Licensed Daycare in Pennsylvania
Find the right daycare in Pennsylvania in under 5 minutes. 6,410 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Free, no signup.
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 LearningWhat's distinctive about Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS is one of the country's most thorough QRIS systems (4-star scale). 3-4 star providers significantly exceed state minimums. CCW subsidies serve families up to 200% poverty.
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
Top Cities for Daycare in Pennsylvania
View all cities →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
Official Pennsylvania & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Program Types in Pennsylvania
Recently Verified Centers
View all 6,410 →YMCA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Carlisle
KRISTINA M GARNER FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME
Washington
FOLLOW ME CHILD CARE CENTER
Harrisburg
UPMC MERCY CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Pittsburgh
MT LEBANON EXTENDED DAY PRGM-JEFFERSON SCHOOL
Pittsburgh
YCCA ON 2
Philadelphia
LITTLE MICKEY MOUSE DAY CARE
Philadelphia
YMCA OF GREATER PGH/WEST VIEW ELEMENTARY
West View
TINY STARS LEARNING ACADEMY
Philadelphia
CHILDTIME LEARNING CENTER
Royersford
APPLE CHILD CARE CENTER
Philadelphia
YWCA TRI COUNTY AREA FBC
Pottstown
Daycare in Pennsylvania — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Pennsylvania is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Pennsylvania?
How much does daycare cost in Pennsylvania?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Pennsylvania?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Pennsylvania daycare?
Search 6,410 Licensed Pennsylvania Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.