The Best Daycare Centers in Queen, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Queen. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Queen
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Quarryville provides high-quality early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and daily communication with parents. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs.
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Bright Horizons at Lancaster
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lancaster offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum. Their World at Their Fingertips approach emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. Features highly qualified educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, secure facilities with keypad entry, and regular developmental assessments. The center provides nutritious meals, outdoor learning environments, and strong parent partnership programs with daily updates and portfolio documentation.
Daycare Services:
Lancaster Early Education Center
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County
Lancaster Early Education Center provides high-quality, affordable early childhood education with a focus on school readiness. Their comprehensive curriculum aligns with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and includes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and family engagement. Features degreed teachers, low child-staff ratios, nutritious meals, and inclusive environments. The center offers both full-day and part-day programs with strong parent involvement components and comprehensive support services for families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Queen, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Queen, Pennsylvania, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities, including those in Queen, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes serving 4-6 children and childcare centers. Key requirements include background checks (FBI, State Police, Child Abuse) for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios by age group, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and view inspection reports, you can use the state's publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website or contact the DHS's regional office serving Bedford County. This tool is crucial for parents in Queen to ensure they are considering a legally operating and monitored facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Queen, PA, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Queen and the surrounding rural areas of Bedford County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania cities but can still be a significant expense. For an infant, you can expect an average range of **$150 to $225 per week**. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around **$130 to $200 per week**. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family income, work or school schedules, and family size. You can apply through the Bedford County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or reputable home-based providers in the Queen area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller, rural community like Queen, waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare can be significant, often ranging from **3 to 9 months**, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they prioritize certain criteria (e.g., siblings of current families). Exploring providers in nearby towns like Bedford or Everett may also increase your options, though you'll need to factor in transportation.
What are the most common types of childcare options available specifically in Queen, PA, and what are the pros and cons of each?
In a rural setting like Queen, the primary options are: 1. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often run from a provider's residence, serving a small group (up to 6 children). *Pros:* Often more flexible hours, a home-like environment, and potentially lower cost. *Cons:* Limited spots and dependent on a single provider's availability/schedule. 2. **Childcare Centers:** These are less common directly in Queen but may be found in nearby Bedford. *Pros:* Structured curriculum, multiple staff, and often more robust facilities. *Cons:* Typically higher cost, stricter hours, and potentially a longer commute. 3. **Relative/Neighbor Care (Informal):** A very common arrangement in close-knit communities. *Pros:* High trust, maximum flexibility. *Cons:* May not be licensed or regulated, and may lack structured early learning components. It's vital to ensure any informal caregiver understands safety protocols.
Are there any unique local resources or organizations in Bedford County that help parents find and evaluate childcare near Queen?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Bedford County Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Sponsor**, often housed within the Bedford County Technical Center or associated with the Intermediate Unit. While they administer nutrition programs, they have extensive knowledge of local licensed providers. The primary resource, however, is your **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 8**, which serves Bedford County. ELRC 8 provides free referral services to help parents find licensed care, explains the Child Care Works subsidy, and offers information on early learning quality programs (like Keystone STARS). You can contact them via phone or their website for personalized assistance tailored to the Queen area.