The Best Daycare Centers in Harrison City, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrison City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrison City
Bright Horizons at Penn Township
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Penn Township is a nationally accredited childcare center located just minutes from Harrison City. The center features a comprehensive emergent curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. Their highly qualified teachers hold early childhood education degrees and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. They emphasize STEAM education, social-emotional development, and provide nutritious meals through their on-site kitchen. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation and has excellent safety records with regular state inspections.
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Small Wonders Child Development Center
Independent
Small Wonders Child Development Center serves the Harrison City area with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes whole-child development. The center features Pennsylvania Keystone STARS 4 rating, the highest quality rating in the state's early learning program. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility includes secure classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention, and nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Stepping Stones Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Stepping Stones Child Care & Preschool has been serving the Harrison City and surrounding communities with a balanced approach to early childhood education. The center implements Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning centers that encourage exploration and discovery. Their qualified teaching staff focuses on developing social skills, independence, and academic readiness. The facility features secure access control, age-appropriate playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events. The center holds state licensing and has excellent compliance history with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrison City, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harrison City, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harrison City, as part of Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children must be registered. Licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and staff qualifications. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history by using the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or by contacting the DHS's regional office that serves Westmoreland County. It's highly recommended to always check this before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Harrison City, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Harrison City and greater Westmoreland County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant daycare typically ranges from **$900 to $1,200 per month**. Family daycare homes may be slightly less, averaging $750-$950 per month. Costs vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff ratios. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, local organizations like the **Westmoreland Community Action** may offer support or guidance. We recommend contacting the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Westmoreland County, for personalized assistance with subsidies and program options.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend care options in Harrison City for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended evening or weekend hours in Harrison City can be challenging, as most traditional centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday schedule. Your best options are often licensed **family daycare homes**, which may offer more flexible hours by individual arrangement, or seeking providers in nearby larger towns like Greensburg or Jeannette. We recommend explicitly asking about flexibility during your initial tours and interviews. Some local centers may offer occasional "parents' night out" programs, but consistent weekend care is rare. Networking with other local parents through community groups can sometimes lead to discovering smaller, in-home providers willing to accommodate shift work.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Harrison City, and when should I start looking for infant care?
For infant care spots (children under 1 year old), waitlists in Harrison City and the surrounding area can be significant, often ranging from **6 to 12 months**. High-quality, licensed centers with strong reputations tend to have the longest lists. It is strongly advised to begin researching and touring daycare options **as soon as you know you are pregnant**, and to get on waitlists by your second trimester if possible. When getting on a list, ask specific questions about how it works: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? How are spots offered? Being proactive and putting your name on multiple lists is a common strategy for parents in this region.
What resources are available in Harrison City to help me evaluate and choose between different childcare options?
Beyond personal visits and referrals, the best local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**. They provide free referrals to licensed and certified providers, offer guidance on what to look for during a visit, and explain quality indicators like **Keystone STARS** ratings—Pennsylvania's quality rating system. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website allows you to search by zip code (15636) and filter by program type, hours, and STAR level. Don't underestimate local parent networks on social media (e.g., Harrison City community Facebook groups) for honest reviews and recommendations based on firsthand experience.