The Best Daycare Centers in Jennerstown, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jennerstown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jennerstown
The Learning Lamp at Beginnings Inc.
The Learning Lamp
The Learning Lamp at Beginnings Inc. is a highly-regarded childcare center located approximately 15 minutes from Jennerstown. This NAEYC-accredited facility offers comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Their program includes nutritious meals, outdoor learning environments, and developmentally appropriate classrooms designed to foster independence and curiosity in young learners.
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Small Wonders Child Care & Learning Center
Small Wonders Child Care
Small Wonders Child Care & Learning Center serves the Jennerstown area from their Somerset location, offering a comprehensive early childhood program focused on whole-child development. The center utilizes Creative Curriculum with integrated Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, featuring hands-on learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and structured play activities. Staff members hold Child Development Associate credentials or higher, and the center maintains excellent staff retention rates. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers spacious indoor play areas and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds with natural elements for exploration.
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Little Eagles Learning Center
Little Eagles Learning Center
Little Eagles Learning Center provides quality childcare services to families in the Jennerstown region with their location in nearby Somerset. The center offers a balanced approach to early childhood education combining structured academic preparation with creative expression and physical development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics concepts, science exploration, and character education. The facility features modern, clean classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials, secure outdoor play areas, and comprehensive health and safety protocols including strict cleaning procedures and emergency preparedness plans. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain current certifications in pediatric first aid and CPR.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jennerstown, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Jennerstown, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Jennerstown, as part of Pennsylvania, 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). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children also require a license. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's compliance and view their inspection reports, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. You can search by provider name or zip code (15547 for Jennerstown) to see their license status, any regulatory violations, and their STAR 1-4 quality rating.
Given Jennerstown's rural location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
In the Jennerstown area (Somerset County), options include licensed childcare centers, family daycare homes, and potentially part-time preschool programs. Due to the smaller, rural population, the number of facilities is limited compared to urban areas. You'll find a mix of local, independent providers. Waitlists are very common, especially for infant and toddler care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can provide leads on smaller, licensed home-based providers who may not have extensive online advertising.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Jennerstown, PA?
While costs vary by provider type and program, in Somerset County, you can expect to pay an average of **$700 to $950 per month** for full-time, center-based infant or toddler care. Licensed family daycare homes may be slightly less, often ranging from **$600 to $800 per month**. These rates are generally lower than the state average, reflecting the region's cost of living. Be sure to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, wipes, curriculum). Financial assistance may be available through the state's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program** for eligible families; you can apply through the Somerset County Assistance Office.
Are there any state-funded early learning programs like Pre-K Counts or Head Start accessible to families in Jennerstown?
Yes, but availability is based on family income and age eligibility. **Pre-K Counts** and **Head Start** are free, high-quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds from income-eligible families. In the Jennerstown area, these programs are typically administered through community agencies or school districts in Somerset County, such as the Somerset Area School District or the Community Action Partnership. Transportation is often provided. Due to limited slots, early application is crucial. Contact the **Somerset County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC Region 6)** at 1-888-461-5437 for the most current information on availability, eligibility, and application procedures for these programs.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to a rural community like Jennerstown?
Beyond standard safety and cleanliness checks, consider factors unique to a rural setting. **Ask about their emergency protocols** for severe weather (common in the Laurel Highlands) and potential power outages, including backup heating plans for winter. Inquire about **outdoor play spaces**—safe, enclosed areas are essential. Given the local geography, ask if they incorporate nature-based learning. **Transportation and field trips** are also key; understand their policies if they leave the facility. Finally, discuss **illness policies** in detail, as longer travel times to pediatricians or urgent care in Somerset or Johnstown mean a provider's protocol for handling sick children is especially important. A strong sense of community and communication with parents is often a hallmark of rural childcare providers.