The Best Daycare Centers in Gouldsboro, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gouldsboro. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gouldsboro
Bright Horizons at Tobyhanna Army Depot
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Tobyhanna Army Depot is a highly-regarded childcare center serving military families and local communities including Gouldsboro. The center follows the Bright Horizons World-Class Curriculum, which emphasizes language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and social-emotional development. Their experienced teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure access controls, and comprehensive safety protocols. What makes this center stand out is their STEM-focused learning approach, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent communication system that includes daily reports and digital updates.
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The Growing Place Child Development Center
Independent
The Growing Place Child Development Center in nearby Moscow has served families throughout the Gouldsboro area for nearly two decades. This center offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, using Creative Curriculum and Hands-on Learning approaches. Their qualified teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention through small class sizes. The facility features secure entry systems, modern playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, excellent communication, and the staff's dedication to each child's unique developmental needs. The center also offers flexible scheduling and nutritious meal programs.
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La Petite Academy of Scranton
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy of Scranton serves families throughout the greater Scranton area, including Gouldsboro residents. The center utilizes their proprietary School Readiness Pathway curriculum, which focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development through hands-on learning experiences. Their teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play spaces designed for different developmental stages. What distinguishes this center is their emphasis on technology integration in learning, comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills, and strong parent engagement through their proprietary mobile app for daily updates and communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gouldsboro, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Gouldsboro, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children also require a certificate of registration. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the DHS "Child Care Finder" tool online or contact the Northeast Regional OCDEL office. It's also wise to ask the provider directly for their license number and any recent inspection reports, which they are required to post.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Gouldsboro area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the rural nature of Wayne County and limited provider options in and around Gouldsboro, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and contacting daycare centers as early as their second trimester. For families moving to the area, starting your search 3-6 months before your needed start date is a minimum. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and pay a non-refundable deposit to secure a spot. Some smaller in-home providers may have shorter or more flexible wait times, so exploring all options is key.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Gouldsboro, PA?
Childcare costs in Gouldsboro and surrounding Wayne County are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania metros but can still be a significant household expense. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $800 to $1,100 per month for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family daycare homes may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $650 to $900 per month. Costs vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and included services (like meals). Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, which can help offset these costs.
Are there any state-funded or subsidized preschool programs available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Gouldsboro?
Yes, there are important options for preschool-aged children. The primary program is Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, a state-funded initiative for 3- and 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on family size and income. While Gouldsboro itself is a small borough, these programs are typically administered through local school districts or intermediate units. For Gouldsboro residents, you would look to the Western Wayne School District or the NEIU (Northeast Educational Intermediate Unit) for application information and to find participating providers in the broader region. Head Start programs may also be available through community action agencies in the county.
What are my options for before- and after-school care for school-age children in the Gouldsboro area?
For school-age care, your options in Gouldsboro are primarily tied to the Western Wayne School District. Many elementary schools in the district offer or partner with organizations to provide before- and after-school programs on-site. You should contact your child's specific school (likely EverGreen Elementary or similar) for the most current information. Additionally, some local daycare centers and family homes in the area may offer transportation to and from school and provide care during school holidays and summer breaks. Given the rural setting, coordinating with other parents for carpools to programs in nearby towns like Hamlin or Moscow is a common practice.