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The Best Preschools in Howard, PA

Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Howard. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.

3 Quality Preschools
4.5 Average Rating

The Goddard School of State College

Goddard Systems, Inc.

4.7/ 5.0
15 years experience

The Goddard School in State College is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the broader Central PA region including Howard. They offer a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The facility features modern security systems, keypad entry, and rigorous safety protocols. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish.

Programs Offered:

Infant CareToddler CarePreschoolPre-KindergartenKindergartenSummer Camp
1319 N. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803

Step by Step Early Learning Center - Bellefonte

Step by Step, Inc.

4.5/ 5.0
12 years experience

Step by Step Early Learning Center in Bellefonte serves families throughout Centre County including Howard. This center emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through their Creative Curriculum approach. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety measures including controlled access. The center holds a 4-Star rating in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality initiative and focuses on school readiness through literacy-rich environments, STEM activities, and social skills development. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports and regular conferences.

Programs Offered:

Infant CareToddler ProgramPreschoolPre-KindergartenBefore/After School CareSummer Program
2174 Zion Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Kinder Kampus of Lock Haven

Kinder Kampus, LLC

4.3/ 5.0
25 years experience

Kinder Kampus in Lock Haven has served Clinton County and surrounding areas including Howard for over two decades. The center provides a structured yet nurturing environment with a curriculum that balances academic preparation and developmental appropriateness. They maintain a 3-Star Keystone STARS rating and focus on kindergarten readiness through phonics-based literacy, early math concepts, and science exploration. The facility includes secure indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and the experienced staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes character development and social skills alongside academic foundation building.

Programs Offered:

Infant CareToddler ProgramPreschoolPre-KindergartenBefore/After School CareSummer Camp
100 N. Fairview Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about preschools in Howard, PA:

What is the average cost of preschool in Howard, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?

In Howard and the surrounding Centre County area, preschool tuition typically ranges from $150 to $250 per week, depending on the program's schedule and philosophy. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Pre-K Counts program offers free, high-quality pre-K to eligible families, and some local centers may offer sliding scale fees. It's also worth checking with the Central Pennsylvania Community Action agency for support options.

How can I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Howard?

All licensed preschools in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a specific center's license and review any compliance history on the DHS website. Additionally, look for programs with Keystone STARS ratings, Pennsylvania's quality rating system; a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a greater commitment to quality standards in early learning.

What types of preschool programs are available in the Howard area?

Options in the Howard/Bellefonte region include traditional daycare-based preschools, faith-based programs often affiliated with local churches, and private, play-based or academic-focused centers. Given Howard's more rural setting, many families also consider home-based family child care providers or cooperative preschool models, which may offer more flexible schedules.

When should I apply for preschool in Howard, and what are typical enrollment deadlines?

For programs starting in the fall, application periods often open in January or February, with many popular programs filling by early spring. It's advisable to start your search and schedule tours at least 6-9 months in advance. Some programs, especially those affiliated with the Bellefonte Area School District's early intervention services, may have rolling enrollment based on need and availability.

Are there any unique considerations for preschools in a rural community like Howard?

Yes, transportation can be a key factor, as many preschools in rural Centre County do not provide bus service, so parents must arrange drop-off and pick-up. Also, due to the smaller number of concentrated options, you may need to look at programs in neighboring towns like Bellefonte, Milesburg, or State College, which involves factoring commute time into your decision.

Finding the Right Start: Your Guide to Preschool for 2-Year-Olds in Howard, PA

As a parent in Howard, Pennsylvania, watching your two-year-old blossom is one of life's greatest joys. Those curious eyes, the rapid language explosion, and the budding desire for independence signal that they are ready for more than just playdates at home. This is when many families begin to consider a structured preschool environment. The idea of "preschool for 2 year olds" might seem early, but in our close-knit community, finding the right early learning setting can be a wonderful step that supports your child’s natural development in profound ways.

For many two-year-olds, a quality preschool program is less about formal academics and more about social and emotional growth. In a nurturing setting, your child learns to navigate a world slightly bigger than their living room. They begin to understand simple routines, like circle time or cleaning up toys, which builds confidence and security. Here in Howard, with our beautiful landscapes and family-oriented values, a local preschool can extend that sense of community, offering a safe space where your child learns to share, take turns, and express their feelings with peers under the guidance of caring professionals.

When you start looking at options in our area, focus on programs that understand the unique needs of two-year-olds. The best classrooms for this age are often play-based, where learning is woven into activities. Look for spaces where children can explore sensory tables with sand or water, engage in creative art with safe, washable materials, and have ample time for motor skill development, both indoors and on a secure playground. In a small town like Howard, you have the advantage of visiting these centers, getting a genuine feel for the atmosphere, and speaking directly with the teachers who will be guiding your child’s first school experience.

A key question to ask any potential preschool is about their approach to communication and care. At two, children are still developing self-help skills. You’ll want to know how diaper changes or potty training are handled, what the nap schedule looks like, and how teachers comfort a child having a tough day. The daily reports and open conversations with staff are invaluable. They bridge the gap between home and school, letting you know about your child’s new friend, the song they loved, or the puzzle they mastered.

Choosing a preschool for your two-year-old in Howard is ultimately about finding a partner in your parenting journey. It’s about a place that feels like an extension of the warmth and care you provide at home. Trust your instincts during visits. Does the environment feel joyful and calm? Do the children seem engaged and happy? By selecting a program that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s budding personality, you are giving them a gift—a positive first association with learning and community that will serve as a strong foundation for all the educational milestones to come.

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