The Best Daycare Centers in North Springfield, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Springfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Springfield
The Goddard School of Erie
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Erie offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with daily progress reports and parent communication.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Erie
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Erie provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their program emphasizes school readiness through structured learning centers, outdoor play spaces, and age-appropriate technology integration while maintaining strong parent partnerships.
Daycare Services:
Small World Childcare & Learning Center
Small World Childcare
Small World Childcare & Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. The center features experienced early childhood educators, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Their program includes music and movement, literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills building. The center maintains strong safety protocols and provides regular parent updates on child progress and daily activities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Springfield, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in North Springfield, PA?
In North Springfield and the surrounding Erie 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 $220 to $320 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to a range of $200 to $280 per week. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $160 to $240 per week. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in North Springfield is properly licensed and has a good record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the **Pennsylvania Key** website. Simply search by the provider's name or location. This public database will show you their license type, any recent inspections, and citations for non-compliance. For North Springfield specifically, you can also contact the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 1**, which serves Erie County, for additional guidance and to ask about local provider reputations.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in North Springfield, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots in North Springfield and the broader region. Due to high demand and limited capacity for younger children, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date. Many popular centers in the area maintain waitlists that are several months long. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Starting early provides the most options and reduces last-minute stress.
What are the main types of childcare options available to families in North Springfield?
Families in North Springfield typically have three primary licensed options: 1. **Child Care Centers:** These are formal facilities, often with multiple classrooms and structured educational programs. Examples in the area may include chains or faith-based centers. 2. **Group Child Care Homes:** These are home-based settings that care for 7-12 children at a time, often with a mix of ages. 3. **Family Child Care Homes:** These are smaller, home-based settings caring for 4-6 children, offering a more intimate, family-like environment. Additionally, there are **licensed before/after-school programs** for school-age children. You can find all licensed options through the search tool on the Pennsylvania Key website, filtering for North Springfield, PA.
What resources are available locally to help me find and choose quality childcare in North Springfield?
Your primary local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 1**. They serve Erie County and provide free, personalized referrals to licensed childcare providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). Their specialists can also guide you through the **Keystone STARS** quality rating system—a Pennsylvania program where providers volunteer to be rated on a scale of 1 to 4 STARS based on quality standards. Choosing a higher-STAR-rated provider in North Springfield often indicates better teacher qualifications, learning environments, and practices. You can contact ELRC Region 1 by phone or through their website for one-on-one assistance.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near North Springfield: