The Best Daycare Centers in Philadelphia, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Philadelphia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Philadelphia
Bright Horizons at Philadelphia Navy Yard
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Philadelphia Navy Yard offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on whole-child development. The center features state-of-the-art facilities with age-appropriate learning environments, certified early childhood educators, and a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and rigorous health and cleanliness standards. The center serves families from across Philadelphia with flexible scheduling options and nutritious meal programs.
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The Goddard School of Philadelphia (Center City)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Center City Philadelphia provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Features include low student-teacher ratios, degreed early childhood educators, and customized learning plans. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and outdoor play spaces, with emphasis on safety through controlled access entry and comprehensive emergency protocols. The school serves diverse Philadelphia families with extended hours and enrichment programs in music, art, and foreign language.
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Primrose School of Old City
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Old City delivers the Balanced Learning® curriculum, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with character development and life skills. The school features purpose-built classrooms, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and advanced security systems including biometric entry. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while maintaining small class sizes for individualized attention. Located in historic Old City, the center serves Philadelphia families with comprehensive health and safety protocols, including nutritional meal planning and regular developmental assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Philadelphia, PA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Philadelphia, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Philadelphia, the average cost for full-time infant care in a licensed center is approximately $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. These costs can vary significantly by neighborhood, with higher rates often found in Center City and University City. Pennsylvania offers several financial assistance programs. The most prominent is the Child Care Works subsidized child care program, administered by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS). Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, some employers in the city offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and the City of Philadelphia's PHLpreK program offers free, quality pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds, which can help free up funds for younger siblings' care.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Philadelphia is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). To verify a provider's license and review their inspection history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool (www.findchildcare.pa.gov). This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code and view their current license status, the dates and results of all regulatory inspections, and any cited violations or corrective actions. It's also advisable to contact the Philadelphia DHS Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) for additional guidance. Always ask to see a provider's current certificate of compliance during your visit.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Philadelphia, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for highly-regarded centers and for infant rooms, where state-mandated staff-to-child ratios are lowest (1:4). In popular neighborhoods like Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Graduate Hospital, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long or more. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Apply to multiple centers, even if they are not your top choice, to have options. Consider expanding your search radius to adjacent neighborhoods. Inquire about "sibling priority" policies if you have an older child. For immediate needs, explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have more flexibility, or use temporary nanny services while waiting for a center spot.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Philadelphia, and how do I decide which is right for my family?
Daycare centers are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, more structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They often have stricter hours (e.g., 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM) but may offer more amenities and socialization opportunities. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of a provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 6, with certain exceptions). They often offer more flexible hours, a homier environment, and potentially lower costs. In Philadelphia, both are licensed by PA DHS, but their inspection schedules differ. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your priorities. A center might be better for a child who thrives on structure and variety, while a home might suit an infant needing a quieter, family-like setting. Tour both types to get a feel for the environment.
Beyond basic licensing, what are some quality indicators I should look for when touring daycare options in Philadelphia?
Look for signs of a high-quality program that go beyond the minimum state requirements. First, check if they are accredited by a national organization like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or have a high STAR 4 rating in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating system. Observe staff interactions: are they engaged with children at eye level, speaking warmly and respectfully? Is the environment clean, safe, and filled with child-accessible materials for play and learning? Ask about staff turnover; low turnover indicates a stable, positive environment. Inquire about their curriculum philosophy and how they communicate daily activities and milestones. For Philadelphia-specific context, ask about their outdoor play policy (given urban settings) and their plans for heat/snow days. Finally, trust your gut feeling about the warmth and professionalism of the staff.