, excellent communication, and the staff's dedication to each child's individual needs and development.
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Tiny Treasures Child Development Center
Independent
Located in nearby Bedford, Tiny Treasures serves families throughout Bedford County including Everett. This center is known for its strong academic foundation combined with Christian values. They employ state-certified teachers and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features modern security systems, nutritious meal programs, and comprehensive learning centers for different age groups. Their curriculum focuses on school readiness skills, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. The center has earned an excellent reputation for its safe environment, qualified staff, and strong parent partnerships that support children's developmental milestones.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center in Bedford serves the broader Bedford County area including Everett families. This established center offers a research-based curriculum that balances structured learning with creative exploration. They feature experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure facility access, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The program emphasizes literacy development, math readiness, social skills, and physical development through both indoor and outdoor activities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, cleanliness, and the personalized attention each child receives. Their summer camp program provides enrichment activities and field trips for school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Everett, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Everett, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Everett, PA, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family daycare homes (caring for 4-6 children) and group daycare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history by using the DHS "Child Care Finder" tool online or by contacting the OCDEL's regional office that serves Bedford County. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Everett, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Everett, waitlists for licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded family homes can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee in some cases. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Bedford or Breezewood, and be flexible with your start date. Following up politely every few months can also keep your family top of mind.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Everett, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Everett and the surrounding Bedford County area, costs vary by age and provider type. For a center-based program, you can expect to pay approximately $150-$225 per week for a preschooler, and $175-$275 per week for an infant or toddler. Family daycare homes may be slightly less. Financial assistance is available through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program, which helps eligible low- and moderate-income families. You apply through the Bedford County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees—always ask directly.
Are there any unique childcare options in Everett that cater to families with non-traditional work hours?
Finding childcare for evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts is a major challenge in Everett, as most licensed providers operate on standard weekday business hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best options are to seek out licensed family homes that may offer more flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis or explore informal care networks with trusted individuals. Some parents in the area create "nanny shares" with other shift-working families. It's also worth inquiring at larger employers in the region, as they may have resources or recommendations for employees with similar schedules.
What resources are available in Everett to help me evaluate and choose between different daycare options?
Beyond online state licensing checks, parents in Everett have several local resources. First, contact the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Bedford County. They offer free referrals, quality information, and guidance on choosing care. Second, utilize local parent networks on social media (like community Facebook groups) for firsthand recommendations and experiences. Third, schedule in-person tours and visits—this is crucial in a small town to get a feel for the environment and ask specific questions about daily routines, outdoor play areas (important in our rural setting), and how they handle things like school closures for Everett Area School District. Don't hesitate to ask for references from current families.
Childcare Insights for Everett
Finding quality, affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families in Everett, Pennsylvania. As a parent, you want a safe, nurturing environment for your child that also fits within your family's budget. The good news is that within our community and the broader Bedford County area, there are options that strive to balance excellent care with financial accessibility. Your search for "affordable daycares near me" in Everett is more than just a Google query; it's a journey toward finding a supportive partner in your child's early development.
A great first step is to look beyond the immediate town limits while keeping your commute manageable. Everett's location means you might consider reputable providers in neighboring towns like Bedford, Breezewood, or even smaller surrounding communities, which can sometimes offer different pricing structures or availability. Many local options include licensed home-based daycare providers, which are often a more affordable alternative to larger centers and can provide a cozy, family-like setting. These in-home providers are an integral part of the childcare ecosystem here in Everett, PA, and often have deep roots in the community, offering personalized care and flexibility that larger facilities sometimes cannot.
When evaluating affordability, it's crucial to understand what is included in the weekly or monthly rate. Ask providers if meals, snacks, educational materials, or even diapers and wipes are part of the tuition. A slightly higher rate that includes these essentials can sometimes be more cost-effective in the long run than a bare-bones rate where you supply everything. Furthermore, don't hesitate to inquire about potential financial assistance. Pennsylvania offers programs like Child Care Works (CCW) subsidies for eligible families, and some local daycare providers in the Everett area are approved to accept this assistance. It's always worth a conversation with a director about possible sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, as many small businesses in our area understand the financial pressures local families face.
Your local network is an invaluable resource. Talk to other parents at the Everett Area Elementary School playground, at community events, or through local Facebook groups specific to Bedford County parents. Personal recommendations can lead you to hidden gems—a wonderful provider who doesn't have a large online presence but is beloved by neighborhood families. Finally, always plan to visit any potential daycare. In Everett, where a strong sense of community matters, trust your instincts about the environment and the caregivers. Observe how the staff interacts with the children, check for safety and cleanliness, and see if the daily schedule includes both structured learning and free play. Finding affordable childcare in Everett, PA, requires some diligence, but by leveraging local knowledge and asking the right questions, you can find a place where your child will thrive without stretching your family's budget to its limit.