The Best Daycare Centers in Hermitage, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hermitage. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hermitage
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hermitage offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEAM learning, language development, and character education. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress. Safety protocols include comprehensive background checks for staff, regular safety drills, and strict health and hygiene procedures.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Hermitage
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Hermitage location provides a nationally-recognized curriculum that balances academic learning with social-emotional development. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics concepts, and hands-on science activities. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, secure playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes safety with keypad entry systems, comprehensive emergency procedures, and regular facility maintenance. Parent engagement includes regular progress reports, family events, and digital daily reports.
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Small Wonders Daycare & Preschool
Small Wonders Early Learning Center
Small Wonders Daycare & Preschool offers a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines structured learning activities with creative play, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in child development best practices. The center maintains excellent staff retention and low child-to-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entrances, comprehensive monitoring systems, and strict health protocols. Parents appreciate the strong communication and family-oriented atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hermitage, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hermitage, PA?
In Hermitage and the surrounding Mercer County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for an infant (6 weeks to 18 months) and $160 to $220 per week for a toddler. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania metros like Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Hermitage?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Hermitage, must be licensed or certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and review their most recent inspection reports online through the **Pennsylvania DHS Child Care Finder** website. This public database shows the license type (Child Care Center, Group Child Care Home, or Family Child Care Home), capacity, any compliance history, and detailed reports of inspections, including any violations cited and their corrective actions. You can also contact the DHS Western Regional Office, which oversees Mercer County, for additional information. Always visit a facility in person and ask the director to see their current license certificate, which must be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hermitage, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Hermitage can be common, especially for infant care slots, which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, and if you are expecting a child, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some of the more sought-after centers in the Hermitage/Sharon area may have waitlists of 6-12 months for infants. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to be on it, how often they update you on your position, and if they offer priority for siblings of current families. Exploring multiple options, including registered family daycare homes, can increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are some of the key local resources or programs for finding and evaluating childcare in Mercer County?
Parents in Hermitage have several valuable local resources. The primary agency is the **Mercer County Child Care Information Services (CCIS)**, which is part of the PA Keys system. CCIS administers the Child Care Works subsidy and maintains a referral list of licensed and certified providers in the county. They can be contacted directly for personalized searches. Additionally, the **United Way of Mercer County's 2-1-1** helpline is a free, confidential service that can provide referrals and information on childcare and other family support services. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating system. A STAR 3 or STAR 4 rating indicates a program that exceeds state licensing standards in areas like learning environment and staff qualifications.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare in the Hermitage area?
While less common than full-time enrollment, some options exist for flexible care in Hermitage. A few licensed daycare centers may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), but availability is limited and often at a premium daily rate. For true drop-in or emergency care, your best local options are typically **licensed family childcare homes** that have flexible policies, though you must pre-register your child and provide all required paperwork (immunizations, etc.) in advance. There are currently no dedicated, large-scale drop-in childcare centers in Hermitage. For occasional needs, some parents utilize trusted babysitting networks or apps, but these are not regulated childcare providers. Planning ahead and establishing a relationship with a home-based provider is the most reliable strategy for irregular care needs in this community.