Day Care CenterPreschoolPrivate SchoolChild Development Center
At The Goddard School located in State College, we're more than just a daycare. The Goddard School is a private preschool, offering childcare to infants and toddlers to pre-k. Our programs are designed to nurture each child's curiosity in a safe and caring environment.
We’ve had two children enrolled in the Goddard School in State College. Our first started in the Pre-K room, and I’m so happy we switched to Goddard at that time because we felt that it fully prepared our son for Kindergarten. He is now happy and thriving in first grade. Our second child started in the infant room and will go through all of the classrooms until she starts Kindergarten. We very much appreciate the level and quality of communication from the office to parents. We are never left in the dark about what is going on at the school regarding everything from security issues, illnesses, or upcoming events. A high level of care is given to curriculum and social development. I feel that my children are in a nurturing environment with quality teachers who understand the needs of young children. I feel confident that our second child will also enter Kindergarten ready to succeed.
KH
Katrina Heeman
2 days ago
5.0
We throughly enjoy Goddard. My child has a blast. They have activities that break up the weeks and seasons. The staff treat us with respect. And there are plenty of activities that keep parents involved in their children’s early education!
TC
Tye Cressman
Sep 2, 2025
5.0
We arrived in State College in 2023 and bounced around between a series of different day cares before arriving on Goddard. What a wonderful place for children that is well-run, clean, conscientious and efficient. Top notch treatment of our child and superb staff. I wish we had found it sooner. Cannot recommend highly enough.
ZL
Zoe Lu
Aug 29, 2025
5.0
We truly enjoyed our experience at The Goddard School. The teachers are caring, attentive, and responsible, and they create a wonderful atmosphere for learning and growth. The environment is always clean, safe, and inviting. Our two-year-old has absolutely thrived here and we’re so grateful for the support the school provides.
KK
Kris Keimig
Apr 24, 2018
5.0
I have two children at Goddard and I highly recommend to any parent in need of a full time daycare. The teachers have been extremely caring of my children and it definitely feels like a home to them.
There's a good balance of play and learning. Snacks and downtime are integrated as well. They basically potty trained my kids for me and are in the process of teaching my oldest to read. I just have to support the direction they are setting - they've done a ton of the legwork. I might sound like a lazy parent but you show me a full time working parent who is also able to develop a full time curriculum for their child, and I'll show you a liar.
For a working parent (not connected to the university) there a ton of logistical benefits; they're open so you can maintain a 9-5 job schedule, they don't close frequently (for weather, etc) and they are great at communicating when your child has an illness or has been hurt.
Additionally, they will have periodic events throughout the year to involve the parents; your typical parent/teacher meetings and events like art shows.
If I was doing it all over again (finding a daycare for my kids) then I hope I would make the same decision. I'm glad my kids are there.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Goddard School of State College
Are you Licensed?
We take extra care to ensure that each of our Goddard School locations is licensed in their specific state before opening. States also conduct annual and semi-annual licensing visits to ensure our Schools remain in compliance. If you have any further questions regarding licensing, please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
What are your rates?
Our tuition rates are comparable to others in your local premium childcare market. Because each School is an individually owned and operated franchise, rates vary. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you have a waiting list?
Availability is based on each individual School. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you offer discounts?
Because each Goddard School is an individually owned and operated franchise, special offers vary by location. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you provide education or only childcare?
Yes, The Goddard School® is an early learning institution that focuses on the social, emotional, physical and academic development of children from infancy to pre-k. Our highly trained and motivated faculty develop experiential lesson plans for all age groups that reflect the skills, abilities and interests of the children in each classroom.
Against the backdrop of a warm, safe and caring environment, The Goddard School supports children on their journey to becoming confident and joyful learners who are ready for school, careers and life.
What is a typical day at The Goddard School like?
In each classroom, we provide hands-on, playful, child-centered learning experiences that vary based on the children’s levels of development. Teachers help children grow into happy, healthy, intelligent little humans who are ready to take on the world around them.
For infants, we follow the care schedule set by your family and utilize personal care moments to connect with and expand your little one’s individual development. Our teachers also incorporate songs, finger play, books and sensory and physical exploration each day.
Our busy toddlers flex their independence as they learn to walk, talk and safely explore the world around them. Their curiosity and interests drive the classroom structure.
In our preschool and pre-k classrooms, we add more school preparation and readiness by focusing on academic skills as well as interpersonal and collaboration skills. Teachers support children as they investigate the world around them. Children learn how to ask and answer questions, work with others, navigate social situations and understand and communicate their own thoughts and feelings.
Our teachers expertly create supportive classrooms for all children to safely learn and test new social, academic and physical skills throughout a typical routine that includes morning and afternoon snack time, lunch, naptime, exploration time, small and large group experiences and outdoor play.
What types of qualifications do Goddard School teachers and caregivers have?
Our experienced Goddard School teachers meet all state and/or local regulations and have access to continuous training provided by their state and our own Goddard University. We train teachers on a regular basis in health and safety regulations, education standards and more.
Can any of the families in the School opt out of vaccinating their children?
In many states, children who are not vaccinated because of exemptions based on medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs attend The Goddard Schools. If your child is not vaccinated, please contact the owner of The Goddard School to inquire as to whether exemptions may apply as not all exemptions are recognized in every state. To ensure the health and safety of everyone, if an outbreak occurs and a child has not been vaccinated, they will be asked to stay at home.
What supplies do I need to provide for my child?
Please provide any necessary personal care supplies for your little one, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothing and naptime bedding. For infants, please supply a crib sheet. For toddlers and older children please bring a blanket and/or sleeping bag. Many of our locations also ask that you pack lunch for your child each day. Please contact your local School for additional details.
What type of programs does The Goddard School of State College offer?
The Goddard School offers private preschool programs including childcare for infants, toddlers, and pre-k children, designed to nurture each child's curiosity in a safe and caring environment.
What are the operating hours of The Goddard School of State College?
The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Is The Goddard School licensed and regulated?
Yes, each Goddard School location is licensed according to state regulations with annual and semi-annual visits to ensure compliance. You can contact the local school for detailed licensing information.
What qualifications do the teachers and caregivers at The Goddard School have?
Teachers meet all state and local regulations and receive continuous training from Goddard University and state resources to maintain high education and safety standards.
What payment options are accepted at The Goddard School?
The school accepts payment by cash, check, and VISA.
How can I schedule a tour of The Goddard School of State College?
You can schedule a tour by visiting their booking link: https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/pa/state-college/state-college or by contacting the school directly.
What special learning programs does The Goddard School offer?
The school offers a variety of specialities including F.L.EX. Learning Program, Art, Engineering, Language Arts, Literacy, Math, Science, Technology, Yoga and more, focusing on early childhood development.
Are there nearby public schools affiliated with The Goddard School?
Nearby is the Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania Charter School, a public elementary school that families in the area may consider alongside The Goddard School.
What nearby recreational places can I visit before or after dropping off my child at The Goddard School?
You can visit Haymarket Park for outdoor activities or watch a game at the State College Teener League baseball field, both close to the school.
Where can I find nearby dining options around The Goddard School?
There are several breakfast and brunch restaurants nearby including The Original Waffle Shop West and Waffle Shop, convenient for a meal before or after your visit.