The Best Daycare Centers in Old Zionsville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Old Zionsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Old Zionsville
The Goddard School of Orefield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Orefield offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates.
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Bright Horizons at PPL
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at PPL provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that incorporates emergent, project-based learning. The center features state-of-the-art security including keypad entry and comprehensive safety protocols. Their educational approach emphasizes hands-on exploration, literacy development, and social skills. Teachers hold bachelor's degrees and receive extensive training in child development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with natural lighting and age-appropriate materials. They offer nutritious meals and maintain excellent staff retention rates.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Bethlehem
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center at Bethlehem offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that prepares children for academic success. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and science exploration. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, outdoor play areas with safety surfacing, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous training. The center emphasizes whole-child development through structured learning activities, creative arts, and physical education. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Old Zionsville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Old Zionsville, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Old Zionsville and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area, full-time daycare for an infant 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 type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley can provide guidance and may offer support. It's highly recommended to apply for CCW early, as processing times can be lengthy, and to directly inquire with daycare providers about any private scholarships or sibling discounts they may offer.
How long are daycare waitlists in Old Zionsville, and when should I start looking for an infant spot?
Due to high demand and limited licensed provider capacity in this semi-rural part of Upper Milford Township, waitlists for infant care in Old Zionsville can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for highly-regarded centers or family childcare homes. For parents expecting a child, the best practice is to begin researching and touring facilities as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Many parents in the area put their unborn child on multiple waitlists to secure an option. Be prepared for non-refundable waitlist fees, which are common and typically range from $25 to $100. Staying in regular contact with providers on your list can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are the key differences between licensed family childcare homes and childcare centers in Old Zionsville?
In Old Zionsville, your main licensed options are Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) and Child Care Centers. FCCHs are run out of a provider's residence, are often smaller (caring for 4-12 children depending on age), and can offer a more home-like, flexible environment. They are common in this residential area. Centers are larger facilities with multiple classrooms and staff, often following a more structured curriculum. A key local consideration is that FCCHs may have more variable hours that can align with non-traditional work schedules common in the area, while centers typically have stricter operating hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Both are licensed and inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), but centers are subject to more frequent unannounced inspections. Your choice may depend on your child's need for socialization versus a smaller group setting.
Are there any state-required health and safety certifications I should verify when choosing a daycare in Pennsylvania?
Absolutely. All licensed childcare providers in Old Zionsville must comply with Pennsylvania DHS regulations. Key certifications to verify include: 1) **Pediatric First Aid and CPR** for all staff present with children. 2) **Fire Safety Clearance** from the local municipality (Upper Milford Township). 3) **Water Test Results** for homes or centers using a private well, which is common in this area. 4) **Health Assessments** for all children and staff. 5) Proof of ongoing **professional development** hours for staff. You have the right to ask any provider for their most recent DHS Certificate of Compliance and their inspection reports, which note any regulatory violations. These documents are often posted publicly within the facility.
What outdoor and enrichment opportunities do daycares in Old Zionsville typically provide, given its location?
Leveraging its setting in Upper Milford Township, many local daycares emphasize outdoor play and nature-based learning. You can expect fenced, secure playgrounds, and some providers may incorporate garden plots, nature walks on their property, or visits to nearby community spaces like the Old Zionsville Park. Enrichment varies: some centers partner with traveling programs for music or movement classes, while family homes may offer more informal, daily outdoor exploration. Given the area's proximity to agricultural communities, some programs may include themes about local farming. It's important to ask specific questions about daily outdoor time (weather permitting), the philosophy on unstructured play, and if they utilize the PA Early Learning Standards to guide developmental activities.