Licensed Daycare in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
107 licensed daycares in Lancaster, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Pennsylvania licensing records.
Lancaster listings updated May 2026 from official Pennsylvania records.
Daycare in Lancaster: what parents should know
Families in Lancaster can choose from 107 licensed childcare providers, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 65% 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 Lancaster spans 3+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 24% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Lancaster childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Lancaster
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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
All Lancaster licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?
What's the average daycare cost in Lancaster?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Lancaster daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Lancaster?
How do I verify a Lancaster daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Lancaster
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 Lancaster
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Lancaster, 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 107 Licensed Centers in Lancaster
Free, no signup, verified directly with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.