The Best Daycare Centers in Loretto, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Loretto. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Loretto
Saint Francis University Child Development Center
Saint Francis University
The Saint Francis University Child Development Center is a highly-regarded facility operating on the university campus, serving both university affiliates and the broader community. This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive developmental curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate learning materials. The program integrates research-based practices from the university's education department and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the center's professional staff, clean facilities, and strong communication.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Conemaugh
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Conemaugh is part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, serving families in the greater Loretto area from its Johnstown location. The center follows the World at Their Fingers curriculum, which focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through play-based learning. The facility features secure entry systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. All teachers meet or exceed state qualifications, with many holding early childhood education degrees. The center emphasizes health and safety protocols, including comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training. Parents appreciate the structured daily routines, regular developmental assessments, and convenient hours for working families.
Daycare Services:
Cresson Area Child Care Center
Independent Nonprofit
Cresson Area Child Care Center is a well-established nonprofit facility serving the Loretto region with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center implements a play-based curriculum that aligns with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, focusing on cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. The facility includes secure indoor and outdoor play spaces, age-appropriate learning materials, and dedicated infant and toddler rooms. Staff members are certified in CPR and first aid, with ongoing professional development requirements. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and family events. Known for its nurturing environment and experienced staff, the center has built a strong reputation for quality care and educational excellence in the community.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Loretto, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Loretto, PA, and how do I verify their licensing status?
In Loretto and the surrounding Cambria County area, your primary licensed options are Child Care Centers, Group Child Care Homes (serving 7-12 children), and Family Child Care Homes (serving 4-6 children in a provider's residence). Due to Loretto's smaller size, Family Child Care Homes are a common and often more flexible option. To verify a provider's licensing status, compliance history, and any reported incidents, you must use the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) website. Their "Child Care Finder" tool allows you to search by zip code (15940) and view official inspection reports. You can also call the DHS Child Care Certification Regional Office for Western PA for direct confirmation.
Are there any daycare facilities in Loretto affiliated with Saint Francis University that offer priority to faculty, staff, or students?
Yes, Saint Francis University is a central institution in Loretto and operates the **Saint Francis University Early Learning Center**. This center is a licensed childcare facility that typically gives enrollment priority to children of university students, faculty, and staff. However, it may also have openings for community members depending on capacity. It's known for incorporating educational philosophies aligned with the university's values. Due to this priority system and high demand, waitlists can be long. It is highly recommended that parents, especially those affiliated with the university, contact the center well in advance—ideally during pregnancy or several months before needed care.
What is the average weekly cost for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Loretto, and are there local financial assistance programs?
In Loretto and the broader rural Cambria County region, costs are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania cities but vary by provider type. For full-time care (5 days/week), you can expect an average range of **$150 to $225 per week for infants** and **$130 to $200 per week for toddlers** at licensed facilities. Family Child Care Homes may be on the lower end of this scale. Financial assistance is primarily available through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**. Eligibility is based on income, work, school, or training requirements. You apply through the Cambria County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Given Loretto's rural location, what should I know about transportation and operating hours for local daycares?
Transportation is a key consideration in Loretto. Most in-home providers and smaller centers **do not offer transportation services**. Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up. Some larger centers in nearby towns like Ebensburg or Altoona may have vans, but this is uncommon within Loretto itself. Operating hours for local providers often reflect the needs of a community with university and healthcare workers. Typical hours might be 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM or 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's crucial to confirm these hours precisely, as options for extended-hour or overnight care in Loretto itself are extremely limited. Planning for your commute, especially during winter weather, is essential.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Loretto, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlist times in Loretto can be significant, particularly for infants due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. For the most sought-after providers, like the Saint Francis University Early Learning Center or well-regarded in-home providers, waitlists can be **6 months to over a year**. For toddler and preschool spots, 3-6 months is common. To improve your chances, start your search early—during pregnancy is not too soon. Contact multiple providers to get on several lists. Be proactive and follow up every 2-3 months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Cresson, Ebensburg, or Patton, which may have more availability and are within a reasonable commuting distance.