The Best Daycare Centers in Elmhurst, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elmhurst. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elmhurst
KinderCare Learning Center at Scranton
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Scranton provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes phonics, math, science, and creative arts, with regular progress reports for parents. The facility maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers nutritious meals and snacks. What sets this center apart is their strong emphasis on school readiness and their extensive experience serving families throughout the Scranton area, including Elmhurst residents.
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The Growing Place Child Development Center
Independent
The Growing Place is a NAEYC-accredited center known for its exceptional educational programs and nurturing environment. They employ degreed teachers who implement a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features modern security systems, including coded entry and surveillance cameras, along with comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social skills building. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, dedicated staff, and the visible developmental progress children make. The center serves families from Elmhurst and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling options.
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La Petite Academy of Scranton
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy offers a balanced educational approach through their proprietary School Readiness Pathway curriculum, which prepares children for academic success while developing social and emotional skills. The center features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with electronic entry systems. Their programs include technology integration, foreign language exposure, and hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains rigorous safety standards including comprehensive background checks for staff and emergency preparedness training. Families from Elmhurst appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's focus on individualized learning plans for each child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elmhurst, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Elmhurst, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Elmhurst, PA, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family daycare homes (caring for 4-6 children) and group daycare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet strict standards for health and safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and physical environment. To verify a facility's license and view any compliance history or inspections, you can use the DHS's **Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the Northeast Regional OCDEL office that oversees Lackawanna County. It's highly recommended to check this public record before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Elmhurst, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Elmhurst and broader Lackawanna County area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from **$900 to $1,300 per month**. Center-based care tends to be on the higher end of this range, while registered family homes may be slightly lower. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff ratios. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income. You can apply through the Lackawanna County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Elmhurst, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after daycare centers and highly-rated family homes in the Elmhurst area, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be **6 to 12 months long**. Given this, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often is the list updated? Do they give priority to siblings? Being proactive is key to securing a spot in this competitive market.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Elmhurst area?
Elmhurst's location near the Pocono Mountains and numerous state parks inspires some childcare programs to incorporate nature-based learning. While fully outdoor "forest school" models are less common, several local centers and family homes prioritize outdoor play and exploration. Look for providers with large, natural outdoor play spaces, gardens, or regular nature walk routines. Some programs may partner with local parks or conservation areas. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor schedule (rain or shine, with proper gear) and their philosophy on risky play and environmental education. This focus can be a great fit for families valuing active, hands-on learning in Northeastern PA's natural environment.
What resources are available in Elmhurst for finding and comparing different types of childcare, from centers to in-home providers?
The best centralized resource is Pennsylvania's **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 13**, which serves Lackawanna County. The ELRC offers a **free referral service** where specialists can provide a customized list of licensed providers in Elmhurst and surrounding communities based on your needs (hours, age, location). They can also guide you through the Child Care Works subsidy process. You can contact them by phone or through their website. Additionally, local parent groups on social media (like Facebook groups for "Lackawanna County Moms") are valuable for personal recommendations and experiences, but always cross-check any suggested provider with the official DHS licensing database for compliance.