The Best Daycare Centers in Wyncote, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wyncote. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wyncote
The Goddard School of Jenkintown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Jenkintown 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 keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent connectivity. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills in modern, purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and outdoor playgrounds. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day.
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Bright Horizons at Glenside
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Glenside provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips that emphasizes emergent curriculum and project-based learning. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure building access with comprehensive safety protocols, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their approach includes STEM activities, literacy-rich classrooms, and outdoor nature exploration in their secure playground. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains NAEYC accreditation standards with emphasis on individualized learning plans and regular developmental assessments.
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Glenside Jewish Center Day School
Glenside Jewish Center
Glenside Jewish Center Day School offers a warm, nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates Jewish values and traditions while welcoming children of all backgrounds. The center features experienced early childhood educators with low teacher turnover, secure facility with comprehensive safety measures, and developmentally appropriate learning spaces. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and hands-on learning through centers, art, music, and movement. The school maintains small class sizes with excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers enrichment programs including music, gardening, and holiday celebrations that build community connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wyncote, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Wyncote, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Wyncote and the surrounding Cheltenham Township area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while preschool for a 3-5 year old averages $900 to $1,300 per month. These costs can vary based on the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income. Additionally, local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth contacting the Cheltenham Township offices or the local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 17, which serves Montgomery County, for guidance on available grants and support specific to the area.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare center or home-based provider in Wyncote?
All licensed childcare providers in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This database allows you to search by provider name or zip code (e.g., 19095 for Wyncote) and view their license type, capacity, any recent inspection reports, and violations. For home-based providers (known as Family Child Care Homes), ensure they are either licensed or registered. You can also contact the regional OCDEL office or the local ELRC for further verification assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Wyncote, and when should I start my search?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, many reputable daycare centers and preschools in Wyncote and nearby communities like Glenside and Jenkintown maintain waitlists that can be 6 to 12 months long. It is highly recommended to begin your search and tour facilities **during your pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your desired start date**. For preschool programs with a September start, inquiries often begin a full year in advance. When contacting centers, always ask directly about their current waitlist policy, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and how frequently the list is updated.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Wyncote besides traditional daycare centers?
Wyncote offers a mix of childcare options to suit different family needs. Beyond licensed childcare centers, you can find: * **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed home-based providers offering a smaller, home-like setting, often with mixed-age groups. * **Preschools:** Many local churches, synagogues, and community organizations (e.g., in nearby Jenkintown) offer part-day or full-day preschool programs for ages 3-5. * **Montessori Schools:** There are several Montessori schools in the broader Abington/Cheltenham area. * **Nanny Shares:** A popular option in Wyncote's residential neighborhoods, where two or more families hire one nanny. Local online parent groups on Facebook or platforms like Care.com can help facilitate connections. * **Before/After-School Care:** Offered through the Cheltenham School District or at specific elementary schools for school-age children.
What are the key health, safety, and educational standards I should look for when touring a daycare in Wyncote?
Beyond state licensing, look for these specific indicators of quality: * **Staff Qualifications:** Lead teachers should have at least a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher in early childhood education. Ask about ongoing training. * **Safety Protocols:** Inquire about their emergency plans, sick policies, sanitation routines, and outdoor play area security. Pennsylvania requires specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers)—ensure they meet or exceed these. * **Curriculum & Engagement:** Look for a structured yet flexible daily schedule that balances play, learning, and rest. Ask how they communicate child progress (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). * **Local Accreditation:** Check if the center has additional accreditations like **NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)** or is a **Keystone STARS** participant. Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania's quality rating system; a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a commitment to exceeding state standards. A 3 or 4 STAR center in our area is a strong sign of quality.