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Licensed Daycare in Pennsylvania

Search 6,410 verified daycare and childcare centers across Pennsylvania, sourced directly from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

6,410
Licensed Centers
$1,140/mo
Avg Infant Care
$880/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing

In Pennsylvania, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:5
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,140/mo
Avg preschool cost
$880/mo
Financial help

Pennsylvania Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Pennsylvania families can apply for Child Care Works (CCW) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (877) 472-5437

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Daycare in Pennsylvania — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Pennsylvania is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://www.findchildcare.pa.gov/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Pennsylvania?
State minimums in Pennsylvania are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:5 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Pennsylvania?
Full-time infant care averages about $1140/month; preschool runs around $880/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Pennsylvania trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The primary state program is Child Care Works (CCW), reachable at (877) 472-5437. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Pennsylvania daycare?
File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 6,410 Licensed Pennsylvania Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.