The Best Daycare Centers in Mattawana, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mattawana. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mattawana
Kiddie Academy of State College
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of State College provides comprehensive educational childcare with a proprietary Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals, and extensive indoor/outdoor play spaces. Serving the broader region including Mattawana families, they maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and focus on school readiness.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of State College
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in State College offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), emphasizing academic, social, and emotional development. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous safety protocols including background checks and ongoing staff training. Serving families throughout Centre County including Mattawana, they provide regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Mifflin County Child Development Center
Mifflin County Child Development
Mifflin County Child Development Center is a highly-regarded nonprofit childcare facility serving families throughout Mifflin County and surrounding areas including Mattawana. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, featuring developmentally appropriate curriculum, qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development, and inclusive programming. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure facilities, nutritional meal programs, and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mattawana, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Mattawana, PA?
In Mattawana and the surrounding Mifflin County area, your primary licensed options are Family Child Care Homes (caring for 4-6 children in a provider's residence) and Child Care Centers. Given Mattawana's rural setting, Family Child Care Homes are particularly common and can offer a home-like environment with flexible hours, which is beneficial for families with non-traditional work schedules. There are also a few larger centers in nearby Lewistown. All providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which you can verify through the state's online COMPASS provider search. Due to limited local options, many families also consider registered but unlicensed "relative/neighbor care" for small groups.
How much does full-time childcare typically cost in Mattawana, and are there any financial assistance programs?
Costs in Mattawana and Mifflin County are generally lower than state averages but vary by provider type. A Family Child Care Home typically charges $120-$180 per week for full-time infant/toddler care, while centers in the region may range from $150-$220 per week. Pennsylvania offers the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families, administered locally through the Central Pennsylvania Child Care Corporation. Eligibility is based on income, work/training hours, and family size. We strongly recommend applying for this subsidy early, as waitlists can exist. You can apply via the COMPASS website or contact the Mifflin County Assistance Office in Lewistown.
Are daycare waitlists common in Mattawana, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common due to the limited number of providers in this rural community. For infant care spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, it is not unusual to encounter a 6 to 12-month waitlist. We recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler or preschool-age openings, aim to begin inquiries at least 3-4 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact all licensed homes and centers in Mattawana and neighboring towns like McVeytown or Lewistown, get on multiple lists, and follow up monthly.
What should I look for when visiting a potential daycare provider in Mattawana?
Beyond checking the required Pennsylvania DHS license (which should be visibly posted), pay close attention to factors crucial in a rural setting. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather and transportation, given the area's geography. Inquire about outdoor play space and activities, as access to nature is a potential benefit here. Verify their staff's certifications in Pediatric First Aid/CPR and if they participate in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating program (even a STAR 1 rating shows a commitment to improvement). Finally, observe how the provider interacts with the children to ensure it's a warm, engaging environment.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for daycare in Pennsylvania, and how do they impact local options?
Pennsylvania DHS mandates the following maximum ratios: for infants (0-1 yr), 1 staff per 4 children; for young toddlers (1-2 yrs), 1:5; for older toddlers (2-3 yrs), 1:6; and for preschoolers (3-5 yrs), 1:10. These ratios significantly impact availability in Mattawana. A Family Child Care Home with one provider can only care for a maximum of 4 children if any are under 1, which is why infant spots are so scarce. Centers have more capacity but must maintain separate rooms/groupings by age. These ratios ensure safety and quality but contribute to the challenge of finding immediate openings, especially for the youngest children.