The Best Daycare Centers in Fairless Hills, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fairless Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fairless Hills
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Fairless Hills offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education. The facility features secure keypad entry, age-appropriate classrooms with observation windows, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app that provides real-time updates and photos throughout the day.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Falls Township
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Falls Township provides a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that focuses on emergent learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The center features dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, toddler classrooms with learning centers, and preschool rooms with interactive technology. Their emergent curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness through literacy, math, and science activities. The center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including comprehensive security systems, regular sanitization, and staff trained in pediatric first aid/CPR. Bright Horizons employs degreed early childhood educators and offers enrichment programs including music, movement, and Spanish exposure.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Levittown
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Fairless Hills in Levittown, The Learning Experience offers their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with social skills development. The center features a colorful, modern facility with secure access, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor play areas. Their programs include early literacy, mathematics, and their philanthropy-focused curriculum that teaches children the importance of giving back. The center offers enrichment programs including soccer, yoga, and dance. Staff members receive ongoing professional development and the center maintains excellent teacher retention rates. Parent communication includes regular progress reports and the proprietary L.E.A.D.® (Learning Experience Academic Database) portal for tracking developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fairless Hills, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fairless Hills, PA?
In Fairless Hills and the surrounding Lower Bucks County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For center-based care, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for an infant. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family daycare is often more affordable, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and whether meals are provided. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare in Fairless Hills is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a facility's license status and review its compliance history through the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. This public tool allows you to search for providers in Fairless Hills (19030) and view their license type, capacity, and any reported violations or inspections. For a more detailed report, you can also contact the **Bucks County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC Region 18)**. We recommend visiting any potential daycare in person, asking about staff background checks (mandatory in PA), emergency procedures, and safety protocols specific to their facility.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Fairless Hills, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Fairless Hills, particularly for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search **during your pregnancy or at least 6-12 months** before your desired start date. For a September start in a preschool program, inquiries should begin the prior winter. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy. Some popular local centers near the Fairless Hills mall or in nearby Levittown may have waitlists exceeding a year for infants. Exploring registered family childcare homes can sometimes offer more immediate availability.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Pennsbury School District?
For families in Fairless Hills within the Pennsbury School District, there are several options. The district itself often partners with organizations like the **Pennsbury Extended School Care (PESC)** program, which operates on-site at many elementary schools. Additionally, local daycare centers (like those on Trenton Road or in the Fairless Hills Plaza) often provide transportation to and from specific Pennsbury schools for their school-age programs. The **Bucks County YMCA** also offers before and after-school care with bus transportation from district schools. It's crucial to confirm transportation logistics, space availability, and how the program handles school holidays and snow days.
What local resources in Bucks County can help me find and choose quality childcare in Fairless Hills?
Your primary local resource is the **Bucks County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC Region 18)**. Funded by the state, this free service helps parents find licensed childcare, understand quality indicators (like Keystone STARS ratings), and apply for financial assistance. You can contact them via phone or their website for personalized referrals. Additionally, the **Penn State Extension of Bucks County** offers parenting workshops and resources on child development. For community insights, local Facebook groups such as "Fairless Hills, PA Community" or "Bucks County Moms" can be valuable for personal recommendations and experiences with specific providers in our area.
Childcare Insights for Fairless Hills
Finding quality and affordable childcare is one of the most significant decisions for any family, and if you're searching for "daycare cost near me" in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, you're likely navigating a mix of practical budgeting and the deep desire to find a nurturing place for your child. Understanding the local landscape here in Bucks County is key to making an informed choice that brings peace of mind. While costs can vary widely based on a center's offerings, the age of your child, and the schedule you need, having a clear picture of what to expect in our community is a great first step.
In Fairless Hills and the surrounding Lower Bucks County area, you'll find a range of childcare options, from larger daycare centers to smaller, licensed home-based providers. For an infant, which is typically the most expensive age group due to required staff-to-child ratios, you can expect average weekly costs to generally range from approximately $300 to $400. For toddlers and preschoolers, those rates often decrease slightly, potentially falling between $250 and $350 per week. These figures are estimates, and it's crucial to contact providers directly for their most current pricing and to understand exactly what is included. Many centers in our area, such as those you might find along Business Route 1 or in nearby Levittown, include meals, snacks, and curriculum materials in their tuition, while others may have additional fees for registration, supplies, or early drop-off and late pick-up services.
When evaluating costs, consider the value beyond the price tag. A visit to any potential daycare in Fairless Hills will tell you so much more than a brochure can. Look for engaged and happy children, clean and safe facilities, and ask about the credentials and longevity of the staff. Pennsylvania has strong licensing standards, and you can verify a provider's compliance online, which is a reassuring step for any parent. Don't hesitate to ask detailed questions about their daily schedule, their philosophy on learning and play, and how they handle communication with parents. Sometimes, a slightly higher weekly rate may be justified by exceptional staff-to-child ratios, an enriched educational program, or extraordinary flexibility that makes your family's daily life much smoother.
Finally, be sure to explore all avenues for financial assistance. Pennsylvania offers programs like Child Care Works (CCW) subsidies for eligible families, which can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Some local daycare centers may also offer sibling discounts or have partnerships with employers in the area. Your search in Fairless Hills is about balancing your budget with the profound need for a safe, stimulating, and caring environment. By taking the time to research, visit, and ask the right questions, you can find a childcare solution in our community that supports your child's growth and fits your family's needs, turning a source of stress into one of confidence and comfort.