The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Johns, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Johns. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Johns
The Goddard School of Clarks Summit
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Clarks Summit offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and extensive outdoor play areas. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and creative arts, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app. The center is known for its comprehensive safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and diverse enrichment activities including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Primrose School of Clarks Summit
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Clarks Summit provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes secure monitored access, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-specific learning environments. Teachers undergo extensive background checks and continuous professional development. The school offers exclusive partnerships with organizations like The Juilliard School for music curriculum and NASA for science activities. Parents appreciate the consistent communication, detailed progress reports, and the school's commitment to creating a safe, happy environment for children's growth.
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Little People's Child Development Center
Independent
Little People's Child Development Center is a locally owned and operated facility serving the greater Saint Johns area with comprehensive early childhood programs. Their curriculum is designed to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through structured learning centers and play-based activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, large outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and bright, well-organized classrooms. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development requirements. The center emphasizes individualized attention, with teachers tracking developmental milestones and maintaining open communication with parents. Their program includes music and movement, early literacy development, and hands-on science exploration, creating a nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Johns, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Saint Johns, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Saint Johns, Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family daycare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, and facility safety. To verify a provider's compliance and view their inspection reports, you can use the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website or contact the DHS's regional office for Cambria County, which oversees the Saint Johns area. It's highly recommended to check this resource and ask providers directly for their license number and any recent inspection summaries.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Johns, PA?
The cost of childcare in Saint Johns and the surrounding Cambria County area is generally more affordable than in major Pennsylvania cities but varies by provider type. For a full-time infant at a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$175 to $250 per week**. Family daycare homes may range from **$140 to $200 per week**. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, typically ranging from **$160 to $230 per week** at centers. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the program's hours, included meals, and curriculum. It's important to inquire about what is included in the weekly rate and if there are additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Saint Johns, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller, more community-focused nature of Saint Johns, waitlists can vary significantly. Popular, highly-rated centers or those affiliated with local employers may have waitlists of **3 to 9 months**, especially for infant care slots, which are limited by stricter staff-to-child ratios. Many family daycare homes may have shorter or no waitlists. To secure a spot, it is strongly advised to begin your search and make inquiries **at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date**, particularly if you require care for an infant. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist status, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare assistance or subsidy programs are available for families in Saint Johns, PA?
Pennsylvania offers the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program** to help eligible low-income families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). You can apply through the Cambria County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees based on income, or scholarships. It's also worth checking with local employers, as some in the Johnstown area may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific centers. The first step is to contact the **Pennsylvania COMPASS website or helpline** to determine your eligibility for state assistance.
Beyond basic care, what are some unique program features or focuses offered by daycares in the Saint Johns area?
Reflecting its community values, many childcare providers in the Saint Johns area incorporate local and nature-based elements into their programs. You may find centers or homes that emphasize **outdoor play and exploration**, taking advantage of Pennsylvania's rural landscape. Some programs integrate **agricultural or gardening activities** to teach children about local environment. Given the region's strong community ties, many providers foster connections through local field trips (when age-appropriate) and partnerships with nearby libraries or parks. When touring, ask about their daily schedule, philosophy (like Play-based or Montessori-inspired), and how they incorporate learning about the local community and seasons into their curriculum.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Saint Johns: