The Best Daycare Centers in Langhorne, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Langhorne. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Langhorne
The Goddard School of Langhorne
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Langhorne offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Bright Horizons at Yardley
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Yardley serves families throughout Lower Bucks County including Langhorne with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and natural outdoor playgrounds. Their highly qualified teachers typically hold bachelor's degrees and receive extensive training in child development. The program includes enrichment activities like music, movement, and Spanish language exposure, with strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and school readiness.
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Newtown Friends School Early Childhood Program
Newtown Friends School
Newtown Friends School's Early Childhood Program serves Langhorne families with a Quaker-based educational approach that emphasizes community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. The program features a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances structured learning with child-directed exploration. Their experienced teachers hold advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The campus includes secure, purpose-built classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and nature exploration areas. The program strongly emphasizes social development, emotional intelligence, and fostering independence through hands-on learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Langhorne, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Langhorne, PA?
In Langhorne and the surrounding Bucks County area, daycare costs are influenced by the type of facility and the age of your child. For a full-time, licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family daycare providers often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $900 and $1,300 monthly. These costs are competitive with the broader Philadelphia suburbs. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and enrichment programs. Many facilities in Langhorne also require a one-time registration fee.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Langhorne?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Langhorne, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history through the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any regulatory violations or substantiated complaints from the past three years. We highly recommend using this tool and also contacting the **Bucks County Early Childhood Office** for additional local resources and to ask specific questions about providers you are considering.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Langhorne, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the well-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Langhorne, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We advise parents to begin their search and schedule tours during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. Be sure to ask about each center's specific waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold your spot and how often you need to check in to remain active on the list.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and licensed family home daycares in Langhorne?
The main choice for Langhorne parents is between larger daycare centers and smaller, licensed family childcare homes. **Centers** (like those in the Langhorne Borough or nearby Middletown Township) often offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger peer groups. They may have more amenities and longer operating hours. **Licensed Family Homes** provide care in a provider's residence, offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often have more flexible schedules but may have limited backup if the provider is ill. Both are regulated by PA DHS, but homes have a smaller capacity (usually up to 6 children). Your choice will depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and the environment you prefer.
What local resources or programs in Bucks County can help with childcare costs for Langhorne families?
Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, administered locally. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the **Bucks County Assistance Office**. Additionally, Langhorne is home to the **Bucks County Intermediate Unit (#22)**, which offers early intervention services and may have connections to affordable preschool options. Some local centers also offer sibling discounts or scholarships. We recommend contacting **First Steps Bucks County**, a local referral agency, for personalized help navigating these resources and finding care that fits your budget.
Childcare Insights for Langhorne
As the school year winds down, many parents in Langhorne find themselves facing the annual question: what are the best summer daycare options near me? Balancing work schedules with giving your child a fun and enriching summer can feel like a puzzle, but the good news is that our community offers several wonderful solutions tailored to different needs. The key is to start your search early, as quality programs in our area can fill up quickly once spring arrives.
When looking for summer daycare in Langhorne, PA, consider what kind of experience you want for your child. Many local centers and programs shift from their academic-year structure to a summer camp-style schedule, blending traditional childcare with exciting themed weeks, outdoor play, and field trips. For instance, programs might explore the history at nearby Pennsbury Manor or incorporate nature studies from the parks along the Neshaminy Creek. This localized focus can turn summer care into a memorable adventure that connects children to their own community. It’s always wise to ask about the weekly themes, the ratio of outdoor time, and if field trips are included in the tuition or require additional fees.
Another practical aspect specific to our area is transportation. Some Langhorne-based summer programs offer busing or organized transportation for field trips, which can be a huge relief for working parents. If you’re commuting to Philadelphia or Princeton, finding a program with extended hours that align with your schedule is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask about early drop-off or late pick-up policies. Furthermore, many parents find that a hybrid approach works best—combining a few weeks of a traditional summer camp with a more consistent daycare center for the remaining weeks. This flexibility allows for family vacations and varied experiences while maintaining a reliable childcare base.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to visit. Schedule a time to see the facilities, meet the staff who will be with your child all summer, and get a feel for the daily rhythm. Observe if the children seem engaged and happy. Ask about staff qualifications and how they handle the intense summer heat, ensuring there is plenty of access to water and shaded play areas. Trusting your instincts is as important as checking the logistics. In a town like Langhorne, with its strong sense of community, you’ll often find that the most recommended programs are those where children return summer after summer, building friendships and looking forward to the activities. By investing time in your search now, you can secure a spot in a program that provides not just supervision, but a summer full of growth and joy for your child, right here in our own neighborhood.