The Best Daycare Centers in Marietta, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marietta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marietta
The Goddard School of Lancaster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lancaster is a highly-regarded early childhood education center known for its play-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program, which emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The curriculum includes STEAM activities, language arts, and character development, tailored to each age group. Staff are qualified with degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing training. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and strict safety protocols including keypad entry and regular drills. Parents praise the center for its nurturing environment, strong communication, and focus on individualized learning, making it a top choice for families in the Marietta area.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Columbia Avenue
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location offers a comprehensive Balanced Learning® curriculum that integrates literacy, math, science, and creative arts to foster holistic development. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs educators with CPR and First Aid certifications, along with background in early childhood development. Safety is prioritized with secured entrances, daily health checks, and nutritious meal programs. The facility includes interactive learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Highly rated for its engaging activities and supportive staff, it serves Marietta families with flexible scheduling and a focus on school readiness.
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Little People's Learning Center
Little People's Learning Center, Inc.
Little People's Learning Center is a family-owned childcare provider celebrated for its warm, inclusive environment and research-based Creative Curriculum® that promotes exploration and critical thinking. The center focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on activities, music, and outdoor play. Teachers hold degrees in early education and participate in continuous professional development. The facility boasts safe, clean classrooms, fenced playgrounds, and adherence to state licensing standards. Parents highlight the center's strong community feel, excellent parent-teacher communication, and commitment to diversity, making it a trusted option for Marietta residents seeking quality care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marietta, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marietta, PA?
In Marietta and the surrounding Lancaster County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Marietta often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. 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 Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Marietta is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the 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, including any violations, through the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Certification Search** website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. For Marietta-specific providers, you can also contact the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7**, which serves Lancaster County, for referrals and information on licensed programs. Additionally, you should always visit the facility in person to observe safety protocols, ask about staff background checks (required by PA law), and review their emergency plans.
Are there many options for childcare in Marietta, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns like Columbia or Mount Joy?
Marietta itself is a small borough, so while there are some licensed family home daycare providers within the town, your options for larger daycare centers are more limited. Many families in Marietta find it necessary to look at providers in neighboring communities such as Columbia, Mount Joy, East Petersburg, or even into the outskirts of Lancaster city, which are all within a 10-20 minute commute. The good news is that this expands your choices significantly, including centers with specific educational philosophies (like Montessori or faith-based programs) and those with longer operating hours to accommodate commuters to Lancaster or Harrisburg.
What is the average waitlist time for infant daycare spots in the Marietta area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and regulated infant-to-caregiver ratios in Pennsylvania, waitlists for infant spots (children under 1 year) in the Marietta area can be substantial. It is common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for highly regarded centers or convenient locations. For family home daycares, the wait may be shorter but can still be several months. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents in Marietta begin researching and contacting providers **during the second trimester of pregnancy**. Put your name on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) to increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What unique childcare resources or support networks are available to parents in Marietta, PA?
Marietta parents have access to several local and county-wide resources. A key resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7**, which helps families find quality childcare, apply for subsidies, and access early intervention services. Locally, the **Marietta Community House** often hosts parent-child playgroups and family events, which can be a great way to network and get informal childcare recommendations. Furthermore, being in Lancaster County, parents can connect with larger networks like **Lancaster County's Early Childhood Community Collaboration**, which promotes quality early learning. For school-age care, the **Marietta Borough** and the **Donegal School District** may offer before/after-school programs at Bainbridge Elementary or Donegal Primary School.
Childcare Insights for Marietta
Finding quality childcare can feel like one of the most significant and stressful searches a parent undertakes. If you're in Marietta, Pennsylvania, and typing "daycares near me with openings" into your search bar, you're likely navigating a mix of hope and urgency. The good news is that the Marietta area, with its close-knit community feel and proximity to larger Lancaster County resources, offers several avenues to explore for finding the right care for your child. The key is knowing where to look and what local factors to consider in your search.
Start your search by tapping into the strong community networks that define Marietta. Local Facebook groups for parents in the 17547 zip code or surrounding areas are often invaluable. Parents frequently share real-time updates about openings, recommendations, and even their personal experiences transitioning their children to new caregivers. Don't hesitate to ask for specifics; Marietta parents are often happy to share details about a daycare's daily rhythm, outdoor play spaces, or how they handle the pickup line during the occasional train crossing in town. Another essential local resource is the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7, which serves Lancaster County. They maintain updated referral lists of licensed providers and can guide you through potential financial assistance programs, a crucial step for many families.
As you contact providers, remember that "openings" can mean different things. Some centers or in-home daycares might have an immediate spot, while others could have a waitlist for a specific age group, such as infants, which often has the longest wait. Be prepared to ask not just about availability, but about the anticipated timeline. When you tour a facility, whether it's a center in nearby Mount Joy or a family home in Marietta proper, pay attention to the local flavor. Does the schedule allow for walks to see the Susquehanna River or incorporate elements of the area's rich history? How do they communicate with parents who might commute to Lancaster, Columbia, or even York for work? These practical considerations are as important as the curriculum.
Trust your instincts during visits. A quality daycare in the Marietta area will feel safe, clean, and engaging. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children—are they down on the floor playing, reading books, and responding with warmth? Ask about their policies on sick children, security procedures, and their philosophy on things like screen time and outdoor play, which can be plentiful in our scenic river town. Finally, securing a spot often requires quick action. Have your essential information ready, and don't be discouraged if your first call doesn't yield an immediate opening. Persistence and leveraging local connections are your greatest tools. Finding the right childcare in Marietta is about more than just an opening; it's about finding a supportive extension of your family within this unique and friendly community.