The Best Daycare Centers in Point Marion, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Point Marion. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Point Marion
Bright Horizons at Morgantown
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Morgantown offers a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development through their World at Their Fingertips approach. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The program emphasizes literacy, STEM exploration, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. As part of a nationally accredited organization, they maintain rigorous safety standards and comprehensive staff training protocols.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Morgantown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Morgantown provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Certified teachers implement structured lesson plans while allowing for child-directed exploration. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for art, reading, and dramatic play. Their comprehensive safety protocols include electronic check-in/out systems, regular security drills, and strict hygiene practices. The school emphasizes character development and school readiness through a balanced daily schedule of individual and group activities.
Daycare Services:
ABC Kids Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
ABC Kids Preschool & Childcare Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a focus on individualized learning and development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, providing structured learning through play and exploration. The center features experienced staff with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Safety measures include secure facility access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety inspections. The program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through hands-on learning centers and small group instruction in a nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Point Marion, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Point Marion, PA, and how do I find them?
In Point Marion, parents primarily have access to two types of licensed childcare: Family Child Care Homes (in a provider's residence) and Child Care Centers. Due to the town's small size, dedicated centers are limited, and many families utilize home-based providers or look to nearby communities like Morgantown, WV, or Uniontown, PA. The best resource for finding licensed providers is Pennsylvania's COMPASS website or the "Find Child Care" tool through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can also contact the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, which serves Fayette County, for a referral list. It's advisable to start your search early, as local spots can fill quickly.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Point Marion, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Point Marion and the surrounding Fayette County area, costs can vary. For a licensed Family Child Care Home, you might expect to pay between $150-$225 per week for full-time infant care. A center-based program, likely found in a neighboring town, can range from $200-$300+ per week. Pennsylvania offers financial assistance through the Child Care Works subsidized childcare program, administered by the ELRC. Eligibility is based on income, work, school, or training requirements. You must apply through the ELRC Region 5 office. Additionally, you may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your annual taxes.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Point Marion, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given the limited number of providers in a small town like Point Marion, waitlists are common, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months. To improve your chances, begin your search during pregnancy or as soon as you know you will need care. Contact multiple providers, including those in nearby towns like Masontown or Morgantown. Get on multiple waitlists, even if a spot isn't immediately needed. When you tour a facility or meet a home provider, be prepared to ask about their specific waitlist process, any deposit required to hold a spot, and how often they update the list.
What Pennsylvania state licensing regulations should I specifically ask about when touring a daycare in Point Marion?
All licensed providers in Pennsylvania must meet state regulations. Key items to verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), **Maximum Group Sizes**, and **Staff Qualifications** (including background checks and ongoing training). You should also ask to see their most recent **Certificate of Compliance** from DHS inspections, which should be posted. Specifically for Point Marion, given its riverfront location, ask about their **safety and evacuation plans** for potential flooding. Also, inquire about their **illness policy** and how they handle medication, as access to a pediatrician may require a drive to Uniontown or Morgantown.
What are some local factors unique to Point Marion that I should consider when choosing a childcare provider?
Point Marion's geography and size present unique considerations. First, assess the **provider's proximity to major routes** like PA-88 or the bridge to Morgantown, WV, especially if you commute. Ask about their **transportation or pick-up/drop-off flexibility**. Second, since local pediatric and urgent care facilities are limited, confirm the provider's **emergency medical plan** and know where the nearest hospital is (typically in Morgantown). Third, inquire about **outdoor play areas**—given the town's scenic location at the confluence of the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers, some providers may incorporate local nature into activities. Finally, due to the tight-knit community, ask for references from other Point Marion families to get trusted, word-of-mouth insights.