The Best Daycare Centers in Drifton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Drifton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Drifton
KinderCare Learning Center at Hazle Township
KinderCare Education
This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and regular safety drills. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to individualized learning plans.
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Tender Years Learning Center
Tender Years Inc.
A family-owned childcare center with a strong reputation for quality early education. Implements the Creative Curriculum system with hands-on learning activities and structured play. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Features secure facilities with surveillance cameras, fenced playgrounds with modern equipment, and USDA-approved meal programs. Known for small class sizes and personalized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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Bright Horizons at Hazleton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this center offers the World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizing STEM education, literacy, and creative arts. Features state-certified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, low child-to-teacher ratios, and advanced security systems. The facility includes dedicated art and music rooms, outdoor learning environments, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, educational quality, and attention to health and safety protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Drifton, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Drifton, PA?
In Drifton and the surrounding Luzerne County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month for an infant. Home-based family daycare providers in Drifton often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $600 to $850 per month. These costs are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like Scranton or Allentown but are in line with the local economy. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Drifton is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All daycare centers and group home providers in Pennsylvania 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 inspection history, you can use the state's online **COMPASS Child Care Provider Search** tool. Simply enter "Drifton, PA" or the provider's name. This public database shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and detailed reports of any regulatory compliance inspections, including citations for violations. For smaller family child care homes serving fewer children, registration with the state is required, and they should be able to provide their certificate. Always ask to see the current license or certificate during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Drifton, and what's the best way to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers within Drifton itself, many families utilize providers in nearby towns like Freeland, Hazleton, or White Haven. Waitlists, particularly for infant care, are common and can be several months long. The best strategy is to begin your search and make inquiries at least 6-9 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers, get on their waitlists (which may require a small fee), and follow up periodically. Exploring licensed family daycare homes can often provide more immediate openings. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (e.g., Hazleton Area Community pages) can provide leads on upcoming openings.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in the Drifton area?
The primary resource for Luzerne County is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7**, which serves Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Luzerne Counties (including Drifton). They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed or registered childcare that meets their needs. You can contact them at 1-866-661-2144 or visit their website. They also administer the Child Care Works subsidy. Locally, the **Hazleton One Community Center** may have information on programs. For evaluations, beyond checking state inspection reports, it's highly recommended to visit in person, ask for references from current parents, and consult community word-of-mouth through groups like "Hazleton Moms" on Facebook.
What unique factors should parents in a smaller community like Drifton consider when choosing childcare?
In a close-knit community like Drifton, reputation and personal references carry significant weight. Ask neighbors, local church members, or coworkers at area employers for their experiences with providers. Transportation can be a factor, as options may be more spread out, so consider the provider's location relative to your commute to work in Hazleton or other employment hubs. Many local providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the region's logistics and manufacturing sectors. Also, inquire about emergency plans and communication, as providers in smaller towns often have strong community networks but may have different protocols than larger centers. Finally, consider if the provider incorporates local community events or outdoor activities that take advantage of the nearby natural surroundings like the Lehigh Gorge State Park.