The Best Daycare Centers in Southampton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Southampton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Southampton
The Goddard School of Southampton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Southampton 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-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement developmental assessments and individualized learning plans. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app, regular parent-teacher conferences, and the strong emphasis on safety protocols including comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Bright Horizons at Southampton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Southampton provides research-based early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that focuses on language, math, science, social studies, arts, and technology. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes nutritious meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnerships through daily reports and family events. The center is known for its inclusive environment and emphasis on social-emotional learning.
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The Learning Experience - Feasterville-Trevose
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Southampton, The Learning Experience serves families throughout Bucks County with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The modern facility includes secure entry systems, interactive whiteboards, and age-specific learning centers. Their programs feature early literacy development, STEM activities, and character development programs. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs certified early childhood educators. Parents consistently praise the engaging learning environment, regular communication, and comprehensive safety measures including secured perimeters and strict pick-up protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Southampton, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Southampton, PA, and are there any local resources to help with affordability?
In Southampton, PA, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility and the child's age. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare programs (family childcare homes) often offer a more affordable option, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. To help with these costs, Pennsylvania offers the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, you can explore potential Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through your employer or the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It's advisable to contact the Bucks County Children & Youth Social Services Agency for the most current information on subsidy eligibility and application processes.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Southampton is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare centers and group childcare homes in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the online **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool. When touring a facility in Southampton, look beyond the license for key indicators of quality. Ask about staff-to-child ratios (PA law requires 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for young toddlers, 1:6 for older toddlers, and 1:10 for preschoolers) and confirm staff qualifications and ongoing training. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, the engagement between caregivers and children, and the structure of the daily schedule. Inquire about their policies on sick children, emergency procedures, and parent communication. A quality program will be transparent and welcome your questions.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Southampton, and when should I start my search for an infant spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant care at reputable daycare centers in Southampton and throughout Bucks County. Due to the low staff-to-child ratio required by the state, infant rooms have limited capacity, often leading to high demand and long wait times. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists **during the second trimester of pregnancy**, or even earlier if possible. Some popular centers may have waitlists that are 9-12 months long. Don't limit your search to centers alone; also consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have more flexibility and shorter waitlists. Being proactive, touring multiple options, and getting on multiple lists will significantly increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What are some of the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Southampton?
The main differences lie in the setting, scale, and often, the program philosophy. **Daycare Centers** (like those in Southampton Plaza or along Street Road) are typically larger facilities in commercial spaces. They often have multiple classrooms divided by age, a larger staff with specialized roles, and may follow a structured curriculum. They might offer more amenities and have stricter operating hours. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of a provider's residence in a neighborhood setting. They offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with a smaller group of children (usually 6-12, depending on age). This can provide more flexible scheduling and a family-oriented atmosphere, often with a single primary caregiver. Both are regulated by the PA DHS, but the intimate setting of a home daycare can be appealing for parents seeking a more personalized, consistent care environment for their infant or toddler.
Beyond basic daycare, what types of early childhood education programs are available for preschoolers in Southampton?
Southampton offers several options for preschool-aged children (typically 3-5 years old). Many local daycare centers have dedicated preschool classrooms that incorporate curricula like Creative Curriculum or play-based learning to prepare children for kindergarten. There are also standalone **preschools**, often affiliated with community organizations or churches, such as those at local houses of worship, which may offer part-day or part-week programs (e.g., 2-3 mornings a week). These programs focus more explicitly on school readiness skills—social, emotional, and academic. Additionally, the **Centennial School District** may offer pre-kindergarten programs for eligible families. When choosing, consider the schedule that fits your family's needs (full-day care vs. part-day enrichment) and the program's educational philosophy to find the best fit for your child's development.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Southampton: