The Best Daycare Centers in Kingston, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kingston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kingston
The Goddard School of Kingston
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Kingston offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement a play-based learning curriculum that includes STEAM activities, language development, and social-emotional learning. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and nutritious meal programs make them a top choice for families in the Wyoming Valley area.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Wilkes-Barre
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Kingston community with a comprehensive early childhood education program built on research-based curriculum. Their team of certified early childhood educators provides individualized learning experiences through the Early Foundations® curriculum, which focuses on literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center features secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and rigorous safety protocols. Their spacious classrooms are organized into learning centers that encourage exploration and discovery. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups, and they offer flexible scheduling options including full-time, part-time, and drop-in care.
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The Growing Place Child Development Center
The Growing Place
The Growing Place is a locally-owned childcare center that provides a nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum combines structured learning with play-based activities, focusing on social skills, cognitive development, and physical coordination. The center features modern security systems, including coded entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their experienced teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports for each child. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated nap areas, and spacious classrooms equipped with educational materials. They prioritize parent partnerships through regular communication and family events, building strong community connections in the Kingston area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kingston, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Kingston, PA?
In Kingston and the surrounding Wyoming Valley area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 to $350 per week for infant care, and slightly less for toddlers, around $200 to $300 per week. In-home family childcare providers often charge less, typically ranging from $150 to $250 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some centers in the area may offer sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare in Kingston is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and view their most recent inspection reports through the state's online **COMPASS Child Care Provider Search** tool. When reviewing reports for a Kingston facility, look for the "compliance history" section. Pay attention to any cited violations, particularly those related to health and safety (e.g., staff-to-child ratios, safe sleep practices for infants, background checks). A clean report or minor violations that are promptly corrected is a good sign. You can also contact the Northeast Regional Office of OCDEL for additional information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Kingston, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Kingston and Luzerne County. Due to limited capacity for younger children (driven by strict staff-to-child ratios), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 12 months before you need care**. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year for infants. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if there's a fee to be on it, how often they update families, and if they offer priority to siblings of current students. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family homes and centers in neighboring towns like Wilkes-Barre or Forty Fort, can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What local resources or referral services can help me find and compare childcare options in the Kingston area?
The primary resource for parents in Kingston is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7**, which serves Luzerne County. This state-funded agency offers a free **Child Care Referral Service**. You can contact them via phone or their website to get a customized list of licensed providers based on your zip code, needed hours, child's age, and other preferences. Their referral specialists can also provide guidance on quality indicators and help you understand the **Child Care Works** subsidy program if you qualify for financial assistance. Additionally, local parent groups on social media (like Facebook groups for Kingston/Wyoming Valley parents) can be valuable for personal recommendations and insights into current availability.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and licensed family childcare homes in Kingston?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and often, flexibility. **Daycare Centers** (like those in commercial buildings) typically have multiple classrooms, more staff, and a structured educational curriculum. They may offer more amenities and have stricter hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of a provider's residence in a neighborhood. They offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with fewer children, which can mean more individualized attention and potentially more flexible hours. They are also subject to PA DHS regulations but may have a different feel. In Kingston, family homes can be a great option for parents seeking care closer to their own neighborhood or for infants who may benefit from a smaller setting. Always ensure any home provider is licensed, not just registered.