The Best Daycare Centers in Youngwood, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Youngwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Youngwood
The Children's Village of the Westmoreland
The Children's Village
The Children's Village of the Westmoreland is a highly-regarded childcare center located directly in Youngwood, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones across all age groups, with certified early childhood educators leading each classroom. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and implements rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Youngwood is part of the nationally recognized Goddard Systems network, offering a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. The school features state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous safety standards including comprehensive security systems and health protocols.
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The Learning Lamp
The Learning Lamp
The Learning Lamp is a highly-respected regional childcare provider serving the Youngwood area from their Jeannette location. As a nonprofit organization, they offer high-quality early childhood education with a focus on individualized learning and development. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM activities, and social skills development, with certified teachers implementing age-appropriate lesson plans. The facility features modern classrooms, extensive learning materials, and secure outdoor play areas. They maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and have comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and health monitoring procedures. The center is known for its inclusive environment and strong parent communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Youngwood, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Youngwood, PA?
In Youngwood and the surrounding Westmoreland County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $225 to $350 per week for infant care. For toddler care, the range is typically $200 to $300 per week. Home-based family childcare in Youngwood is often slightly more affordable, averaging $150 to $250 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania metros like Pittsburgh but have been rising. It's important to inquire about what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Youngwood is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Youngwood, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The primary tool for verification is **COMPASS**. You can visit the COMPASS website and use the "Find Child Care" tool to search for providers by zip code (15697). This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and, crucially, any recent inspection reports and compliance history. You should review these reports for any violations of state regulations (related to health, safety, staff qualifications, etc.). You can also contact the Southwest Regional OCDEL office, which oversees Youngwood, for further information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Youngwood, and what's the best way to secure a spot?
Waitlists are common for infant rooms at popular daycare centers in Youngwood and the broader region, especially for those affiliated with employers like Westmoreland County Community College or larger chains. Wait times can range from 3 to 9 months. For toddler and preschool spots, availability is often better. The best strategy is to start your search early—ideally during pregnancy for infant care. Contact multiple providers (both centers and licensed family homes) to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is standard practice. Following up politely every few months can also help. Exploring options in nearby communities like Greensburg or Hempfield Township can provide more alternatives if local waitlists are prohibitive.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Youngwood?
While many centers in Youngwood prioritize full-time enrollment, part-time and flexible options do exist. Several licensed family childcare homes often offer more flexible arrangements, such as 2-3 days per week or specific hourly care. Some centers may offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5, typically running on half-day schedules. For true flexibility, you might consider in-home nanny shares with other local families, which can be coordinated through community Facebook groups like "Youngwood, PA Community" or local parenting networks. Additionally, Westmoreland County Community College sometimes offers drop-in childcare services for students, which may have limited availability for community members. It's essential to communicate your specific schedule needs directly with providers.
What resources are available in Youngwood to help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
Parents in Youngwood have several key local resources. First, the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5**, which serves Westmoreland County, is your most valuable free resource. They offer a referral service to help match your family's needs with local providers and can guide you through the Child Care Works subsidy application. Their specialists can also explain quality indicators like Keystone STARS ratings—a Pennsylvania quality rating system where a higher STAR level (1-4) indicates a program meeting higher standards of care and education. Locally, connecting with other parents through the "Westmoreland County Moms" Facebook group can provide personal recommendations and experiences. Finally, the Youngwood Area Public Library may have community bulletin boards with information on local childcare providers.