The Best Daycare Centers in Greencastle, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Greencastle. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Greencastle
Kiddie Kampus of Greencastle
Independent
Kiddie Kampus of Greencastle is a highly-regarded local childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center focuses on play-based learning with structured curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Features include certified early childhood educators, low teacher-to-child ratios, secure facility with keypad entry, nutritious meal programs, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and individualized learning plans with regular parent communication and developmental progress reports.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Hagerstown serves families in the Greencastle area with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features state-certified teachers, STEM-focused curriculum, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. Programs include language development, music, art, and physical education. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling with comprehensive communication through their proprietary mobile app for daily updates and photos.
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KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare in Chambersburg provides high-quality early childhood education serving the Greencastle community with nationally-recognized curriculum and accredited programs. The center offers research-based learning approaches including phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, and science exploration. Features include dedicated early childhood professionals with ongoing training, secure facilities with strict check-in procedures, nutritional meal programs, and age-appropriate learning centers. The center emphasizes whole-child development with structured activities that build cognitive, social, and physical skills while maintaining strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Greencastle, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Greencastle, PA?
In Greencastle and the surrounding Franklin 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 $225 to $350 per week for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $200 to $300 per week. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $160 to $250 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas of Pennsylvania but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Some providers in the area may offer discounts for siblings. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Greencastle?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Greencastle, must be licensed or registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and view their most recent inspection reports online through the **Pennsylvania DHS Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name, city (Greencastle), or zip code. The reports detail any compliance issues, violations, and corrective actions, giving you a transparent view of the facility's health, safety, and educational standards. You can also call the DHS Southeast Regional Office at (717) 705-2342 for assistance. Always ask a provider for their license number and cross-reference it.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Greencastle, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many licensed daycare centers and quality home-based providers in Greencastle do maintain waitlists. It is very common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infant rooms. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before care is needed. When touring a facility, always ask about their specific waitlist policy, any fees to join the list, and how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Greencastle, PA?
Parents in Greencastle have several types of licensed childcare options to consider. The most common are: 1. **Child Care Centers**: Larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. Examples include centers affiliated with local churches or independent early learning academies. 2. **Group Child Care Homes**: A home-based setting that cares for 7-12 children at a time, often with one or two caregivers and an assistant. 3. **Family Child Care Homes**: A smaller, home-based setting caring for 4-6 children, offering a more family-like environment. 4. **Part-Day Preschool/Nursery Schools**: Often run by churches or community organizations, these typically serve children ages 3-5 for a few hours a day, a few days a week. Given Greencastle's community size, family child care homes and local centers are prevalent. There are also a limited number of before/after-school care programs for school-age children, often operated in conjunction with the Greencastle-Antrim School District.
What are some local resources in Greencastle to help me find and choose quality childcare?
A great first step is to contact the **Franklin County Connections** office, which serves as the local resource and referral agency for childcare under Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) system. They can provide free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Greencastle based on your needs, help you understand the Child Care Works subsidy, and offer guidance on what to look for in a quality program. Their phone number is (717) 263-3770. Additionally, you can connect with other local parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Greencastle, PA Community Page") for personal recommendations. The **Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce** may also have listings for local childcare businesses. Finally, always schedule in-person tours to get a true feel for any potential provider.