The Best Daycare Centers in Nottingham, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Nottingham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Nottingham
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Nottingham offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum components. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize individualized learning plans, regular parent communication through daily reports, and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The center is known for its clean, safe environment and highly qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development.
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Chesterbrook Academy
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a well-rounded private school education experience for young children with a research-based curriculum that includes literacy development, mathematics, and character education. Their Links to Learning curriculum focuses on developmental milestones and school readiness skills. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous training. The program includes enrichment activities such as music, Spanish, and physical education, with nutritious meals provided daily.
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Oxford Early Learning Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Nottingham in Oxford, this family-owned early learning center offers personalized care with a strong emphasis on early childhood development. Their curriculum combines structured learning with creative play, focusing on social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and physical coordination. The center maintains small class sizes with certified early childhood educators and provides regular developmental assessments. Facilities include secure outdoor playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms, and age-appropriate learning materials. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain open communication with parents through digital portfolios and regular conferences. The center is praised for its nurturing environment and experienced teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Nottingham, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Nottingham, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Nottingham and the surrounding southern Chester County area, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, staff-to-child ratios, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families. You can apply through the Chester County Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center or home-based provider in Nottingham?
All licensed childcare providers in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool to search for providers in the 19362 (Nottingham) zip code and view their license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, you can also access recent inspection reports, which detail any compliance issues or violations. For a more local perspective, you can contact the **Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)**, which serves as the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 11, offering referral services and information on provider quality.
What is the availability and waitlist situation for daycare centers in Nottingham, especially for infants?
Due to high demand and limited infant care slots (which require lower staff-to-child ratios), availability in Nottingham is often tight. It is very common for reputable centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infant rooms. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy. Many centers in the area, such as those in the Oxford/Nottingham region, maintain ongoing waitlists. Your best strategy is to contact multiple providers—including licensed group homes in residential areas—to get on their lists and inquire about their specific timeline and update procedures.
Are there any unique childcare options in Nottingham that cater to the area's agricultural or rural community?
Yes, Nottingham's rural setting influences some childcare options. Several licensed family childcare homes operate on or near family farms, offering children a unique outdoor, nature-based learning environment. These smaller settings often provide more flexible hours that can accommodate non-traditional work schedules common in agricultural communities. Additionally, some local centers incorporate farm-to-table concepts or garden education into their curriculum. To find these providers, use the state Child Care Finder and filter for "Family Child Care Home" in the 19362 area, and be sure to ask about their outdoor play philosophy during tours.
What are the key differences between daycare centers in Nottingham and nearby towns like Oxford or Avondale, and is commuting for childcare common?
Nottingham itself has a mix of in-home providers and a smaller number of center-based options. For a wider selection of larger daycare centers with structured preschool curricula, parents often look to nearby Oxford (approx. 10-minute drive) or Avondale. Commuting for childcare is very common in this region. Centers in these slightly more populous towns may offer more extensive facilities, longer operating hours, and sometimes more competitive pricing due to greater competition. However, they may also have longer waitlists. When considering commuting, factor in the reliability of your transportation and the center's proximity to your workplace versus your home in Nottingham.
Childcare Insights for Nottingham
Finding trusted care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re searching for “infant child care near me” in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, you’re likely seeking a nurturing environment that feels like an extension of your own home, right here in our community. The good news is that the Nottingham and surrounding Chester County area offers several wonderful options, each with its own approach to those precious first years. Your search is about more than just proximity; it’s about finding a program that aligns with your family’s values and provides a safe, stimulating foundation for your infant’s development.
Begin your search by understanding the types of care available locally. You’ll find dedicated infant rooms in larger daycare centers, often located in nearby towns like Oxford or Avondale, which provide structured programs and multiple caregivers. You may also discover licensed family child care homes right within Nottingham neighborhoods. These smaller settings can offer a cozy, home-like atmosphere with a consistent caregiver, which many parents find ideal for a baby’s first transition away from home. Whichever model you lean toward, prioritizing a state-licensed facility is non-negotiable, as this ensures they meet Pennsylvania’s health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards—for infants, this ratio is critically important.
When you start visiting potential places, come prepared with questions specific to infant care. Ask about their daily routines for feeding and napping, and how they communicate these details to you. Do they use an app for real-time updates, or a daily log sheet? Inquire about their policies on breastmilk storage and preparation if applicable. Pay close attention to the cleanliness and safety of the infant room: are the cribs spaced appropriately, is the area for diaper changing sanitized after each use, and how do they handle security? A tour should also give you a sense of the caregivers’ warmth and engagement. Notice if they are on the floor interacting with the babies, speaking to them gently, and responding promptly to their cues. The connection you feel with the staff is often the most telling sign.
Remember to leverage local resources in your search. Connect with other parents at Nottingham Community Park or through local community groups on social media. Personal recommendations from families who have been through the process here are invaluable. Also, consider the practicalities of your commute. While a center might be a short drive away in Parkesburg, factor in travel time during peak hours on Route 1. Finding the right infant care in Nottingham, PA, is a journey of both the heart and mind. It requires patience, thorough research, and trusting your instincts. When you find a place where the caregivers’ faces light up upon seeing your child, and you feel a genuine sense of partnership, you’ll know you’ve found a special spot for your baby to begin exploring the world.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Nottingham: