The Best Daycare Centers in Ashland, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashland
Ashland Child Development Center
Independent
Ashland Child Development Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with all staff holding early childhood education credentials and ongoing professional development. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, a dedicated outdoor playground with safety surfaces, and comprehensive security systems. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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TLC The Learning Center
Independent
Located just 4 miles from Ashland in Frackville, TLC The Learning Center serves the broader Schuylkill County area with a research-based educational approach. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and modern security systems including coded entry. Facilities include dedicated infant and toddler rooms, preschool learning centers, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. The center is noted for its nutritious meal program, regular parent-teacher conferences, and strong community reputation for quality care.
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Rainbow Hill Child Care Center
Independent
Serving the Ashland area from nearby Pottsville (approximately 8 miles away), Rainbow Hill Child Care Center has built an excellent reputation over nearly two decades of operation. Their educational philosophy combines structured learning with creative exploration, featuring thematic units, hands-on activities, and developmentally appropriate practices. The center employs qualified early childhood educators with ongoing training requirements and maintains strict safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular facility inspections. Parents consistently highlight the center's warm, family-like atmosphere, experienced staff longevity, and comprehensive developmental tracking that ensures each child reaches important milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashland, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ashland, PA?
In Ashland and the surrounding Schuylkill County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Pennsylvania cities. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for a toddler, and $175 to $250 per week for an infant. These rates are for licensed daycare centers and group homes. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families in Ashland, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Always ask providers if they accept CCW subsidies.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Ashland is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All daycare providers in Ashland must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection reports, including any violations, through the state's publicly accessible **COMPASS website** or the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool. Simply search by the provider's name or location. It's highly recommended to review these reports, as they detail health, safety, and program compliance from the last 2-3 years. You can also contact the **DHS Northeastern Regional Office** that oversees Schuylkill County for additional information.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Ashland that help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary local resource is the **Schuylkill County Child Development (SCCD)** program, which serves as the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 13. While not located directly in Ashland, they serve the entire county. They provide free referrals to licensed providers, help families apply for the Child Care Works subsidy, and offer guidance on choosing quality care. You can contact them by phone or online. Additionally, local pediatricians' offices, the Ashland Public Library, and community Facebook groups (like "Ashland, PA Community Board") are often good sources for parent recommendations and experiences with local daycares.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in Ashland, and how should I plan ahead?
Due to a limited number of facilities in a smaller town like Ashland, waitlists can vary but are common, especially for infant spots. It's not unusual for popular centers or highly-regarded in-home providers to have a waitlist of 3 to 9 months. For infant care, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be placed on it, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby towns like Frackville or Girardville may also provide alternatives with shorter waits.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Ashland specific to our community's context?
Beyond standard questions, consider asking locally-relevant questions such as: "What is your policy and communication plan for snow days or inclement weather, given our rural roads?" "Do you participate in any local pre-kindergarten or Head Start collaboration programs through the Schuylkill County Intermediate Unit?" "How do you incorporate outdoor play and activities, considering our access to local parks like the Ashland Lions Community Park?" "What is your staff turnover rate, and are your caregivers from the local community?" Also, inquire about their involvement in local events like the Ashland Pioneer Tunnel coal mine tours or town festivals, which can be enriching field trips.