The Best Daycare Centers in Freeland, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Freeland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Freeland
KinderCare Learning Center at Drums
KinderCare Education
This highly-rated KinderCare center serves the Freeland area with comprehensive early childhood education programs. They implement a research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features dedicated learning centers, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers maintain state-required qualifications with ongoing professional development. The facility offers nutritious meals and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents praise the consistent communication and individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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The Learning Experience - Hazle Township
The Learning Experience
This modern childcare facility serves Freeland families with their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that combines academic learning with play-based activities. The center features bright, clean classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor play areas. They offer specialized programs including phonics, foreign language exposure, and manners/etiquette lessons. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center is noted for its highly qualified teachers and strong parent satisfaction ratings for both educational quality and communication.
Daycare Services:
Little Blessings Learning Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Freeland, Little Blessings offers a nurturing Christian-based environment combined with strong academic preparation. Their curriculum balances structured learning with creative play, focusing on kindergarten readiness skills. The facility features updated classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and comprehensive safety measures including surveillance systems. Teachers maintain Pennsylvania early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing training. The center is particularly praised for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong sense of community among families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Freeland, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Freeland, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Freeland and the surrounding Luzerne County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month, while toddler and preschool care generally costs between $700 and $950 per month. These rates are often lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh but can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family size and income, and you can apply through the Luzerne County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's recommended to contact providers directly and inquire about any current openings in subsidized care slots.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare center or home-based provider in Freeland?
All licensed childcare providers in Freeland, PA, are regulated 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 compliance history, you can use the state's publicly accessible **Child Care Finder** tool online. This resource allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (18224 for Freeland) and view their license status, capacity, and any recent inspection reports detailing violations or commendations. You can also call the DHS Northeast Regional Office for assistance. Always ensure a provider displays their current Certificate of Compliance (license) onsite.
Are there many options for infant childcare in Freeland, and what is the average waitlist time?
Infant care (for children under 1 year) is often the most challenging to find due to stricter state-mandated staff-to-child ratios. In Freeland, options are primarily limited to licensed group child care homes or family child care homes, as there are few large daycare centers specifically within the borough. Many parents in the area look to providers in nearby communities like Hazleton, Drums, or White Haven. For in-town options, waitlists for infant spots can range from 3 to 9 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy. Networking through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Freeland, PA Community") can also help identify smaller, licensed home providers who may not have extensive online advertising.
What are the key differences between a "Group Child Care Home" and a "Family Child Care Home" in Pennsylvania, and which are more common in Freeland?
Pennsylvania law distinguishes between these two types of home-based care. A **Family Child Care Home** is operated in the provider's residence and can care for up to 6 children who are not related to the caregiver. A **Group Child Care Home** also operates in a residence but can care for 7 to 12 children and must have at least one full-time assistant. Both require DHS licensing. In a smaller, more residential community like Freeland, **Family Child Care Homes** are the most prevalent type of in-home provider. They often offer a more intimate, home-like setting and may provide more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for parents working non-traditional shifts in the local retail, healthcare, or manufacturing sectors. Always verify the provider's specific license type and capacity.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning or enrichment programs are available for preschoolers in the Freeland area?
Several providers in and around Freeland incorporate structured early learning programs. Look for facilities or homes that participate in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating system—a higher STAR rating indicates a greater focus on learning standards and professional development. Some local preschool programs may follow curricula like Creative Curriculum or incorporate elements of Montessori. For specific enrichment, you might find options in nearby larger towns, such as music or movement classes that partner with daycares. The Freeland Public Library also offers regular storytimes and early literacy activities that can supplement a childcare program. When touring a facility, ask about their daily schedule, learning philosophy, and how they prepare children for kindergarten in the Freeland Elementary School (Hazleton Area School District).