A little space for big discoveries

Welcome to Childspace, a small early childhood center in State College, Pennsylvania, where a good day might include a block tower, a muddy pair of pants and a very important conversation about a worm.

Our Infant, Toddler and Preschool programs give children room to play, explore and get comfortable being themselves. We offer full-time and part-time care in a cozy neighborhood setting, with teachers who get to know your child’s favorite things, sleepy cues and particular way of doing just about everything.

We’re a small, community-focused center, and we like it that way. Knowing each other is a big part of what makes Childspace feel like home.

Three programs, plenty of room to grow

Infant

There’s a lot to discover when everything is new. Our infant teachers take time to learn each baby’s cues and routines, making room for feedings, naps, snuggles and those first curious explorations. We follow your baby’s needs and work closely with you as those needs change.

Toddler

Toddlers have places to go and things to figure out. Our Toddler program gives them space to try, with a familiar teacher nearby when they need help. Through pretend play, movement and everyday discoveries, children practice using words, playing alongside friends and doing a little more for themselves.

Preschool

The questions get bigger, and so do the adventures. Our Preschool program builds on children’s curiosity through hands-on play and outdoor exploration. As children make friends, work through problems and follow their ideas, they build confidence and skills they’ll carry into kindergarten.

There’s a lot going on in that mud kitchen

A child making pretend soup is deciding what goes in the pot, explaining the recipe and figuring out how to share the spoon. A block tower takes patience, balance and usually a few attempts before it stays standing.

That’s why play is at the heart of our days. Teachers offer materials, ask questions and help children explore what interests them. There’s time to try something again, make a glorious mess or turn a cardboard box into something we hadn’t thought of yet.

We give children room to learn at their own pace, without rushing them toward the next milestone.

Big feelings belong here, too

Learning to be a person is a lot of work. Sometimes the tower falls, someone else has the truck or saying goodbye at drop-off feels especially hard.

Our teachers help children through those moments with patience and care. We get down on their level, help them find words for what they’re feeling and stay close while they work through it.

Getting to know your child makes that possible. We learn what comforts them, what makes them laugh and when they need a little extra time.

Bring an extra pair of pants

Outdoor play is part of everyday life at Childspace. Children dig, run, build and notice what’s changing around them, whether that’s a new leaf, a puddle or a stick that apparently needs to come home.

Inside, there’s room for busy play and quiet moments. Meals, rest and familiar routines help children settle into the day, with flexibility for what they need along the way.

Some days are messier than others. We tend to think those are pretty good days.