The Best Daycare Centers in Shrewsbury, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shrewsbury. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shrewsbury
The Goddard School of Shrewsbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Shrewsbury offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and follows rigorous health and safety protocols.
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KinderCare at York
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at York serves families in the Shrewsbury area with comprehensive early childhood programs featuring research-based curriculum. Their experienced teachers create individualized learning plans focusing on cognitive, social, and physical development. The center offers secure facilities with coded entry systems, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes phonics, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation and has strong parent satisfaction ratings for their communication and developmental tracking systems. Transportation is available for school-age children in the Shrewsbury area.
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The Goddard School of Glen Rock
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Shrewsbury, The Goddard School of Glen Rock provides high-quality early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. Their certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices in literacy-rich classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, commercial-grade air purification, and age-separated playgrounds. Their comprehensive curriculum includes foreign language exposure, yoga, music, and technology integration. The school maintains excellent staff retention and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families from Shrewsbury and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shrewsbury, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shrewsbury, PA?
In Shrewsbury and the surrounding York County area, daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $250 to $350 per week for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around $220 to $300 per week. Home-based family childcare in Shrewsbury is often more affordable, typically ranging from $160 to $250 per week. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can be influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities (meals, diapers). We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any potential financial assistance programs available through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) or local organizations.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Shrewsbury is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). To verify a provider's status and review their history, you should use the state's official **Child Care Finder** website or contact the DHS's Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) for the Southeast Regional Office, which oversees York County. This public database allows you to search by provider name or location and view their license status, inspection dates, and any regulatory compliance reports. It's a crucial step for parents to ensure the facility meets state standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications. You can also ask the provider directly for their certificate of compliance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Shrewsbury, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand for quality childcare in the Shrewsbury area, many established daycare centers, particularly for infants, do maintain waitlists. It is highly advisable to begin your search **at least 6 to 12 months** before you need care, especially if you are seeking an infant spot. Some popular centers may have waitlists that extend even longer. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length and process. Don't limit your search to centers only; consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller, home-like setting that many families in our community appreciate.
What are some of the key local factors or amenities that Shrewsbury-area daycares might utilize?
Daycares in Shrewsbury often take advantage of the community's resources to enrich their programs. Many incorporate outdoor play and nature-based learning, utilizing local parks like the Shrewsbury Borough Park or nearby trails. Given the area's proximity to agricultural regions, some programs may include visits to local farms or have garden plots. Additionally, providers often plan community outings to places like the nearby Shrewsbury Public Library for storytime. When touring facilities, ask about their daily schedule and how they integrate the local community into their curriculum. This can give you insight into whether the program aligns with your family's values and desire for community connection.
What options exist for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Shrewsbury, PA?
Finding part-time or care during evenings/weekends can be more challenging in Shrewsbury, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, daytime schedule. Your best options for flexible care are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more customizable schedules, or seeking a qualified in-home nanny or babysitter. You can search for licensed family providers through the state's Child Care Finder and filter for those who list part-time care. For occasional or backup care, consider exploring regional networks or apps that connect parents with vetted caregivers. Be sure to clearly communicate your schedule needs upfront and understand that rates for non-standard hours may be higher.