Welcome to Childspace
Natural, Playful Learning for Kids
One Block from University Drive
East Prospect Avenue, State College, PA
Tortimer the turtle encourages
our babies to stand to see her!
Butterfly Room
- cozy, home-like space for babies and young toddlers
- 2 full-time teachers with up to 7 children
- daily books, music, and outside time
- schedules are based on each child's needs and routines
- support for breast feeding, bottle feeding, cloth diapering
- instant communication with the free Brightwheel app
Butterfly Room Staff
LINDSAY, Lead Teacher
I’ve been working in childcare since 2017, mostly with infants and toddlers, and I currently have a CDA in infant/and toddler development. I love watching the little ones grow and become their own person! Seeing the smile on their face as you enter the room is the most heartwarming thing ever!
Some things I enjoy outside of work include language learning, board games, and walking/ running.
Huma, Assistant Teacher
Hello, I am Huma, a mother of two kids, Usaid and Aaliyah. I have been working at Childspace since May 2024. I received my Bachelor of Science (Home) and Bachelor of Education from India. I love to play with kids, learn, and apply new skills while teaching.
Butterfly Room Parents Say:
Thank you so much for your support and for all the work you do for the kids in the area. I will always be a grateful and happy parent from your center!
-Laura E.
Thank you for all the amazing care that you and the Childspace teachers offer A. We started him pretty early in childcare, and this was such a good experience for us and for A.
-Rebecca T.
Us in 5 Minutes
Rainbow Room
- space designed for toddlers to move, explore, and create
- focus on development of independence, movement, and language
- music, reading, and sensory play every day
- outside play twice a day
- instant communication with the free Brightwheel app
Outdoor music time!
Rainbow Room Staff
Emily, lead teacher
I have learned so much since beginning my work here in May 2022. It’s amazing to see young children learn and apply new skills everyday. In my free time I enjoy nature, art, and crochet.
Zarghuna, assistant teacher
Skylar, assistant teacher
Rainbow Room Parents Say:
We are definitely seeing a lot of growth now that he is in the Rainbow Room. He is starting to sing on his own (and with us) and speech is improving. He is especially good at repeating words, and yesterday, he had a toy that another child wanted and he said “no” instead of hitting or being aggressive.
-Faith R.
We loved sending our little one to Childspace! Such caring teachers and directors. We sent our daughter for over a year and could not be happier with the experience. She really did thrive there and we could tell she loved going there. The directors have built a safe and loving space for children, and we are super grateful for our time with them. Thank you Kelly and Childspace for everything! As first time and working parents, this place has earned a space in our hearts. When moving out of state for work, I think the hardest part was leaving Childspace. We would have stayed with them longer if we didn’t move. 100% recommended! -Elena V.
Discussing working together
to build a home for some ants.
Sun Room
- custom, individualized curriculum built around children’s creative play and interests indoors and outdoors
- literacy, numeracy, pre-writing, science, self-care, and social skills embedded in daily routines
- outside play twice a day
Robin, Lead Teacher
I took 3 years of early childhood education in high school, which really fueled my passion for seeing kids thrive. I’m a fun and energetic person who loves to spend time outdoors. Some of my favorite activities include fishing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Sun Room Staff
Kate, Assistant Teacher
I am a third-year student at Penn State in the College of Education. I have about 5 years of experience in childcare. I have spend most of my high school and college experience nannying, tutoring, and working in preschools. This year, I am excited to be part of the Childspace community.
Sun Room Parents Say:
We love Childspace. The environment is calm and enriching for our son. He loves to play in the beautiful outdoor space. The teachers are warm and foster our son’s curiosity. Highly recommend!
-Alexis D.
Childspace has given our vibrant and independent child a school family to support him as he learns to navigate schools, friendships, and learning. Our family appreciates how every child is valued for their individuality. It has truly been the best preschool environment for him.
-Aileen W.
2024-25 Rates & Slots
We are open 8:00 - 5:00 Monday through Friday. Please see our calendar for planned closed days.
Butterfly Room part-day hours:
mornings: 8:00 - 12:30
afternoons: 12:30 - 5:00 Rainbow & Sun Room part-day hours:
mornings: 8:00 - 12:00
afternoons: 2:00 - 5:00
Part-time parents who occasionally need extra hours of care can pay an hourly rate if space is available.
2024-25 Calendar
Childspace operates on a 3-Semester Enrollment Year with the following planned closed days,
averaging 2.5/month, for holidays and teacher work days.
SUMMER SEMESTER 2024: June - August
June 10 - teacher work day
July 4 - Independence Day
August 16 - teacher work day
FALL SEMESTER 2024: September - December
September 2 - Labor Day
October 4 - teacher work day
November 28 and 29 - Thanksgiving
December 23 - teacher work day
December 24 - 31 - Christmas/winter break
SPRING SEMESTER 2025: January - May
January 1 - New Year's Day
February 17 - teacher work day
March 10 - 14 - spring break
April 18 - teacher work day
April 21 - Easter Monday
May 26 - Memorial Day
Step Four:
Complete our online application to request a spot. Pay application fee to be on the waiting list or application fee and deposit to hold an available spot.
Step Three:
Schedule a tour to see our program and discuss whether we can meet your needs.
Step One:
Email or call to find out if openings are available.
814-237-6429
childspacesc@gmail.com
Do the children play outside in the snow? Yes! When and how long we play outside is determined by the real feel temperature.
Are all the children vaccinated?
We are required to collect immunization records or a waiver statement if a child does not have vaccines. Upon request, we can inform you if there are any children in a particular classroom with a waiver.
What are your teachers' qualifications?
The top qualification we look for is a person's ability to build positive relationships and use those to love, guide, and provide care for young children. Some people do this naturally and others learn it through experience and/or education. All teachers take a ten hour orientation training and an additional 12 hours of training per year, as required by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
What is your curriculum?
We do not use a pre-packaged curriculum. We provide environments, activities, and materials that are appropriate for the age and development of each group of children, and then we observe to see how we can support and expand on their explorations, experiences, and interests.
Do you provide meals and/or snacks?
Because our program is very small, we do not provide meals or snacks. Parents pack lunch and snacks that meet their child's and family's preferences. We have a mini-refrigerator and microwave in each room.
We are always looking for passionate teachers who can create (or want to learn to create) opportunities for meaningful, playful learning in natural environments. If this sounds like you, please apply here. You can also email childspacesc@gmail.com or call 814-237-6429 for more information.
Required skills/attitudes:
--available 8:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday
--flexible, open to learning and receiving feedback
--dependable
--able to use calm, positive guidance with young children
--able to manage time and prioritize tasks
--able to follow policies and implement procedures
Benefits:
--above-average pay
--small group sizes and low ratios
--1 benefit option after 6 months of full-time employment
--discount on childcare costs
--weekday hours only
--support for career/professional development
--relaxed work environment
--adult size furnishings in all classrooms
Thanks for visiting!