The Best Daycare Centers in Trafford, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Trafford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Trafford
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Monroeville serves the Trafford area with a comprehensive 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 maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. The curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills, with daily communication provided to parents through their proprietary app. The center is known for its structured yet nurturing environment and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Primrose School of Monroeville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Monroeville provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed teachers. The school serves Trafford families with a research-based approach that includes character development, literacy, and STEM activities. Their secure facility features monitored access, dedicated age-based classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. The center emphasizes whole-child development through their exclusive Harmony & Heart® music program and literacy-rich environment. Parents receive regular updates and photos through the Primrose Schools app, and the center maintains exceptional health and safety standards with comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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La Petite Academy of Murrysville
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy in Murrysville serves the Trafford community with their proprietary Grow Early Learning System® that focuses on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features degreed lead teachers, secure keypad entry, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through hands-on activities. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups and maintains rigorous safety protocols including regular safety drills. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten with strong foundational skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Trafford, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Trafford, PA?
In Trafford and the surrounding Westmoreland County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,400 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. In-home family daycare providers in Trafford often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,100 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, included amenities (meals, curriculum), and the specific location within the community. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs through Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How can I verify if a daycare or preschool in Trafford is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Trafford, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The primary tool for verification is **COMPASS**, the state's online resource. You can search for licensed providers by zip code (e.g., 15085) and view their license status, capacity, and age ranges served. More importantly, you can access the provider's **Inspection Reports** through the DHS website, which detail any regulatory violations, complaints, and corrective actions from the past two years. You can also contact the Southwest Regional Office of OCDEL for specific questions. Always ask any provider you visit for their license number and cross-reference it online.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Trafford, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in the Trafford area. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date, particularly for infant care. Some of the more popular centers in the region may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options—including centers in nearby communities like Murrysville or Penn Township, as well as registered family daycare homes in Trafford—can increase your chances of finding timely placement.
What are the main types of childcare options available to families living in Trafford?
Trafford families have several licensed childcare options to consider: 1. **Child Care Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with structured educational programs and multiple classrooms. Examples include centers in nearby commercial areas. 2. **Group Child Care Homes**: These are smaller, home-based settings that care for 7-12 children at a time. They offer a more home-like environment. 3. **Family Child Care Homes**: These care for 4-6 children in the provider's residence, offering high flexibility and often mixed-age groups. 4. **Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start**: These are free or low-cost, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, often operated through local school districts or community agencies. Transportation from Trafford may be provided. Additionally, many parents utilize informal networks or part-time nursery school programs offered through local churches or community organizations.
What resources are available in Trafford to help me find and compare local daycare providers?
Your best local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Westmoreland County (including Trafford). The ELRC offers free, personalized **Child Care Referral Specialists** who can provide lists of licensed providers matching your specific needs (hours, location, age of child). They can also guide you through the Child Care Works subsidy application process. You can contact them via phone or their website. Additionally, the **Trafford Borough website** and community Facebook groups (e.g., "Trafford, PA Community") are valuable for getting personal recommendations and experiences from other local parents. Always follow up any referral with your own thorough research, including visiting the facility and checking state inspection reports.