Licensed Daycare in Allentown, Pennsylvania
240 licensed daycares in Allentown, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Pennsylvania licensing records.
Allentown listings updated May 2026 from official Pennsylvania records.
Daycare in Allentown: what parents should know
Our directory lists 240 licensed childcare providers in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 61% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Pennsylvania license at indexing time, sourced from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
Licensed care in Allentown spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 61% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Allentown childcare by the numbers
The Allentown childcare landscape
Allentown anchors Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, with a large Latino population and strong bilingual care. It uses the state's Pre-K Counts, subsidy, and Keystone STARS systems at costs well below Philadelphia.
Free and public pre-K
Pennsylvania funds Pre-K Counts, free state preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, alongside federal Head Start — delivered through the Allentown School District and community providers. Community Services for Children runs much of the Lehigh Valley's Head Start, with bilingual programming widely available.
Subsidies and quality (Keystone STARS)
Pennsylvania's subsidy is Child Care Works (CCW), accessed through the regional Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). When comparing providers, check the Keystone STARS rating (1–4 STARS); STAR 3–4 programs clearly exceed the minimum.
How licensing works
Pennsylvania child-care certification runs through the Department of Human Services / OCDEL. Certification status and inspection history are public — confirm a provider is certified and in good standing before enrolling.
Neighborhoods and cost
Allentown is affordable for the region — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,000–$1,300/month. The West End is family-dense and competitive; center-city neighborhoods carry more bilingual and community-based options; and nearby Bethlehem and Easton add capacity.
When to start looking
Pre-K Counts and Head Start enroll ahead of the fall — check in spring. For infant care, tour early and join waitlists, and confirm bilingual availability directly.
Childcare costs in Allentown
ChildCare Aware reports the Pennsylvania average full-time cost at $1,140/month for infant care and $880/month for preschool. City-level prices in Allentown vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Pennsylvania families may also qualify for Child Care Works (CCW) (intake: (877) 472-5437).
Full Pennsylvania licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State 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
Program types in Allentown
All Allentown licensed centers
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Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Allentown, Pennsylvania?
What's the average daycare cost in Allentown?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Allentown daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Allentown?
How do I verify a Allentown daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Allentown
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programChild Care Works (CCW) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(877) 472-5437 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Allentown
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Allentown, Pennsylvania are compiled from official Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 240 Licensed Centers in Allentown
Free, no signup, verified directly with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.