The Best Daycare Centers in Kittanning, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kittanning. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kittanning
Kids Kingdom Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Kids Kingdom is a highly-regarded local childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured educational activities. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized early childhood education training, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access. They emphasize character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness with age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise their responsive communication and nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Ford City
The Learning Experience
Located just 5 miles from Kittanning, The Learning Experience Ford City is part of a nationally recognized early education franchise with a proven curriculum. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) incorporates phonics, mathematics, and science with character development programs. The center features modern security systems, certified early childhood educators, and purpose-built classrooms with interactive technology. They offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. The facility maintains excellent state compliance records and provides regular developmental progress reports to parents.
Daycare Services:
Goddard School of Butler
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Serving families throughout Armstrong County including Kittanning, the Goddard School of Butler offers a premium early childhood education experience just 20 minutes away. Their F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program balances academic preparation with social-emotional development through play-based learning. The school features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding fundamentals, and hands-on science experiments. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art studios, and nutritionally balanced meal programs prepared on-site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kittanning, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kittanning, PA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Kittanning and all of Pennsylvania, childcare providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family daycare homes (serving 4-6 children) and group/center-based care. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, safety protocols, and health practices. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the DHS **Child Care Finder** website or call the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, which serves Armstrong County. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans as part of your research.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Kittanning, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Kittanning and the surrounding Armstrong County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$800 to $1,100 per month**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$700 and $950 per month**. Home-based family daycare is generally more affordable. Financial assistance is available through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized program**, administered by the ELRC Region 5. Eligibility is based on family income, work, school, or training requirements. You can apply through the ELRC, and they can also provide referrals to local participating providers. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
Are there many daycare centers with immediate openings in Kittanning, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to the smaller, more rural nature of Kittanning, the number of licensed daycare centers is limited compared to larger cities. It is very common for the most sought-after centers and highly-regarded family daycare homes to have **waitlists, especially for infant care**. It is advisable to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. While some smaller in-home providers may have occasional immediate openings, planning ahead is crucial. Contacting the ELRC Region 5 for an updated list of providers with reported vacancies is an excellent first step. Being flexible on your start date can improve your chances.
What types of childcare options are most common in Kittanning—centers, church-based programs, or in-home providers?
Kittanning offers a mix, but **licensed group child care homes and family child care homes are very prevalent**, fitting the community's smaller scale. There are also several center-based programs, some of which are independent and others affiliated with organizations like churches (e.g., First United Methodist Church Child Care Center). Part-day preschool programs for ages 3-5 are also common. For school-age children, the Kittanning area often relies on before-and-after-school programs offered through the Armstrong School District or local community centers like the YMCA. Exploring all three types—centers, homes, and preschools—will give you a full picture of local options.
Beyond basic care, what enrichment or educational programs do Kittanning daycares typically offer for preschool-aged children?
Many daycare programs in Kittanning incorporate structured early learning curricula to prepare children for kindergarten in the Armstrong School District. Common frameworks include **Creative Curriculum** or play-based learning models. Look for programs that participate in Pennsylvania's voluntary **Keystone STARS Quality Rating System**; a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a greater commitment to quality education, teacher qualifications, and learning environments. Specific enrichments might include basic literacy and math activities, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and social-emotional learning. Some providers also partner with the **Armstrong County Library System** for storytime visits. Always ask about daily schedules and learning philosophies during tours.