The Best Daycare Centers in Hendersonville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hendersonville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hendersonville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby McMurray serves the Hendersonville area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. What sets this center apart is their daily communication with parents through the Goddard School app, regular developmental assessments, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location provides high-quality early childhood education with research-based curriculum that includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. The center employs state-certified teachers and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entrances, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers nutritious meals and snacks, spacious indoor play areas, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and the visible developmental progress children make.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Southpointe
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Canonsburg serves Hendersonville families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates early literacy, mathematics, and social skills. Specialized programs include philanthropy curriculum, foreign language exposure, and movement programs. The center features bright, modern classrooms, secure keypad entry, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. Staff members receive ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent-teacher communication and flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hendersonville, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hendersonville, PA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Hendersonville, 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). Licensing ensures providers meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, and facility safety. Family daycare homes serving 4-6 children from different families must also be registered. You can verify a provider's license status and review any compliance history (including inspections and reports) for free through the DHS's **Child Care Finder** website or by calling your regional OCDEL office. It's a critical first step for any parent in the Hendersonville area.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in Hendersonville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Hendersonville and surrounding Butler County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$1,000 to $1,400 per month**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$900 and $1,200 per month**. Family daycare homes may offer lower rates. These costs can vary based on the program's amenities, curriculum, and hours. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and need. You can apply through the Butler County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Hendersonville, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at reputable daycare centers in Hendersonville and nearby communities like Butler or Zelienople can be **6 to 12 months long**. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists **as early as your second trimester of pregnancy**. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is advisable. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask detailed questions about their list process (e.g., is there a fee to hold a spot?), and stay in touch periodically to express continued interest.
Are there specific daycare options in Hendersonville that accommodate non-traditional work hours, like evenings or weekends?
Finding childcare for nights, weekends, or rotating shifts is challenging in Hendersonville, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to seek out licensed **family daycare homes**, as some providers may offer more flexible hours to meet local needs, including shift workers from nearby industries or the Butler Health System. Additionally, you can explore networks of in-home nannies or babysitters through local community boards or reputable online services, ensuring they meet safety standards. Be sure to ask about hours and availability very early in your search.
What resources are available in Hendersonville to help me evaluate and compare different childcare programs?
Beyond checking state licensing, parents in Hendersonville have several local resources. First, contact **Butler County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC Region 5)**, which offers free referrals, quality information, and guidance on choosing care. They can provide details on programs with Keystone STARS ratings, Pennsylvania's quality rating system (with 4 STARS being the highest). Second, utilize local parent networks on social media (e.g., Hendersonville/Butler County community Facebook groups) for firsthand reviews and recommendations. Finally, always schedule in-person tours to observe the environment, meet staff, and ask about their curriculum, daily routines, and safety protocols like emergency plans for local weather events.