The Best Daycare Centers in Philipsburg, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Philipsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Philipsburg
The Learning Station
Independent
The Learning Station is a highly-regarded local childcare center known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They utilize Creative Curriculum with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and modern classroom environments. Their facility includes age-appropriate outdoor play areas and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and strong communication practices.
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Kiddie Academy of State College
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Located approximately 30 minutes from Philipsburg, Kiddie Academy of State College serves families throughout Centre County with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and hands-on learning. The center features state-certified teachers, advanced security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement activities, and comprehensive progress tracking. The facility maintains NAEYC standards with bright, modern classrooms and extensive outdoor learning environments.
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Clearfield YMCA Child Development Center
Clearfield County YMCA
The Clearfield YMCA Child Development Center, located about 20 minutes from Philipsburg, provides high-quality childcare with a focus on whole-child development through their YMCA curriculum. The center emphasizes character values, physical activity, and academic readiness through structured learning centers and project-based activities. Features include CPR/first-aid certified staff, secure facility access, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor playgrounds. The YMCA's sliding fee scale and financial assistance programs make quality childcare accessible to diverse families. Their program includes swimming lessons for preschool and school-age children as part of the YMCA experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Philipsburg, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Philipsburg, PA?
In Philipsburg and the surrounding Centre County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $800 to $1,100 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may range from $700 to $950 per month. In-home family childcare providers often offer slightly lower rates, typically between $600 and $850 monthly. These costs are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like State College, but it's important to note that subsidies may be available through the Centre County Office of Children & Youth Services for eligible families to help offset these expenses.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Philipsburg is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Philipsburg 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 and review their compliance history, including any inspections and reported violations, through the state's online resource called "COMPASS" or the "Child Care Finder" tool. Additionally, you can contact the regional OCDEL office that serves Centre County. It's highly recommended to visit any potential provider in person and ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted visibly. You can also ask the provider directly about their most recent inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Philipsburg, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many licensed daycare centers and popular in-home providers in Philipsburg, especially for infant care slots, which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on several lists. Be proactive—check in every few months to confirm your spot is still active. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Osceola Mills, Houtzdale, or even Port Matilda for more options. Some centers may offer priority to siblings of current enrollees or employees of local businesses.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in the Philipsburg area?
Philipsburg offers several types of licensed childcare options. The most common are: 1. **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed providers caring for children in their own residence, often offering a smaller, home-like setting. 2. **Child Care Centers:** Stand-alone facilities like "Little Learners" or centers affiliated with local organizations or churches. 3. **Group Child Care Homes:** A hybrid option, caring for more children than a family home but fewer than a large center. Given Philipsburg's smaller, community-focused nature, family childcare homes are particularly prevalent. There are also a few preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which may be part-day. For school-age children, the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District may offer before and after-school care programs at its elementary schools.
What local resources or organizations in Centre County can help me find and evaluate childcare in Philipsburg?
The primary local resource is the **Centre County Office of Children & Youth Services**. They can provide referrals and information on licensed providers. A key partner is **The Central Pennsylvania Community Action (CPCA)**, which administers the Child Care Works subsidy program for the county and can offer guidance. For early learning program quality, you can consult **Penn State Better Kid Care**, a statewide resource based in nearby University Park that provides information on child development. Additionally, local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Philipsburg, PA Community Board") are often used by parents to share personal experiences and recommendations for local daycare providers.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Philipsburg: