The Best Daycare Centers in New Stanton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Stanton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Stanton
The Goddard School of Greensburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School 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 curriculum components. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and development. They offer nutritious meals and snacks as part of their comprehensive program.
Daycare Services:
Sunshine Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Early Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a research-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans. The center features modern security systems, spacious classrooms, and age-appropriate learning materials. They emphasize hands-on learning experiences, creative arts, and outdoor play. The center maintains strict health and safety protocols and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the New Stanton area.
Daycare Services:
Children's Learning Place
Independent
Children's Learning Place offers comprehensive childcare services with a focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their curriculum incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through play-based learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, monitored classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. Qualified teachers provide individualized attention and maintain detailed progress reports. The center emphasizes character development, social skills, and creative expression while maintaining strong communication with parents. They serve families throughout Westmoreland County, including New Stanton residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Stanton, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in New Stanton, PA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In New Stanton, all childcare providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes (caring for 4-6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, health and safety procedures, staff background checks, and physical environment. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the DHS's public website called "COMPASS" or by calling the OCDEL's regional office that serves Westmoreland County. It's highly recommended to review these reports, as they provide specific insights into a facility's recent compliance history.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Stanton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the New Stanton and greater Westmoreland County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $225 to $325 per week, while toddler care often falls between $200 and $280 per week. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Westmoreland County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in New Stanton, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists in New Stanton can vary significantly but are common, especially for infant rooms in highly-rated centers. It's not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infants. For toddler and preschool slots, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. Given this, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your desired start date. Be sure to ask centers about their specific waitlist policies, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot and how often you should check in to maintain your position.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in New Stanton that offer flexible hours for parents working non-traditional or shift-work schedules?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, overnight, weekends) can be challenging in New Stanton, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are likely to be licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible hours by individual arrangement. Some centers in the broader region near major employers like the UPS Southwestern PA Hub or manufacturing plants might offer extended hours. We recommend using the DHS search tool to filter for providers offering "non-traditional hours" and calling directly to inquire. Networking with other local parents in shift-work industries can also yield valuable leads.
What are some key local factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in New Stanton, beyond the basic state requirements?
When touring facilities in New Stanton, consider these local-specific factors: First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plans for severe weather common to Western PA and their proximity to local services like the New Stanton Volunteer Fire Department. Second, ask about their outdoor play policy given Pennsylvania's variable weather—do they have adequate covered or indoor gross motor spaces? Third, explore their community connections, such as visits to the New Stanton Public Library or local parks. Fourth, discuss transportation or drop-off logistics, considering local traffic patterns near Route 119 and I-70. Finally, ask about their communication with the Hempfield Area School District to ensure alignment for children transitioning to kindergarten.