The Best Daycare Centers in Wallingford, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wallingford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wallingford
The Goddard School of Wallingford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Wallingford offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement a play-based learning approach with STEAM curriculum components. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app. What sets this facility apart is their comprehensive safety protocols, including secured premises and rigorous staff training, combined with their focus on developing confident, compassionate children through individualized learning plans.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a well-rounded private school education experience for young children with their Advanced Balanced Learning® curriculum. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Their program emphasizes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and character education. Certified teachers create engaging learning environments with hands-on activities and technology integration. The center stands out for their comprehensive enrichment programs including foreign language exposure, music instruction, and physical education. They maintain excellent health and safety standards with secured access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and rigorous cleaning protocols.
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The Malvern School of Media
The Malvern School
Located just minutes from Wallingford in neighboring Media, The Malvern School offers an exceptional early childhood education program with their proprietary Links to Learning® curriculum. This research-based approach focuses on developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and social-emotional growth. The facility features spacious classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees provide individualized instruction and maintain detailed progress reports. The school distinguishes itself through their extensive enrichment programs including yoga, gardening, and cultural studies. Their comprehensive safety measures include electronic entry systems, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols, making them a trusted choice for Wallingford families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wallingford, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wallingford, PA?
In Wallingford and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs are generally aligned with the higher-than-average cost of living in the Philadelphia suburbs. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,300 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and whether meals are included. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized program for eligible families, and some local providers participate.
How do I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare in Wallingford?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Wallingford, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you should visit the **Pennsylvania DHS Child Care Finder website**. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (like 19086) and view their current license status, capacity, and any recent inspection reports, including non-compliance citations. You can also call the Southeast Regional OCDEL office at (215) 560-2541 for assistance. Always choose a provider with a current "Certificate of Compliance."
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Wallingford, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Wallingford and nearby Nether Providence Township, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. For a September start in a preschool program, inquiries often begin the prior fall. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in adjacent communities like Media, Springfield, or Swarthmore can provide more availability.
What are some of the key local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in the Wallingford area?
Parents in Wallingford have several valuable local resources. First, the **Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU)** offers referral services and information on early learning programs. The **CCIS of Delaware County** (Child Care Information Services) is the agency that administers the Child Care Works subsidy and provides free referrals. Additionally, local community hubs are excellent for word-of-mouth recommendations; consider asking in neighborhood Facebook groups (e.g., "Wallingford, PA Community") or the Nextdoor app. The Wallingford Public Library and the Nether Providence Township community center may also have bulletin boards or resource lists for local licensed providers.
What should I know about the transition from daycare to the local public kindergarten, and are there specific preschool programs that feed into Wallingford Elementary?
Wallingford is part of the **Wallingford-Swarthmore School District (WSSD)**. Children attend Wallingford Elementary School for kindergarten. Most local daycare centers and preschools are familiar with the district's kindergarten readiness expectations. While there are no official "feeder" programs, several preschools in the area are popular with district families and align their curricula accordingly. It's beneficial to choose a preschool that emphasizes the social, emotional, and pre-academic skills WSSD looks for. You can contact Wallingford Elementary or the WSSD administration office to inquire about kindergarten registration timelines (typically in the spring) and any recommended readiness assessments. Many local daycare centers offer "pre-K" programs specifically designed for this transition.