The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon
Kiddie Academy of Hermitage
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hermitage provides comprehensive educational childcare with a structured Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and real-time parent communication through the Kiddie Academy Mobile App. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities in modern, clean classrooms with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups and offers nutritious meals prepared on-site. Their educational approach emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestone tracking.
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The Children's Center of Mercer
The Children's Center
The Children's Center of Mercer offers a nationally accredited early childhood program with a balanced curriculum that integrates play-based learning with academic preparation. The center maintains Keystone STARS 4 accreditation, the highest quality rating in Pennsylvania, and employs degreed early childhood educators. Their comprehensive safety protocols include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and health screening procedures. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills through thematic units and hands-on activities. The facility features age-appropriate learning centers, indoor gross motor spaces, and nature-based outdoor play areas. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular conferences, portfolio assessments, and family events.
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Sharon Regional Child Development Center
Sharon Regional Medical Center
Operated by Sharon Regional Medical Center, this child development center provides high-quality early education with a focus on health, wellness, and developmental appropriateness. The center benefits from hospital resources including on-call medical consultation, enhanced health and safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their educational approach combines Creative Curriculum with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, delivered by qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure, modern classrooms with observation windows, age-appropriate learning materials, and protected outdoor play spaces. The center emphasizes social-emotional development, kindergarten readiness, and maintains strong communication with families through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sharon, PA?
In Sharon and the surrounding Mercer County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $180 and $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than the Pennsylvania state average, reflecting the local cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and wipes, as policies differ. Financial assistance may be available through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Sharon is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Sharon, 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 and review their inspection history, including any violations or complaints, through the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name or location. Additionally, you can contact the **Western Regional Office of OCDEL** which oversees Mercer County. We recommend always visiting a facility in person and asking the director to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sharon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for infant care spots at the most sought-after licensed centers in Sharon can be lengthy, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. For toddler and preschool rooms, the wait is typically shorter, around 1-3 months. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy for an infant spot. Many local providers, like the YMCA of Sharon or church-affiliated centers, manage their own lists. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask about their specific waitlist process (some require a deposit), and check in periodically to express your continued interest.
What are some of the key local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in Mercer County?
Parents in Sharon have several valuable local resources. The primary agency is **Mercer County Child Care Information Services (CCIS)**, which administers the Child Care Works subsidy and maintains a referral list of licensed providers. They can be reached through the Mercer County Community Action Agency. Another excellent resource is the **United Way of Mercer County's 2-1-1 helpline**, which provides referrals to health and human services, including childcare. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating system—a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a commitment to higher standards in learning, staff development, and environment.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Sharon, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Sharon offers three primary types of licensed childcare: 1. **Childcare Centers:** These are facilities like the Sharon Regional Medical Center Child Development Center or the Buhl Park Preschool. They offer structured programs, multiple staff, and often have preschool curricula. Pros include reliability and social interaction; cons can be higher cost and less flexibility. 2. **Group/Family Childcare Homes:** A provider cares for children in their own home for up to 12 children. These are common in Sharon's residential neighborhoods. Pros include a home-like setting, mixed-age groups, and often more flexible hours; cons include dependence on a single provider's availability. 3. **Preschools/Pre-K Programs:** Often part of churches or community organizations, these typically offer part-day programs for ages 3-5, focusing on school readiness. They are excellent for socialization but do not provide full-day working parent care. Your choice will depend on your child's age, your schedule, and your personal preference for environment.