The Best Daycare Centers in Morton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Morton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Morton
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Springfield offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their comprehensive approach that includes yoga, mindfulness, and foreign language exposure, along with daily parent communication through their proprietary mobile app.
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Chesterbrook Academy
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Media provides a well-rounded educational experience with their Links to Learning curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized early childhood training and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Their secure facility includes dedicated infant rooms, STEM labs, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. The academy stands out for their comprehensive enrichment programs including music, physical education, and technology integration, along with regular progress assessments and parent-teacher conferences.
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The Malvern School
The Malvern School
The Malvern School in Newtown Square offers an advanced curriculum developed by early childhood experts that exceeds state standards. Their program emphasizes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through hands-on learning experiences. The school employs degreed teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains exceptional safety protocols including secured entrances and comprehensive background checks. Their facilities feature spacious classrooms, indoor gyms, and nature-based outdoor learning environments. The Malvern School distinguishes itself through their unique enrichment programs including gardening, cooking classes, and character education, along with regular portfolio assessments tracking each child's developmental progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Morton, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Morton, PA?
In Morton and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family daycare providers in Morton often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $900 and $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's Child Care Works subsidy program may be available to eligible families in Morton to help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Morton is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Morton, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania 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 through two key resources. First, use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website, which lists all licensed providers and includes inspection reports. Second, you can contact the **DHS Southeast Regional Office** directly, which oversees Delaware County. When evaluating a provider in Morton, always ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted visibly. Reviewing recent inspection reports is crucial, as they detail any regulatory violations and the provider's plan to correct them.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Morton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Morton and the broader suburban Philadelphia area, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists **during the second trimester of pregnancy**. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 6-9 months in advance is advisable. Some highly sought-after centers in the Morton-Springfield area may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Also consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Springfield, Media, or Swarthmore for more options.
What are some of the local resources in Morton and Delaware County for finding and comparing childcare options?
Parents in Morton have several valuable local resources. The primary hub is **Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU)'s Early Childhood Services**, which provides referrals and information on licensed providers. They also administer the Pre-K Counts program for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. The **Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention** can assist if you have concerns about your child's development. For community-based support, consider joining local parent groups on Facebook, such as "Morton, PA Community" or "Delaware County Moms," where parents often share firsthand experiences and recommendations. Additionally, the **Morton Free Library** may have bulletin boards with information on local family daycare providers.
What are the key differences between daycare centers and family home daycares available in Morton?
In Morton, you'll primarily find two licensed options: **Child Care Centers** and **Family Child Care Homes**. Centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They may offer more enrichment programs and have stricter backup plans for staff absences. **Family Child Care Homes** are run out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often provide more flexible hours but may have less structured programming. In Pennsylvania, Family Homes are licensed for a maximum of 6 children, while Centers follow age-based ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). Your choice may depend on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for a specific educational philosophy. Touring both types in Morton is the best way to feel the difference.