Licensed Daycare in Chester, Pennsylvania
32 licensed daycares in Chester, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Pennsylvania licensing records.
Chester listings updated August 2026 from official Pennsylvania records.
Daycare in Chester: what parents should know
There are 32 licensed childcare providers on record in Chester, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 66% 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 Chester spans 2+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 6% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Chester childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Chester
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 Chester 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
What will daycare actually cost you in Chester?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
Program types in Chester
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
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All Chester licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Chester, Pennsylvania?
What's the average daycare cost in Chester?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Chester daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Chester?
How do I verify a Chester daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Chester
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 Chester
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Chester, 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 · August 2026 · methodology
Search 32 Licensed Centers in Chester
Free, no signup, verified directly with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.