The Best Daycare Centers in Shartlesville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shartlesville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shartlesville
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Learning Center in Wyomissing is a highly-rated facility serving the Shartlesville area with a research-based curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center employs qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, CPR/first aid certifications, and ongoing training. Safety features include secure keypad entry, monitored playgrounds, and strict hygiene protocols. Parents consistently praise the engaging, play-based learning environment, nutritious meal programs, and strong communication on child progress. The center offers flexible scheduling and caters to children from infancy through school age, emphasizing school readiness and individualized care.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Wyomissing provides a premier early childhood education experience with a STEAM-focused curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) that encourages hands-on exploration and creativity. Staff hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility features secure access, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas. Highly regarded for its safe, nurturing environment, the school emphasizes character development, literacy, and social skills, with parents noting excellent communication and enrichment programs like music and language exposure.
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Primrose School of Wyomissing
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wyomissing offers a Balanced Learning curriculum that blends teacher-directed instruction with child-initiated play to foster academic readiness and character development. The center employs degreed educators with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains high safety standards, including secure entrances and sanitization procedures. Parents highlight the school's structured yet engaging environment, with programs covering literacy, math, and arts, plus amenities like on-site chefs for healthy meals. The school is praised for its inclusive community, outdoor learning spaces, and focus on building independence and social skills in a supportive setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shartlesville, PA
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Shartlesville, PA?
In Shartlesville and the surrounding Berks County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. The most common are Family Child Care Homes, which are smaller, home-based settings licensed for up to six children. There are also Group Child Care Homes, which can care for 7-12 children in a residence. For larger centers, you may need to look in nearby towns like Hamburg or Bernville, as Shartlesville itself is a small borough. All providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which ensures they meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. You can search for all licensed providers in the 19554 zip code and surrounding areas using the DHS's online Child Care Finder tool.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shartlesville?
Costs can vary based on the type of care and the age of your child. For a licensed Family Child Care Home in the Shartlesville area, you can expect to pay an average of $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Center-based care in nearby communities like Leesport or Hamburg tends to be higher, often ranging from $225 to $325 per week. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs for eligible families through the Child Care Works program, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and inquiring about any potential waitlist fees.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Shartlesville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Shartlesville, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting a child, to get on lists during your second trimester. Many local home-based providers may only have a few openings per year. When you contact a provider, be sure to ask about their waitlist policy, including whether there's a fee to hold a spot and how often you should check in to maintain your position.
What are the key state regulations and safety standards I should verify with a daycare provider in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania DHS mandates several critical standards. First, verify the provider's license is current and posted. Key ratios are: 1:4 for infants (under 1 year), 1:5 for toddlers (1-2 years), and 1:10 for preschoolers (3-5 years). All staff must have clearances, including FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse History, and Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History checks. The facility must also have an annual fire safety inspection and an emergency plan. For home-based providers in Shartlesville, also ask about their water source (well or public) and if they have a fence for outdoor play areas. Don't hesitate to ask the provider to see their compliance file.
Beyond basic care, what kind of early learning programs or enrichment activities are offered by daycares in this area?
Many providers in Berks County, including those serving Shartlesville families, incorporate structured early learning. Look for programs that use a curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards, which focus on language, math, science, and social skills. Some providers may participate in voluntary quality improvement programs like Keystone STARS; a STAR 3 or 4 rating indicates a strong learning environment. Given the rural setting, some providers emphasize nature-based play and outdoor exploration. You might also find programs that include basic Spanish, music, or local library visits. Be sure to ask for a sample daily schedule to understand the balance of free play, structured learning, meals, and nap times.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Shartlesville: