The Best Daycare Centers in North Washington, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Washington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Washington
The Goddard School of Cranberry Township
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Cranberry Township is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the North Washington area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their STEAM-based curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, complemented by enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms with natural lighting, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, individualized attention to each child's development, and the warm, nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Cranberry Woods
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Cranberry Woods provides premium early education and childcare services to families in the North Washington region with a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features highly qualified educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood training, maintaining excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated age-based learning environments, outdoor nature exploration areas, and nutritious meal programs. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent partnership approach, regular developmental assessments, and comprehensive health and safety protocols that exceed state licensing requirements.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Cranberry
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Cranberry Township serves the North Washington community with a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. The center features phonics-based reading programs, mathematics instruction, and unique enrichment programs including manners and etiquette, foreign language exposure, and philanthropy education. Certified early childhood educators lead small class sizes in purpose-built learning environments with interactive technology and hands-on learning materials. The facility includes secure access systems, modern playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated art and music rooms. Parents consistently highlight the center's strong communication, visible learning outcomes, and the caring, professional staff who create a supportive learning environment for children's holistic development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Washington, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in North Washington, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In North Washington, Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training in child abuse recognition and CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the DHS's regional office serving Washington County. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in North Washington, PA?
The cost of childcare in North Washington and the surrounding Washington County area varies by the child's age and the type of program. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from **$225 to $325 per week**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$200 and $280 per week**. Family childcare homes may offer lower rates, generally ranging from **$160 to $240 per week**. These costs are influenced by factors like program hours, curriculum, and staff credentials. Pennsylvania offers financial assistance through the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program** for eligible families. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any available slots in the subsidy program.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in North Washington, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded family childcare homes in North Washington, particularly for infant care slots. Due to high demand and limited capacity, it is strongly advised to begin your search **6 to 12 months before you need care**. For infant care, starting your search during pregnancy is not uncommon. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to be added, how often they update families on position, and estimated timelines. Exploring multiple options, including centers in nearby communities like Washington or Canonsburg, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in North Washington, PA?
Parents in North Washington typically have access to several types of licensed childcare options. These include: 1. **Childcare Centers**: Often located in dedicated buildings or community centers, offering structured programs for multiple age groups. 2. **Group Childcare Homes**: Provide care for 7-12 children in a residential setting. 3. **Family Childcare Homes**: Care for 4-6 children in the provider's home, often offering a more intimate, family-like setting. Additionally, there are **preschool programs** (often for ages 3-5) that may be part of a daycare center, a standalone preschool, or affiliated with a local church or community organization. For school-age children, several local school districts and community organizations offer **before and after-school care programs**.
What local resources or organizations in Washington County can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Several key local resources can assist your search: * **Trying Together (formerly Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children)**: While based in Pittsburgh, they serve the region and offer a **Child Care Referral Service** that can help match your family with providers in Washington County, including North Washington. * **The Washington County Family Center**: This local resource may offer support and information on early childhood programs and services. * **Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**: This is your primary, state-designated hub. ELRC Region 5 provides personalized referrals to licensed and certified providers, helps determine eligibility for the Child Care Works subsidy, and offers guidance on quality indicators. You can contact them via phone or their website to speak with a referral specialist.