The Best Daycare Centers in Refton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Refton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Refton
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Quarryville serves the Refton community with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation and social development. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. Certified teachers with early childhood education credentials maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. Parents praise the school's comprehensive communication system and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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Bright Horizons at Lancaster
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lancaster provides premium early education serving families in the Refton area with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features state-of-the-art security including biometric entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. Their educated teaching staff includes many with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy development, and STEM exploration through hands-on activities in purpose-built learning environments.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Lancaster
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Lancaster location serves Refton families with a balanced approach to early childhood education that combines structured learning with play-based exploration. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, and science discovery. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation and features secure keypad entry, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Experienced teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The program emphasizes building confidence and independence while preparing children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Refton, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Refton, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Refton and the surrounding Lancaster County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $950 to $1,250 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families. You can apply through the Lancaster County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with local employers, as some in the area may have partnerships or dependent care assistance plans.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Refton is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Pennsylvania DHS website. When touring a facility in Refton, look for the posted license and current inspection certificates. Ask about staff-to-child ratios (PA law requires 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for young toddlers, 1:6 for older toddlers, and 1:10 for preschoolers) and confirm that all staff have required clearances (FBI, State Police, and Child Abuse). Observe the cleanliness, safety of the play areas, and ask about their emergency procedures for situations like severe weather, which is relevant to our rural Lancaster County setting.
Are there many in-home daycare options (family childcare homes) in Refton, and what are the pros and cons compared to larger centers?
Refton, being a smaller community within Lancaster County, has a number of registered family childcare homes. These can be a popular option for parents seeking a home-like environment, potentially more flexible hours, and often smaller group sizes. Pros include potentially lower costs, mixed-age interactions, and a consistent primary caregiver. Cons may include less structured educational programming and vulnerability to closure if the provider is sick or on vacation. In Pennsylvania, family childcare homes can be either "registered" (caring for 4-6 children) or "licensed" (caring for more). It's crucial to ensure they are properly registered/licensed with the state. You can find listings through local networks or the PA DHS website.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in the Refton area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at daycare centers in the Refton and greater Lancaster area are common and can be lengthy. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 12 months before you need care, particularly for infant spots. Some highly sought-after centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group? Exploring options in nearby towns like Lampeter, Strasburg, or even Willow Street can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
Are there daycare facilities in Refton that accommodate non-traditional work hours or offer part-time and drop-in care?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, overnight) in Refton is challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some registered family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the local agricultural, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. Part-time care (2-3 days a week) is more readily available at many centers, though it often comes at a premium daily rate compared to full-time. Drop-in or occasional care is extremely rare in regulated settings. Your best bet is to inquire directly with home-based providers about flexibility or to look into shared nanny arrangements with other local families.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Refton: