The Best Daycare Centers in Sharpsville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharpsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharpsville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Hermitage offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and daily parent communication through the proprietary Goddard mobile app. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. Modern facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Maintains low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety protocols.
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KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare in Hermitage provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania learning standards. Features include the Early Foundations® program for infants and toddlers, Phonics Adventures® for literacy development, and STEM learning activities. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. Center includes secure building access, commercial-grade kitchen providing nutritious meals, and spacious outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Emphasizes social-emotional development through their Conscious Discipline® approach and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Greenville Area Day Care Center
Non-profit organization
Greenville Area Day Care Center serves the broader Mercer County region with high-quality childcare in a nurturing environment. Features developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on school readiness, including early literacy, mathematics, and social skills. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with low child-to-teacher ratios. Facility includes secure entry systems, modern learning materials, and outdoor playgrounds. Provides nutritious meals through their USDA-approved food program and maintains strong partnerships with local school districts for seamless transitions. Known for their inclusive environment and family-centered approach with regular parent-teacher conferences and communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharpsville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sharpsville, PA?
In Sharpsville and the surrounding Mercer County area, full-time daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania cities. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week. For a toddler (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $160 to $220. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (in-home daycare vs. center-based), the specific programs offered, and whether meals are included. It's important to note that while costs are moderate, financial assistance may be available through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families, which many local providers accept.
How can I verify that a daycare in Sharpsville is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a Sharpsville provider's license and review their compliance history, you can use the state's online **COMPASS Child Care Search** tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name or zip code (16150) and view their license status, capacity, and any reported regulatory violations or inspections. You can also contact the **Western Regional Office of OCDEL** directly for information. Additionally, it's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person to observe the environment and ask the director for their most recent inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sharpsville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlist situations in Sharpsville can vary. The smaller, home-based daycare providers may have limited spots and fill up quickly, while larger centers might have more availability but also longer lists for specific age groups, especially infants. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 3-6 months** before you need care. For infant care, starting 6 months in advance is prudent. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist policy, estimated wait time, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring options in neighboring communities like Hermitage, Sharon, or Transfer can also increase your chances of finding timely care.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Sharpsville?
Sharpsville offers several types of licensed childcare options to fit different family needs. The most common are: 1. **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed providers caring for a smaller group of children (typically 4-6) in their own residence. These often offer a more home-like setting. 2. **Child Care Centers:** Larger, facility-based programs that care for more children in age-specific classrooms. These may offer more structured educational curricula. 3. **Group Child Care Homes:** A hybrid model, caring for 7-12 children in a residence. 4. **Preschool Programs:** Often part of a church or community organization, these may offer part-day programs for children ages 3-5. Due to Sharpsville's size, the number of centers is limited, so many families also consider providers in the immediate Shenango Valley area.
What resources are available in Sharpsville to help me find and compare local daycare providers?
Your best local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 6**, which serves Mercer County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Sharpsville and can help you understand quality indicators, costs, and the Child Care Works subsidy. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the **United Way of Mercer County's 2-1-1** helpline can provide referrals to social services, including childcare. For community-based insights, consider asking for recommendations in local Facebook groups (e.g., "Sharpsville, PA Community Page") or from your pediatrician's office at the UPMC or Primary Health Network facilities in the area. Always follow up any referral with your own research and visits.