The Best Daycare Centers in Hunlock Creek, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hunlock Creek. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hunlock Creek
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare in Wilkes-Barre offers a research-based curriculum focused on early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Their teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Safety features include secured entrances, daily health checks, and comprehensive background checks for staff. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and a nutrition program that provides balanced meals. Parents praise the center's strong communication and developmental milestone tracking, making it a trusted choice for families in the Hunlock Creek area.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Kingston utilizes the F.L.E.X.® Learning Program, which blends play-based learning with structured activities to promote cognitive, physical, and social development. Certified teachers implement a STEAM-focused curriculum, and the center emphasizes safety with keypad entry, sanitization protocols, and regular safety drills. Facilities include modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and spaces for art and music. The school is noted for its inclusive environment, parent engagement through daily updates, and flexible scheduling options, serving as a highly-regarded option for Hunlock Creek residents.
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Little People's Child Development Center
Independent
Little People's Child Development Center in Nanticoke provides a nurturing environment with a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy, and social skills through themed units and play-based activities. Staff members are trained in early childhood development and CPR/first aid, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere. The center features secure facilities, outdoor play spaces, and a focus on healthy eating with meal programs included. Parents highlight the center's family-like community, individualized attention, and consistent communication, making it a top choice for childcare near Hunlock Creek.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hunlock Creek, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hunlock Creek, PA?
In Hunlock Creek and the surrounding Luzerne County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month for infant care. For a family daycare home, which is often more common in smaller communities like ours, rates might range from $650 to $900 per month. These costs are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania cities but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included (meals, diapers, curriculum) and to inquire about possible financial assistance through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program, which many local providers accept.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Hunlock Creek is properly licensed and has a good record?
All licensed childcare providers in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can and should use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool to search for providers in the 18621 zip code. This tool shows their license status, capacity, and any recent compliance reports or inspections. For a deeper look, you can request a provider's certification history from DHS. Additionally, local word-of-mouth in the Hunlock Creek community is valuable; ask other parents at the Hunlock Creek Volunteer Fire Company events or the local post office for their experiences with specific providers.
Are there any licensed daycare centers in Hunlock Creek itself, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
Hunlock Creek is a small, primarily residential township, so licensed daycare *centers* are not typically located within its immediate boundaries. Parents most often find care in nearby towns such as Shickshinny, Nanticoke, or Berwick, which are within a 10-15 minute drive. Your primary local options will be licensed Family Child Care Homes, which operate out of a provider's residence. These can offer a smaller, home-like setting. To find these homes, use the state Child Care Finder and filter for "Family Child Care" in the 18621 zip code. Expanding your search to the neighboring towns will give you more center-based options.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycare in the Hunlock Creek area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to limited providers in the immediate area, waitlists are common, especially for infant spots which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. For in-home family daycares in Hunlock Creek, a wait of 2-4 months is typical. For centers in neighboring towns, waitlists can be 3-6 months long or more. It is highly recommended that you begin your search and make inquiries at least **6 months before** your needed start date, particularly if you require care for an infant under 1 year. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they charge a fee to hold a spot.
What are some local resources or organizations for parents seeking childcare assistance or referrals in Luzerne County?
The primary resource for Luzerne County, which serves Hunlock Creek residents, is the **Child Care Information Service (CCIS) of Luzerne County**. They are the local agency that administers the state's Child Care Works subsidy and provides free referrals to licensed providers. You can contact them at (570) 829-3400. Additionally, the **Luzerne County Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7** offers support in finding quality care and understanding early learning programs. For community-based support, consider connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups like "Hunlock Creek Community" or "Luzerne County Moms."