The Best Daycare Centers in Glenside, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glenside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glenside
The Goddard School of Glenside
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Glenside offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans in bright, modern classrooms with dedicated learning centers. The facility includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds and emphasizes nutrition with healthy meal options. Parent communication is maintained through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a balanced educational approach combining academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and foreign language exposure. The school features low student-teacher ratios with degreed educators who receive ongoing professional development. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive emergency procedures, and regular facility maintenance. Classrooms are designed with learning centers for hands-on exploration, and the campus includes age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. The program emphasizes character education and community involvement, with regular family events and transparent communication through parent portals and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Children's Village of Flourtown
Children's Village
Located just minutes from Glenside in Flourtown, Children's Village is a NAEYC-accredited center known for its exceptional educational programs and inclusive environment. The center implements a constructivist approach where children learn through hands-on exploration and project-based activities. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, critical thinking, and creative expression while meeting Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. The facility features secure access control, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Staff includes experienced educators with bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication, portfolio assessments, and family involvement opportunities. Outdoor learning environments include nature exploration areas and developmentally appropriate playgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glenside, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Glenside, PA?
In Glenside and the surrounding Montgomery County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of center, its programs, and the age of your child. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, the range is typically $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,400 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios (which are mandated by Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services), the inclusion of meals and curriculum, and the facility's amenities. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about any registration or supply fees, which are common.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Glenside is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the 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 two key resources. First, use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website, which lists licensed providers and shows their star rating (Keystone STARS), a quality initiative program. Second, you can search for inspection reports and any serious violations on the DHS public website. For Glenside-specific options, you can also contact the **Montgomery County Early Childhood Resources** office for local referrals and guidance. Always visit a facility in person and ask the director for their most recent Certificate of Compliance and their Keystone STARS level, which indicates their commitment to quality beyond minimum licensing.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Glenside, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Glenside, especially for infant rooms due to strict staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search **6 to 12 months** in advance of their needed start date. Some highly-regarded centers affiliated with local institutions (like those near Arcadia University) may have even longer lists. For toddler and preschool-age openings, 3 to 6 months of lead time is more typical. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring a mix of center-based and licensed family childcare homes can increase your options.
What are some of the unique childcare or early learning programs available in the Glenside area?
Glenside offers several unique programs that leverage local resources. Many centers participate in Pennsylvania's **Pre-K Counts** or the **Head Start** program, offering free or low-cost high-quality pre-K for eligible families. Some providers incorporate nature-based learning, utilizing nearby parks like **Limekiln Park** or **Briar Bush Nature Center**. Given Glenside's proximity to Arcadia University, some centers may have partnerships for early childhood education student teachers, bringing fresh methodologies into the classroom. Additionally, you can find programs with specific educational philosophies, such as Montessori or play-based curricula. For school-age children, the **Cheltenham Township** often runs before-and-after-school care programs at local elementary schools, which is a convenient option for district residents.
What resources are available in Glenside to help me afford quality childcare?
Several state and county resources can help offset the high cost of childcare in Glenside. The primary program is Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, which provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, work, school, or training requirements. You apply through the Montgomery County Assistance Office. Additionally, the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 17**, which serves Montgomery County, is a vital local resource. They can help you find providers, understand the Keystone STARS quality ratings, and navigate the subsidy application. Some local centers also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's crucial to apply for assistance well in advance, as processing times and funding availability can vary.
Childcare Insights for Glenside
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to know your child is safe, nurtured, and happy. For parents in Glenside, Pennsylvania, the search for the "best childcare near me" is often a journey through our unique community, balancing the charm of our neighborhoods with the need for reliable, high-quality care. The good news is that Glenside and its surrounding areas offer a wonderful variety of options, from intimate home-based programs to established centers, each with its own character.
Your search will likely lead you to consider several key factors. First, think about the type of environment that suits your child’s temperament. Glenside is home to several highly-regarded daycare centers that offer structured curricula and the social benefits of larger groups. There are also wonderful licensed family childcare homes in our residential areas, providing a cozy, family-like setting that can feel like an extension of your own. Many parents find that starting their search with local recommendations is invaluable; don’t hesitate to ask for insights from neighbors at the Glenside Farmers Market or other parents at the playgrounds in Keswick Village or Easton Road Park.
Location and logistics are paramount in our area. Given the flow of traffic along Easton Road and the accessibility of the Glenside train station, considering a provider with convenient hours and a manageable commute from your home or work is crucial. Visit potential places during peak drop-off and pick-up times to observe the flow and feel of the operation. This also gives you a chance to see how the staff interacts with children during busy transitions, which can be very telling. When you tour, ask specific questions about their policies for inclement weather, their approach to outdoor play—perhaps at local spots like Briar Bush Nature Center—and how they incorporate the rhythms of our community into their days.
Ultimately, the "best" childcare in Glenside is the one that aligns with your family’s values and makes your child light up. Trust your instincts during visits. Does the space feel warm and engaging? Do the caregivers get down on the child’s level and speak with genuine warmth? Look for a program that values communication, providing you with clear updates about your child’s day and development. Remember, this is a partnership. The right provider in our community won’t just care for your child; they will become a supportive part of your village, understanding the specific context of raising a family right here in Glenside, PA. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and know that with careful consideration, you will find a place where your little one can thrive.