The Best Daycare Centers in New Kensington, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Kensington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Kensington
Kiddie Academy of Lower Burrell
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lower Burrell is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the New Kensington area with their Life Essentials® curriculum. The center focuses on character development, academic preparation, and social-emotional learning through structured play and hands-on activities. Features include secure keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds, age-appropriate learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers comprehensive safety protocols including regular security drills and background-checked staff. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, clean facilities, and the visible developmental progress in children.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Natrona Heights
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Natrona Heights provides premium early education and childcare services to families in the New Kensington region. Their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum incorporates phonics, mathematics, science, and social studies through interactive learning stations. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including CCTV monitoring, biometric check-in, and secured perimeters. Highly qualified educators hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes dedicated indoor gyms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and specialized learning centers for literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Parent testimonials highlight exceptional staff engagement and comprehensive developmental tracking.
Daycare Services:
Children's Creative Learning Center
Children's Creative Learning Centers
Children's Creative Learning Center in Plum serves the greater New Kensington area with a research-based educational approach that emphasizes whole-child development. The center implements Creative Curriculum® with integrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and literacy development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, and rigorous staff screening processes. The teaching staff maintains Pennsylvania early childhood education credentials with ongoing training in child development best practices. The facility offers spacious classrooms, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art/music rooms. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, individualized attention to children's needs, and preparation for kindergarten transition.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Kensington, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Kensington, PA?
In New Kensington and the surrounding Westmoreland 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 $800 and $1,200 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $700 to $1,000 per month. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, ranging from $600 to $900 monthly. These costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in New Kensington?
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 status and review their compliance history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (15068 for New Kensington). This public database shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and any recent inspection reports, including non-compliance citations and how they were corrected. You can also contact the regional OCDEL office that oversees Western PA. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in New Kensington, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists are common for infant spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in New Kensington and the broader Alle-Kiski Valley. For infant care (6 weeks to 12 months), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **during your second trimester of pregnancy**. For toddler or preschool openings, seeking care 3-6 months in advance is recommended. Some smaller in-home providers may have more immediate openings. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time? Exploring multiple options, including licensed family homes and centers in neighboring towns like Arnold or Lower Burrell, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are some local resources or programs in New Kensington that can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Westmoreland County including New Kensington. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and certified childcare providers. You can contact them by phone or through their website for a customized search. They also administer the Child Care Works subsidy. Additionally, the **New Kensington Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information on local family daycare providers. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating program—a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a commitment to higher standards in learning, staff development, and environment.
What should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan, especially given our local geography and weather?
Given New Kensington's location along the Allegheny River and its susceptibility to river flooding, as well as severe winter weather and occasional tornado warnings, a robust emergency plan is crucial. When touring facilities, ask specifically about: 1) **Evacuation plans** for flooding—where is the relocation site and how are children transported? 2) **Shelter-in-place protocols** for severe storms or tornadoes. 3) **Communication plans** for parents during emergencies (e.g., text alerts, phone trees). 4) Procedures for **power outages**, including backup heat and lighting. 5) Staff training in first aid, CPR, and mandated reporter requirements. A quality provider will readily share this plan and conduct regular drills. Also, inquire about their policy for delayed openings or closures due to snow and ice on local roads.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near New Kensington: