The Best Daycare Centers in Murrysville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Murrysville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Murrysville
The Goddard School of Murrysville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Murrysville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and implemented by qualified teachers with degrees in education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education while maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Primrose School of Murrysville
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Murrusville follows the Balanced Learning® approach, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. They maintain rigorous safety protocols including comprehensive background checks for staff, regular safety drills, and health monitoring. The Balanced Learning system focuses on developing the whole child through hands-on experiences and social-emotional learning.
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The Children's Courtyard
Children's Courtyard
The Children's Courtyard provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their curriculum includes phonics-based literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor play spaces. They employ qualified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed progress reports for each child. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and building foundational academic skills through engaging, play-based activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Murrysville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Murrysville, PA?
In Murrysville, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed childcare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare (family childcare homes) licensed by the state often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month for full-time care. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, included amenities (meals, curriculum), and the specific program's reputation. It's important to note that Murrysville, being part of the Pittsburgh metro area with a relatively high median income, tends to have childcare costs at or slightly above the Pennsylvania state average.
How do I verify that a daycare in Murrysville is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a Murrysville provider's license status, inspection history, and any compliance reports for free through the state's online **COMPASS Child Care Provider Search** tool. During an in-person tour, look for the license certificate posted visibly. Also, ask to see their most recent DHS inspection report. Beyond licensing, during your tour, observe staff-child interactions, check for cleanliness and safety (secured outlets, safe playground equipment), inquire about staff qualifications and turnover, and ask about their emergency procedures for situations like fires or severe weather common to Western PA. A reputable center will be transparent and welcome these questions.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Murrysville, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Murrysville, especially for infants due to stricter state-mandated staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and ideally get on a waitlist 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), the timeline can be shorter, but starting your search 3-6 months in advance is still wise. Some popular centers affiliated with local schools or community organizations may have annual enrollment periods. Always ask about the specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
What childcare options are available for parents with non-traditional work hours in the Murrysville area?
Finding childcare for evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts can be challenging in Murrysville, as most traditional centers operate Monday-Friday from approximately 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Your primary options are: 1) Licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible hours on a case-by-case basis. 2) In-home nannies or babysitters, which you can find through local networks or agencies serving the Greater Pittsburgh area. 3) Some larger childcare chains in neighboring communities like Monroeville or Greensburg may offer extended hours. It's crucial to communicate your schedule needs very early in your search. You can also utilize the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Westmoreland County (including Murrysville), for referrals to providers who accommodate non-standard hours.
Does the Murrysville community or local schools offer any public preschool or pre-kindergarten programs?
Yes, the **Franklin Regional School District**, which serves Murrysville, offers a tuition-based Preschool Program for children ages 3-5. This program is typically held at the district's elementary schools and follows the academic calendar. Spots are limited and often filled via lottery. Additionally, Pennsylvania's **Pre-K Counts** program offers free, high-quality pre-kindergarten to eligible 3- and 4-year-olds from families meeting income requirements. These programs are administered through community agencies; in the Murrysville area, this may include organizations like The Learning Lamp or other approved providers. Eligibility and availability should be checked directly with the ELRC Region 5. These public options provide a structured, educational alternative to traditional daycare for preschool-aged children.