The Best Daycare Centers in Salfordville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Salfordville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Salfordville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Harleysville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEM curriculum, language arts, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their comprehensive approach including yoga, sign language, and Spanish instruction integrated into daily activities. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide regular parent communication through daily reports and an interactive mobile app.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Creative Kids Learning Centers
Creative Kids Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Their educational approach combines structured learning with creative exploration, featuring literacy-rich classrooms, hands-on science activities, and music integration. The center maintains state-exceeding safety standards with secure access, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. Their qualified teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility offers spacious indoor play areas and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, with nutritious meals and snacks included in tuition.
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Bright Horizons at North Wales
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at North Wales offers a world-class early education program with their proprietary World at Their Fingertips curriculum that prepares children for academic success. The center features Emergent Curriculum that builds on children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. Their highly educated teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous training. The facility includes state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-based learning environments, and natural outdoor classrooms. What distinguishes them is their strong focus on school readiness, social-emotional development, and partnership with families through regular portfolio assessments and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Salfordville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Salfordville, PA?
In Salfordville and the surrounding Montgomery County area, daycare costs are influenced by the type of care and the provider's credentials. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for full-time infant care. For a licensed family/home daycare, costs are often slightly lower, ranging from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates are generally competitive with the broader Philadelphia suburbs. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, diapers, wipes, and enrichment activities. Some providers may offer a small discount for a second child. Given the limited number of dedicated facilities in Salfordville itself, many parents also consider providers in nearby towns like Harleysville, Lansdale, or Souderton, where prices are similar.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Salfordville is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania that care for four or more unrelated children 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 status and review their compliance history, including any cited violations, through the public-facing **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (e.g., 18958 for Salfordville). This tool will show you their license type, capacity, and inspection reports. For an even more local check, you can contact the **Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth**. Additionally, it's highly recommended to visit the facility in person, ask about staff-to-child ratios (which are strictly regulated by the state), and observe safety protocols like secured entrances and emergency plans.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in the Salfordville area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots, due to high demand and limited capacity in smaller communities like Salfordville. It is strongly advised to begin your search **6 to 12 months** before you need care. Many popular centers and highly-regarded family daycomes in the North Penn School District region have waitlists that can extend 9 months or more. When you start contacting providers, be sure to ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be placed on it? How often do they update families on their position? Do they offer priority for siblings? Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a standard strategy for parents in this area to secure a spot.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Salfordville, PA?
Salfordville offers a mix of traditional options, though the selection within the immediate borough limits is smaller than in larger towns. Your primary choices are: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** These are small, home-based programs often run by one or two caregivers, typically caring for 4 to 12 children. They offer a home-like environment and can be more flexible. 2. **Child Care Centers:** There are a few larger centers located in Salfordville or within a short driving distance in neighboring communities. These operate in commercial spaces, have multiple staff, and often follow a more structured curriculum. 3. **Part-Day Preschool Programs:** Often affiliated with local churches or community organizations, these are common for children ages 3-5 and typically run for 2-3 hours, a few days a week. 4. **In-Home Care (Nannies/Au Pairs):** This is a popular option for families seeking personalized care, though it is the most expensive and you act as the employer, responsible for taxes and background checks.
Are there any local resources or programs in Montgomery County that can help with daycare costs for Salfordville residents?
Yes, there are several key resources. The primary program is Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**, administered locally through the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth. Eligibility is based on family income, work/school requirements, and family size. You can apply online or contact the county office to see if you qualify for financial assistance. Additionally, some local daycare providers may offer their own sliding scale fees or scholarships—it's always worth asking. For tax savings, all Pennsylvania families can utilize the federal **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit**. Furthermore, the **Montgomery County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 17** is an invaluable free resource. They can provide personalized referrals to licensed providers in Salfordville and the region, explain the CCW program, and offer guidance on choosing quality care.