What are your operating hours?

We're open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Before & After Care is available.

What curriculum do you follow?

Little Darlings follows a play-based curriculum built on Teaching Strategies GOLD and Smart Tech, blending structured learning with creative exploration to prepare children for kindergarten. Parents get daily updates through Brightwheel.

Are meals and snacks included?

Yes — healthy breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks prepared fresh daily, with accommodations for allergies.

How do you keep children safe?

Secure locked entry, CPR- and First Aid-certified staff, background-checked teachers, and a fully kid-proofed facility.

Tuition varies by program and schedule. Full-time, part-time, and Before & After Care options are available — call (215) 365-4702 for current rates.

Now enrolling in Southwest Philly

Little DarlingsDaycare

Where big smiles start their day.

A warm, safe, and nurturing daycare in Southwest Philadelphia where your child learns, laughs, and grows — trusted by families for over a decade.

Book a Tour ✨Call (215) 365-4702

⭐️ 3.2 · 30+ reviews

Loved by Southwest Philly families

Happy toddlers laughing and playing with colorful blocks at Little Darlings Daycare

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Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

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Before & After Care

Programs

A cozy classroom for every little one.

From first giggles to first ABCs — we meet your child right where they are.

Before & After Care available

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Little Stars

6 weeks – 1 year

Our Infant Classroom provides a warm, loving, and responsive environment where our youngest learners feel cared for, safe, and secure. We focus on building trusting relationships, sensory exploration, and early communication through songs, tummy time, story exposure, and hands-on discovery. Using the Teaching Strategies curriculum, our teachers support each child's individual developmental milestones while creating a calm and nurturing space where babies can grow, explore, and thrive.

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Busy Bees

1 – 2 years

Our Busy Bees classroom is a nurturing and playful environment designed for curious toddlers who are learning and growing every day. Through songs, sensory play, story time, and hands-on activities, we support early language development, social skills, and independence. Guided by the Teaching Strategies curriculum, our caring teachers create a safe space where little ones can explore, build confidence, and take their first steps toward a lifelong love of learning.

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Shining Stars

2 – 3 years

The Shining Stars classroom is full of energy, discovery, and growing independence. At this stage, children are developing communication, problem-solving, and social skills through play-based learning, art, music, and early literacy activities. With the Teaching Strategies curriculum, our teachers encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence while helping children learn to express themselves, follow routines, and build friendships.

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Caterpillars

3 – 4 years

Our Caterpillars classroom focuses on preparing children for the next stage of learning through hands-on exploration and meaningful play. Children engage in early math, literacy, science, and social-emotional activities that strengthen independence and critical thinking. Using the Teaching Strategies curriculum, teachers guide children as they ask questions, work together, and build the skills needed for a successful transition into Pre-K.

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Butterflies

4 – 5 years

The Butterflies classroom prepares children for kindergarten by fostering confidence, independence, and a love of learning. Our Pre-K students participate in structured and play-based activities that build strong foundations in literacy, math, science, and social skills. Through the Teaching Strategies curriculum, teachers support school readiness while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving so children can spread their wings and soar into their next educational journey.

Summer Camp

Sun, fun & learning all summer long.

Our Summer Camp program provides children with a fun, engaging, and enriching experience all summer long. Campers enjoy exciting field trips, hands-on activities, outdoor play, arts and crafts, STEM projects, themed weeks, and opportunities to build friendships.

Each day is designed to encourage creativity, learning, teamwork, and exploration while creating lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment.

Before & After Care

A safe place to learn, play & grow before and after school.

Our Before and After School program provides a safe, welcoming environment for school-age children outside of regular school hours. We provide homework support, educational enrichment, creative activities, games, and outdoor play.

After care is only available for families who need care during after-school hours. Please note that we do not provide pick-up or drop-off transportation.

A day with us

Every day is a tiny adventure.

Structured routines, plenty of play, and daily updates so you never miss a milestone.

Explore

Create

Art & sensory play

Learn

Circle time & stories

Nourish

Healthy meals & snacks

Play

Outdoor playground fun

✨ and so much more

Why families choose us

The little things matter most.

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Safe & secure

Locked entry, trained staff, and a clean, kid-proofed facility.

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Warm teachers

Patient, attentive caregivers who genuinely love what they do.

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Daily updates via Brightwheel

Photos, meals, naps, and milestones sent straight to your phone through Brightwheel.

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Healthy meals

Fresh snacks and balanced meals that little tummies love.

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Extended hours

Doors open 6:30 AM and close 6:30 PM, with Before & After Care to fit real family schedules.

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School-ready curriculum

Play-based learning powered by Teaching Strategies GOLD & Smart Tech.

Happy families

Words from our parents.

★★★★★
"One of the best daycares around Southwest. My daughter has been going since she was 3 months old and I have no complaints. She's learned so much from the teachers — my kids love coming here."
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Patricia A.
Verified Google review

★★★★★
"We are very happy with the care our child receives. The teachers are warm, patient, and genuinely care about the children's development. We love the structured activities and daily updates."
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Aliesha D.
Verified Google review

★★★★★
"A safe and supportive environment. The teachers are kind and attentive, and our child has learned a lot socially and academically. We really appreciate everything the staff does each day."
A
Aaron B.
Verified Google review

FAQ

Questions parents ask us.

Get in touch

Book a tour or ask us anything.

Send us a quick note — we usually reply the same day.

7228 Elmwood Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19142

Mon – Fri · 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM

📍 Directions

Come see the smiles for yourself.

Book a free tour and meet the teachers who will love your little one like their own.

📞 Call (215) 365-4702 📍 Get Directions

Visit us

📍: Address
7228 Elmwood Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19142
🕕: Hours
Mon – Fri · 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Before & After Care available
After care is only available for families needing after-school care. No pick-up or drop-off transportation provided.
📞: Phone (landline)
(215) 365-4702
✉️: Email
LittleDarlingsphilly@gmail.com