The Best Daycare Centers in Lancaster, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lancaster. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lancaster
Bright Horizons at Lancaster
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lancaster offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintains low student-teacher ratios, and provides secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences. The center includes age-appropriate outdoor play spaces and focuses on developing critical thinking skills through project-based learning.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Lititz
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Lancaster in Lititz, The Goddard School provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and social development. The school features state-certified teachers, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and nutritious meal programs. Their extensive facilities include multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, music and movement rooms, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school is particularly noted for its strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness and comprehensive safety protocols.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Mount Joy
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Mount Joy serves the greater Lancaster area with a research-based curriculum that balances academic learning with social development. Their approach includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, and character development. The center employs dedicated teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains rigorous safety standards including secured entrances and comprehensive background checks. Features include age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and a structured daily schedule that balances instruction with play. The center is recognized for its inclusive environment and strong parent partnership programs, including regular progress updates and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lancaster, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Lancaster, PA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Lancaster, PA, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of center. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $700 to $1,100 monthly. Financial assistance is available through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program, which is income-based. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Lancaster County and Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County can provide guidance and resources for accessing subsidies and sliding-scale fee programs at certain centers.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Lancaster, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Lancaster, especially for infant care, can be quite long, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. This is due to high demand and limited infant-to-staff ratios mandated by Pennsylvania law. To improve your chances, it's advisable to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often should you check in? Are spots offered based on application date or other criteria? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Manheim Township, East Hempfield, or the city's West End, as they may have shorter wait times and offer more flexible availability.
What are the key differences between Pennsylvania-licensed daycare centers, group homes, and family homes in Lancaster?
In Lancaster, you'll encounter three main types of licensed childcare, each with distinct regulations: 1. **Child Care Center**: Serves 13 or more children. They are often larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. They must meet strict state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). 2. **Group Child Care Home**: Serves 7-12 children in a residential setting. They offer a more home-like environment than a center but with a slightly larger group than a family home. 3. **Family Child Care Home**: Serves 4-6 children in the provider's own home (or up to 8 if assistants are used). This setting offers a very intimate, family-style environment and often more flexible hours. All are licensed and inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and review inspection reports online through the DHS website or COMPASS Pennsylvania portal.
Are there daycare centers in Lancaster that offer part-time or flexible scheduling options for parents with non-traditional work hours?
Yes, but they can be harder to find. Most traditional daycare centers in Lancaster operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some centers and, more commonly, licensed family childcare homes offer part-time (e.g., 2-3 days a week) or flexible scheduling. For parents with evening, overnight, or weekend shifts, your best options are to seek out family homes that may accommodate irregular hours or explore specialized providers. A valuable local resource is the Lancaster County Early Childhood Education Directory, managed by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7, which can help filter searches for providers offering non-traditional care. Additionally, some hospital-affiliated centers (like those near Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health) may have hours catering to healthcare workers.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Lancaster, and are there any local red flags specific to this area?
When touring a daycare in Lancaster, beyond general cleanliness and safety, ask specific questions about their emergency plans for local hazards like severe thunderstorms or winter storms, which can be common. Observe how children are engaged—quality programs often incorporate elements of Lancaster's cultural assets, like books about farms or local community helpers. Check for current Pennsylvania DHS licensing and inspection certificates posted, and ensure staff have required clearances (Child Abuse, FBI, and Criminal History). A local red flag is a provider who cannot clearly explain their plan for "snow days" or early closures due to weather, as this is a common disruption. Also, be wary of centers that do not encourage you to speak with other parents—the tight-knit community in Lancaster means parent networks are a valuable source of honest feedback. Finally, trust your instincts about the overall environment and how staff interact with the children.
Childcare Insights for Lancaster
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family in Lancaster makes. It’s about more than just a safe place for your child to spend the day; it’s about finding a nurturing environment that supports their growth and gives you peace of mind. When you search for "top rated daycares near me" here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you’re tapping into a community rich with options, from faith-based centers to innovative early learning academies. The key is knowing how to navigate these choices to find the perfect fit for your family’s unique needs.
Start your search by looking beyond star ratings alone. While platforms like Google Reviews and state resources are invaluable, the true measure of a top-rated daycare in Lancaster often lies in its compliance and philosophy. Always verify that a center is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which ensures they meet stringent health, safety, and staff qualification standards. Many highly regarded local centers also pursue additional accreditations, such as those from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which signifies a commitment to high-quality educational practices. In our community, you’ll find that top centers often emphasize a blend of structured learning and play, with some incorporating elements of Lancaster County’s unique cultural and agricultural heritage into their curriculum.
Given Lancaster’s layout, from the historic downtown streets to the surrounding townships, logistics play a crucial role. A daycare with stellar reviews might lose its practicality if the commute during your morning rush, perhaps navigating routes like Route 30 or the Oregon Pike, adds significant stress to your day. Consider centers not just by their address, but by their proximity to your work or support network. Many Lancaster parents find that the ideal solution is a facility that offers a bit of flexibility, understanding the rhythms of life in our area, whether you work at the hospitals, in the thriving downtown businesses, or in one of our many local industries.
The most important step, however, is the personal visit. A top-rated daycare should welcome you to observe, ask questions, and feel the environment for yourself. Pay attention to how the staff interacts with the children—are they engaged and responsive? Look for clean, organized, and child-friendly spaces that are stimulating without being overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to ask about staff turnover; consistency in caregivers is a cornerstone of quality care and something Lancaster parents consistently value. Inquire about their approach to communication, daily routines, and how they handle those inevitable sick days or early closings due to our occasional Pennsylvania winter weather.
Finally, tap into the strong sense of community that defines Lancaster. Some of the best recommendations come from conversations at local parks, the Lancaster Central Market, or community centers. Other parents can provide honest insights that you won’t find in any online brochure. Finding a top-rated daycare here is about aligning a center’s reputation with your child’s personality and your family’s values. With a thoughtful approach, you can find a wonderful partner in your child’s early years right here in our beloved city.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lancaster: