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Daycare centers in Lancaster, PA

83 licensed programs · 107 accept subsidy · 39 with Google ratings

A daycare center is a licensed facility that cares for children in age-grouped classrooms, usually from six weeks old until kindergarten, for a full working day. Centers are inspected by the state, must meet staff-to-child ratios for every age group and carry a licensed capacity.

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Showing 49 to 72 of 72 · parent reviewsTick "Compare" on up to 3 programs
STAR 4
Daycare center

Ross Elementary School

Lancaster · 17603 · No Google rating
AgesNot listed
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingSTAR 4
  • Accepts subsidy
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STAR 4
Daycare center

Smoketown Elementary

Lancaster · 17602 · No Google rating
AgesNot listed
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingSTAR 4
  • Accepts subsidy
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STAR 1
Daycare center

The Jenkins School

Lancaster · 17603 · No Google rating
AgesNot listed
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingSTAR 1
  • Accepts subsidy
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YWCA Lancaster, LancasterSTAR 4
Daycare center

YWCA Lancaster

Lancaster · 17602 · 3.7 (80 on Google)
AgesNot listed
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingSTAR 4
  • Accepts subsidy
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Childcare in Lancaster: what to know

How many licensed child care programs are in Lancaster?

Lancaster has 122 licensed programs on the Pennsylvania register: 83 daycare centers, 0 licensed preschools, 39 home daycares and 0 before and after school programs. 107 accept child care subsidy.

Who licenses child care in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning licenses and inspects child care centers, preschools and home daycares in Pennsylvania. Every profile links to the state record. Licence data on this page was synced in September 2026.

What is Keystone STARS?

Keystone STARS rates programs from STAR 1 to STAR 4. Every certified program starts at STAR 1. STAR 3 and STAR 4 programs are assessed on staff qualifications, learning program, family partnerships and management. 96 of 122 programs in Lancaster hold a rating.

Why do home daycares show only a ZIP code?

A licensed home daycare is a private residence. The listing shows the licence, capacity and ZIP code. The provider gives the address to families directly.

When should I join a daycare waitlist in Lancaster?

Infant rooms fill first because the state allows the fewest babies per teacher. Ask each program how long its infant and toddler waitlists run and whether a deposit holds a place. Home daycares often have shorter waits than centers.

Help paying for care

Pennsylvania families may qualify for Child Care Works subsidy through their Early Learning Resource Center. Pre-K Counts and Head Start are free for eligible children. 107 of 122 programs in Lancaster (88%) accept it.

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Nearby cities

Source: Child Care Providers including Early Learning Programs Listing, Open Data Pennsylvania. Last synced September 2026. Ratings and review counts are from Google.