The Best Daycare Centers in Montgomery, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montgomery. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montgomery
The Goddard School of Williamsport
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Williamsport provides high-quality early childhood education with a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development in a safe, nurturing environment. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning centers. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum, professional staff, and excellent communication about child development progress.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Williamsport
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Williamsport offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and social studies. Their program emphasizes whole-child development through hands-on learning and play. Features include secure building access, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides regular progress reports. Parents highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong educational foundation provided to children preparing for kindergarten.
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Little Learners Child Development Center
Independent
Little Learners Child Development Center provides personalized early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that incorporates academic readiness skills. Their program focuses on social development, cognitive growth, and physical coordination through structured activities and free play. Features include state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The center emphasizes character development and community awareness. Parents consistently praise the warm, family-like atmosphere, experienced staff, and the center's commitment to each child's individual needs and developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montgomery, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Montgomery, PA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Montgomery, PA, 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). This licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), health and safety procedures, and physical environment. Family daycare homes serving 4-6 children from different families must also be registered. To verify a provider's status, you can use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the DHS's regional office for Lycoming County. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Montgomery, PA, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Montgomery and the surrounding Lycoming County area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from **$800 to $1,100 per month**. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, staff credentials, and whether it's a home-based or center-based program. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program** is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the Lycoming County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Montgomery, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists in Montgomery, PA, can vary significantly but are often longest for infant and toddler rooms, ranging from **3 to 9 months**. Popular centers near major employers or with high-quality Keystone STARS ratings may have longer waits. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. Get on multiple lists, even if a center isn't your top choice. Follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider licensed family daycare homes, which may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Montgomery that cater to non-traditional work hours or agricultural families?
Given Montgomery's location in a more rural part of Lycoming County, options for overnight, weekend, or variable-hour care are limited but do exist. Some licensed family daycare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers at local manufacturing or healthcare facilities. For families involved in agriculture, Pennsylvania has a specific **Agricultural Child Care Program** that helps connect farming families with providers who understand seasonal demands. It's best to contact the **Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 6**, which serves Lycoming County, for referrals to providers who accommodate non-standard schedules.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Montgomery, and are there any local resources for comparing options?
During a tour in Montgomery, observe: **1.) Interactions:** Are staff engaged and responsive to children? **2.) Safety & Cleanliness:** Check for secure entrances, clean play and diaper areas, and posted emergency plans. **3.) Outdoor Space:** Given the area, a safe, enclosed outdoor play area is a plus. **4.) Ask about their curriculum** and how they incorporate Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards. For comparison, use the **Keystone STARS quality rating system**—a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a higher quality program. The **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 6** offers free referral services and can provide detailed quality reports on licensed providers in the area.