The 7 Best Day Care Centers in Philadelphia

Choosing the right day care center for your child is a crucial decision, as it sets the foundation for their early development and well-being. Philadelphia offers a variety of excellent options, but finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. Our guide to the 7 Best Day Care Centers in Philadelphia aims to simplify this process by highlighting top choices based on quality, safety, and educational value.

When evaluating potential day care centers, consider the following services and aspects:

Curriculum and Learning Programs: Look for centers that offer structured educational activities to promote cognitive and social development.
Safety and Security: Ensure the facility has secure entry systems, up-to-date emergency plans, and a child-friendly environment.
Qualified Staff: Verify that caregivers are properly trained and certified in child care and early education.
Meals and Nutrition: Check if the center provides nutritious meals and snacks tailored to children’s dietary needs.
Operating Hours: Consider centers that offer flexible hours to accommodate your schedule.
Parent Communication: Opt for centers that maintain regular communication with parents through updates and meetings.
Cost and Affordability: Compare pricing, which can range from $200 to $1,500 per month, depending on the services and location.
Extracurricular Activities: Some centers offer additional programs like music, art, or sports to enrich your child’s experience.

By focusing on these factors, you can find a day care center that aligns with your family’s needs and ensures a nurturing environment for your child. Dive into our detailed guide to discover the best options in Philadelphia.

1. Ccis Northeast Philadelphia
2. ELRC
3. Rock Foundation Early Learning Academy

4. Little Duckies Daycare
5. Little Paradise Learning Academy
6. Rising Scholars
7. Child Care Information Services of Philadelphia

Number of companies

375

Verified reviews

3,31

Average rating

(215)3824762

1. Ccis Northeast Philadelphia

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1,6/5

2361-2373 Welsh Rd, 19114.0, Philadelphia

Child care agency

Why we chose them

CCIS Northeast Philadelphia stands out as a dedicated child care agency committed to providing comprehensive child care solutions for families in the region. With a focus on nurturing and development, the agency offers a variety of programs tailored to meet the needs of children of different ages, including infant day care and after-school care. Their services ensure that children are in a safe and supportive environment, allowing parents to have peace of mind while they work or manage other responsibilities.

Known for their personalized approach, CCIS Northeast Philadelphia prioritizes the well-being and growth of each child, offering customized care plans that cater to individual needs. The agency’s website also highlights their commitment to privacy and data protection, reflecting their professionalism and trustworthiness. This emphasis on quality and security makes them a valuable addition to our directory, as they exemplify excellence in the child care sector.

(888)5352209

2. ELRC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1,3/5

4601 Market St, 19139.0, Philadelphia

Child care agency

Why we chose them

ELRC serves as a pivotal hub for child care information and resources across Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties. This organization is committed to ensuring that children enter school ready to learn and succeed. As a comprehensive child care agency, it offers personalized referrals to child care providers tailored to the specific needs and preferences of families. Additionally, ELRC administers the Child Care Works subsidized child care program, supporting families in accessing affordable, quality child care services. Their collaboration with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and the Public Health Management Corporation underscores their dedication to enhancing accessibility and service quality in early learning.

Under the management of the Public Health Management Corporation, ELRC has expanded its reach and operations as the designated resource center for Regions 15, 18, and 19. This strategic partnership ensures uninterrupted services and ongoing support for both families and child care providers. ELRC is also actively involved in community engagement, professional development, and the promotion of quality standards through programs like Keystone STARS. With a focus on fostering partnerships with stakeholders, ELRC is a vital resource for families seeking early childhood education and support services.

(215)8425154

3. Rock Foundation Early Learning Academy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

7255 Ogontz Ave, 19138.0, Philadelphia

Day care center

Why we chose them

Rock Foundation Early Learning Academy LLC stands out in our directory for its commitment to nurturing the holistic development of preschool-age children. As a dedicated day care center, they offer a vibrant and stimulating environment that fosters cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. The academy’s unique approach blends fun with creativity, promoting a positive self-image and a lifelong love of learning. With experienced educators, they ensure personalized support for each child, creating an engaging atmosphere where children thrive through play and exploration.

The academy offers a variety of classes tailored to different age groups, including the Infant Opal Room, Toddler Ruby Room, Older Toddler Emerald Room, Preschool Blue Diamond Room, and SchoolAge Yellow Room. Their core values emphasize learning through play, ensuring children experience joy and friendship while developing essential skills. Parents appreciate the professional and caring staff who maintain a safe, clean, and vibrant environment. Rock Foundation Early Learning Academy is praised for its excellent communication and commitment to involving parents in their child’s educational journey.

