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.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Pennsylvania licensing records.
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.
What'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
Pennsylvania Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Pennsylvania runs about $13,680/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Pennsylvania center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Pennsylvania
-
1
Check eligibility for Child Care Works (CCW). Most Pennsylvania families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
-
2
Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Pennsylvania often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (877) 472-5437.
-
3
Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
-
4
Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning database and tour during operating hours.
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
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?
Where to get childcare help in Pennsylvania
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 searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for 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 6,410 Licensed Pennsylvania Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.