The Best Daycare Centers in Valencia, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Valencia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Valencia
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Cranberry Township serves the Valencia area with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development with degreed teachers and low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. They emphasize character development and offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Primrose School of Cranberry Township
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Cranberry Township provides Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and science programs. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music rooms. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials, and the school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols including comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training.
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Chesterbrook Academy
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy offers a comprehensive early education program with advanced literacy and STEM curriculum starting in preschool. Their proprietary Links to Learning program focuses on developmental milestones across cognitive, social-emotional, and physical domains. The facility includes secure classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and specialized learning centers. They maintain small class sizes with certified teachers and provide regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences. The academy emphasizes school readiness with technology integration and hands-on learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Valencia, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Valencia, PA?
In Valencia and the surrounding Butler 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 and $1,400 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $950 to $1,250 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the area often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $800 to $1,100 monthly. These costs are generally in line with the Pennsylvania state average. It's important to note that many facilities in the Valencia/Mars region have annual registration or supply fees ranging from $75 to $150. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current pricing and to inquire about any potential sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Valencia is properly licensed and inspected by the state?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Valencia, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and review their most recent inspection reports online through the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website (www.findchildcare.pa.gov). This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (like 16059 for Valencia) and view their license type, capacity, any compliance history, and detailed inspection reports. Always confirm the license is current and look for any serious violations ("STAR 2" or higher ratings indicate a commitment to quality beyond minimum standards). You can also call the DHS Western Regional Office at (412) 565-2146 for assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in the Valencia area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in the Valencia, Mars, and Cranberry Township corridor, due to high demand in this growing suburban area. For infant care (children under 1 year), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **during your second trimester of pregnancy**, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler programs, a 3-6 month lead time is recommended. Many popular centers, such as those affiliated with local school districts or corporate chains in the region, maintain year-long waitlists. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often do they update families on their position? Do they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current students?
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents living in Valencia, PA?
Parents in Valencia have several licensed childcare options to consider: 1. **Child Care Centers:** These are larger facilities, often in commercial buildings, with multiple classrooms and staff. Examples in the area include national chains and local centers serving the Mars School District community. 2. **Group Child Care Homes:** Licensed to care for 7-12 children in a residential setting. These offer a home-like environment with slightly more structure than a family home. 3. **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed to care for 4-6 children in the provider's own home. This is a popular option for infants and young toddlers seeking a small, intimate setting. 4. **Preschools/Pre-K Programs:** Often part-day programs for children ages 3-5, which may be housed in community centers, churches, or schools. Additionally, many Valencia parents utilize caregivers in neighboring communities like Mars, Cranberry Township, and Zelienople, expanding their options.
What local resources or organizations in Butler County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Valencia?
The primary local resource is **Butler County Early Care and Education (BCECE)**, which is the local partner of Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5. They offer free, personalized referral services to help parents find licensed childcare that fits their needs, schedule, and budget. You can contact them at (724) 431-0045 or visit their website. They can also provide information on financial assistance programs like **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidies** for eligible families. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating system—a STAR 3 or 4 rating indicates a high-quality program. The **Butler County Community College** and local libraries (like the Mars Area Public Library) may also host parenting workshops or have resource lists.