The Best Daycare Centers in Listie, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Listie. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Listie
Somerset Child Development Center
Independent
Somerset Child Development Center is a highly-regarded facility known for its play-based educational approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The center follows a structured curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, incorporating literacy, math, and science activities tailored to each age group. Staff members are state-certified with CPR and First Aid training, and low teacher-to-child ratios ensure personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, sanitized classrooms, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents praise the center for its nurturing environment, regular progress updates, and focus on school readiness, making it a top choice in the region serving Listie families.
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KinderCare Learning Center of Johnstown
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center of Johnstown offers a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development, including phonics, STEM activities, and social skills. The center is part of the national KinderCare network, providing consistent high-quality care with degreed teachers and ongoing professional development. Safety protocols include keypad entry, regular health checks, and secure playgrounds. The facility boasts bright, engaging classrooms with learning centers for art, music, and dramatic play. Serving Listie and surrounding areas, it is commended for its transparent parent communication, nutritious meal programs, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families.
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The Goddard School of Richland
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Richland provides a premier early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and independence. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) integrates academic skills with physical and social development, led by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, hygienic environments, and expansive indoor and outdoor play spaces. Emphasizing parent partnerships, the school offers real-time updates via mobile apps and regular family events. Highly rated for its inclusive atmosphere and robust curriculum, it reliably serves families from Listie and the greater Johnstown area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Listie, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Listie, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Listie and the surrounding Somerset County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $150 to $200 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania cities but can vary based on the facility's amenities and curriculum. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Somerset County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify that a daycare or home-based childcare provider in Listie is properly licensed and inspected?
All licensed childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Listie, are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's license and view their most recent inspection reports, you can use the state's publicly accessible **COMPASS website** or call the DHS Child Care Certification regional office. It's crucial to check for the provider's Certificate of Compliance, which should be posted visibly within the facility. This report will detail any non-compliance issues and the steps taken to correct them. For smaller, legally unregulated "family, friend, and neighbor" care, formal licensing may not apply, so parents must conduct their own thorough vetting.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for daycare centers and in-home providers in Listie?
Availability in Listie is often limited due to the small, rural nature of the community. There are only a handful of licensed providers, including small daycare centers and registered family childcare homes. It is very common for these providers, especially those with strong reputations, to have waitlists, particularly for infant care. Wait times can range from a few months to over a year. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Networking through local community groups, churches, or the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce can also help uncover potential openings with less formal advertising.
Are there any daycare facilities in Listie that offer specialized programs, such as preschool curriculum, outdoor/nature-based learning, or care for children with special needs?
While Listie itself is a small borough, some local providers and those in nearby towns like Somerset or Berlin incorporate structured preschool curricula (like Creative Curriculum) into their programs for pre-K aged children. Given the area's rural setting, several providers emphasize outdoor play, but dedicated "nature-based" preschools are more likely found in larger regional centers. For children with special needs, providers are required to make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, for specialized therapeutic services, parents often need to coordinate with the **Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08 (IU8)**, which provides early intervention and support services to eligible children across Somerset County. It's essential to discuss specific needs directly with any prospective daycare.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing between a licensed daycare center and a registered family childcare home in Listie?
The choice depends on your family's priorities. **Licensed Centers** in the area (like those in nearby Somerset) often offer more structured daily schedules, multiple staff members, and potentially more robust educational programming. They may have stricter staff-to-child ratios as per PA law. **Registered Family Child Care Homes** in Listie provide a home-like setting with smaller, mixed-age groups, which can mean more flexible hours and a family-oriented atmosphere. They are often more affordable and may be more convenient for local families. For either option, consider the provider's proximity to your home or work, their hours of operation (critical for shift workers in local industries), their policies on sick children, and the overall cleanliness and safety of the environment. Always schedule an in-person visit and ask for references from other Listie-area parents.