The Best Daycare Centers in Catawissa, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Catawissa. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Catawissa
Catawissa Children & Youth Center
Independent
Catawissa Children & Youth Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving the Catawissa community with comprehensive educational programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Staff members hold Early Childhood Education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms, an outdoor playground with age-appropriate equipment, and nutritional meal programs. What makes this center stand out is its strong community integration and family-oriented approach, with regular parent communication and involvement opportunities. Safety protocols include secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Kiddie Kampus of Bloomsburg
Independent
Located approximately 10 miles from Catawissa, Kiddie Kampus of Bloomsburg serves families throughout Columbia County with exceptional early childhood education programs. The center implements a research-based curriculum focused on developmental milestones and school readiness skills. Certified teachers provide instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts within structured learning environments. The facility features modern security systems including surveillance cameras, keypad entry, and comprehensive emergency protocols. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to detailed daily communication, progress reports, and family engagement events. The center's standout features include its state-of-the-art learning materials, nutritious food program, and extensive outdoor learning spaces.
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Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital Child Development Center
Geisinger Health System
As part of the Geisinger Health System, this child development center brings medical-grade health and safety standards to early childhood education. Serving families from Catawissa and surrounding communities, the center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing cognitive, physical, and social development. The facility maintains exceptional health protocols including rigorous cleaning procedures, health screenings, and on-site medical resources. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that promote exploration and discovery across all developmental domains. The center's unique advantages include access to pediatric specialists, family support services, and integration with community health resources. Parent communication is facilitated through digital platforms and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Catawissa, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Catawissa, PA?
In Catawissa and the surrounding Columbia 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 in a licensed family childcare home. Center-based preschool programs for 3-5 year olds may range from $120 to $180 per week. Infant care is less commonly available in dedicated centers locally and is often provided through licensed home-based providers, with weekly rates typically between $175 and $250. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to note that Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Catawissa is properly licensed and has a good record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania caring for 4 or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you can use the state's online **COMPASS Child Care Provider Search** tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name or zip code (17820 for Catawissa) and view their license status, capacity, and any reported regulatory violations or inspections. You can also contact the **DHS Northeast Regional Office** directly. Additionally, it's highly recommended to visit any potential provider in person, ask for references from other local parents, and check with the **Columbia County Child & Adult Development Agency** for local insights.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Catawissa that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in healthcare, manufacturing, or other industries?
Finding childcare with extended, weekend, or overnight hours in a small town like Catawissa can be challenging, as most providers operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best bet for flexible care is to seek out licensed family childcare homes, as some individual providers may offer more adaptable hours to accommodate shift workers from places like the local hospitals in Danville or Bloomsburg, or the manufacturing plants in the region. There are no known 24-hour centers in Catawissa itself. We recommend joining local Facebook groups like "Catawissa/Columbia County Community Board" to ask for referrals to home providers who cater to non-traditional schedules. Planning ahead and joining waitlists early is crucial due to limited flexible options.
What should I know about daycare waitlists in the Catawissa area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare providers in a rural community like Catawissa, waitlists are common, especially for infant and toddler spots. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care, and if you are expecting a child, to get on lists during your second trimester. Popular local centers and highly recommended home-based providers often have the longest waits. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your child's position on the list, how often it updates, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and their policy for notifying you of an opening. Exploring options in nearby towns like Bloomsburg, Danville, or Sunbury can increase your chances of finding timely care, though this will add commute time.
Are there any state-funded or subsidized early learning programs like Pre-K Counts or Head Start available for children in Catawissa?
Yes, there are state and federally funded programs available for eligible families in the Catawissa area. **Pre-K Counts** is a Pennsylvania program offering free, high-quality pre-kindergarten to 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families. The **Central Columbia School District** may host or partner with a Pre-K Counts provider. **Head Start** and **Early Head Start** services are provided in Columbia County through organizations like the Columbia County Child & Adult Development Agency. These programs offer comprehensive early childhood education, health, and family support services. Eligibility is based on family income, but other risk factors are also considered. To apply or get more information, contact the **Columbia County Assistance Office** or visit the **Pennsylvania Head Start Association** website to find the local grantee.