The Best Daycare Centers in Lemont Furnace, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lemont Furnace. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lemont Furnace
The Goddard School of Uniontown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Uniontown offers a premier early childhood education program with their proprietary FLEX Learning Program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress. The center is known for its strong emphasis on safety, qualified teaching staff, and comprehensive educational approach that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
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ABC Children's Learning Center
Independent
ABC Children's Learning Center provides quality childcare with a focus on early childhood development through their comprehensive STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The center features certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. Their facility includes secure access control, modern classrooms with educational technology, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. They emphasize social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and physical coordination through structured activities and free play. The center is particularly noted for its nutritious meal program, extended hours of operation, and strong parent-teacher communication system.
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Rainbow's End Learning Center
Independent
Rainbow's End Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood education certifications and receives ongoing professional development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific learning centers, and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces. They focus on developing the whole child through activities that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. The center is recognized for its inclusive environment, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on building foundational literacy and numeracy skills through hands-on learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lemont Furnace, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lemont Furnace, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lemont Furnace, 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 must be registered. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff qualifications. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the **Pennsylvania Keys to Quality Early Learning** website or by contacting the **Southwest Regional Key** office, which serves Fayette County. Always ask to see a current certificate during your tour.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Lemont Furnace, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited dedicated childcare facilities within Lemont Furnace itself, many families rely on providers in neighboring areas like Uniontown, Connellsville, or Morgantown, WV. Waitlists can vary from a few months to over a year, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple centers, get on multiple lists (there is often a small fee), and follow up every 4-6 weeks. Also, explore registered family daycare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more home-like setting in the local community.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lemont Furnace, PA?
Costs in the Lemont Furnace area are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania cities but can vary. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$800 to $1,100 per month** for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from **$700 to $950 per month**. Registered family daycare homes may be slightly less expensive. It's crucial to ask what is included in the tuition (meals, snacks, curriculum, etc.). Be sure to inquire about financial assistance options, such as Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program**, which many local providers accept, to help eligible families with costs.
Are there any childcare options that cater to parents with non-traditional or shift-work hours in the Lemont Furnace area?
Finding childcare for evenings, nights, or weekends is a significant challenge in the Lemont Furnace area, as most centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to seek out registered family daycare homes, as some providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the region's healthcare and service industries. Another strategy is to network with other local parents for potential nanny shares or to seek in-home caregivers. Be upfront about your schedule needs when contacting providers. Some facilities in larger nearby towns may offer extended hours, but availability is limited.
What local resources or organizations in Fayette County can help me find and evaluate quality childcare near Lemont Furnace?
The primary local resource is the **Southwest Regional Key**, which is the state-designated Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Fayette County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered providers, help families apply for the **Child Care Works** subsidy, and provide information on quality indicators. You can contact them at (724) 437-4680. Additionally, the **Fayette County Community Action Agency** may have support programs. When evaluating, use Pennsylvania's **STAR 1-4 quality rating system** (Keystone STARS) as a guide; a higher STAR rating indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards in areas like learning environment and staff education.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lemont Furnace: