The Best Daycare Centers in Glen Mills, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glen Mills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glen Mills
The Malvern School of Glen Mills
The Malvern School
The Malvern School of Glen Mills offers a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on early childhood development through play-based learning and structured academic preparation. Their proprietary curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while incorporating Spanish language exposure and character development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, nurturing environment, and the visible developmental progress children make. The facility includes specialized learning centers, technology integration, and enrichment programs in music and physical education.
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The Goddard School of Glen Mills
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Glen Mills provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The curriculum includes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities, language arts, and character development. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials, and the school maintains state-mandated ratios with additional support staff. The program includes daily updates through their proprietary communication app, nutritious meal options, and enrichment activities like yoga and music. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and the school's ability to prepare children academically while fostering social skills.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Westtown
KinderCare Education
Located just minutes from Glen Mills in West Chester, this KinderCare center serves families throughout the Glen Mills area with a comprehensive early childhood education program. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-segregated playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The program includes phonics-based reading preparation, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning components. Parents consistently praise the center's structured approach to learning, excellent communication, and the visible academic progress children demonstrate. Additional amenities include healthy meal programs and transportation services for school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glen Mills, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Glen Mills, PA?
In Glen Mills, PA, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of center, its amenities, and the age of your child. For infants (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. These rates are generally higher than the Pennsylvania state average, reflecting the higher cost of living in the Delaware County area. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often a more affordable option, typically ranging from $900 to $1,300 per month for full-time care. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and enrichment programs.
How long are daycare waitlists in Glen Mills, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Glen Mills can be quite long, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Apply to multiple centers and consider a mix of corporate centers, church-affiliated programs, and licensed home daycares to broaden your options. Maintain regular contact (e.g., a polite email every 2-3 months) with the centers to show continued interest. Also, be flexible with your desired start date if possible, as spots sometimes open up unexpectedly.
What are the key Pennsylvania state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Glen Mills?
All childcare providers in Glen Mills must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Key requirements you should verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for young toddlers), **Maximum Group Sizes**, and **Staff Qualifications** (including background checks, child abuse clearances, and mandated reporter training). Licensed facilities must also have current health and fire safety inspections on file. You can and should ask to see their certificate of compliance. Additionally, you can look up a provider's licensing history, including any violations, on the Pennsylvania DHS website to ensure they are in good standing.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Glen Mills to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, parents in Glen Mills and Delaware County can utilize the free referral and support services of **Child Care Information Services of Delaware County (CCIS)**. This agency, funded by the state, maintains a database of licensed providers and can help match your family's needs with local options. They also administer subsidy programs for income-eligible families. Furthermore, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Glen Mills, PA Moms") are invaluable for getting firsthand recommendations and reviews from other parents in the community. The Garnet Valley School District community pages can also be a resource for finding established, reputable providers.
What should I know about the transition from preschool to kindergarten within Glen Mills and the surrounding Garnet Valley School District?
Many daycare centers and preschools in Glen Mills specifically prepare children for entry into the highly-regarded **Garnet Valley School District**. When evaluating programs, ask about their kindergarten readiness curriculum and if it aligns with district expectations. Look for programs that focus on social-emotional skills, basic literacy and math concepts, and independence. Some centers may even have established relationships with the elementary schools. It's also wise to be aware of the district's kindergarten cutoff date (children must be 5 years old by August 31st) and registration timelines, which often begin in the winter for the following fall. Choosing a local preschool can ease this important transition.
Nearby Cities
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