The Best Daycare Centers in Newmanstown, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Newmanstown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Newmanstown
Bright Horizons at Lebanon Valley
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lebanon Valley offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through play-based activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, plus nutritious meals prepared on-site.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Lebanon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lebanon implements the Life Essentials curriculum, which focuses on character development, academic preparation, and physical wellness. The academy features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Their secure facility includes coded entry systems, video monitoring, and age-specific learning environments. The program emphasizes STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills through structured learning centers. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through the mobile app and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, educational environment.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Lebanon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lebanon offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The program is distinguished by its focus on individual learning styles and comprehensive kindergarten readiness assessment system.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Newmanstown, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Newmanstown, PA?
In Newmanstown and the surrounding Lebanon County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month for infant care. For a toddler (ages 1-3), costs typically range from $950 to $1,250 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the area often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,100 per month. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up may apply. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Newmanstown is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Newmanstown, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the state's publicly accessible online tool called "COMPASS." This database shows the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any non-compliance reports from their last three inspection cycles. You can also contact the regional OCDEL office that serves Lebanon County directly for information. Always ask to see a provider's current certificate of compliance during your tour.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in the Newmanstown area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in and around Newmanstown. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search at least 6 to 9 months in advance. For infant care, starting your search as early as your second trimester is advisable. Some of the more popular centers in the region may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a small community like Newmanstown?
As a smaller community, Newmanstown offers a mix of childcare options, though the number of large centers is limited. The most common types are: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** These are home-based programs, often run by a single provider, and are a prevalent option in rural areas. They offer a smaller, home-like setting. 2. **Group Child Care Homes:** Similar to family homes but may have more staff and children. 3. **Child Care Centers:** You may find a few centers in Newmanstown itself or in nearby towns like Myerstown, Womelsdorf, or Lebanon. These offer structured programs with multiple classrooms. 4. **Part-Day Preschool Programs:** Often run by churches or community organizations, these are common for children ages 3-5. Many families in the area also utilize a network of trusted in-home babysitters or nannies, which are often found through local community boards and word-of-mouth.
What are the key state-mandated staff-to-child ratios and safety regulations I should look for when touring a daycare in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has strict staff-to-child ratios that vary by age. For licensed providers, the ratios are: - **Infants (0-12 months):** 1 staff member for every 4 infants. - **Young Toddlers (1-2 years):** 1 staff member for every 5 toddlers. - **Older Toddlers (2-3 years):** 1 staff member for every 6 toddlers. - **Preschool (3-5 years):** 1 staff member for every 10 children. All staff must pass comprehensive background checks (PA State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI fingerprinting). The facility must also have clear emergency evacuation plans, safe sleep policies for infants (including placing babies on their backs in cribs), and procedures for administering medication. During your tour, don't hesitate to ask the director to explain these specific policies.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Newmanstown: