The Best Daycare Centers in Herndon, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Herndon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Herndon
Kiddie Academy of Elizabethville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Elizabethville is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Herndon area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different developmental stages. The academy emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app. What makes this center stand out is their balanced approach to education and care, with structured learning activities combined with creative play and physical development opportunities.
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Millersburg Area Child Care Center
Independent Non-Profit
Millersburg Area Child Care Center is a non-profit facility serving Herndon and surrounding communities with a play-based learning approach grounded in early childhood development best practices. The center employs qualified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. Their curriculum emphasizes social skills, cognitive development, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities and structured play. The facility features secure access controls, modern safety equipment, and nutritious meal programs. What distinguishes this center is their community-focused approach, affordable pricing structure, and strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, home-like environment while maintaining high educational standards.
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The Goddard School of Halifax
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Halifax provides premium early childhood education to families in the Herndon area with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features degreed teachers in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and purpose-built classrooms with advanced learning materials. Their program includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts integration. The facility boasts secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and modern playground equipment. What makes this school exceptional is their focus on developing lifelong learners through play-based discovery, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnership programs with detailed progress reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Herndon, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Herndon, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Herndon, PA, 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, child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, facility safety, and ongoing training. 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 zip code (17830 for Herndon) to see their license status, any recent inspection reports, and any regulatory actions. It's a crucial first step in your search.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers in the Herndon area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the rural nature of Northumberland County and limited high-quality options, waitlists for reputable daycare centers and licensed family homes in and around Herndon can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age openings, starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is advisable. Be proactive: contact providers directly, ask detailed questions about their waitlist process (e.g., if there's a fee to hold a spot), and consider getting on multiple lists to increase your chances.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Herndon, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in Herndon and surrounding rural areas of Pennsylvania is generally lower than in major cities but can still be a significant portion of a family's budget. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150-$225 per week for preschool-age children and $175-$275 per week for infant care. Licensed family childcare homes may be slightly less. Financial assistance is available through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the Northumberland County Assistance Office. Additionally, you may inquire with individual providers about possible sibling discounts or private scholarship opportunities.
Are there any unique childcare options in Herndon that cater to agricultural or non-traditional work schedules common in this region?
Yes, parents in Herndon's agricultural community or those with shift work in nearby manufacturing or healthcare may need flexible hours. While standard centers typically operate 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible or extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care. It's important to inquire directly about this flexibility. Another option to explore is **in-home nanny shares** with other local families, which can be tailored to specific schedules. Networking through local community groups, churches, or the Herndon Borough Facebook page can help connect you with providers willing to accommodate non-traditional hours.
What resources are available in Herndon for finding and evaluating preschool or pre-K programs for 3-5 year olds?
For preschool and pre-K, parents in Herndon have several pathways. Many local licensed daycare centers offer structured preschool curricula. Additionally, you can look into the **Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts** program, a state-funded initiative for 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families; you can find participating providers through the PA Keys website. The **Head Start** program, administered through the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, may also serve eligible families in the area. For evaluation, always schedule visits, ask about teacher qualifications (PA requires specific credentials for pre-K teachers), review the curriculum's alignment with PA Early Learning Standards, and check the program's Keystone STARS rating—a quality rating system where a higher star level (1-4) indicates a higher quality program.