The Best Daycare Centers in Folcroft, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Folcroft. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Folcroft
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Glenolden offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their mobile app. The school is known for its comprehensive safety protocols and nutritious meal programs.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a well-rounded private school education starting from infancy through elementary grades. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and character development with dedicated learning centers in each classroom. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and certified teachers with advanced degrees. They offer enrichment programs including foreign language, music, and physical education. The academy maintains strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and detailed progress reports, with many families commuting from Folcroft for their exceptional educational standards and nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience Academies of Early Learning
The Learning Experience in Springfield offers a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. Their facility includes state-of-the-art security systems, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. The center is recognized for their unique philanthropy curriculum that teaches children the importance of giving back. They maintain certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development and provide real-time updates to parents through their mobile communication platform. The center serves many families from Folcroft with flexible scheduling options and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and dance.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Folcroft, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Folcroft, PA?
In Folcroft and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Folcroft often offer more affordable rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs through the Child Care Works program for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare in Folcroft is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a Folcroft provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the DHS Provider Search tool. This public database shows the license type, capacity, and any recent regulatory violations or inspections. We also recommend visiting the facility in person, asking for references from current parents, and checking with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit for any quality ratings (like Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania's quality rating system). A high STAR rating (3 or 4) indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Folcroft, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists are common at many reputable daycare centers in Folcroft and nearby communities like Sharon Hill and Glenolden. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tours at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and even earlier (12+ months) if you require an infant spot. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Folcroft area?
For families with children in the Southeast Delco School District (which includes Folcroft Elementary), several options exist. The district itself may offer a latchkey program; you should contact the Folcroft Elementary School office directly for information. Additionally, many local daycare centers in Folcroft and neighboring towns provide transportation to and from district schools for their before and after-school programs. Local organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chester or the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County (with branches in nearby Lansdowne) often provide school-age care with busing. Community centers and some licensed family homes also offer this service, so it's best to inquire about transportation logistics specifically.
What resources are available in Folcroft to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the Delaware County Child Care Information Services (CCIS), which is part of the state's system. They maintain a referral list of licensed providers in Folcroft and Delaware County. You can contact them online or by phone for a customized search. Another excellent tool is the "Find Child Care" feature on the Pennsylvania Keys to Quality website, which allows you to search by zip code (19032) and filter by program type, ages served, and Keystone STARS rating. For personal recommendations, consider joining local parent Facebook groups like "Folcroft, PA Community" or "Delaware County Moms," where parents often share firsthand experiences with area daycares.