The Best Daycare Centers in Newtown Square, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Newtown Square. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Newtown Square
The Goddard School of Newtown Square
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Newtown Square offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive early education program with a balanced curriculum that includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their proprietary curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills and social development. Teachers maintain state certifications and participate in continuous training. The center offers enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and physical education, with nutritious meals and snacks provided daily.
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The Malvern School
The Malvern School
The Malvern School offers an advanced curriculum that exceeds state standards with a focus on early literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Their proprietary curriculum includes specialized programs in technology, foreign language exposure, and character development. The facility features secure entrances with keypad access, bright and spacious classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and indoor gross motor spaces. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education and receive extensive professional development. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized learning plans with comprehensive progress reporting to parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Newtown Square, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time infant daycare in Newtown Square, PA, and what factors influence the price?
In Newtown Square, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. The cost is influenced by several factors specific to the area. Center-based programs, especially those affiliated with corporate campuses or offering specialized curricula (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia), tend to be at the higher end of this range. In-home licensed family daycare providers often offer more affordable rates. Additional costs to consider include registration fees (often $100-$300), supply fees, and potential charges for early drop-off or late pick-up. Prices can also vary based on the staff-to-child ratios and the amenities offered, such as organic meals or live-streaming cameras. It's advisable to budget for this significant expense and inquire about any available sibling discounts or corporate partnership rates some centers may have with local employers.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Newtown Square, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Newtown Square can be substantial, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. Given this reality, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, a lead time of 3-6 months is more common but still advisable. When touring facilities, always ask for their specific waitlist policy: whether there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your continued interest, and how they prioritize applicants (e.g., siblings of current families, employees of partner companies, or date of application).
What are the key differences between Pennsylvania-licensed daycare centers and registered family childcare homes in Newtown Square?
In Newtown Square, parents will find both licensed Child Care Centers and certified Family Child Care Homes, each regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). **Centers** are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They must meet strict standards for space, staff qualifications (directors need specific credentials), and group sizes. **Family Child Care Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups. They are certified for a maximum of 6 children, with specific ratios for infants/toddlers. The choice often comes down to preference: centers offer more formal structure and socialization, while family homes provide more flexible hours and a familial setting. Always verify a provider's license/certification status and inspection reports on the PA DHS website.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Delaware County that help parents find and evaluate childcare options in Newtown Square?
Yes, a primary local resource is the **Delaware County Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)**, which is part of the PA DHS system. They maintain the statewide "COMPASS" and "Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 17" websites and hotlines, which offer searchable databases of licensed providers, information on subsidized childcare (CCIS), and quality ratings through Keystone STARS. Additionally, many parents in Newtown Square utilize local community forums on Facebook (e.g., "Newtown Square, PA Community") and Nextdoor for personal recommendations and experiences. The **Main Line Parent Community** is also an active online resource covering the broader western suburban Philadelphia area, including Newtown Square, with directories and parenting advice.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Newtown Square, and what are some local-specific questions to ask?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child engagement, and staff-child interactions. Look for safety features like secured entrances and fenced outdoor play areas. For Newtown Square specifically, ask: * "How do you handle emergency communication for local issues like severe weather or road closures on routes like West Chester Pike or Route 3?" * "What is your policy for outdoor play, and how do you manage exposure to ticks, given our proximity to wooded areas and parks like Drexel Lodge Park?" * "Do you have any partnerships with or feeder patterns into local Newtown Square elementary schools (e.g., Culbertson Elementary) or private schools?" * "Can you describe your summer program? Do you utilize any local facilities for activities?" * "How flexible are pickup/drop-off times considering the traffic patterns around the corporate centers and schools?" Asking these locally-contextual questions will give you a clearer picture of how the daycare operates within the community.