The Best Daycare Centers in Havertown, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Havertown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Havertown
The Goddard School of Havertown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Havertown offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum 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 secure classroom environments. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the strong focus on individualized attention for each child.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive educational program built on research-based curriculum that includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The school emphasizes whole-child development through their Links to Learning curriculum, which focuses on academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive emergency protocols, and regular safety drills. The teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The campus features age-specific learning centers, computer labs, music rooms, and expansive outdoor play areas. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular conferences, progress reports, and family engagement events.
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The Learning Experience - Havertown
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Havertown features their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic foundation with social skills and confidence building. The center is known for its innovative programs including philanthropy curriculum that teaches children the importance of giving back, and early coding and robotics introduction. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict health protocols. The facility includes bright, modern classrooms, indoor play area, and multiple outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. The center offers enrichment programs in yoga, music, and movement. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and the center's commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success through structured learning and play-based activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Havertown, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Havertown, PA?
In Havertown and the surrounding Delaware County area, daycare costs are generally in line with the higher-than-national-average rates found in the Philadelphia suburbs. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,800 per month for an infant, and $1,100 to $1,600 per month for a toddler. Prices vary based on the type of facility (in-home daycare vs. center-based), the staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities like meals or educational curricula. It's important to note that Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program can help eligible families offset these costs, and some local centers may offer sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Havertown is properly licensed and has a good 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 status and review their compliance history, including any reported violations, through the state's publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. Additionally, you can contact the DHS's Southeast Regional Office, which oversees Delaware County, for further information. When touring facilities in Havertown, don't hesitate to ask the director for their most recent Certificate of Compliance and their DHS licensing inspection report, which they are required to post in a visible location.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Havertown, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for reputable daycare centers and preschools in Havertown, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios under PA law. It is highly advisable to begin your search and schedule tours **at least 6 to 12 months** before your desired start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists that extend even longer. When you are placed on a list, ask specific questions about the typical wait time, if a deposit is required to hold your spot, and how often you should check in for updates. Exploring a mix of center-based and licensed group/family home care can increase your options.
What are some of the key local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Havertown?
Parents in Havertown have several excellent local resources. The primary tool is the state's **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website, which allows you to search by zip code (19083) and filter by age, program type, and hours. For personalized referral assistance, contact **Child Care Information Services of Delaware County (CCIS)**, which serves as the local resource and referral agency. They can provide free, customized lists of licensed providers. Additionally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Havertown Moms & Dads") are invaluable for getting firsthand recommendations and experiences from other families in the community.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare center in Havertown, specific to Pennsylvania regulations and local standards?
During a tour, first ensure the facility's DHS license and inspection reports are posted. Observe the environment: Is it clean, safe, and well-lit? Check for secure entrances, a key feature for local centers. Under PA regulations, ask about staff qualifications—lead teachers should have specific early childhood education credentials. Note the staff-to-child ratios: for infants (under 1 year), it should be 1:4; for toddlers (1-2 years), 1:6. Inquire about their curriculum (even for young children), outdoor play space (like access to local parks), and emergency procedures. Finally, ask about their policy on sick children, as this is a frequent concern, and their plan for inclement weather or closures common in our region.