The Best Daycare Centers in Wexford, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wexford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wexford
The Goddard School of Wexford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Wexford offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure entry systems, and daily electronic parent communication. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development in modern, well-equipped classrooms with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Bright Horizons at Pine
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Pine provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The center features highly qualified educators with bachelor's degrees, enhanced security systems including keypad entry, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their Emergent Curriculum follows children's interests while building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social studies. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music spaces, and offers nutritious meals prepared on-site by staff nutritionists.
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Primrose School of Wexford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wexford delivers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) through their Harmony & Heart® program. The school features secure facilities with surveillance systems, dedicated learning centers for different age groups, and outdoor learning environments. Staff maintain ongoing professional development and the school partners with families through regular communication and parent education resources. Their approach focuses on developing the whole child through a balanced day of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wexford, PA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wexford, PA?
In Wexford and the surrounding North Allegheny School District area, daycare costs are typically higher than the Pennsylvania state average due to the area's higher cost of living and demand for quality programs. For full-time infant care (ages 0-2), parents can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs generally range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; in-home family daycare may be slightly less expensive. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as meals, formula, diapers, and enrichment activities, as this can vary significantly between providers.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Wexford, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Wexford, particularly for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and applying during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-12 months before their desired start date. For toddler and preschool spots, applying 3-6 months in advance is advisable. Some centers affiliated with local employers or community hubs (like the Pine Community Center) may have specific enrollment periods, so checking their websites for deadlines is crucial.
What are the key differences between a Pennsylvania-licensed daycare center and a registered family childcare home in Wexford?
Both are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), but there are important distinctions. Licensed **Daycare Centers** in Wexford operate in commercial spaces, often have multiple classrooms divided by age, and follow strict curriculum and staff qualification guidelines. They typically have more children and structured programs. A **Registered Family Childcare Home** operates in the provider's residence, cares for a maximum of 6 children (including the provider's own), and offers a more home-like environment. Family homes can be more flexible with hours and may be less expensive, but they have fewer staff resources. For either option, you can verify licensing and review inspection reports on the PA DHS website.
What local resources or programs in Wexford can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary resource is **Trying Together** (formerly the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children), which serves Allegheny County. Their website offers a searchable database of licensed providers. Locally, the **Northland Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information, and the **Wexford Volunteer Fire Department** community events can be good for word-of-mouth recommendations. Additionally, many parents use neighborhood-specific Facebook groups (e.g., "Wexford, PA Community" or "North Allegheny Parents") to ask for personal reviews and experiences with local daycares, nanny shares, and preschools.
Do any Wexford daycare centers offer part-time or flexible scheduling options for parents who don't need full-time care?
While full-time care is the most common offering, several centers and many family daycare homes in Wexford do provide part-time options, such as 2-day, 3-day, or half-day programs. This is more frequently available for toddler and preschool-age children than for infants. Some centers may have a "flex care" model where you purchase a block of hours to use as needed, though this is less common. It's essential to inquire directly, as part-time spots are limited and may come with a different fee structure (often a higher daily rate than the pro-rated full-time cost). Local church-affiliated preschools are also a popular source for part-time morning or afternoon programs for children ages 3-5.
Childcare Insights for Wexford
Finding the right part-time daycare in Wexford, Pennsylvania, can feel like a significant step for any family. Whether you're returning to work a few days a week, need care for a preschooler to socialize, or simply require a few hours of support each day, knowing your local options is key. Wexford and the broader North Hills area offer a variety of part-time childcare solutions, but navigating them requires a local's perspective. The good news is that many centers and in-home providers in our community understand the need for flexible schedules and offer programs tailored to families who don't require full-time care.
When beginning your search for part-time daycare in Wexford, it's helpful to understand the common structures available. Many local childcare centers offer part-time slots, often structured as two or three fixed days per week, such as a Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday schedule. This consistency helps young children thrive. Additionally, several preschools in the area, particularly those affiliated with community churches or early learning academies, operate on partial-day schedules that can perfectly align with a part-time need. For more flexibility, licensed family daycare homes in Wexford neighborhoods can sometimes accommodate more customized part-time arrangements, which is ideal for parents with rotating or non-traditional work hours.
A practical tip for your search is to start early and be clear about your specific needs. Part-time spots in popular Wexford centers can fill quickly, especially for coveted morning-only programs. When you call or visit, be ready to list your required days and hours. It’s also wise to consider logistics. Wexford's location, with its proximity to major routes like I-79 and Route 19, means your commute will factor in. Choosing a provider with easy access to your regular travel path can make those drop-offs and pick-ups much smoother on your part-time days. Don’t hesitate to ask about how they integrate part-time children into the daily flow; a quality provider will ensure your child feels just as connected and engaged as their full-time peers.
Finally, trust your instincts during visits. A great part-time program in Wexford will have a warm, welcoming environment where the staff communicates openly about your child’s day. Ask about their curriculum and how they support socialization, which is often a primary goal for part-time care. Connecting with other local parents at the library, community center, or even through neighborhood apps can yield personal recommendations for hidden gems. Remember, the goal is to find a nurturing place where your child feels secure and excited to learn, even if it’s just for a few days a week. Taking the time to find the right fit will give you peace of mind, knowing your little one is in good hands right here in our community.