The Best Daycare Centers in Washington Crossing, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Washington Crossing. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Washington Crossing
The Goddard School of Yardley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Yardley offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and creative arts with play-based learning approaches. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms with modern learning materials. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum and caring, professional staff.
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Primrose School of Newtown
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Newtown provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and age-separated playgrounds. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous training. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and developmental updates. They offer enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and physical education. Health and safety protocols are rigorously maintained with comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Newtown Friends School Early Childhood Program
Newtown Friends School
Newtown Friends School offers a distinguished Quaker-based early childhood education focusing on the whole child development. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, creativity, and foundational academic skills in a nurturing environment. The school features small class sizes with exceptional teacher-to-student ratios, experienced educators with advanced degrees, and beautiful campus facilities including nature-based outdoor learning spaces. Their approach integrates Quaker values of community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and building strong foundational skills for future academic success. Parents value the strong sense of community and individualized attention each child receives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Washington Crossing, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Washington Crossing, PA?
In Washington Crossing and the surrounding Bucks County area, daycare costs are generally above the Pennsylvania state average due to the region's higher cost of living and demand for quality care. For full-time infant care (6 weeks to 18 months), parents can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; home-based family childcare may be slightly less expensive. It's important to note that many centers have annual registration or supply fees ranging from $100 to $300. Financial assistance may be available through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Washington Crossing, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Washington Crossing can be significant, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes longer for popular centers. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a deposit? How often do they update you on your position? Do they offer "sibling priority"? Starting your search early is the single most important step to securing a spot in this competitive market.
What are the key differences between licensed daycare centers and registered family childcare homes in Washington Crossing?
Both options are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), but they operate differently. Licensed **Centers** are typically larger facilities in commercial or dedicated buildings (like the Goddard School or Bright Horizons in nearby Yardley). They often have multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staff teams. **Family Child Care Homes** are run out of a provider's residence in your neighborhood. They offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with potentially more flexible hours and often care for fewer children. In Washington Crossing, family homes provide a community-centric option but may have less formal preschool programming. All licensed providers must meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and ratios, but parents should visit both types to see which environment best suits their child's temperament.
Are there any unique local resources or programs for finding and vetting childcare in Bucks County?
Yes, the primary local resource is the **Bucks County Early Childhood Council (BCECC)** and the **Child Care Information Services of Bucks County (CCIS)**. CCIS of Bucks County is the official referral agency and administers the state subsidy program. They maintain a searchable database of all licensed and certified providers in the area, which you can access online or by phone. Additionally, many Washington Crossing parents rely on hyper-local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Washington Crossing, PA Community") for personal recommendations and to hear about openings in smaller home-based programs. The **Pennsylvania DHS website** also allows you to look up any provider's licensing history and inspection reports, which is a crucial vetting step.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in Washington Crossing, specifically regarding safety and curriculum?
Beyond general cleanliness and happy children, focus on these local and state-specific factors: First, verify the facility's **PA DHS license** is current and posted. Ask about their emergency plans for events like flooding (relevant given the Delaware River proximity) or lockdowns. Observe staff-child interactions and ask about teacher qualifications—Pennsylvania requires specific training in child development, health, and safety. For curriculum, inquire if they follow Pennsylvania's **Early Learning Standards** and how they incorporate learning through play. Given Washington Crossing's historical setting, some centers may integrate local nature and history into activities. Finally, check outdoor play spaces for secure fencing and age-appropriate equipment, and ask about their sick policy and communication methods with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles).
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Washington Crossing: