The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon Hill, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon Hill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon Hill
The Learning Experience - Springfield
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Springfield serves the Sharon Hill area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center focuses on academic, physical, and social development through age-appropriate activities and technology integration. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their phonics-based reading program and character development curriculum help children build strong foundations for kindergarten readiness. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and structured outdoor play spaces with safety-certified equipment.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Chesterbrook Academy
Chesterbrook Academy in Springfield provides high-quality early education serving Sharon Hill families with their Links to Learning curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The center features low student-teacher ratios, degreed lead teachers, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. Their program includes foreign language exposure, music and movement classes, and STEM activities. The facility offers bright, spacious classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences to track developmental milestones.
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The Goddard School of Springfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Springfield serves the Sharon Hill community with a play-based learning approach that incorporates F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program. The school emphasizes holistic development through hands-on activities, creative arts, and structured play. Features include highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, comprehensive safety measures including keypad entry and video monitoring, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their STEAM-focused curriculum introduces science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics concepts through age-appropriate activities. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated spaces for music and movement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon Hill, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sharon Hill, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Sharon Hill, as in all of Pennsylvania, childcare providers 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 up to 6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, safety protocols, and physical environment. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. You can search by provider name, location (Sharon Hill), or zip code (19079) to see their current license status, capacity, and any reported violations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sharon Hill, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Sharon Hill and broader Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly. For an infant, you can expect an average range of **$1,200 to $1,600 per month** at a licensed center, while family daycare homes may be slightly less. Costs for toddlers are typically $50-$100 less per month. These rates are influenced by the program's curriculum, hours, and amenities. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program** is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family income, work/school schedules, and family size. You can apply through the Delaware County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend care options in Sharon Hill to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended hours (beyond 6:00 or 6:30 PM) or weekend care in Sharon Hill itself is challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard weekday schedule. However, due to its location near major transportation routes like I-95 and the Philadelphia International Airport, some parents find options in adjacent communities like Folcroft, Glenolden, or Tinicum that may offer more flexible hours to serve shift workers, healthcare employees, and airport personnel. Your best strategy is to explicitly ask about extended hours when contacting providers. Family childcare homes may sometimes offer more flexible scheduling, so be sure to inquire directly about your specific needs.
What resources are available in Sharon Hill to help me find and evaluate local daycare options?
Sharon Hill parents have several valuable local resources. First, the **Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU)** provides referral services and information on early childhood programs. The **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** (mentioned above) is the official state database. For personalized help, you can contact **Child Care Information Services of Delaware County (CCIS)**, which offers free referrals, guidance on choosing quality care, and assistance with the Child Care Works subsidy application. Additionally, local community hubs like the Sharon Hill Public Library or the Sharon Hill Borough Hall may have bulletin boards with information on local home-based providers. Networking through local Facebook parenting groups for Delaware County can also provide firsthand recommendations.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers in the Sharon Hill area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
For highly-regarded, licensed daycare centers in and around Sharon Hill, waitlists can be substantial, especially for infant rooms. It's common to encounter waitlists of **6 to 12 months, or even longer**. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists (there is often a small fee). Don't limit your search to Sharon Hill's borders; consider centers in nearby Darby, Collingdale, and Clifton Heights. Be proactive—check in with centers every few months to confirm your spot on the list. Consider a licensed family daycare home as they often have smaller capacities but may have shorter wait times and can provide excellent care.
Childcare Insights for Sharon Hill
Finding the right childcare is a journey filled with care and consideration, and when your child has special needs, that journey requires an extra layer of thoughtful planning. For parents in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, searching for "special needs daycare near me" is the first step toward securing a nurturing, supportive environment where your child can thrive. It’s a search rooted in love, and understanding the local landscape can make all the difference.
Sharon Hill’s close-knit community within Delaware County means that while specialized daycare options might not be on every corner, there are excellent resources and dedicated providers within a short drive. Your search will likely extend to neighboring areas like Drexel Hill, Upper Darby, and even into Philadelphia, which is just a quick trip away via the SEPTA trolley lines or I-95. This proximity to a major metropolitan area is actually a significant advantage, offering access to a wider network of inclusive programs and developmental specialists. A great starting point is to connect with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU). They provide essential early intervention services and can be an invaluable resource for referrals to licensed daycare centers or family childcare homes in the region that have experience integrating children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
When evaluating a potential daycare in the Sharon Hill area, look beyond the basics. Schedule a visit and observe not just the physical space, but the atmosphere. Ask specific questions about staff training: Are caregivers certified in CPR and First Aid? Do they have experience with your child’s specific needs, whether related to autism spectrum disorder, speech delays, physical disabilities, or sensory processing differences? Inquire about the daily routine and how it can be adapted. A quality program will emphasize structured flexibility, allowing for necessary therapies, quiet spaces for sensory breaks, and activities that are inclusive for all children. Notice how the staff interacts with the children—patience, clear communication, and a warm, encouraging demeanor are non-negotiable.
Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. Be prepared to share detailed information about your child’s strengths, challenges, and successful strategies you use at home. Building a strong, collaborative partnership with the daycare providers is key to creating consistency for your child. Also, don’t overlook the power of local networks. Consider reaching out to other parents through community boards at the Sharon Hill Public Library or local family support groups. Personal recommendations from other families who navigate similar paths in Delaware County can lead you to hidden gems you might not find through an online search alone.
The quest for the right special needs daycare near Sharon Hill may require some perseverance, but know that there are supportive options and communities ready to welcome your family. By leveraging local resources, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts as a parent, you can find a place where your child is understood, celebrated, and given the foundation to grow every day.