The Best Daycare Centers in Falls, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Falls
Bright Horizons at Morrisville
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Morrisville is a highly-regarded childcare center located just minutes from Falls, serving the broader Bucks County area. The center follows the Bright Horizons World-Class Curriculum, which emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. Their educated teaching staff includes early childhood professionals with degrees in early childhood education, and they maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure access systems, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, developmental tracking, and the caring, professional staff who create a nurturing educational environment.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Yardley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Yardley provides premium early childhood education to families in Falls and surrounding communities. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic preparation with play-based learning, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The secure facility includes interactive whiteboards, age-specific playgrounds, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents highlight the school's exceptional communication through daily reports, the comprehensive safety protocols, and the strong sense of community among families.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in nearby Newtown serves Falls families with its comprehensive early childhood programs. The academy implements a research-based curriculum that combines structured academic learning with hands-on exploration, preparing children for elementary school success. Their qualified teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with learning centers, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and a focus on STEM education. The center is noted for its strong parent partnership approach, regular progress updates, and commitment to developing well-rounded children through arts, physical education, and character development programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Falls, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Falls, PA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Falls, Pennsylvania, 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 and safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the DHS Northeast Regional Office. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Falls, PA?
The cost of daycare in Falls, PA, varies by the child's age and the type of facility. For a full-time infant (under 1 year), parents can expect to pay an average of **$1,000 to $1,400 per month** at a licensed center. Toddler care (ages 1-3) typically ranges from **$900 to $1,200 per month**. Family daycare homes may be slightly less expensive. These costs are influenced by factors like program amenities, staff credentials, and included meals. Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families to help offset these expenses.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Falls, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, many quality daycare centers in and around Falls, PA, maintain waitlists. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date**, particularly for infant care. Some highly sought-after centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and policy. Consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Morrisville or Yardley for more options, but be prepared for similar waitlist challenges.
What resources are available in Falls, PA, to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary resource is the state-run **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website, which allows you to search by zip code (e.g., 19015 for Falls) and filter by type, hours, and accepted subsidies. For personalized assistance, you can contact the **Bucks County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC Region 18)**. They offer free referrals, help understanding financial assistance programs, and guidance on quality indicators. Additionally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook can provide valuable firsthand recommendations and insights about providers in the Falls Township area.
What are some key quality indicators I should look for when touring a daycare in Falls?
Beyond state licensing, look for these quality indicators: **1. Keystone STARS Rating:** Pennsylvania's voluntary quality rating system; a 4-STAR facility meets the highest standards. **2. Staff Qualifications:** Ask about director and lead teacher education, ongoing training, and low staff turnover. **3. Environment:** Is it clean, safe, and engaging? Are there age-appropriate toys and outdoor play space? **4. Communication:** Look for clear policies on daily reports, parent-teacher conferences, and emergency procedures. **5. Curriculum:** Inquire about their educational philosophy and how they support early learning standards. Trust your instincts on the warmth of the caregivers and the happiness of the children present.
Childcare Insights for Falls
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families in Falls, Pennsylvania. If you're typing "low cost daycare near me" into your search bar, you're not alone. The good news is that Falls and the surrounding Wyoming Valley area offer several pathways to quality, budget-friendly care, though they often require a bit of research and planning. The key is knowing where to look and what resources are available specifically for our community.
A great starting point is to explore the state-subsidized childcare programs. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is designed to help eligible families with the cost of care. Your first call should be to the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 11, which serves Luzerne County, including Falls. They can guide you through the eligibility process based on income, family size, and need, such as employment or schooling. Once approved, you can use the subsidy at many licensed providers in our area, dramatically reducing your out-of-pocket expense. You can find a list of participating centers and family daycare homes right in Falls and nearby towns like Wyoming and Exeter through their online search tool.
Beyond state subsidies, consider looking into home-based daycare providers. Often, licensed family childcare homes in residential neighborhoods of Falls can be more affordable than larger centers while offering a cozy, family-like setting. These smaller providers sometimes have more flexible hours and lower rates. Checking local community boards at the Falls Active Adult Center, the Wyoming Free Library, or even trusted Facebook groups like "Falls, PA Community" can yield personal recommendations and leads on these home-based options. Always ensure any provider you consider is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which you can verify online for safety and compliance.
Don't overlook programs with a dual purpose. Some local churches and community organizations in the Wyoming Valley may host preschool or daycare programs that operate on a sliding scale fee based on income. Additionally, exploring options at Luzerne County Community College or nearby Wilkes University could be beneficial; some colleges offer lab preschools that are high-quality and lower-cost as they serve as training grounds for early education students. While not in Falls proper, the short commute to Kingston or Wilkes-Barre might be worth the potential savings.
Finally, be proactive and network with other parents. Conversations at the Falls Township playground or with neighbors can uncover hidden gems—a shared nanny arrangement or a trusted home provider with an upcoming opening. Affordable childcare in Falls, PA, often exists at the intersection of public resources and community knowledge. By tapping into both the formal support systems like the ELRC and the informal networks of our tight-knit area, you can find a safe, nurturing, and cost-effective solution for your child, providing you with invaluable peace of mind.