The Best Daycare Centers in Huntingdon, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Huntingdon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Huntingdon
KinderCare Learning Center at State College
KinderCare Education
This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, science, and social skills development. Features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through mobile app updates, and developmentally appropriate play spaces. Serves as a regional hub for families commuting from Huntingdon area with flexible scheduling options and transportation services.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of State College
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This FLEX Learning Program facility emphasizes play-based learning with STEAM curriculum integration. Features state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facility with keypad entry. Offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including comprehensive background checks, regular safety drills, and sanitization procedures. Parents receive daily activity reports and photos through proprietary mobile app. Serves Huntingdon area families seeking premium early childhood education with extended hours availability.
Daycare Services:
Growing Tree Early Learning Center
Independent
Local Huntingdon-based center offering personalized childcare with developmentally appropriate curriculum. Features structured learning activities balanced with creative play, outdoor recreation, and social development. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The center provides homemade nutritious meals, secure facility with surveillance systems, and age-separated learning environments. Emphasizes character development and school readiness skills with regular progress assessments. Family-owned operation with strong community connections and flexible scheduling to accommodate local working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Huntingdon, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Huntingdon, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Huntingdon, PA, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool can vary significantly based on the type of provider and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for a toddler or preschooler. Infant care is typically more expensive, often ranging from $175 to $275 per week due to lower staff-to-child ratios. Home-based daycare (family childcare homes) may offer slightly lower rates, often between $120 and $180 per week. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families. You can apply through the Huntingdon County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Huntingdon is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania that care for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you should use the state's official **Child Care Finder** tool available on the DHS website. This resource allows you to search for providers in Huntingdon County by name or location. It will show their current license status, the ages they serve, capacity, and any non-compliances or regulatory actions from the past three years. You can also contact the DHS's Regional Office that oversees Huntingdon County for additional information. Always visit a potential provider in person and ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted in a visible location.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Huntingdon, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot for my infant or toddler?
Due to limited capacity, especially for infants, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in Huntingdon. It is not unusual for a waitlist to be 6 to 12 months long for an infant spot. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be sure to ask about their specific policies—some require a deposit to hold a spot, while others do not. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the area, as they may have more immediate openings. Follow up with providers every few months to confirm your place on the list and express your continued interest.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Huntingdon, PA, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Huntingdon offers a variety of childcare options to suit different family needs. Beyond state-licensed childcare centers, popular alternatives include: * **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often smaller, home-based settings that can provide a more intimate environment. * **Part-Day Preschools:** Several local churches and community organizations offer preschool programs for 3-5 year olds, typically running for a few hours, 2-5 days a week. * **School District Programs:** The Huntingdon Area School District may offer pre-kindergarten programs for eligible children. * **In-Home Care (Nannies/Au Pairs):** While less common in a smaller community like Huntingdon, some families arrange for private in-home care. This is not regulated by DHS, so families must conduct their own thorough background checks and employment agreements. * **Drop-in or Flexible Care:** Availability is very limited, but some providers may offer occasional care options.
How does the local school calendar and the presence of Juniata College impact childcare availability and summer programs in Huntingdon?
The Huntingdon Area School District calendar directly impacts the demand for before/after-school care and summer programs. Many daycare centers offer school-age programs that provide transportation to and from local elementary schools. During summer and school holidays, these programs often expand to full-day care. The presence of **Juniata College** significantly influences childcare in two ways. First, it provides a potential pool of college students who may work as part-time babysitters or nannies. Second, the college itself often operates summer camps and enrichment programs for children, which can serve as supplemental childcare options. However, these college-affiliated programs may fill quickly and often have specific registration periods, so early planning is essential.