Childcare in Philadelphia: Choosing Care and Help

Choose care around the hours you need

Write down your child's age, intended start date, days of care and earliest drop-off and latest pickup. Include your commute and a margin for delays. Ask each provider to confirm a place for your child's age group and those exact hours before arranging a tour.

Compare a center, certified home care and care in your own home against the same requirements. Ask who will care for your child, who covers an absence and how the caregiver handles meals, naps, medication and authorized pickups. For an individual sitter or nanny, request references, background-clearance information and evidence of relevant first-aid training.

For school-age care, name your child's school and ask who handles the handoff. Confirm arrangements for early dismissals, school holidays and days when your child cannot attend. For preschool, ask for the actual daily hours and school-year calendar before deciding whether you need additional care.

Check the facility record before the tour

Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services directs families to its Online Child Care Provider Search to review certificate status, verified complaints and inspection results. Search near home and near work, then match the address in the record to the location offering you a place. Ask the provider to explain any inspection findings that concern you. [4]

Pennsylvania requires child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes to hold a DHS certificate of compliance. The state defines a family child care home as a home serving four, five or six children unrelated to the operator. DHS says certified family child care homes receive annual unannounced inspections. [5]

DHS also describes Keystone STARS as a program rating system with one to four STARS. Check the program's stated rating alongside its regulatory record, then use your visit to assess how staff communicate with children and families. Ask who supervises your child's group and how staff manage transitions between rooms, outdoor play and pickup. [4]

Check payment assistance before accepting a place

Child Care Works helps eligible low-income Pennsylvania families pay for care through their county's Early Learning Resource Center. Its published guidelines include income limits and work or education requirements. The state lists working at least 20 hours a week, or working 10 hours and attending school or training for 10 hours a week, among its eligibility routes. Ask the ELRC to assess your circumstances. [3]

The May 2026 income table lists a maximum annual family income of $66,000 for a family of four. Meeting an income threshold alone does not establish eligibility. The state says other conditions may apply, families must choose an eligible provider and a funding shortage may lead to a waiting list. [3]

Request a written breakdown of your family co-pay and any provider charge above the subsidy. DHS says a provider may ask you to pay the difference when the subsidy does not cover its private charges. Confirm the assistance start date with the ELRC and ask the provider what you would owe before that date. [3]

Compare the total commitment before paying

Request the tuition amount, billing frequency and included hours in writing. Ask about enrollment fees, deposits, meals, supplies, late pickup charges and payment during absences or closures. These sources do not establish a private childcare price range for Philadelphia; use quotes for your child's age and required schedule.

Read the withdrawal and refund terms before paying to hold a place. Ask whether the provider guarantees a start date or offers a waiting-list position. Record the answer, the payment amount and the conditions for a refund. Keep a backup plan for the period before care begins.

Bring your child's feeding, allergy, medication and support needs to the tour. Ask the caregiver to describe how they would handle those needs during a normal day. Agree on emergency contacts, authorized pickup adults and how you will receive updates before the first drop-off.

Child Care Works maximum annual family income

Choose the next step for your family's situation

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down the required days, hours, start date and travel time.
2. Ask about a place for your child's age group before booking a tour.
3. Review the facility record for the exact care address.
4. Bring feeding, allergy, medication and support questions to the visit.
5. Request written tuition, additional fees and closure policies.
6. Confirm assistance approval, start date and your remaining payment.
7. Read deposit, refund and withdrawal terms before paying.
8. Agree on pickup permissions, emergency contacts and backup care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll in PHLpreK after the school year starts?

Yes, if space is available. For 2026–2027, your child must live in Philadelphia and have been 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026. Contact a participating provider and prepare proof of age, residency and an application. [1]

Does Child Care Works cover the whole childcare bill?

The ELRC may pay all or part of the cost. You may owe a family co-pay, and the provider may charge a difference between the subsidy and its private rate. Request your total payment in writing. [3]

How do I check a provider's inspection history?

Start with the Online Child Care Provider Search described on Pennsylvania's Early Learning and Child Care page. It includes certificate status, verified complaints and inspection results. For further information, DHS directs families to the regional certification office covering the provider's county. [4]

Does Pennsylvania require home daycare certification?

DHS requires a family child care home serving four, five or six children unrelated to the operator to hold a certificate of compliance. Ask which category applies to the arrangement you are considering and verify its status. [5]