The Best Daycare Centers in Slatedale, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Slatedale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Slatedale
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Allentown serves the Slatedale area with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their play-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, and social development. Certified teachers lead small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their educational approach focuses on developing confidence, compassion, and school readiness skills.
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Bright Horizons at Lehigh Valley
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lehigh Valley provides high-quality childcare serving families from Slatedale and surrounding communities. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, enhanced security systems including keypad entry, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. They offer flexible scheduling options, organic meals, and regular developmental assessments. The program focuses on preparing children for kindergarten through structured play, creative expression, and problem-solving activities in a nurturing environment.
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Northern Lehigh Learning Center
Northern Lehigh School District
Located just minutes from Slatedale in neighboring Slatington, Northern Lehigh Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program operated by the school district. Their curriculum aligns with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. Certified early childhood educators provide instruction in purpose-built classrooms with modern educational materials. The center features secure facilities, outdoor play areas, and transportation services for school-age children. Their program emphasizes school readiness through structured learning activities, social development, and community involvement, with strong parent-teacher partnerships and regular progress reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Slatedale, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Slatedale, PA?
In Slatedale and the surrounding Lehigh County area, parents primarily have three licensed options. The most common are Family Child Care Homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often run by a single provider and licensed for a limited number of children, offering a more intimate environment. There are also Child Care Centers, which are larger facilities, though you may need to look in nearby towns like Slatington or Northampton for more center-based options. Finally, Pennsylvania offers Group Child Care Homes, which are larger than family homes but smaller than centers, caring for between 7-12 children. All licensed providers in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet specific health, safety, and staff qualification standards. You can verify a provider's license and compliance history using the DHS's online Child Care Finder tool.
How can I find and verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare in Slatedale?
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a comprehensive online resource called "Child Care Finder" (www.findchildcare.pa.gov). This is the most important tool for parents in Slatedale. You can search by zip code (18079) or provider name to find all licensed facilities in the area. For each listing, you can view the provider's license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, you can access recent inspection reports (called "Certification Inspections") which detail any compliance issues or violations of state regulations. It's highly recommended to review these reports before choosing a provider. You can also contact the DHS Northeast Regional Office for additional assistance.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Slatedale, and are there any financial assistance programs?
Costs in Slatedale are generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania cities but can vary. For a licensed Family Child Care Home, you might expect to pay between $180-$250 per week for full-time infant care. Rates for toddlers are slightly lower, typically ranging from $160-$220 per week. For Child Care Centers in the broader region, costs can be higher. Financial assistance is available through the state's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program, which helps eligible low-income families pay for care at licensed providers. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and work/training requirements. You can apply through the Lehigh County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are waitlists common for daycare spots in Slatedale, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Slatedale, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care which has 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 start inquiring during your second trimester. Many of the well-regarded family daycare homes in the area have small, consistent enrollments and may only have openings when an older child ages out. Be prepared to contact multiple providers, get on several waitlists, and consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Walnutport or Schnecksville if necessary.
What are some local factors or resources specific to Slatedale that parents should consider when choosing childcare?
Slatedale's rural setting means transportation and proximity are key factors. Many providers are home-based in residential areas, so consider the commute to your workplace, likely in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Lehighton. Ask about a provider's policies for late pick-ups, as public transportation options are limited. Given the community's size, personal recommendations from other parents at local spots like the Slatedale Park or through the Northern Lehigh School District community are invaluable. Also, inquire about outdoor play spaces and routines; a good local provider will often incorporate nature-based activities suitable for the area. Finally, check if the provider participates in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating program, which indicates a commitment to higher standards beyond basic licensing.