The Best Daycare Centers in Strabane, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Strabane. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Strabane
Bright Horizons at Southpointe
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Southpointe offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum focusing on language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and regular parent communication through the Bright Horizons mobile app.
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The Goddard School of Canonsburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Canonsburg provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic, social, and emotional development. The school features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center offers extended hours, enrichment programs including yoga and foreign language, and maintains excellent health and safety protocols with regular sanitization procedures.
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The Children's Courtyard
Spring Education Group
The Children's Courtyard in Murrysville offers a balanced approach to early childhood education with proprietary Links to Learning curriculum that focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts, and physical development. The center features experienced early childhood educators, secure facilities with electronic entry systems, and spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. Their program includes technology integration, character development activities, and regular assessments to track developmental milestones. The center provides healthy meals and snacks, flexible scheduling options, and maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication and regular family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Strabane, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Strabane, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Strabane and the surrounding Washington County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $200 to $275 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania metro areas like Pittsburgh. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 5, which serves Washington County. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Strabane?
All childcare providers in Strabane must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The definitive resource for parents is the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. Here, you can search for licensed providers by zip code (15363 for Strabane) and view their detailed certification history, including: * License status (Active, Provisional, etc.) * Capacity and age groups served. * **Full inspection reports**, which note compliance with state regulations on health, safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. Any serious violations are clearly documented. You can also contact the regional OCDEL office or the local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for further guidance. Always visit a potential center and ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted.
Are there many in-home daycare options (Family Child Care Homes) in Strabane, and what are the pros and cons compared to center-based care?
In-home Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) are a popular option in Strabane and its more rural surrounding townships, often offering a smaller, home-like setting. They are licensed for a maximum of 6 children, depending on the provider's certification level. Pros include potentially more flexible hours, mixed-age groups (like a family), and a consistent primary caregiver. They can also be more affordable. Cons may include less structured educational programming, dependency on a single provider's health (if they are sick, the daycare closes), and potentially fewer resources. To find licensed FCCHs, use the PA Child Care Finder and filter for "Family Child Care Home." It's crucial to ensure any in-home provider is licensed, as this guarantees they meet state health, safety, and training standards.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in Strabane, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand and staffing challenges, many reputable daycare centers in the Strabane area have waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 3 to 9 months long. **We strongly recommend starting your search at least 6-12 months before you need care.** For infants, beginning during pregnancy is wise. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update the list. Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Canonsburg or McMurray, but be mindful of commute. Getting on multiple lists is a common strategy. Also, inquire if they have a "sibling priority" policy if you plan on having more children in care.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare center in Strabane, specific to local considerations?
Beyond general questions, tailor your tour to local factors: 1. **Staffing:** "What is your current staff-to-child ratio, and how does it compare to PA state minimums?" (PA ratios are: 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers). Also ask about staff turnover and how many staff are from the local community. 2. **Safety & Drills:** "How often do you conduct fire, tornado, and lockdown drills?" Given Strabane's location, tornado drills are relevant. 3. **Outdoor Play:** "What is your outdoor play space like, and how often do children go out?" Inquire about shade and surfacing, as local weather varies. 4. **Local Partnerships:** "Do you partner with the Canon-McMillan School District for pre-K programs or with the Washington County Food Bank for meals?" 5. **Closures:** "What is your policy for inclement weather (snow) delays or closures, and how is communication handled?" Also ask about planned closures that align with local school calendars. 6. **Transportation:** "If offered, do you provide transportation to/from local elementary schools, and what are the safety protocols?"