The Best Daycare Centers in Patton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Patton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Patton
Bright Horizons at Altoona Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This nationally accredited center serves the broader Blair County area including Patton, offering a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on early childhood development. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler spaces, and preschool classrooms. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills through play-based activities. Security includes keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Altoona
KinderCare Education
As part of the national KinderCare network, this center provides high-quality early childhood education serving families throughout Blair County, including Patton residents. The curriculum follows developmentally appropriate practices with focus on literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center features secure outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site, and dedicated learning centers in each classroom. Staff members participate in ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular updates and family engagement events.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
This highly-rated independent childcare center serves the broader Blair County region including Patton families, offering a balanced approach to early childhood education that combines structured learning with creative exploration. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, social development, and school readiness skills. The facility features modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and specialized learning materials. All teachers hold early childhood certifications and participate in continuous training. The center maintains excellent safety protocols including secured entry systems, comprehensive health policies, and regular facility maintenance. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Patton, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Patton, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Patton, all childcare providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family daycare homes (caring for 4-6 children) and group daycare centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks (including FBI fingerprinting for staff), health and immunization policies, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the DHS's online **Child Care Finder** tool or contact the regional OCDEL office serving Cambria County. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Patton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Patton area and greater Cambria County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$175 to $250 per week**, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging **$150 to $225 per week**. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), hours, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program** is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school schedules. You can apply through the Cambria County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Patton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited high-quality options in a smaller community like Patton, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers can be significant, often ranging from **6 to 12 months**. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **as soon as you know you are pregnant or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date**. For preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter (3-6 months). Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their list process (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and follow up periodically. Exploring licensed family daycare homes in the area can also provide more immediate availability.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Patton area?
For school-age children in the Penn Cambria School District (which serves Patton), there are a few key options. The district itself may offer a **Latchkey program** at the elementary schools, providing care before and after school hours; you should contact the district office for current availability. Additionally, several licensed daycare centers in Patton and nearby towns like Cresson or Ebensburg offer school-age programs that include transportation to and from local schools. Local community organizations, such as the YMCA in nearby Johnstown, may also provide bus service from district schools to their after-school programs. It's important to inquire about transportation logistics, schedules, and activity offerings.
Are there any daycare facilities in Patton that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts or weekends?
Finding childcare during evenings, overnight, or weekends is challenging in Patton, as most licensed providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some licensed family daycare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers, which is common in an area with healthcare and service industry jobs. Your best strategy is to contact providers directly to inquire about potential flexibility or if they know of colleagues who offer non-traditional care. As a last resort, you may need to look for in-home nanny shares or registered babysitters in the community, but these options are not regulated by DHS and require thorough vetting. The local Facebook community groups for Patton/Cambria County can sometimes be a resource for finding such providers.