The Best Daycare Centers in Masontown, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Masontown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Masontown
The Learning Lamp at Uniontown Hospital
The Learning Lamp
This NAEYC-accredited facility offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development. Located at Uniontown Hospital, the center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and state-of-the-art security systems. The program includes nutritious meals, indoor and outdoor play areas, and specialized infant care programs with detailed developmental tracking. Their hospital-affiliated location ensures exceptional health and safety protocols.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Morgantown
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited KinderCare center serves families in the broader Masontown region with a comprehensive early learning curriculum that includes phonics-based reading, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes healthy meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds, and specialized infant care with daily communication apps for parents. The center offers flexible scheduling and serves as a reliable option for commuters to the Morgantown area.
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Little Eagles Learning Center
Independent
This locally-owned childcare center provides personalized early education with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. The facility features small class sizes, experienced early childhood educators, and a secure environment with camera monitoring. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The center offers nutritious meals, outdoor play areas, and comprehensive infant care programs with detailed daily reports for parents. Their community-focused approach and flexible scheduling make them popular with local families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Masontown, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Masontown, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Masontown, 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 providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and child-to-staff ratios. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the **Pennsylvania Keys to Quality** website or by contacting the DHS regional office serving Fayette County. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Masontown, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlist times in Masontown can vary significantly. For popular centers or those affiliated with local employers or institutions, waitlists can be several months to over a year, especially for infant care which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Smaller in-home providers may have shorter or no waitlists. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 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 2-3 months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Uniontown or Smithfield for more options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Masontown, PA?
In Masontown and surrounding Fayette County, childcare costs are generally lower than the state average but can still be a significant expense. For a full-time, licensed center, you can expect to pay approximately **$180-$250 per week** for toddler care and **$200-$280 per week** for infant care. Licensed family daycare homes are often more affordable, ranging from **$140-$210 per week**. These are estimates; prices vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and hours of operation. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program. You can apply through the Fayette County Assistance Office.
Are there any childcare options in Masontown that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in healthcare, manufacturing, or the service industry?
Finding childcare for evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts is a challenge in Masontown, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to seek out licensed family daycare homes, as some providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers. It's important to inquire directly and be clear about your schedule needs. Another resource is to search the Pennsylvania Keys to Quality website and filter for providers who list "non-traditional hours." You may also need to consider a nanny share or a trusted in-home babysitter from the local community. Networking with other shift-working parents at local employers like the local medical clinics or manufacturing plants can also lead to recommendations.
What local resources or organizations in Masontown can help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
A key local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Fayette County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed childcare providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). Their specialists can also guide you through the Child Care Works subsidy application and explain what to look for during a daycare visit. You can contact them at 1-800-222-2117 or visit their website. Additionally, the **Fayette County Community Action Agency** may have information on early childhood programs. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule tours, ask for references from current parents, and observe how staff interact with children during your visit.