The Best Daycare Centers in Drums, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Drums. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Drums
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Drums offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum elements, literacy development, and character education. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff, regular safety drills, and secure check-in systems. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and the nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten readiness.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Hazleton
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Drums area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and social studies. The center offers dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, toddler programs focusing on social development, and preschool curriculum that emphasizes kindergarten readiness. Their qualified teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with learning centers. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, and parents value the consistent communication through the KinderCare app with daily photos and activity updates.
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Children of America Mountain Top
Children of America
Children of America in Mountain Top serves families from Drums with their proprietary COA Early Childhood Education Program that focuses on whole-child development. The center features age-specific learning environments, secure keypad entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and character building activities. The center maintains small class sizes with low teacher-to-child ratios and employs degreed teachers with early childhood education credentials. Safety protocols include comprehensive background checks, regular facility inspections, and emergency preparedness training. The center offers flexible scheduling options and provides healthy meals prepared in their on-site kitchen, with many parents noting the warm, family-like atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Drums, PA
What are the typical costs for daycare in Drums, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Drums and the surrounding Luzerne County area, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For a full-time infant, you can expect to pay between $225 to $350 per week. Toddler care typically ranges from $200 to $300 per week, and preschool-age care from $175 to $250 per week. Home-based daycare is often on the lower end of this scale. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (like employment or school enrollment). You can apply through the Luzerne County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How do I verify that a daycare in Drums is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare centers and group homes in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history on the DHS website using the "Child Care Finder" tool. When touring a daycare in Drums, look for: a valid license posted visibly, age-appropriate and safe toys/equipment, clean and secure environments, a low staff-to-child ratio (PA law requires 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers), and evidence of structured learning/play. Ask about staff qualifications, emergency procedures, and their sick policy. Observing how caregivers interact with children is crucial.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Drums, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many licensed daycare centers in Drums, especially for infant and toddler rooms, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. For older children, starting your search 3-6 months before you need care is advisable. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists. Also, consider exploring licensed family childcare homes in residential areas of Drums, as they may have more immediate availability and shorter wait times.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Drums?
While many centers prioritize full-time enrollment, part-time and flexible options do exist in Drums. Several licensed family daycare homes offer more adaptable schedules, such as 2-3 days a week or half-days. Some larger centers may offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5. For true flexibility, you might explore networks of local in-home babysitters or nannies through community boards or services like Care.com, specifying your Drums location. Additionally, some centers offer "drop-in" care on a space-available basis, but this is rare and usually requires pre-registration. Be sure to communicate your scheduling needs clearly when inquiring, as policies vary widely.
What unique amenities or program focuses do daycare centers in the Drums area commonly offer?
Daycares in Drums often leverage the local community and natural surroundings. Common program focuses include outdoor play and nature exploration, given the area's access to parks and less urban setting. Many incorporate early literacy programs and school readiness curricula to align with the Hazleton Area School District's kindergarten expectations. You'll also find centers with secure outdoor playgrounds, on-site camera systems for parent monitoring, and summer camp-style programs for school-age children. Some faith-based options may incorporate religious teachings. Given the region's seasonal weather, inquire about indoor gross motor play areas for active days during colder months. Always ask about daily schedules to see how these focuses are integrated.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Drums: