The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin
YMCA Child Development Center at Franklin
YMCA of Western Pennsylvania
The YMCA Child Development Center offers comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure access controls, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. Their curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and character education aligned with YMCA values.
Daycare Services:
Small World Learning Center
Independent
Small World Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a structured educational program that balances academic preparation and creative expression. Their curriculum incorporates the Creative Curriculum system with hands-on learning centers and individualized instruction. All lead teachers hold early childhood certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. They offer enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish language exposure, with detailed progress reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Center of Meadville
Independent
Located approximately 20 minutes from Franklin, The Children's Center of Meadville serves families throughout Venango and Crawford counties with a research-based early childhood program. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration through project-based learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and spacious classrooms designed for optimal learning. Staff maintain Pennsylvania Quality Assurance certifications and participate in continuous training. The program includes family engagement events, nutritional meal planning, and transportation services for school-age children, making it accessible to Franklin-area families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin, PA?
In Franklin and the surrounding Venango County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $120 to $180 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Pennsylvania. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
How can I verify if a daycare or preschool in Franklin is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Franklin, must be licensed or certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection history, including any violations or complaints, through the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name, city (Franklin), or zip code. This tool provides crucial information on licensing status, capacity, and the results of regular health and safety inspections. You can also contact the Northwest Regional Key, which serves Venango County, for additional guidance and referrals.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Franklin, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to a limited number of facilities, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed daycare centers in Franklin are common and can be several months long. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search **6 to 12 months in advance**. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), availability is often better, but starting your search at least 3-4 months ahead is still advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update their list. Exploring in-home family childcare options can also provide more immediate availability.
What are some of the key local resources or programs for finding and evaluating childcare in Franklin?
Franklin parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Northwest Regional Key**, which is the state-designated Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 6, covering Venango County. They offer free referrals, help with subsidy applications, and information on quality childcare. You can reach them at 1-800-222-2117. Additionally, the **Venango County Partnership for Young Children** is a local collaborative that promotes early childhood education and may have information on quality programs. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule tours, ask for references from current parents, and use the state's inspection reports as mentioned in FAQ 2.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Franklin, PA?
Parents in Franklin will typically find three main types of licensed childcare settings. First, **Group Child Care Centers** are facilities like the YMCA or church-affiliated centers that care for larger groups of children. Second, **Family Child Care Homes** are smaller, home-based operations caring for a mixed-age group of up to 6 children, offering a more intimate setting. Third, **Preschools** often operate on a part-day schedule focused on education for children ages 3-5. Given Franklin's smaller city size, family childcare homes and smaller centers are prevalent. There are fewer large corporate chain centers compared to bigger metropolitan areas, so exploring all local options is key.