The Best Daycare Centers in Highspire, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highspire. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highspire
The Goddard School of Harrisburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Harrisburg offers a premier early childhood education program with 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 dedicated play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with low student-to-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes STEAM learning, language development, and character education through play-based activities. Parents appreciate the daily communication, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs.
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Building Blocks Learning Center
Independent
Building Blocks Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on individualized development and school readiness. Their NAEYC-inspired curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play spaces. Qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and implement regular developmental assessments. The center is praised for its family-friendly environment, experienced staff, and commitment to creating a nurturing educational foundation.
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Bright Horizons at Harrisburg
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Harrisburg offers high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and arts. The center features modern security systems, dedicated age-based classrooms, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Highly qualified teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, critical thinking skills, and kindergarten readiness through project-based learning. Parents value the strong communication, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highspire, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Highspire, PA?
In Highspire and the surrounding Dauphin County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $950 to $1,200 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Highspire often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $800 to $1,100 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up may apply. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs, and some local providers participate.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Highspire?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Highspire, must be licensed or registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and view their compliance history, including any recent inspection reports and violations, through the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name, city (Highspire), or zip code. This tool is crucial for parents to ensure a facility meets state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. You can also contact the DHS's regional office serving Dauphin County for additional information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Highspire, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to Highspire's smaller size and limited number of dedicated daycare centers, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms, in particular, can be common and may extend several months. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date. Many popular centers in the area, and even some well-regarded family childcare homes, maintain ongoing waitlists. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Highspire, PA?
Highspire offers a mix of childcare options, though the selection is more limited than in larger nearby cities like Harrisburg. The primary types available are: 1. **Licensed Group Child Care Centers**: These are formal facilities, often with multiple classrooms. Options in or very near Highspire are limited, so many families look at centers in neighboring Steelton or Middletown. 2. **Family Child Care Homes**: These are licensed providers who care for children in their own residences. This is a prevalent and often more flexible option within Highspire itself. 3. **Part-Day Preschool Programs**: Often affiliated with local churches or community organizations, these typically serve children ages 3-5 and operate for shorter hours. Due to the limited in-town options, many Highspire parents also commute a short distance to access a wider variety of centers in surrounding communities.
What local resources or organizations in Dauphin County can help me find and choose quality childcare?
The primary local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 8**, which serves Dauphin County, including Highspire. The ELRC offers free, personalized referral services to help parents find licensed childcare that fits their needs, location, and budget. They can also guide you through the application process for the Child Care Works subsidy. Additionally, you can connect with other local parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Highspire Community Page") or at the Highspire Borough Public Library for word-of-mouth recommendations. For assessing quality, look for providers with a **STAR 3 or STAR 4** rating in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating system, which indicates a higher level of early learning standards.