The Best Daycare Centers in New Salem, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Salem. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Salem
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greensburg offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and age-appropriate learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication with parents through their mobile app.
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Bright Horizons at Greensburg
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons offers a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features secure, technology-enhanced classrooms with observation windows, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement classes, and comprehensive safety protocols including strict health screening procedures. The center is NAEYC accredited and maintains state-exceeding staff-to-child ratios.
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Learning Lane Child Care Center
Independent
Learning Lane provides a balanced curriculum combining structured academic preparation with creative play and social development. Their program includes early literacy, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and arts integration. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, USDA-approved meal programs, and outdoor learning environments. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Salem, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in New Salem, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Pennsylvania, all childcare providers caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family daycare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers in New Salem must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. You can search by provider name or zip code (like 15468 for New Salem) to see their license status, any recent inspection reports, and any regulatory actions. It's a crucial first step in your search.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers in the New Salem area, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after licensed centers and family homes in the New Salem area and surrounding Westmoreland/Fayette County region, waitlists can often range from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search at least 4-6 months before your needed start date is advisable. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, ask about the typical timeline, and follow up periodically. Considering options in nearby towns like Perryopolis or Smithton may also increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in New Salem, PA?
Childcare costs in New Salem and rural southwestern Pennsylvania are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh, but they still represent a significant household expense. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$800 to $1,100 per month** for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from **$700 to $950 per month**. Licensed family daycare homes may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from **$650 to $900** monthly. These are estimates, and rates vary based on the facility's amenities, hours, and included services (like meals). Always ask for a detailed fee schedule that includes registration costs, late pick-up fees, and policies for holidays or sick days.
Are there any local or state financial assistance programs to help with daycare costs for families in New Salem?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, administered by OCDEL. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (such as employment, job training, or education). Many families in New Salem may qualify. You apply through the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Fayette County. They can determine your eligibility, co-pay amount, and help you choose a participating "Keystone STARS" rated provider. Additionally, you may be eligible for the federal **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit** on your income taxes. Contact ELRC Region 5 directly or visit their website to start an application.
What are "Keystone STARS" ratings, and why are they important when choosing a daycare in Pennsylvania?
Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. A STAR rating (from STAR 1 to STAR 4) indicates a program's commitment to exceeding state licensing standards in areas like staff education, the learning environment, and family partnerships. In New Salem and across PA, a higher STAR rating generally signifies higher quality. A STAR 4 center has the most rigorous standards. When researching providers, look for their STAR rating on the Pennsylvania Child Care Finder. Choosing a STAR-rated program, even a STAR 1 or 2, means the provider is actively working to improve quality. This system is a valuable tool for parents to compare programs beyond basic licensing.
Nearby Cities
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