The Best Daycare Centers in Smithton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Smithton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Smithton
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop in nearby Jeannette serves the Smithton area with a comprehensive educational program focused on early childhood development. Their research-based curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, and offers secure facilities with keypad entry systems. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through a dedicated app, and both indoor and outdoor learning environments designed for different age groups.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at UPMC East
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this Monroeville location serves families from Smithton and surrounding areas with their World at Their Fingers curriculum. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, emergent curriculum based on children's interests, and school readiness skills. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, degreed early childhood educators, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their approach includes regular developmental assessments, individualized learning plans, and strong parent partnership through daily communication and family events.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Greensburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greensburg provides premium early childhood education to families in the Smithton region with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The curriculum balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. The facility features secure entry systems, spacious classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes communication with parents through daily activity reports, regular conferences, and a mobile app for real-time updates.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Smithton, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Smithton, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Smithton, 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 4-6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff qualifications. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history, you can use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the DHS's regional office. It's highly recommended to check this resource, as it provides the facility's star rating (1-4 stars) under Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS Quality Rating and Improvement System, a key indicator of quality in our area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Smithton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Smithton and broader Westmoreland County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you can expect an average range of **$800 to $1,100 per month**. For toddlers, it's typically slightly lower, around **$700 to $950 per month**. Costs depend on the type of care (center vs. home-based) and the provider's Keystone STARS rating. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program** is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school schedules. You can apply through the Westmoreland County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Smithton, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists in Smithton can be significant, especially for infant care slots, which are in high demand due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It's not uncommon for popular, highly-rated centers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months or more**. For this reason, we strongly advise expecting parents or those planning a return to work to begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists **as early as possible, ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy**. For toddler or preschool-age openings, waitlists may be shorter (2-6 months), but starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is still prudent. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Smithton that focus on outdoor or nature-based learning, given the local environment?
While Smithton itself is a smaller borough, the surrounding Westmoreland County area offers some excellent nature-based options that local parents utilize. Some childcare centers and preschools in the region incorporate elements of forest school philosophy or have dedicated outdoor classrooms. It's less common to find a fully outdoor-based program within Smithton's immediate limits, but many local providers take advantage of nearby parks and green spaces. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their daily outdoor play policy (Pennsylvania licensing requires it weather permitting), if they have gardens, and how they integrate nature into the curriculum. You may also find in-home providers with large, natural play yards.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Smithton?
When touring a daycare in Smithton, go beyond the basics. First, observe the **staff-child interactions**—are they engaged and responsive? Check for **cleanliness and safety**: covered outlets, secure gates, and a generally tidy environment. Ask about their **illness policy** and how they handle common childhood sicknesses. Inquire about their **curriculum and daily schedule** for your child's age group. Given Smithton's community feel, ask about **local field trips** (e.g., to the library or local parks) and **parent communication** methods. Finally, trust your instincts on the overall atmosphere—is it a warm, welcoming, and organized space where you can picture your child thriving? Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Smithton-area parents.