The Best Daycare Centers in Manor, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manor. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manor
The Goddard School of Lancaster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lancaster offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms. Highly qualified teachers implement developmental milestones tracking and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development, with daily communication provided to parents through the proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Lancaster General Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lancaster General Hospital provides high-quality early education with an emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. The center features secure access, nutritious meal programs, and extensive safety protocols. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, cultural diversity, and inclusion, with strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Lancaster
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center at Lancaster offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum across all age groups. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure facilities, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. Their experienced teaching staff focuses on individualized learning plans and developmental assessments. The program includes phonics-based literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts, supported by spacious indoor and outdoor play areas designed for age-appropriate physical development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manor, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Manor, PA, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Manor, Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes (serving up to 6 children) and group childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify the license and review any compliance history of a specific daycare by using the DHS "Child Care Finder" tool online or by contacting the regional OCDEL office that serves Westmoreland County. It's crucial to check this status, as operating without a license is illegal, except for certain exempt scenarios like care by relatives.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Manor, PA?
The cost of childcare in Manor and the surrounding Westmoreland County area varies by the child's age and the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $225 to $325 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $200 and $280 per week. Family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, sometimes $150 to $230 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh but are a significant household expense. We recommend contacting providers directly for exact rates, as they can change, and inquiring about any available discounts for siblings or prepayment.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Manor, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many licensed daycare centers in and around Manor, PA, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers may have waitlists several months long. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up politely every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Murrysville, Export, or Trafford, and explore licensed family daycare homes, which may have more immediate availability.
What resources or financial assistance programs are available to help Manor residents pay for childcare?
Pennsylvania offers several assistance programs for qualifying families in Manor. The primary resource is the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program, administered by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, which serves Westmoreland County. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). You can apply through the COMPASS website or contact the ELRC directly. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees. For tax purposes, you can utilize the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. We recommend checking the Pennsylvania DHS website for the most current income guidelines and application details.
What are some key local factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Manor, PA?
Beyond standard safety checks, consider these Manor-specific factors: First, inquire about their severe weather and emergency plans, as the area can experience winter storms and occasional severe thunderstorms. Ask about outdoor play space and how they handle air quality on days affected by seasonal farming or industry in the broader region. Given Manor's more suburban/rural setting, check their policy on field trips—do they utilize local parks, libraries, or farms? Also, discuss staff longevity and turnover; a stable team in a smaller community is a positive sign. Finally, ask about their communication with parents, especially regarding local school district (Franklin Regional) events or closures that might affect staff with school-aged children.
Childcare Insights for Manor
Finding the right daycare center is one of the most significant decisions a parent in Manor, Pennsylvania, will make. It’s about more than just a convenient location; it’s about finding a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can thrive while you’re at work. If you’re typing “daycare center near me” into your search bar, you’re likely balancing that deep care for your child’s well-being with the practical needs of your daily schedule here in Westmoreland County. The good news is that Manor and the surrounding communities offer several wonderful options, and knowing what to look for locally can make your search much smoother.
Begin your search by considering the unique rhythm of life in our area. Many families in Manor appreciate the blend of suburban comfort with easy access to Greensburg and the major routes like Route 30. When visiting potential centers, ask about their daily routines and how they incorporate both structured learning and free play. A quality local daycare will understand the importance of outdoor time, so inquire about their playground facilities and policies for getting children outside, weather permitting. Given Pennsylvania’s distinct seasons, a center that has plans for both sunny summer days and indoor activities for colder weather is a great sign.
It is crucial to verify that any center you consider is fully licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. You can and should ask to see their license and any inspection reports. This ensures they meet the state’s stringent health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards. Don’t hesitate to ask about the qualifications and tenure of the caregivers. A low staff turnover rate often indicates a positive work environment, which directly translates to consistent, quality care for your child. In a close-knit community like ours, word of mouth is incredibly valuable. Talk to other parents at the Manor park or local shops; their personal experiences can provide insights you won’t find on a website.
When you schedule a tour, go beyond the scheduled visit. Try to drop in during regular hours to get a genuine feel for the atmosphere. Listen to the sounds—are the children engaged and happily busy? Observe how the staff interacts with the kids; are they down on the floor playing, responding with patience, and speaking warmly? Pay attention to cleanliness and safety features, like secured doors and covered electrical outlets. Finally, trust your instincts. You know your child best. The right center in Manor will feel like a partnership, where the staff communicates openly and makes you feel confident and reassured about leaving your most precious little one in their care. Taking the time to find this fit is an investment in your child’s happiness and your own peace of mind.