The Best Daycare Centers in Upperstrasburg, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Upperstrasburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Upperstrasburg
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Chambersburg offers a premier early childhood education program serving the Upperstrasburg area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression through play-based learning. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development, with daily communication provided to parents through the Goddard Connect app.
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KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location in Chambersburg serves families throughout Franklin County, including Upperstrasburg. The center follows a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Their infant program includes individualized care plans with regular developmental updates, while preschool programs prepare children for kindergarten success. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs certified early childhood educators. Safety features include keypad entry, secure playgrounds, and comprehensive health protocols. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and detailed progress reports.
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Small Wonders Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders is a locally-owned childcare center serving the Upperstrasburg and greater Chambersburg area with a reputation for personalized care and strong educational foundations. Their curriculum balances structured learning with creative play, focusing on social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features modern classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and secure outdoor play spaces. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and participate in continuous training. The center emphasizes nutritional meals and maintains an open-door policy for parent involvement, with regular parent-teacher conferences and daily activity reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Upperstrasburg, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Upperstrasburg, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Upperstrasburg and the surrounding Cumberland County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $950 to $1,200 per month. Preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds can range from $800 to $1,000 monthly. These costs are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania metros but are a significant consideration for local families. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Cumberland County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers 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 Upperstrasburg?
All licensed childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Upperstrasburg, are regulated 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 providers by zip code (17265 for Upperstrasburg) and view their current license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, you can also access the last two years of inspection reports, which detail any compliance issues or violations. It's highly recommended to review these reports and contact the provider to ask how any past violations were corrected. You can also call the DHS Child Care Certification regional office serving Cumberland County for further information.
Given Upperstrasburg's rural location, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and are waitlists a significant issue?
Upperstrasburg's rural setting means childcare options are primarily comprised of licensed family childcare homes (in a provider's residence) and smaller childcare centers, often affiliated with churches or community organizations in nearby towns like Shippensburg or Carlisle. Large, corporate daycare chains are less common here. Family homes offer a home-like setting with mixed-age groups, while centers may offer more structured preschool curricula. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists can be a significant challenge, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple lists during pregnancy or as early as possible.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available near Upperstrasburg that take advantage of the local environment?
Yes, the agricultural and natural landscape of the Cumberland Valley presents opportunities for nature-focused early learning. While there may not be a formal "forest school" directly in Upperstrasburg, several providers in the region emphasize outdoor play and learning. Some family childcare homes have substantial outdoor play areas, gardens, or are situated on farms, incorporating animals and gardening into daily activities. Furthermore, childcare centers in the area often take field trips to local landmarks like Kings Gap Environmental Education Center or Michaux State Forest. When touring providers, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time policy, regardless of weather, and if they incorporate environmental education. This is a growing preference among parents in this region.
What should I know about the transition from daycare to the local public school kindergarten, and do any local daycovers offer pre-K Counts programs?
Children in Upperstrasburg will attend the Shippensburg Area School District. A smooth transition is key. Many local daycare and preschool programs align their curricula with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards to prepare children for Shippensburg's kindergarten. It's important to ask providers about their kindergarten readiness assessments and if they have communication with the elementary schools. Regarding publicly funded pre-K, Pennsylvania's **Pre-K Counts** program offers free, high-quality pre-kindergarten to income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. While the program may not have a classroom directly in Upperstrasburg, there are Pre-K Counts classrooms operated by community agencies within the Shippensburg Area School District boundaries. You should contact the district's administrative office or the South Central Regional Key for OCDEL to find the nearest eligible program and apply.