The Best Daycare Centers in North Apollo, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Apollo. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Apollo
The Learning Lamp at Apollo Elementary
The Learning Lamp
The Learning Lamp operates a highly-regarded before and after school program located directly within Apollo Elementary School, serving North Apollo families. This center provides comprehensive childcare with certified teachers and structured educational activities. Their program includes homework assistance, STEM activities, arts and crafts, and physical recreation. With a strong focus on academic support and social development, they maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and follow Pennsylvania's early learning standards. The convenient school-based location eliminates transportation concerns for parents and provides continuity for children in a familiar environment.
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Small Wonders Early Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders Early Learning Center is a locally-owned facility serving the North Apollo area with comprehensive childcare services. They offer a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, focusing on developmental milestones across all age groups. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Their qualified teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention and maintain detailed progress reports. The center emphasizes character development, social skills, and school readiness through structured activities and creative exploration.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Kiski Township
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the broader Apollo area including North Apollo families, offering a nationally-recognized curriculum with research-based educational approaches. The center provides comprehensive early childhood education with dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning components. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals. With highly qualified teachers who receive ongoing professional development, they maintain excellent safety records and strong parent communication through daily updates and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Apollo, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in North Apollo, PA?
In North Apollo and the surrounding Armstrong County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,100 per month for an infant. For a toddler, costs typically range from $700 to $950 per month. Licensed group or family home daycares often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $650 to $900 for infants and $600 to $800 for toddlers. These costs are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania metros like Pittsburgh, but it's important to inquire about what is included (meals, snacks, curriculum). Financial assistance may be available through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in North Apollo is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in North Apollo, 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 inspection history online through the **Pennsylvania DHS Child Care Finder** website. This public tool allows you to search by provider name or location and view their current license status, any regulatory compliance reports, and details of any cited violations. It is highly recommended to use this resource and even contact the regional OCDEL office for Western PA with any specific questions before enrolling your child.
Are there any accredited preschool programs or early learning centers within or near North Apollo?
While North Apollo itself is a smaller borough, there are several quality early learning options in nearby communities. The **Armstrong School District** offers pre-kindergarten programs for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which you can inquire about through the district office. Additionally, there are privately-run centers and faith-based preschools in neighboring towns like Apollo, Vandergrift, and Kittanning that may offer part-day or full-day preschool programs. When researching, look for providers that use structured curricula aligned with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards. Due to limited local options, many North Apollo families consider providers within a 10-15 minute driving radius.
What is the average waitlist time for infant daycare spots in North Apollo, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant care slots (driven by stricter staff-to-child ratios), waitlists are common in the North Apollo area. For the most sought-after centers and highly-regarded family homes, waitlists can be **6 to 12 months long**. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For in-home providers, availability can be more sporadic, but planning 4-6 months ahead is still prudent. Be prepared to place non-refundable deposits on multiple waitlists to secure a spot. Networking with other local parents through community groups can also provide leads on upcoming openings.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the North Apollo area?
For school-age children attending **North Apollo Elementary** (Armstrong School District), the district itself may offer or partner with a program for before and after-school care. You should contact the school office directly for the most current information. Additionally, several licensed daycare centers and family homes in the Apollo/Vandergrift area offer school-age programs that provide transportation to and from local elementary schools. These programs typically operate on school days, during early dismissals, and on some school closure days. Costs are usually lower than infant care, often structured as a weekly or monthly rate, ranging from $100 to $200 per week depending on hours and services like transportation.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near North Apollo: