The Best Daycare Centers in Glenshaw, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glenshaw. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glenshaw
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Allison Park serves Glenshaw families with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Certified teachers lead small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. They emphasize communication through daily activity reports and parent portals, with enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. The center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with on-site security measures.
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Primrose School of North Pittsburgh
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of North Pittsburgh provides balanced learning approaches for Glenshaw area families through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum. The program combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed early childhood educators. Their proprietary curriculum includes literacy development, character development, and STEM activities. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, commercial-grade air purification systems, and monitored playgrounds. They offer hands-on learning experiences through gardening, cooking activities, and community service projects. Parent communication includes regular updates through the Primrose Schools app and developmental progress reports.
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Building Blocks Learning Center
Independent
Building Blocks Learning Center serves Glenshaw and northern Pittsburgh communities with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional learning and school readiness. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, fenced outdoor play areas, and age-specific learning environments. Their comprehensive program includes literacy development, mathematics exploration, and creative arts. They maintain small class sizes with low child-to-teacher ratios and provide nutritious meals and snacks. The center offers flexible scheduling and emphasizes strong parent-teacher partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glenshaw, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Glenshaw, PA?
In Glenshaw and the surrounding North Hills area of Allegheny County, 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. In-home family daycare providers often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $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's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families in Glenshaw to help offset these expenses.
How do I verify if a daycare provider in Glenshaw is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Glenshaw, 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 compliance history through the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This public database shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and any regulatory violations or non-compliance reports from the past three years. For a more local perspective, you can also contact the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Allegheny County, for additional guidance and to inquire about any known community feedback on local providers.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours for parents working non-traditional shifts in the Glenshaw area?
Finding daycare with extended hours (early mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 6 PM) can be challenging in Glenshaw, as most traditional centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are often licensed family home daycares, which may offer more flexible hours tailored to individual families. Some centers in nearby communities like Shaler Township or along the Route 8 corridor may offer extended care. We recommend contacting providers directly to discuss specific needs. Additionally, exploring nanny shares with other local families can be a viable solution for covering non-traditional shifts in this suburban area.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in Glenshaw, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited center-based slots, especially for infants, waitlists in Glenshaw and the North Hills are common and can be lengthy. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tour facilities **at least 6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. For infant care, contacting centers during pregnancy is not uncommon. Many popular centers maintain waitlists of 9-12 months. When inquiring, ask specific questions: the estimated wait time for your child's age group, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update you, and if they offer priority to siblings of current families.
What local resources or programs in Allegheny County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Glenshaw?
The primary local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Allegheny County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your location (like Glenshaw's 15116 zip code), schedule, and child's age. They can also guide you through applying for the Child Care Works subsidy. For evaluation, beyond the state's online compliance records, consider joining local parent groups on social media (e.g., "North Hills Moms" or "Shaler Area Moms") for firsthand recommendations and experiences. The **Trying Together** advocacy organization in Pittsburgh also provides resources and information on quality early childhood education for county residents.
Childcare Insights for Glenshaw
As the school year winds down, many parents in Glenshaw find themselves facing the annual question of summer childcare. The search for reliable, engaging, and local summer daycare is more than just a logistical task; it’s about finding a place where your child can thrive during these sunny months. If you’re typing “summer daycare near me” into your search bar, you’re likely looking for options that feel close to home, both in distance and in community spirit. Fortunately, the Glenshaw area offers several wonderful possibilities that cater to the unique rhythm of a Pittsburgh summer.
When considering summer daycare in Glenshaw, it’s beneficial to think beyond basic supervision. Look for programs that embrace the season. The best local options often incorporate the natural beauty of our area, with planned outdoor activities, water play days to beat the heat, and perhaps even local field trips to nearby spots like the Pittsburgh Zoo or one of our many community parks. Given our region’s occasional summer storms, a strong program will also have a roster of engaging indoor activities ready to go. It’s wise to ask about the daily structure—is there a balance of free play, organized games, creative arts, and quiet time? A good summer schedule prevents the “I’m bored” chorus and helps maintain a sense of routine.
Starting your search early is one of the most practical tips for Glenshaw parents. Popular local programs, especially those run through community centers, churches, or well-regarded in-home providers, can fill up quickly once spring arrives. Don’t hesitate to make calls now to inquire about availability and to schedule a visit. A tour is invaluable; it allows you to see the space, meet the staff, and get a genuine feel for the atmosphere. Pay attention to safety protocols, staff-to-child ratios, and how the caregivers interact with the children. Trust your instincts—you know your child best.
Another local consideration is transportation. Some summer programs in the greater Glenshaw and Shaler area might offer busing or are centrally located for easier drop-off and pick-up, which can be a significant factor when juggling work commutes along routes like Route 8. Also, inquire about flexibility. Some parents may need full-time, five-day-a-week care, while others might seek a part-time or flexible schedule to complement family vacations or summer camps. Being clear about your needs from the start will help you find the best fit.
Finally, remember that the goal is a summer filled with positive memories and growth for your child. The right summer daycare in Glenshaw will provide not just care, but a continuation of the supportive, community-oriented environment that makes our area special. It’s a place where friendships are forged, new skills are discovered, and children return home happily tired from a day of adventure. By taking the time to research and visit your options, you can secure a summer solution that brings peace of mind to you and joy to your child.