The Best Daycare Centers in Oxford, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oxford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oxford
The Goddard School of Nottingham
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Nottingham 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 state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive continuous professional development. The curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills, with daily communication through their proprietary mobile app. What sets this center apart is their comprehensive safety protocols, including live streaming for parents and rigorous health screening procedures.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Oxford provides a well-rounded private school education experience for young children, featuring their proprietary Links to Learning curriculum that prepares children for elementary school success. The center boasts low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and purpose-built learning environments with dedicated spaces for music, art, and physical education. Their comprehensive program includes foreign language exposure, character development, and technology integration appropriate for each age group. The facility maintains enhanced security measures including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the school's communication and the visible academic progress children make.
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Kindercare Learning Center at West Grove
KinderCare Education
KinderCare West Grove delivers nationally-recognized early childhood education through their research-based curriculum that addresses all developmental domains. The center features dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts, along with secure outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their team includes experienced early childhood professionals with ongoing training in child development, safety procedures, and inclusive teaching practices. The program emphasizes social skills development, early literacy foundations, and kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities and guided play. Health and safety are paramount with strict cleaning protocols, nutritionally balanced meals, and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oxford, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oxford, PA?
In Oxford, PA, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the Oxford area often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,100 per month. These costs are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, included amenities (like meals or educational curricula), and the specific location within the borough or surrounding townships. It's always recommended to inquire about what is included in the tuition and if there are any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Oxford is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Oxford, 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 review their compliance history through two primary tools. First, use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website, which allows you to search by provider name or zip code (19363 for Oxford) and view their license type, capacity, and any recent inspection reports. Second, you can call the **Southeast Regional Office of OCDEL** at (610) 437-6000. Inspection reports detail any regulatory violations, from minor to serious, giving you a clear picture of the provider's operational history and commitment to state standards, which cover safety, health, staff qualifications, and program quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oxford, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at many licensed daycare centers in and around Oxford, PA, due to high demand and limited capacity. It is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, especially for infants. The best strategy is to **start your search early**, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be sure to ask about their specific waitlist policies—some require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, while others are simply a call list. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the Oxford area, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What local resources or referral services are available to help parents in Oxford find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Oxford have access to excellent, free referral and support services through **Child Care Information Services of Chester County (CCIS)**. CCIS serves as the county's designated resource and referral agency. They maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date database of all licensed and certified providers in the area. You can contact them by phone or through their website to get a customized list of providers that match your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). Additionally, they can provide guidance on evaluating quality, understanding state regulations, and may offer information about financial assistance programs like the Child Care Works subsidy for eligible families. The Oxford Public Library can also be a helpful community hub for local parent networks and information.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and family childcare homes available in Oxford?
The two main licensed options in Oxford are **Child Care Centers** and **Family Child Care Homes**, each with distinct characteristics. Centers (like those in dedicated commercial or church buildings) typically have multiple classrooms, more children, and a structured curriculum with several staff members. They often have set hours and may offer care for a wider age range. **Family Child Care Homes** are operated in the provider's residence, offering a smaller, mixed-age group setting that can feel more like a family. They often provide more flexible hours but have a smaller licensed capacity (usually 6-12 children, including the provider's own). In Oxford, both must meet the same Pennsylvania DHS health and safety standards, but the environment, daily routine, and caregiver consistency will differ. Your choice may depend on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for a specific type of learning environment.
Childcare Insights for Oxford
Finding quality, affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families in our community. If you're a parent in Oxford, Pennsylvania, typing "low cost daycare near me" into a search engine, you're not alone. The good news is that with some focused research and knowledge of local resources, securing reliable and budget-friendly care for your child is absolutely possible right here in southern Chester County.
Begin your search by looking beyond the large, corporate childcare centers. Oxford and the surrounding townships are home to several licensed family daycare providers. These are often run out of a caregiver's home, which can create a warm, family-like atmosphere and frequently come at a lower cost than larger facilities. Checking community boards at the Oxford Public Library, the Oxford Area Senior Center, or even the Oxford Feed and Lumber can sometimes yield leads on these smaller, word-of-mouth operations. Don't overlook the power of local networks; asking for recommendations in community Facebook groups like "Oxford, PA Talk" or "Oxford Area Moms" can connect you with firsthand experiences from other parents.
It is also crucial to explore financial assistance programs that can make higher-quality care accessible. Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidies through the Child Care Works program, which helps eligible families pay for care. Your local resource is the Chester County Department of Human Services; applying for this assistance can significantly reduce your weekly co-pay, turning a previously out-of-reach option into a viable one. Furthermore, some daycare centers in the area may offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide sibling discounts, so always inquire directly about any available financial accommodations.
When considering locations, remember that "near me" in Oxford can extend to neighboring communities like Nottingham, Lincoln University, or even West Grove, where you might find a suitable and cost-effective option with a short commute. Visiting any potential daycare is non-negotiable. When you tour, ask about their state licensing, caregiver-to-child ratios, daily routines, and their philosophy on early learning. A lower cost should never come at the expense of safety, cleanliness, or engaged, caring staff. Trust your instincts during these visits; you want a place where your child will thrive.
Finally, think creatively about your schedule. Some parents in Oxford find that a combination of part-time daycare and help from family or a trusted neighbor can create a more affordable patchwork solution. Exploring preschool programs at local churches, such as Oxford United Methodist Church or the Oxford Presbyterian Church, can also provide structured, partial-day care at a lower rate than full-time daycare, which might be perfect for certain age groups. By tapping into local insights, investigating all avenues for aid, and being thorough in your evaluations, you can find a childcare solution in the Oxford area that nurtures your child and respects your family's budget.
Nearby Cities
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