The Best Daycare Centers in Factoryville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Factoryville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Factoryville
The Growing Tree Early Learning Center
Independent
The Growing Tree Early Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program focused on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured curriculum. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement Creative Curriculum with STEM integration. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, large outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate classrooms. They emphasize social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong communication from staff.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clarks Summit provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with creative expression. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their degreed teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with STEAM integration and foreign language exposure. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor gym space, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the school's focus on character development and social skills.
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La Petite Academy of Clarks Summit
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy offers a research-based curriculum called Empowered Learning™ that focuses on project-based learning and individualized instruction. The center provides comprehensive security measures including secured entry systems and regular safety drills. Their qualified teaching staff includes educators with degrees in early childhood education who receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration through hands-on activities. The facility features age-specific learning centers, outdoor play spaces, and dedicated art and music areas. Parents value the consistent routines, progress tracking, and the center's commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Factoryville, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Factoryville, PA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Factoryville, as in all of Pennsylvania, childcare providers must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes (caring for 4-6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. It's highly recommended to review these reports, as they detail any violations and corrective actions, giving you a clear picture of a facility's operational history right here in our community.
Are there any subsidized childcare or financial assistance programs available for families in Factoryville?
Yes, eligible families in Factoryville can apply for the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program** administered by Pennsylvania. This program helps low-income families, those transitioning from public assistance, or parents in approved training/education programs pay for childcare. The application is processed through the Lackawanna County Assistance Office, which serves our area. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's best to contact providers directly and inquire, as well as apply for CCW through COMPASS, the state's online benefits portal, to determine your eligibility based on family size and income.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Factoryville, and are waitlists common?
In Factoryville and the surrounding rural areas of Wyoming County, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from **$800 to $1,100 per month**. Costs can be slightly lower for family daycare homes and higher for centers with extensive curricula or extended hours. Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Factoryville, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **6-12 months** before you need care. Contacting providers in nearby towns like Tunkhannock or Clarks Summit may also be necessary to expand your options.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Factoryville, PA?
Factoryville offers a mix of childcare options typical of a small Pennsylvania town. Your primary choices will be: 1. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often run out of a provider's residence, offering a home-like setting for a smaller group of children. 2. **Childcare Centers:** These are less numerous but may be affiliated with local churches, community organizations, or private businesses. 3. **Pre-K Counts and Head Start Programs:** For children ages 3-5, these state and federally funded programs provide free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for income-eligible families. The local school district or intermediate unit can provide referral information. Given the rural setting, formal daycare centers are limited, making family homes and pre-K programs the backbone of local childcare.
How do seasonal factors and local events in Factoryville impact daycare schedules and availability?
Factoryville's rural character and its association with Keystone College mean childcare schedules can be influenced by local rhythms. Many providers align their closures with the **Keystone College academic calendar**, including breaks for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring. During the summer, some programs may shift to a camp-like schedule or have reduced enrollment. Furthermore, major local events like the **Factoryville Festival** or agricultural fair season can lead to unexpected closures or altered pickup/drop-off routines due to parades or traffic. Always ask a potential provider for their annual calendar and their policy for unscheduled closures (like for heavy snow, which is common in Northeastern PA) to plan your own work schedule accordingly.