The Best Daycare Centers in Flourtown, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Flourtown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Flourtown
The Goddard School of Flourtown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Flourtown offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive safety protocols. All lead teachers hold bachelor's or master's degrees in education or related fields, and the curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, individualized attention, and the warm, nurturing environment that promotes both academic and social growth.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive early education program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school features secure facilities with controlled access, CCTV monitoring, and rigorous health protocols. The academic approach includes hands-on learning experiences, technology integration, and character development programs. Teachers maintain Pennsylvania state certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The campus includes dedicated outdoor learning environments, smartboard technology in classrooms, and specialized learning centers for different developmental stages. Parents highlight the school's strong academic preparation, engaging extracurricular activities, and the caring, professional staff that fosters a love of learning.
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Children's Village at Flourtown
Children's Village
Children's Village at Flourtown (located in nearby Blue Bell but serving the Flourtown community) offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on the whole child. The center is NAEYC-accredited and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with degreed early childhood educators. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, creative expression, and cognitive development through hands-on experiences. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and emergency preparedness training. The facility features natural outdoor play spaces, age-appropriate learning materials, and family-style dining that promotes healthy eating habits. Parents consistently note the warm, family-like atmosphere, experienced teaching staff, and the center's commitment to inclusive, child-centered education that prepares children for future academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Flourtown, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Flourtown, PA?
In Flourtown and the surrounding Springfield Township area, full-time daycare costs are generally aligned with the higher-than-average rates for Montgomery County. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), monthly fees typically range from $1,200 to $1,600. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,300 monthly. These costs reflect the area's high quality of care, stringent Pennsylvania licensing standards, and operational expenses. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as meals, formula, diapers, and enrichment programs, as these can affect the overall value.
How do I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare in Flourtown?
All childcare providers in Flourtown must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their compliance history is to use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool (www.findchildcare.pa.gov). You can search by provider name, location, or zip code (19431 for Flourtown) to access their license status, capacity, and recent inspection reports, which detail any non-compliance citations. You can also call the Southeast Regional OCDEL office at (215) 560-2541 for assistance. Always visit a potential daycare and ask the director to see their current license and discuss any items on their most recent inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Flourtown, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers in Flourtown and nearby communities like Erdenheim and Wyndmoor maintain significant waitlists. For infant care (6 weeks to 12 months), it is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **during your second trimester of pregnancy**, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool openings, applying 3-6 months in advance is recommended. When touring facilities, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot and how often you should check in to maintain your position.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and licensed family/group home care in Flourtown?
In Flourtown, parents typically choose between larger daycare centers and smaller, home-based programs. **Centers** (like those on Bethlehem Pike or in the township complex) often have multiple classrooms, structured curricula, larger staff teams, and may offer extended hours. They are subject to rigorous PA DHS regulations. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** operate in a provider's residence, offering a mixed-age, home-like environment with smaller group sizes (up to 6 children). **Group Child Care Homes** can care for 7-12 children with assistants. Home-based care often provides more flexibility and can be more affordable, but may have fewer resources. Both types are licensed, but their environments, daily routines, and social dynamics differ significantly, so visiting both is key to finding the right fit.
What local resources or organizations in Flourtown can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A valuable local resource is the **Child Care Information Services of Montgomery County (CCIS)**, which serves Flourtown residents. They maintain referral lists of licensed providers and administer subsidy programs for eligible families. You can contact them at (866) 222-3217 or visit their website. Additionally, the **Springfield Township** community website and local parent groups on social media (like "Springfield, PA Moms" on Facebook) are excellent for gathering firsthand recommendations and experiences. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating program—a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a commitment to exceeding minimum licensing standards in areas like staff education and learning environment.