The Best Daycare Centers in Lansdowne, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lansdowne. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lansdowne
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lansdowne offers a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic learning with social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication with parents through their proprietary app. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms with natural lighting, and specialized learning centers for literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in nearby Drexel Hill serves the Lansdowne community with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and science. Their Links to Learning program provides age-appropriate developmental objectives and regular progress assessments. Features highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure building access, and comprehensive safety protocols. The center offers spacious indoor and outdoor learning environments, technology-integrated classrooms, and enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and physical education. Parents receive daily reports and photos through a dedicated communication app.
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Bright Horizons at Bala Cynwyd
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bala Cynwyd provides premium early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that combines emergent curriculum with structured learning experiences. The center features highly educated teachers (many with bachelor's or master's degrees in education), enhanced security systems including biometric entry, and rigorous health and safety protocols. Their Emergent Curriculum follows children's interests while ensuring key developmental milestones are met. The facility includes natural outdoor classrooms, STEM labs, literacy-rich environments, and art studios. Offers flexible scheduling and comprehensive parent partnership programs with regular developmental updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lansdowne, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lansdowne, PA?
In Lansdowne and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,800 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Licensed home-based daycare providers in Lansdowne often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,300 per month. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs through the Child Care Works program for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Lansdowne?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Lansdowne, must be licensed or certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the DHS Provider Search tool. This public database shows the license type, capacity, any recent inspection reports, and any regulatory violations or corrective actions. You can also contact the Southeast Regional Office of OCDEL for specific inquiries. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted visibly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lansdowne, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Lansdowne, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. Some popular centers in the area have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often they update families on their position.
What local resources or organizations in Lansdowne can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) Early Childhood Education program. They provide referrals and support for families seeking quality childcare. The primary resource for all Pennsylvania families is the free referral service, **COMPASS** or the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 17**, which serves Delaware County. You can contact ELRC 17 at (610) 437-6000. They maintain a database of licensed providers, offer guidance on quality indicators, and assist with subsidy applications. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook can provide personal recommendations and experiences with Lansdowne-area providers.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Lansdowne?
While full-time care is most common, several options for part-time or flexible care exist in Lansdowne. Many licensed home daycare providers offer more flexible arrangements, such as 2-3 days per week or specific hourly blocks. Some daycare centers offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5, often running on half-day schedules (e.g., mornings only). For more occasional or backup care, you might consider registered babysitting networks or nanny shares coordinated through local community boards. It's crucial to communicate your scheduling needs clearly during initial inquiries, as flexibility varies greatly by provider and available space is often limited for non-full-time schedules.