The Best Daycare Centers in Harleysville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harleysville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harleysville
Goddard School of Harleysville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Harleysville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. The center employs degreed teachers who implement play-based learning while focusing on social, emotional, and academic development. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication through their proprietary mobile app. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education, with enrichment programs like yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Bright Horizons at Lansdale
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lansdale serves the Harleysville community with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and discovery. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor nature exploration areas. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood training. The program focuses on emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while building foundational literacy, math, and science skills. They offer comprehensive health and safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Souderton
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Souderton provides comprehensive early childhood education with their research-based curriculum that aligns with state learning standards. The center maintains high safety standards with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their experienced teachers create individualized learning plans and use ongoing assessment to track developmental milestones. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and learning centers for literacy, math, and creative arts. They offer flexible scheduling options and provide all meals and snacks following USDA nutrition guidelines, with special accommodations for dietary needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harleysville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harleysville, PA?
In Harleysville and the surrounding Montgomery County area, full-time daycare costs vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,700 per month for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers. In-home family daycare providers often range from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These rates 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 to help offset these costs. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any potential registration or annual fees.
How can I verify if a daycare or preschool in Harleysville is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare centers and group daycare homes in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a Harleysville provider's license and review its compliance history online through the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. This public tool allows you to search by provider name or zip code (e.g., 19438) and view inspection reports, any cited violations, and their corrective actions. For smaller, registered family daycare homes (caring for 4-6 children), you can request to see their certificate of registration. Always ask any provider you visit for their current license or registration certificate.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Harleysville, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, due to high demand and limited infant slots (which have stricter staff-to-child ratios), many reputable daycare centers in the Harleysville area maintain waitlists, especially for infants. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **during your pregnancy**, ideally by the second trimester. For popular centers, a 6- to 12-month wait is not uncommon. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family daycare homes can increase your options.
What are some of the key differences between the larger daycare chains and the local, independent childcare providers in the Harleysville area?
Harleysville offers both national/regional chains and cherished local providers, each with distinct advantages. Larger chains (like Goddard or KinderCare) often provide a standardized curriculum, robust facilities, and corporate resources, but may have less flexibility and higher turnover. Local independent centers and family daycare homes frequently offer a strong sense of community, more personalized communication, potential flexibility with hours, and a curriculum that might incorporate local elements. Many local providers in Harleysville are deeply embedded in the community, participating in local events and often having staff who live nearby. The best choice depends on your family's priorities for consistency, community feel, and educational philosophy.
Beyond basic care, what types of enrichment or educational programs are commonly offered by preschools and daycares in Harleysville?
Many childcare programs in Harleysville go beyond custodial care to offer structured early learning. Common enrichments include: * **STEM/STEAM Activities:** Incorporating science, technology, and math concepts through play. * **Language Exposure:** Some centers offer introductory Spanish or sign language. * **Physical Development:** Programs often include yoga for kids, structured outdoor play, or movement classes. * **Arts and Music:** Dedicated art studios, music classes with instruments, and drama are popular. * **Local Community Ties:** Many providers take field trips to places like the Harleysville Community Center, local libraries, or farms in surrounding Montgomery County. * **Pre-K Readiness:** A strong focus on kindergarten preparation, including social-emotional learning, is standard. When touring, ask about their daily schedule and how these enrichments are integrated.