Choosing the best child care program is a difficult decision to make. There are many factors to consider such as health, safety, convenience and cost to name a few.
What does high-quality care look like?
Learn more about choosing a quality child care program where your child will be safe and thrive.
Types of Child Care and Early Learning Programs
Early learning programs help provide positive outcomes for children. They give families choices for quality early education at home, in community programs, or in school.
Child Care
Child care is available in a variety of settings, including family child care homes, group child care homes, and child care centers, including before and after school programs.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start serves children birth-3 years through comprehensive offerings including child development, health/nutrition, parent involvement and family activities.
Head Start
Head Start serves children 3-5 years through comprehensive offerings including child development, health/nutrition, parent involvement and family activities.
PreK Counts
PreK Counts provides funding for 3 and 4 year olds to attend a high quality, half or full-day pre-kindergarten in schools, child care centers, and preschools.
Private Academic School
Private Academic Schools (PDE Licensed Preschools, formally known as nursery schools) are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as private academic schools.
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Home Visiting
Home visiting services can be a great answer for families who are looking for help through professionally trained staff that are able to meet the unique needs of the parent and child.
Keystone STARS
Keystone STARS is a Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) in Pennsylvania. It rates child care programs from one to four STARS on things you care about (such as safety, environment, care, etc.) so you can find the program that feels right for your family.
Child Care Works
Need help paying for child care? The PA Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program helps low-income families pay their child care fees. The state and federal governments fund this program, which is managed by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) office located in your county.
Early Intervention
While all children grow and develop in unique ways, some children experience delays in their development. Children can benefit from a state supported collaboration among parents, service practitioners and others who work with young children with developmental delays. Early intervention builds upon the natural learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and their family.
Family Resources
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