(215)2717610

4. Little Duckies Daycare

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,3/5

2400 S Woodstock St, 19145.0, Philadelphia

Day care center

Why we chose them

Little Duckies Daycare offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged three months to four years. With a focus on creative thinking, emotional understanding, and independence, this daycare emphasizes a holistic approach to early childhood development. The center boasts an excellent teacher-to-child ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning atmosphere. The dedicated staff, including experienced educators like Gina Candelaria and Francesca Siciliano, are committed to providing a joyful and enriching experience for every child.

Founded by Lisa Lombardo in 2003, the daycare has established itself as a trusted choice for parents seeking quality care in Philadelphia. Each classroom is thoughtfully designed to encourage active learning and play, fostering the application of knowledge in everyday life. The center invites families to explore its facilities and discover the vibrant community it offers. With a passionate team, including teachers like Deanna Zerggen and Nadia Lafontano, Little Duckies Daycare ensures a safe and engaging environment where children can thrive.

(267)7697094

5. Little Paradise Learning Academy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,8/5

5017 Rosehill St, 19120.0, Philadelphia

Day care center

Why we chose them

Little Paradise Learning Academy is an exceptional in-home childcare facility that caters to the diverse needs of children with a creative curriculum tailored to each child’s unique characteristics. Operating from 7am to 11pm on weekdays and 7am to 6pm on weekends, this academy provides flexible scheduling for busy families. The dedicated staff, all state-certified with CPR and first aid training for infants and toddlers, ensures a safe and nurturing environment. Local transportation options further enhance the convenience for parents and guardians.

With a strong commitment to quality care and education, the academy proudly accepts CCIS/ELRC and various other payment methods, making it accessible for many families. The facility is highly regarded by both children and parents alike, reflecting its commitment to excellence. Choosing this academy for our directory highlights its outstanding services and dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging learning atmosphere for young children.

(215)4643150

6. Rising Scholars

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,2/5

1701 Welsh Rd # 5, 19115.0, Philadelphia

Day care center

Why we chose them

Rising Scholars is a dedicated childcare center located in Philadelphia, PA, offering nurturing and educational day care services with a capacity for up to 58 children. The center is committed to providing quality care and participates in a subsidized child care program, making it accessible to a diverse community. With a focus on inclusivity, they support languages such as English, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, Urdu, and Vietnamese, ensuring a welcoming environment for families from various backgrounds.

Operating Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the center caters to the needs of working parents by offering convenient hours. They also provide a pick-up service to and from schools in Philadelphia City, enhancing their support for busy families. The center maintains compliance with health and safety regulations, as evidenced by their detailed inspection and correction processes. This commitment to excellence and safety makes them a valuable addition to our directory.

(215)3824762

7. Child Care Information Services of Philadelphia

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2,3/5

5548 Chestnut St, 19139.0, Philadelphia

Child care agency

Why we chose them

Child Care Information Services of Philadelphia is a dedicated agency focused on supporting families and child care providers in the Philadelphia area. Known for offering a wide array of services, this company assists in navigating child care programs, day care options, and after school care. They provide essential resources such as child care forms and access to child care grant programs, making it easier for families to find and enroll in suitable educational environments for their children. Their commitment to child education is evident through their support of preschool programs, music activities, and comprehensive preschool curriculums.

In addition to family support, the agency plays a crucial role in the professional development of child care workers by highlighting job opportunities and immediate hiring positions. They are dedicated to enhancing the quality of child care through the promotion of family child care and child care provider resources. Although their website appears to be under maintenance, the breadth of services offered by this agency makes them a vital resource for child care information and support in Philadelphia.

FAQs

What should I look for in a day care center's curriculum?

Look for structured educational activities that promote cognitive and social development, including language skills, math, and creative arts.

How can I ensure a day care center is safe and secure?

Ensure the facility has secure entry systems, up-to-date emergency plans, and a child-friendly environment. It's also important to check for proper staff-to-child ratios.

What qualifications should the staff at a day care center have?

Staff should be properly trained and certified in child care and early education. Look for qualifications such as degrees in early childhood education and CPR certification.

What are the average costs of day care services in Philadelphia?

The monthly cost can range from €185 to €1,380, depending on the services and location. Prices vary based on factors like curriculum and additional programs.

What should I consider regarding meals and nutrition at a day care center?

Check if the center provides nutritious meals and snacks tailored to children’s dietary needs, and inquire about their meal planning and preparation standards.

How flexible are the operating hours of day care centers in Philadelphia?

Many centers offer flexible hours to accommodate different schedules, but it's important to confirm their specific hours of operation to ensure they align with your needs.

How can parents stay updated on their child's progress at a day care center?

Choose centers that maintain regular communication with parents through updates, meetings, and parent-teacher conferences to keep you informed about your child's development.

What extracurricular activities might day care centers offer?

Some centers offer additional programs like music, art, or sports to enrich your child's experience. Ask about any available extracurricular activities during your visit.