The Best Daycare Centers in Girard, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Girard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Girard
Kidzburgh Early Learning Center
Independent
Kidzburgh Early Learning Center is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning through hands-on experiences. The facility includes secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Parents praise the center's strong communication, nutritious meal programs, and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just 15 minutes from Girard, The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. The school employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintains enhanced safety protocols including secure building access and comprehensive background checks. Features include STEAM learning labs, outdoor playgrounds, and age-specific classrooms designed to foster independence and creativity. The center is recognized for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and comprehensive developmental assessments.
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Primrose School of Erie
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Erie provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Located approximately 15 minutes from Girard, this nationally accredited facility offers a research-based curriculum focusing on character development, literacy, and problem-solving skills. The school features secure entry systems, health and safety protocols, and modern facilities with dedicated learning centers for art, music, and technology. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its structured yet engaging environment, qualified staff with early childhood certifications, and comprehensive communication about child progress and daily activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Girard, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Girard, PA?
In Girard and the surrounding Erie County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $220 and $320 per week for infant care. For a family/home-based daycare, rates are often slightly lower, typically ranging from $180 to $260 per week. These costs are generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania cities but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, formula, wipes). Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for income-eligible families in Girard to help offset these costs, and some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Girard is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Girard, must be licensed 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 online through the **Pennsylvania DHS Child Care Finder** website. This public tool allows you to search by provider name or zip code (16417) and view their license status, any recent inspection reports, and compliance notes. You can also contact the **Erie County Regional Office of OCDEL** directly for additional information. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted visibly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend availability for shift workers in Girard?
Finding daycare with non-traditional hours in a smaller community like Girard can be challenging but not impossible. Most standard daycare centers operate from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For shift workers, your best options are likely to be: 1. **Family/Home-Based Daycares:** Some in-home providers offer more flexible hours to accommodate parents' schedules. 2. **Larger Centers in Erie:** You may need to look at centers in nearby Erie (a 15-20 minute drive), which have a higher concentration of providers, some of which offer extended hours. 3. **Nanny Shares or In-Home Care:** Arranging a nanny share with another local family or hiring a private in-home caregiver often provides the most schedule flexibility. It's crucial to discuss your specific shift schedule during your initial inquiries, as availability is limited.
What resources are available in Girard to help me find and compare local daycare openings and waitlist status?
The primary resource is the free referral service provided by **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 1**, which serves Erie County including Girard. You can call them or use their online search tool to get a customized list of licensed providers, their current openings, and often their waitlist status. Additionally, local community hubs are valuable: - **Girard Free Library:** Staff may have information on local providers. - **Online Community Groups:** Facebook groups like "Girard, PA Community Board" or "Erie County Moms" are often used by parents to share recommendations and hear about openings. - **Local School Districts:** The Girard School District may have lists of preschools and daycares that feed into their programs. Always contact providers directly, as openings change rapidly.
Do any daycares or preschools in Girard offer specialized programs, like PA Pre-K Counts or early intervention support?
Yes, several providers in the area participate in state-funded early education programs. **PA Pre-K Counts**, which offers free, high-quality pre-K to eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, is available through certain licensed providers and Head Start programs in Erie County. While there may not be a Pre-K Counts classroom directly within Girard's borders, eligible families can access programs in nearby Erie or at participating centers that may provide transportation. For early intervention support, any licensed daycare in Pennsylvania is required to accommodate children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and work with the **Erie County Early Intervention** system. It's important to discuss your child's specific needs upfront with the director to ensure they have the appropriate resources and trained staff.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Girard: