The Best Daycare Centers in Fawn Grove, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fawn Grove. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fawn Grove
The Goddard School of Stewartstown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Stewartstown offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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Kiddie Academy of Shrewsbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Shrewsbury implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic learning with character development and social skills. Their program includes hands-on learning activities, technology integration, and community awareness projects. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The academy offers nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program and maintains open communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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The Learning Experience - Red Lion
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Red Lion features their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. Their program includes specialized enrichment programs in phonics, manners, and foreign language exposure. The center offers state-of-the-art security systems including secured entry and surveillance monitoring. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration and independent learning. Teachers receive comprehensive training in child development and emergency preparedness. The facility includes indoor and outdoor play spaces, and parents receive regular updates through their mobile app with photos and activity reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fawn Grove, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available to families in Fawn Grove, PA?
In Fawn Grove and the surrounding southern York County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, there are family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often offering a more intimate environment; these are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) for up to six children. Second, there are childcare centers, which are larger facilities. Due to Fawn Grove's rural nature, the nearest centers are often in nearby towns like Stewartstown or Red Lion. Third, there are group childcare homes, which are larger home-based settings licensed for 7-12 children. Many local providers also participate in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating program, which can help you identify programs committed to higher standards of care and learning.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Fawn Grove?
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a free, public online tool called "Child Care Finder" (www.findchildcare.pa.gov). You can search for providers by zip code (e.g., 17321 for Fawn Grove) or by name. This tool shows a provider's current license status, their Keystone STARS rating (if any), and their capacity. Most importantly, you can view the provider's full inspection history, including dates, types of inspections (annual, complaint-based), and any cited violations with the corrective actions taken. It's highly recommended to review this history thoroughly and even contact the DHS regional office for the South Central region if you have specific questions about a provider's compliance record.
What is the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in the Fawn Grove area, and are there financial assistance programs?
Costs in rural York County like Fawn Grove can vary but are generally moderate compared to urban areas. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $180-$250 per week for an infant or toddler in a family childcare home. Center-based care in neighboring towns may range from $220-$320 per week. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program administered by the York County Assistance Office. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reasons for care (work, training, etc.). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's advisable to contact the York County Child Care Information Services (CCIS) for the most current eligibility guidelines and application process.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Fawn Grove, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots, due to limited provider capacity in this rural community. For in-home family daycare in Fawn Grove itself, there may only be one or two providers, making spots highly sought after. For centers in nearby communities, waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants are not unusual. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search and make inquiries during the second trimester of pregnancy, if not earlier. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any fees to be placed on the list, and how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
What local resources or organizations in York County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Fawn Grove?
Your primary local resource is the York County Child Care Information Services (CCIS), which is part of the statewide network. CCIS provides free referrals to licensed and certified providers, information on the Keystone STARS program, and guidance on applying for the Child Care Works subsidy. You can reach them via the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 9 website or phone. Additionally, the Community Progress Council in York may offer support and resources. For informal recommendations, many Fawn Grove parents connect through local Facebook community groups, the Fawn Area Volunteer Fire Company community events, or the South Eastern School District's family engagement channels to get personal referrals and experiences with local providers.