The Best Daycare Centers in Harrisonville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrisonville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrisonville
Kiddie Academy of Chambersburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Chambersburg provides comprehensive educational childcare with a nationally recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM learning. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their facility includes age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. The academy emphasizes social-emotional development through structured play and hands-on learning activities, serving as one of the highest-rated childcare providers in the Franklin County region that regularly serves Harrisonville families.
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The Goddard School of Chambersburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Chambersburg offers a play-based learning approach combined with academic preparation through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure building access. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts, with additional enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. The modern facility includes multiple playgrounds, interactive smart boards, and dedicated learning centers that cater to different developmental stages, making it a popular choice for Harrisonville area families seeking quality early education.
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Learning Lamp - Chambersburg Child Development Center
The Learning Lamp
The Learning Lamp's Chambersburg Child Development Center provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness and whole-child development. As a non-profit organization, they offer research-based curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, featuring certified teachers with ongoing professional development. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and low child-to-teacher ratios. Their comprehensive program includes literacy-rich environments, STEM activities, and social skills development. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and outdoor learning spaces, serving as a trusted provider for Harrisonville and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling options and inclusive programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrisonville, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harrisonville, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harrisonville, Pennsylvania, all childcare providers caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. You can search by provider name or location to see their license status, any recent inspections, and any regulatory actions. This is a crucial first step for any parent in Harrisonville.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harrisonville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Harrisonville area and surrounding Potter County, full-time daycare costs are generally below the state average but can vary. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $700-$950 per month at a licensed center, while a family daycare home may range from $550-$750 per month. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower. Financial assistance is available through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the Potter County Human Services Agency. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to apply for CCW early, as there can be a waitlist.
Given Harrisonville's rural location, how can I find and evaluate in-home daycare providers, and what specific questions should I ask them?
In a smaller, rural community like Harrisonville, many quality childcare options are licensed family childcare homes. To find them, start with the Pennsylvania Child Care Finder, ask for recommendations at local hubs like the Harrisonville Post Office, Coudersport Public Library, or the UPMC Cole hospital. You can also check community boards at the IGA supermarket. When evaluating an in-home provider, ask specific questions: Are you licensed and can I see your certificate? What is your emergency plan for severe weather or power outages common in our area? What is your policy on transporting children (e.g., for field trips)? How do you handle isolation during common childhood illnesses? Can you provide references from other local families? A visit to the home is essential to assess the safety and environment firsthand.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Harrisonville that offer part-time or flexible schedules to accommodate shift workers or irregular hours?
Flexible childcare is a common need in Harrisonville, where many parents work in healthcare, retail, or agriculture with non-standard hours. While options are more limited than in urban areas, some providers do offer flexibility. Several licensed family daycare homes in the area may accommodate early mornings, evenings, or occasional overnight care by arrangement. There are also a few registered centers in nearby Coudersport (approx. 15-minute drive) that may offer part-day preschool programs. Your best strategy is to be upfront about your schedule needs when contacting providers directly. Networking with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Potter County, PA Chatter") can also yield leads on providers known for schedule flexibility.
What resources are available in Harrisonville for finding last-minute or backup childcare, such as when my regular provider is closed or my child is mildly ill?
Last-minute care is particularly challenging in rural areas. Harrisonville does not have dedicated drop-in childcare centers. Your primary resource should be your network. Develop a relationship with a backup sitter—consider contacting nursing students from nearby University of Pittsburgh at Bradford or reliable high school students through personal referrals. Some local family daycare providers might accept a "backup slot" for an enrolled family's sibling or for occasional days if they have capacity. For mildly ill children, it's critical to know your regular provider's specific illness policy upfront, as many cannot accept children with fever, vomiting, or certain rashes. Planning ahead by identifying one or two trusted backup options is essential for parents in our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Harrisonville: