New Directions Childcare Center – Affordable, Quality, Experienced Care

Reach Us:

Affordable, Quality,

Experienced Care

Join Our Family!

Come visit us and see what makes our center feel like home. Enroll today and become part of our family!

About New Directions Childcare Center

"Empowering Children
Enriching Community"

Founded in 1918, the West Chester Community Center has a proud 107-year history of serving the residents of West Chester Borough. Childcare has always been a cornerstone of our legacy, with a thriving preschool Head Start program that operated for decades. Reviving this vital resource has long been a vision of the board and the community.

That vision became a reality with the development of New Directions Childcare Center, created by our strategic partner, Two Fish Five Loaves, and funded by an American Rescue Plan Act Grant awarded to the Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center by the County of Chester in 2022. New Directions Childcare Center opened in October 2024.

Mission

We are committed to serving our communities by developing the next generation of leaders.

Vision

The Ark Schools aim to be the premier child care provider in underserved communities.

Philosophy

At The Ark Schools, we believe that every child deserves high-quality early education, a nurturing environment, and equitable opportunities for success.

Mission

Vision

Philosophy

We are committed to serving our communities by developing the next generation of leaders.

The Ark Schools aim to be the premier child care provider in underserved communities.

At The Ark Schools, we believe that every child deserves high-quality early education, a nurturing environment, and equitable opportunities for success.

Our Foundation

The Core Values
That Inspire Us

Our center is a welcoming space where diversity is honored
We nurture curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning

We celebrate the unique backgrounds, cultures, and identities of every child and family.

We spark children's natural desire to explore, ask questions, and discover.

We empower children to make choices, solve problems, and take responsibility in age-appropriate ways.

We create joyful learning experiences that spark wonder, creativity, and a lasting passion for discovery.

Our Programs

Honoring Our
Legacy, Nurturing
Their Future

At New Directions Childcare Center, we are committed to enriching lives through education, cultural expression, and community support. Through our diverse programs, we aim to nurture the potential of every child, empower families, and strengthen the fabric of West Chester Borough.

Infants

(6 weeks-13 months)

Toddlers

(14 months -36 months)

Preschool

(3 years)

Pre-K

(4 years)

School-Age

(5 years old – 12 years old)

Parent's Reviews

What Our New Directions Childcare Center

Families Are Saying

At New Directions Childcare Center, the voices of our families speak volumes. Parents trust us not only with their children’s education and care, but with their dreams for a brighter future. These reviews reflect the deep connections we build, the confidence we inspire, and the lasting impact we have on the lives of children and their families.

New Directions Childcare has been a joy to partner with. Their willingness to work within our needs, along with the genuine care and communication provided are top notch. We are so thankful for the work Tonya, Veronica and their teams do!

New Directions has been a blessing for our family. My daughter comes home excited to share what she learned every day. The staff is warm, caring, and truly invested in each child’s success.

As a working parent, finding safe, affordable, high-quality childcare was a challenge—until we found New Directions. I finally have peace of mind knowing my son is in good hands.

The Melton Center has always meant community to me. Now, with the childcare center open again, it feels like coming home. They’ve created a nurturing space where my children are thriving.

The Ark Schools has been a blessing for our family. The teachers are warm, patient, and genuinely invested in my child’s growth. We couldn’t be happier!

I love how the curriculum blends learning and play perfectly. My child looks forward to school every day, and I can see their confidence and curiosity growing.

The staff truly creates a community where families feel welcomed and supported. Thank you for making us part of The Ark Schools family.

Updates and Events

News and Events

New Directions Childcare Center

– Summer Camp
– Date: Starting June 15
– Time: 9am to 4pm
– Location: New Directions Childcare Center
– Join us for ten weeks of fun, adventure, and learning! Math and reading enrichment, gardening and nature exploration, sports instruction and games, culinary classes, performing and fine arts, and field trips and cultural studies.

Updates and Events

News and Events

New Directions Childcare Center, written in a professional and community-focused tone. You can adjust the dates or details as needed:

Back-to-School Family Fun Day
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: New Directions Childcare Center

Join us for games, music, crafts, food, and giveaways as we kick off the new school year! Meet our teachers, explore classrooms, and connect with other families in the community.

First Day of Childcare – Fall Session
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: New Directions Childcare Center

We’re excited to welcome our little learners for the start of the new academic year! Parents will receive a welcome packet and have the chance to meet their child’s teacher.