The Best Daycare Centers in Huntington Mills, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Huntington Mills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Huntington Mills
Children of America - Dallas
Children of America
Children of America Dallas is a highly-regarded early education center located approximately 15 miles from Huntington Mills. They offer a comprehensive educational program with developmentally appropriate curriculum for each age group. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Their educational approach includes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, literacy programs, and character development. Teachers are qualified with early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean facilities, and strong educational foundation provided.
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Kindercare Learning Center - Shavertown
Kindercare Education
Kindercare Shavertown is a nationally accredited early childhood education center located about 12 miles from Huntington Mills. They offer a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development across cognitive, emotional, and social domains. The center features secure facilities with strict entry protocols and comprehensive safety measures. Their educational program includes early literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies. The teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Parents highlight the consistent communication, experienced staff, and the center's ability to prepare children for kindergarten success.
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Building Blocks Learning Center
Building Blocks Learning Center
Building Blocks Learning Center is an independently owned childcare facility located approximately 10 miles from Huntington Mills. They provide a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates structured educational activities. The center emphasizes individualized attention with small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum includes early literacy development, mathematics readiness, creative arts, and social skills building. The facility features secure access control, modern safety equipment, and age-appropriate learning materials. Staff members are trained in early childhood development and maintain current certifications in CPR and first aid. Parents consistently praise the family-like atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and the center's commitment to each child's unique developmental needs. The center also offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Huntington Mills, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Huntington Mills, PA?
In Huntington Mills and the surrounding rural areas of Luzerne County, daycare costs are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania cities but can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $700 to $900 per month for full-time infant care. In-home family daycare providers often range from $600 to $800 per month. It's important to note that options within Huntington Mills itself are limited, so many parents look to nearby towns like Shickshinny or Berwick, which may have slightly higher rates. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these costs, and some local providers participate.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in the Huntington Mills area?
The primary resource is Pennsylvania's Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can use their online "Child Care Finder" tool to search for licensed centers, group homes, and family homes within a specific radius of Huntington Mills (zip code 18622). All licensed providers in Pennsylvania must meet state regulations for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program standards. When you find a provider, you can verify their license status, review any compliance history, and see their star rating from Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS Quality Rating and Improvement System. For very local, informal options, checking community boards at the Huntington Mills Post Office or the nearby Sweet Valley Church can be helpful, but always ensure any caregiver has proper clearances.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Huntington Mills, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the rural nature of the community, there are fewer daycare slots available locally compared to urban areas. While some in-home providers may have immediate openings, the more structured centers in neighboring communities often have waitlists, especially for infants. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before they need care. For infant care, starting during pregnancy is wise. Be proactive by contacting providers in Shickshinny, Noxen, and even as far as Dallas or Tunkhannock to expand your options. Getting on multiple waitlists is a common strategy for families in the Huntington Mills area.
What are the options for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in our rural community?
Standard 9-to-5, Monday-Friday daycare is the most common model, but options for part-time, evening, or weekend care are extremely limited in Huntington Mills. Some in-home family daycare providers may offer more flexible arrangements by individual agreement. For parents working shifts in healthcare, manufacturing, or retail in nearby towns, your best bet is to network with other local families to share sitters or form a small co-op. There are no known 24-hour centers in the immediate area. For occasional care, you might explore registered babysitters through local Facebook groups like "Huntington Mills Community" or "Luzerne County Moms."
What local resources or programs support early childhood development for families in Huntington Mills?
While Huntington Mills itself is small, families have access to county-wide programs. The Luzerne County Intermediate Unit (LCIU) administers Early Intervention services for children with developmental delays. For income-eligible families, Head Start programs are available in nearby larger towns like Wilkes-Barre. The "Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts" program may have slots in qualifying centers within a commuting distance. Locally, the Huntington Township Community Hall occasionally hosts playgroups or story times—check their bulletin board or Facebook page. Also, the Osterhout Free Library branches in neighboring towns offer regular early literacy programs for young children.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Huntington Mills: