The Best Daycare Centers in Hawley, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hawley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hawley
Hawley Early Learning Center
Independent
Hawley Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities tailored to each age group. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators with extensive experience in child development. Their facility includes secure, age-appropriate classrooms, a fenced outdoor playground with natural elements, and comprehensive security systems. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent-teacher communication through digital platforms. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios exceeding state requirements.
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Growing Place Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Located in nearby Honesdale, Growing Place serves the Hawley community with a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. Their educational approach combines Creative Curriculum with Reggio Emilia-inspired elements, emphasizing hands-on exploration and project-based learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers bright, well-equipped classrooms, an extensive library, art studio spaces, and multiple outdoor learning environments. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular conferences, daily communication logs, and family engagement events throughout the year.
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Wayne County Children's Center
Non-profit Organization
As a well-established non-profit childcare center serving the greater Hawley area, Wayne County Children's Center provides high-quality early education with a focus on school readiness. Their comprehensive curriculum aligns with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and includes literacy-rich environments, mathematics foundations, and social-emotional learning components. The center employs dedicated teaching staff with CPR/First Aid certification and ongoing training in child development best practices. Their facility features secure, modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, indoor gross motor spaces, and nature-based outdoor play areas. The center is known for its inclusive environment, nutritional meal program, and strong community connections, offering flexible scheduling options to meet diverse family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hawley, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Hawley, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hawley and the surrounding Wayne County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month, while toddler care is generally between $700 and $950 per month. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, staff-to-child ratios, and whether it's a home-based or center-based facility. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (like work or school attendance). You can apply through the Wayne County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Hawley, PA?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Hawley, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a license and view recent inspection reports, you can use the state's publicly accessible **Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (18428). This tool will show you the license status, capacity, any regulatory compliance history, and the dates of recent inspections. It's a crucial step for parents to ensure a facility meets state health, safety, and educational standards.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Hawley for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended hours or weekend care in Hawley can be challenging, as most licensed centers and family childcare homes operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). However, due to the tourism and service industry in the Pocono region, some providers may offer more flexible hours. Your best bet is to contact individual home-based providers, as they sometimes have more flexibility to accommodate shift work. It's also worth inquiring at larger centers in nearby Honesdale or Milford, which may have more varied schedules. Be prepared to join a waitlist and discuss your specific needs during tours.
What is the current waitlist situation for infant daycare spots in Hawley, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for infant care (children under 1 year) in Hawley are common and can be lengthy, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. Due to stricter staff-to-child ratios for infants, spots are very limited. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and contacting providers as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. Many reputable centers and home-based providers in the 18428 area maintain active waitlists. When contacting a provider, ask about their waitlist policy, any associated fees, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Hawley, and what are the key differences between them?
In Hawley, you'll primarily find two types of licensed childcare settings: **Group Child Care Centers** and **Family Child Care Homes**. Centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They may offer more peer interaction and resources. Family Child Care Homes are operated in a provider's residence, typically caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 12, depending on age). These often provide a more home-like, flexible environment and can be more convenient for families seeking care in a residential neighborhood. Both are regulated by PA DHS, but their atmospheres, daily routines, and capacities differ significantly. Touring both types is the best way to determine which fits your child's temperament and your family's needs.