The Best Daycare Centers in Mountville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mountville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mountville
The Goddard School of Lancaster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lancaster offers a premier early childhood education program with FLEX Learning Program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts while promoting social and emotional development. Features include secure entry systems, daily health checks, highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides regular parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios. Their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) enrichment programs and focus on character development make them stand out in the Lancaster area.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Lancaster General Health
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lancaster General Health provides high-quality early education with research-based curriculum that supports whole-child development. The center features World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizing language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. Their teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, nutritionally balanced meals, and age-appropriate learning environments. What sets them apart is their employer-sponsored partnership model, enhanced health and safety standards, and strong focus on school readiness through emergent curriculum that follows children's interests.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Manheim
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Manheim offers a comprehensive early childhood program with balanced learning approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum focuses on academic foundations, social-emotional learning, and physical development through structured and play-based activities. The center features secure building access, coded entry systems, trained health and safety coordinators, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and many hold early childhood credentials. Their standout features include phonics-based literacy program, hands-on math and science activities, and strong emphasis on building confidence and independence. The center serves multiple age groups with developmentally appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mountville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mountville, PA?
In Mountville and the surrounding Lancaster County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Licensed home-based daycare providers in the area often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, included amenities (meals, curriculum), and the specific location within the Mountville area. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Mountville is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Mountville, 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 primary tools. First, use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website, which lists all licensed providers and shows their star rating in the Keystone STARS quality initiative. Second, you can request a provider's most recent **DHS Inspection Report**, which details any violations of state regulations. You can contact the DHS Southeast Regional Office, which oversees Lancaster County, for assistance. Always choose a provider that is actively licensed and participates in Keystone STARS.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Mountville, and what's the best way to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at many highly-rated daycare centers in Mountville and the wider Lancaster region, with some wait times extending 6 to 12 months. The demand often exceeds supply, especially for children under two. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple centers to get on their waitlists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100). Follow up with centers every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in nearby neighborhoods like Columbia, Landisville, or Salunga, as they may have more immediate openings.
What are some of the key quality indicators I should look for when touring a daycare in Mountville?
Beyond basic licensing, look for these key quality indicators specific to Pennsylvania's standards. First, check their **Keystone STARS rating** (1 to 4 stars); a higher star rating indicates a commitment to higher quality standards in education, environment, and leadership. Second, ask about staff qualifications and turnover; low turnover and teachers with degrees in Early Childhood Education are positive signs. Third, observe the environment: Is it clean, safe, and engaging? Are children actively involved and supervised? Fourth, inquire about their curriculum and how they communicate with parents (daily reports, apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). Finally, ask about their policies on nutrition, outdoor play, and handling emergencies. Many quality centers in Mountville will proudly share their STARS portfolio.
What resources are available in Mountville for parents seeking part-time, drop-in, or non-traditional hours childcare?
Finding part-time or non-traditional hours care in Mountville can be challenging, as most centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule and require full-time enrollment. Your best options are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible schedules. For occasional drop-in care, you may need to look at centers in nearby Lancaster city that offer such services. Additionally, consider using vetted babysitters or nanny shares through networks on platforms like Care.com, connecting with other local parents through the "Mountville, PA Community" Facebook group for recommendations, or exploring the possibility of a cooperative with other families. The **Lancaster County Early Childhood Resource Center** can also provide referrals for flexible care options in the county.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Mountville: