The Best Daycare Centers in Frackville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frackville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frackville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Pottsville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning through structured curriculum in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their focus on STEAM learning, daily communication with parents through the proprietary Graddard app, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular staff training and health screenings.
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Tender Years Learning Center
Independent
Tender Years Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong emphasis on individualized development and Christian values. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum systems alongside hands-on learning activities that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and secure facilities with monitored access. They stand out for their nutritious meal program, extensive outdoor play spaces, and strong community partnerships. Parents particularly praise their consistent communication and the center's ability to create a nurturing, family-like environment while maintaining professional educational standards.
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Creative Beginnings Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
Creative Beginnings offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that blends structured learning with creative exploration. Their program emphasizes literacy development through daily reading sessions, phonics instruction, and writing activities while incorporating music, art, and movement into the daily schedule. The center features modern security systems, well-maintained playgrounds, and classrooms designed specifically for different age groups. What makes them exceptional is their focus on social-emotional learning, regular developmental assessments, and highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular conferences, daily reports, and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frackville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Frackville, PA?
In Frackville and the surrounding Schuylkill 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, and slightly more for infants, often ranging from $175 to $250 per week. These rates are for licensed family childcare homes or smaller centers. Larger daycare centers in nearby Pottsville may be at the higher end of this range. It's important to note that Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families in Frackville to help offset these costs. Always ask providers if they are CCW-approved.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Frackville is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Frackville, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection history, including any compliance reports or violations, through the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (17931 for Frackville). This tool will show you their license status, capacity, ages served, and detailed reports from unannounced annual inspections. You can also contact the DHS Northeast Regional Office for further assistance.
Are there any local resources in Frackville to help me find and compare available childcare openings?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Schuylkill County Child Development (SCCD)** program, which serves as the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 7, covering Schuylkill County. They provide free referral services to help parents in Frackville find licensed childcare that meets their specific needs, including location, hours, and child's age. They maintain updated lists of providers with current openings and can guide you through the Child Care Works subsidy application. You can contact them directly or use their online referral system. Additionally, local Facebook community groups for Frackville parents are often used to share personal recommendations and hear about openings.
What are the common waitlist times for daycare centers in Frackville, and when should I start looking?
Due to a limited number of facilities in a smaller community like Frackville, waitlists can vary significantly. For infant care spots, which are the most limited, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool-age children, wait times may be shorter, typically 2 to 6 months. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search **as early as possible**, ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before care is needed. Many popular local providers, such as the Frackville Child Development Center or well-regarded family homes, maintain consistent waitlists. Getting on multiple lists is a common strategy.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Frackville, and what are the key differences?
Frackville primarily offers two types of licensed childcare settings. The first is **Licensed Group Child Care Homes**, which are smaller, home-based settings caring for 7-12 children. These often provide a more family-like atmosphere and may offer more flexible hours. The second is **Child Care Centers**, which are larger facilities like the Frackville Child Development Center, offering structured programs, multiple classrooms, and often care for a larger number of children. There are fewer large centers directly in Frackville, so some parents also consider options in nearby communities like Ashland or Pottsville. The choice depends on your preference for environment, schedule, and program structure.
Nearby Cities
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