The Best Daycare Centers in Farmington, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Farmington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Farmington
The Children's Schoolhouse
Independent
The Children's Schoolhouse is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Farmington region with a comprehensive developmental curriculum. They employ Pennsylvania-certified teachers and maintain low student-teacher ratios. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth through structured play and age-appropriate academic activities. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They offer nutritious meal programs and maintain excellent safety records with regular state inspections. Parents consistently praise their communication, experienced staff, and the smooth transition children make to kindergarten.
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ABC Kids Kampus
Independent
ABC Kids Kampus provides quality childcare with a strong educational foundation serving the Farmington area. Their curriculum blends structured learning with creative exploration, focusing on early literacy, mathematics readiness, and social skills development. The center employs qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, indoor gross motor areas, and outdoor playgrounds. Parents appreciate the warm, nurturing environment and the center's commitment to individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Uniontown
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Uniontown location serves the Farmington community with a nationally-recognized early childhood education program. Their research-based curriculum focuses on whole-child development across cognitive, emotional, and physical domains. The center features dedicated learning studios for each age group, secure keypad entry, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Teachers receive ongoing training in early childhood development and maintain required Pennsylvania certifications. The program includes phonics-based reading readiness, STEM exploration, and character development. Parents value the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's structured approach to preparing children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Farmington, PA
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Farmington, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Farmington and all of Pennsylvania, childcare centers, group homes, and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. This is a critical first step for any parent in the Farmington area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state regulations.
Given Farmington's rural location in Fayette County, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
Farmington's childcare landscape reflects its rural setting. Options typically include licensed **family childcare homes** (smaller, home-based settings) and a limited number of **childcare centers**, which may be associated with local churches, community organizations, or private operators. Due to the smaller number of facilities compared to urban areas, **waitlists are very common**, especially for infant and toddler care. It's highly recommended for parents to begin their search and make inquiries at least 6-12 months before they need care. Exploring options in nearby towns like Uniontown may be necessary, but be prepared for potential commute considerations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Farmington, PA area?
Costs in Farmington and surrounding Fayette County are generally lower than the state average but can vary significantly by provider type. For a full-time infant, you can expect to pay approximately **$175 - $250 per week** at a center and **$125 - $200 per week** at a licensed family home. Toddler care is slightly less. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, supplies). Pennsylvania offers financial assistance through the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program** for eligible families. You can apply through the Fayette County Assistance Office to see if you qualify for help with these costs.
Are there any state-funded or subsidized early learning programs like Pre-K Counts or Head Start available for preschoolers in Farmington?
Yes, there are important early learning opportunities for 3- and 4-year-olds. **Pre-K Counts** and **Head Start** are free, high-quality programs for income-eligible families. In Farmington and Fayette County, these programs are often administered by local agencies like the **Fayette County Community Action Agency (FCCAA)** or through the school district. These programs focus on school readiness and may offer comprehensive services. Availability is limited and based on eligibility, so parents should contact the **FCCAA Head Start/Early Head Start program** or the **Connellsville Area School District** (which serves the Farmington area) directly for application information and locations.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a daycare in Farmington, and are there local resources to help me compare options?
During a visit, observe: cleanliness and safety (secured exits, covered outlets, safe toys), child-to-staff interactions (are they engaged and nurturing?), the overall mood of the children, and ask about daily schedules, discipline policies, and staff qualifications. Inquire about their plan for outdoor play, given Farmington's access to natural areas. For local comparison, start with the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** and contact the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 12**, which serves Fayette County. The ELRC can provide personalized referrals, explain financial assistance, and offer guidance on quality indicators specific to providers in our region.