The Best Daycare Centers in Oakdale, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oakdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oakdale
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Pittsburgh serves the Oakdale area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress through a proprietary mobile app.
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Primrose School of Robinson Township
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Robinson Township provides balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Their degreed teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans in secure, modern classrooms equipped with interactive technology. The school features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Parents receive regular updates and developmental assessments, with the school maintaining high standards for teacher qualifications and ongoing training.
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La Petite Academy of Robinson Township
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy in nearby Robinson Township serves Oakdale families with their proprietary School Readiness Pathway curriculum that prepares children for academic success. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. Their degreed teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, monitored classrooms, age-specific playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. They offer comprehensive parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with emphasis on safety protocols and health standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oakdale, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oakdale, PA?
In Oakdale and the surrounding Allegheny 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 $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to a range of $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family daycare providers in Oakdale often offer more competitive rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. 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 in Oakdale is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Oakdale, 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 status and view their compliance history through the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Certification Search** website. When reviewing inspection reports for an Oakdale provider, pay close attention to any cited violations, particularly those related to health and safety (like emergency plans, safe sleep practices for infants, and building safety), staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. A clean record is ideal, but also note if any violations were promptly corrected. You can also contact the regional OCDEL office serving Allegheny County for additional information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oakdale, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers in Oakdale and the broader Robinson Township/airport area have significant waitlists, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100). Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Robinson, Imperial, or Moon Township for more options. Don't overlook licensed family daycare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more intimate setting.
What are some local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Oakdale, PA?
Parents in Oakdale have several valuable local resources. Your first stop should be **Trying Together** (formerly the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children), which serves Allegheny County. They offer a free, personalized **Child Care Referral Service** to help match your family's needs with licensed providers. Another key resource is the **Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC Region 5)**. The ELRC can provide referrals, information on quality programs (like Keystone STARS-rated providers), and guidance on financial assistance. Additionally, local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Oakdale, PA Community") are often used by parents to share personal recommendations and experiences with area daycares.
What are the Keystone STARS ratings, and why are they important when choosing a daycare in Oakdale?
Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. A STAR rating (from STAR 1 to STAR 4) indicates a program's commitment to exceeding state licensing standards in areas like staff education, learning environment, and leadership. In Oakdale, seeking a program with a STAR 3 or STAR 4 rating can be a strong indicator of higher quality. These programs often have more qualified teachers, better curricula, and stronger family engagement practices. You can filter for STAR-rated programs using the state's online search tools. While a high STAR rating is a positive sign, it should be one factor in your decision, combined with an in-person visit and your own observations of the facility and staff interactions.