The Best Daycare Centers in Warrendale, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Warrendale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Warrendale
The Goddard School of Warrendale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Warrendale offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication with parents through their proprietary app. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and offers nutritious meal programs.
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Primrose School of Wexford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wexford serves the Warrendale area with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The center emphasizes parent partnerships through regular communication and family events, while providing healthy meals and snacks prepared on-site.
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The Children's Courtyard of Cranberry Township
Children's Courtyard
The Children's Courtyard in nearby Cranberry Township provides comprehensive early childhood education with their proprietary Learn from the Start™ curriculum for infants and toddlers, and Pre-K Prep® for older children. The center features secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their qualified teaching staff includes professionals with degrees in early childhood education who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The facility offers extended hours to accommodate working parents and provides balanced meals. Their program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and regular developmental assessments shared with parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Warrendale, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Warrendale, PA?
In Warrendale and the surrounding North Allegheny School District area, full-time daycare costs are generally in line with the Pittsburgh metro region. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,300 and $1,700 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family childcare in Warrendale is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs for eligible families through Child Care Works (CCW), and some local centers participate in the Keystone STARS quality rating system, which can affect both cost and quality.
How long are the waitlists for daycare centers in Warrendale, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand in the family-friendly Warrendale/Cranberry Township corridor, waitlists for infant care at highly-rated centers can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer, for an infant spot. For toddler and preschool rooms, waitlists tend to be shorter, typically 3 to 6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. Many parents in the area tour multiple facilities and place non-refundable deposits on multiple waitlists to secure a spot. Be sure to ask each center about their specific waitlist policies, fees, and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What are the key differences between Pennsylvania-licensed daycare centers and registered family childcare homes in Warrendale?
Both options are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), but they operate under different rules. Licensed Centers in Warrendale are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms and staff. They must follow strict ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), have a Director with specific education credentials, and offer structured programs. Registered Family Child Care Homes operate out of a provider's residence. They are licensed for a smaller number of children (including the provider's own), often creating a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. Ratios are also strict (e.g., no more than 4 children who are not yet in school with only one caregiver). Many family homes in the area offer more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for parents working non-standard shifts at nearby tech parks or healthcare facilities. Both types can participate in the Keystone STARS program, so checking a provider's STAR rating (1-4) is a good way to compare quality.
Are there any daycare centers in Warrendale that offer early drop-off or late pick-up to accommodate commuting parents?
Yes, several daycare centers in and around Warrendale recognize the commuting patterns of parents who work in Pittsburgh, Cranberry, or at the many corporate offices along the I-79 and PA-228 corridors. It is common to find centers with operating hours from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Some may offer even earlier drop-off (as early as 6:00 AM) or later pick-up (until 6:30 PM) for an additional fee. When touring facilities, be sure to ask specifically about their core hours, any extended care options, and the associated costs. Also, inquire about their policy for late pick-ups, as penalties can be steep. This flexibility is a key consideration for parents balancing work in the greater Pittsburgh area with childcare needs in Warrendale.
What local resources or organizations in Warrendale can help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary resource for Pennsylvania families is the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, which serves Allegheny County (including Warrendale). The ELRC offers a free searchable database of all licensed and certified providers, information on the Keystone STARS quality ratings, and guidance on applying for financial assistance through Child Care Works. You can access their services online or call their office. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "North Allegheny Moms" or "Cranberry Moms") are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and hearing about current waitlist experiences from other Warrendale-area parents. The Northland Public Library branch in nearby McCandless also often hosts community resource fairs where local daycare providers introduce themselves to families.