The Best Daycare Centers in Jeannette, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jeannette. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jeannette
The Goddard School of Greensburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greensburg 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 Pennsylvania-licensed teachers implement play-based learning with structured curriculum across all age groups. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize STEM learning, literacy development, and character education. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at PPG Industries
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at PPG Industries provides high-quality corporate childcare with an emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while building foundational skills. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes language, math, science, art, and social skills development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritious meal programs, and dedicated outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes enrichment activities like music, movement, and Spanish language exposure, with comprehensive progress tracking and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Irwin
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Irwin offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation and social-emotional development. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and creative arts. The center maintains enhanced safety protocols including secured entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Classroom environments are designed to encourage exploration and independence, with dedicated learning centers for different subjects. Teachers develop individualized learning plans and provide regular progress updates to families through their proprietary communication platform.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jeannette, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Jeannette, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Jeannette, 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). This involves rigorous inspections for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in child abuse recognition and CPR/First Aid), and program standards. Family daycare homes serving more than three unrelated children also require certification. To verify a provider's compliance and view their inspection reports, you can use the state's publicly accessible **COMPASS Child Care Provider Search** tool online. You can also contact the DHS's regional office serving Westmoreland County for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Jeannette, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Jeannette and the surrounding Westmoreland County area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from **$800 to $1,200 per month**, though prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For toddler care, costs are often slightly lower. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the COMPASS website or get help from the Westmoreland Community Action agency, which serves Jeannette residents.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Jeannette, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and infant rooms in Jeannette can be significant, often ranging from **6 to 12 months**, and sometimes longer. Due to strict state-mandated staff-to-infant ratios (1:4), infant slots are the most limited. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities **as early as their second trimester** to secure a spot. Many centers allow you to place a deposit to hold a future opening. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists, and be sure to ask each center for their specific policy on waitlist fees and priority.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Jeannette that support parents in finding and evaluating childcare options?
Yes, Jeannette parents have access to a valuable free resource: the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**. This state-funded agency serves Westmoreland County and provides personalized **child care referral services**. A referral specialist can give you a list of licensed providers in Jeannette that match your needs (hours, location, age of child). They also offer guidance on what to look for during tours, how to understand inspection reports, and can explain the Child Care Works subsidy. You can contact ELRC Region 5 by phone or through their website to initiate a search.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Jeannette, and what are the key differences between them?
Jeannette offers the three main types of licensed childcare: **Child Care Centers**, **Group Child Care Homes**, and **Family Child Care Homes**. Centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms and structured educational programs (like the Keystone STARS quality rating program). Group homes care for 7-12 children in a more home-like setting. Family homes care for 4-6 children, offering a very intimate, family-oriented environment. A key local consideration is that many providers in Jeannette participate in **Keystone STARS**, a voluntary quality rating system. A higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards in areas like learning environment and staff education.