The Best Daycare Centers in La Plume, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in La Plume. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in La Plume
The Goddard School of Clarks Summit
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clarks Summit offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication with parents through their mobile app. The school emphasizes safety with comprehensive background checks, CPR-certified staff, and rigorous cleaning protocols.
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La Petite Academy of Scranton
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy in Scranton provides a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary School Readiness Pathway curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. The center features developmentally appropriate learning centers, secure facilities with keypad entry, and outdoor playgrounds. Their program includes phonics-based literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and character development. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, real-time updates through the parent communication app, and flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
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The Growing Tree Early Learning Center
Independent
The Growing Tree Early Learning Center is a family-owned facility that provides personalized care with a play-based learning approach grounded in developmentally appropriate practices. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, social skills development, and early literacy through Creative Curriculum framework. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-specific classrooms with natural lighting, and fenced outdoor play areas. Staff members are certified in early childhood education, first aid, and CPR, with many having decade-long tenures. They maintain small class sizes and focus on building strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and daily reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in La Plume, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in La Plume, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In La Plume and the surrounding Lackawanna County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $900 to $1,200 per month. Preschool programs often cost between $800 and $1,000 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties can provide guidance and may offer support through community initiatives. It's also worth inquiring directly with providers about potential sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in La Plume is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in La Plume, 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 and review their inspection history, including any compliance reports or violations, through the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. This tool allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (like 18440 for La Plume) and view detailed records. It's highly recommended to use this resource and to also visit any potential facility in person to observe the environment and ask the director for their most recent licensing inspection report.
Are there specific daycare options in La Plume that cater to parents with non-traditional work hours, such as evenings, weekends, or overnight care?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours in a smaller community like La Plume can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on standard weekday schedules (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best options are to explore licensed **family childcare homes** in the area, as some providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers. Additionally, you may need to look toward nearby larger towns like Scranton or Clarks Summit, where the selection is broader and may include centers with extended hours. Networking through local community boards, Facebook groups (e.g., "La Plume Community"), or asking for referrals from employers like local universities or hospitals can help identify in-home providers willing to accommodate atypical schedules.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for infant care in La Plume, and when should I start my search?
Infant care spots are the most limited in La Plume due to stricter state-mandated staff-to-child ratios (1:4 for infants). It is common for reputable centers and licensed family homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend beginning your search **as soon as you know you are expecting**, ideally during the first or second trimester. Contact providers directly to inquire about their specific waitlist procedures, which may require a deposit to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances. Also, consider expanding your search radius to include neighboring communities like Dalton or Factoryville to increase your options.
What types of early learning programs or curricula are commonly offered by daycares and preschools in the La Plume area?
Many childcare providers in the La Plume area align with Pennsylvania's early learning standards. Common approaches include **Play-Based Learning**, which is developmentally appropriate for young children, and **The Creative Curriculum**, a comprehensive, research-based framework. Some providers may also incorporate elements of **Montessori** or **Reggio Emilia** philosophies. Given the proximity to higher education institutions like Keystone College, some local programs may have partnerships or employ educational practices influenced by early childhood education programs there. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their daily schedule, how learning is structured, and how they assess child development to ensure their approach aligns with your family's values and your child's needs.
Childcare Insights for La Plume
Finding quality care for your newborn is one of the most significant and emotional decisions you'll make as a new parent in La Plume. The search for "newborn daycare near me" is about more than just proximity; it's about finding a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy environment during those precious early months. While La Plume itself offers a quiet, community-focused setting, parents here often look to the broader Lackawanna County area for specialized infant care options, blending small-town comfort with accessible services.
It's important to start your search early, as spots in dedicated infant rooms are limited due to strict staff-to-baby ratios mandated by Pennsylvania law. Many facilities in our region, including those in nearby Clarks Summit, Dalton, or Scranton, have waiting lists. Begin by asking for recommendations from other parents at local spots like the La Plume Community Park or through community boards. Your pediatrician, likely based in Scranton or Clarks Summit, can also be an excellent resource for reputable referrals. When evaluating a daycare, prioritize those with specific programs for infants, not just a generalized childcare setting. Look for caregivers trained in infant development, safe sleep practices (following the ABCs—Alone, on their Back, in a Crib), and infant CPR.
For La Plume families, considering the daily commute is a practical necessity. You'll want to visit any potential center to observe the environment firsthand. Notice if it is calm and clean, how caregivers interact with the babies—are they engaged and speaking to them during diaper changes and feedings?—and what the security protocols are. Ask about their policies on parent communication; a good center will provide daily logs detailing feedings, naps, and diaper changes. Inquire about their approach to feeding, whether you'll be providing breast milk or formula, and how they handle the introduction of solid foods when the time comes.
Don't overlook the value of licensed home-based daycares in the La Plume area. These can offer a smaller, family-like setting with mixed age groups, which some parents prefer for its homier atmosphere. Ensure any home provider is fully licensed by the state and follows all safety regulations. Finally, trust your instincts. After you've checked all the boxes for safety, credentials, and policies, pay attention to how you feel in the space. Does it feel welcoming and secure? Your peace of mind as you drive down Route 407 or head into work is paramount. Finding the right newborn care is a journey, but by starting early and asking detailed questions, you can find a supportive partner in your child's early development right here in our corner of Pennsylvania.