The Best Daycare Centers in New Cumberland, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Cumberland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Cumberland
The Goddard School of New Cumberland
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in New Cumberland offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication with parents through their proprietary app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and rigorous staff training make this a top choice for families seeking both educational excellence and peace of mind.
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Children's Harbor at West Shore
Children's Harbor Learning Centers
Children's Harbor at West Shore, located just minutes from New Cumberland in Lemoyne, provides exceptional childcare with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and extensive outdoor play spaces. Their highly trained teaching staff includes many with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. The program includes daily enrichment activities, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and comprehensive progress tracking. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment and the center's commitment to individualized attention for each child.
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Kiddie Academy of Camp Hill
Kiddie Academy International, LLC
Kiddie Academy of Camp Hill, serving the New Cumberland area, implements their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development. The modern facility features secure entry systems, age-specific learning centers, and spacious outdoor playgrounds. Their educational approach focuses on hands-on learning experiences that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The academy employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The center offers flexible scheduling options, electronic daily reports for parents, and a technology-enriched learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Cumberland, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Cumberland, PA?
In New Cumberland and the surrounding Cumberland County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $950 to $1,250 per month. In-home family daycare providers often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,100 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs through Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare in New Cumberland is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you should use the state's official "Child Care Finder" tool online. This resource allows you to search for providers in New Cumberland by name or zip code (17070) and view their license status, inspection dates, and any regulatory violations or corrective actions. You can also contact the regional OCDEL office that serves Central PA. We strongly recommend visiting any potential daycare in person and asking to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted visibly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in New Cumberland, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at highly-regarded daycare centers in New Cumberland, especially for those near major employers like the Navy Depot or in popular residential neighborhoods. It's not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infants. The best strategy is to start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Camp Hill, Lemoyne, or Mechanicsburg for more options. Also, inquire about sibling priority policies if you have an older child.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in New Cumberland?
While many centers prioritize full-time enrollment, you can find part-time and flexible options in New Cumberland. Some daycare centers offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week schedules, though these spots are limited and may cost more per day than a full-time weekly rate. In-home family daycare providers often have more flexibility with scheduling and may accommodate shift workers or irregular hours. Another local option is utilizing registered drop-in daycare services, though these are less common. For preschool-age children, many local churches and community centers offer half-day preschool programs (e.g., 9 AM-12 PM) that can be combined with other care. Always confirm availability directly, as flexible spots fill quickly.
What unique local resources or programs support parents seeking childcare in the New Cumberland area?
Cumberland County offers several valuable local resources. First, the Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute (CAECTI), based in nearby Mechanicsburg, provides training for providers and resources for parents. Second, the "Cumberland County Child Care Information" service can help match families with licensed providers. For school-age care, the West Shore School District (which serves New Cumberland) offers before and after-school programs called "Kids Club" at its elementary schools. Additionally, the New Cumberland Public Library hosts regular free storytimes and early literacy events that can supplement early learning. For financial assistance, contact the Child Care Information Services of Cumberland County to apply for subsidies and get referrals.