The Best Daycare Centers in Oakmont, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oakmont. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oakmont
The Goddard School of Fox Chapel
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fox Chapel offers a premier early childhood education program located just minutes from Oakmont. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic readiness while promoting social, emotional, and physical development. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Certified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum elements. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, experienced staff, and the noticeable developmental progress in children.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Pittsburgh - Waterfront
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Pittsburgh - Waterfront provides high-quality early education and childcare serving families throughout the Pittsburgh area, including Oakmont. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with degreed early childhood educators. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive emergency protocols, and rigorous health and cleanliness standards. The facility offers bright, well-equipped classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and age-appropriate outdoor learning environments. Parents highlight the professional staff, engaging curriculum, and the center's commitment to each child's individual development.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Fox Chapel
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Fox Chapel delivers balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and creative arts while building strong social-emotional skills. The school features secure facilities with controlled access, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration and discovery. The outdoor environment includes age-segregated playgrounds and nature exploration areas. Families consistently commend the school's structured yet nurturing environment, experienced leadership team, and the visible academic and social growth in their children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oakmont, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oakmont, PA?
In Oakmont and the surrounding Allegheny County area, full-time daycare costs vary based on the type of facility. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for an infant. For toddlers, the range is typically $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Licensed home-based daycare providers in Oakmont often offer slightly lower rates, generally 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 childcare subsidy programs for eligible families through the Child Care Works program, which can significantly offset these expenses.
How long are the waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Oakmont, and how should I plan ahead?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at highly-regarded daycare centers in Oakmont can be substantial. It is common for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant rooms. To plan effectively, we recommend beginning your search and making inquiries during your pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. When touring facilities, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a deposit to hold a spot? How often do they update the list? Do they give priority to siblings? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Oakmont and neighboring communities like Verona or Plum, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the key Pennsylvania state licensing requirements I should look for when evaluating a daycare in Oakmont?
All legal childcare providers in Oakmont must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Key requirements you can verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), **Maximum Group Sizes**, and mandatory background checks (FBI, State Police, and Child Abuse clearances) for all employees. Licensed providers must also have health and safety inspections, emergency plans, and age-appropriate programming. You can and should review a provider's compliance history and any reported violations online through the DHS **Child Care Finder** website. Always confirm a provider's license is current during your visit.
Are there any local Oakmont resources or programs to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, a primary local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Allegheny County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed childcare providers in Oakmont and can help you understand quality indicators. You can contact them via phone or their website. Additionally, the **Oakmont Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information on local home daycares and preschools. For evaluations, look for providers participating in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating program; a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a commitment to exceeding minimum licensing standards in areas like learning environment and staff qualifications.
What are the common options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Oakmont?
While full-time care is most common, several flexible options exist in Oakmont. Many daycare centers offer part-time schedules, such as 2 or 3 days a week, though these spots are limited and may cost a premium per day compared to a full-time weekly rate. Licensed family childcare homes often provide more schedule flexibility, including care for non-traditional hours. For occasional or drop-in care, you can explore local franchises of national preschool gyms or learning centers that offer parent's day out programs. Another growing option is forming a nanny share with another Oakmont family, which can provide customized, home-based care on a shared schedule. Always ensure any part-time provider is properly licensed or regulated.