The Best Daycare Centers in Lake Winola, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lake Winola. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lake Winola
Lake Winola United Methodist Church Preschool
Lake Winola United Methodist Church
This church-based preschool offers a nurturing Christian environment with a strong focus on early childhood development. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy readiness, and kindergarten preparation through play-based and structured activities. Certified early childhood educators provide small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios. The facility features bright classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure outdoor play areas. Parents praise the caring staff, comprehensive curriculum, and strong community atmosphere that makes children feel safe and valued.
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Tunkhannock Children's Center
Tunkhannock Children's Center
Located approximately 15 minutes from Lake Winola, this highly-rated center provides comprehensive childcare services from infancy through school age. The center follows a research-based curriculum that incorporates STEAM activities, literacy development, and social skills. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with observation windows, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. The center is known for its excellent communication with parents, nutritious meal program, and flexible scheduling options.
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The Goddard School of Clarks Summit
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This nationally accredited Goddard School location serves families in the Lake Winola area with a premium early childhood education program. The F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, daily language enrichment, yoga and mindfulness activities, and technology-integrated learning stations. Highly qualified teachers maintain low student ratios and provide individualized learning plans. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean and safe environment, and comprehensive developmental tracking system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lake Winola, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Lake Winola, PA, and how do they differ?
In Lake Winola and the surrounding Wyoming County area, parents primarily have three licensed options. The most common are Family Child Care Homes, which are operated in a provider's residence and are licensed for a smaller number of children, offering a home-like setting. There are also Child Group Homes, which are slightly larger. For more structured, center-based care, parents often look to nearby towns like Tunkhannock or Clarks Summit, which have Child Care Centers and Preschools. All providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), which mandates health and safety standards, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. The choice often comes down to preference for a smaller, flexible home environment versus a center with more structured curricula and multiple staff members.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Lake Winola, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Lake Winola, waitlists can be significant, especially for infants and toddlers. It is not uncommon for popular family daycare homes or the sought-after centers in neighboring communities to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin their search and make inquiries during the second trimester of pregnancy. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), looking at least 4-6 months before your desired start date is advisable. Be prepared to place a deposit to secure a spot on a waitlist, and always ask for the provider's policy on how the list is managed.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Lake Winola, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Costs in Lake Winola are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania cities but can vary. For a licensed Family Child Care Home, you might expect to pay between $150-$225 per week for full-time infant/toddler care. Preschool-age care may range from $125-$175 per week. Centers in nearby towns can be higher, often $200-$300 per week. Financial assistance is primarily available through the state's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the Wyoming County Assistance Office. Some local providers may also offer sibling discounts. It's crucial to ask about all fees, including registration, supplies, and policies for late pickup.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to providers in the Lake Winola area?
When touring a provider in Lake Winola, pay close attention to both state requirements and local practicality. First, verify their current DHS license is posted. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Northeastern PA and their policy for delayed openings or closures due to snow. Inspect the outdoor play area—is it secure and shaded? Given the rural setting, ask about their procedures for field trips or outdoor activities. Observe how the children interact and if the environment feels welcoming. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local families. Finally, discuss their communication style—many providers in close-knit communities use apps or daily sheets to keep parents informed.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or summer-only childcare options available for school-age children in Lake Winola?
Options for school-age care in Lake Winola are limited but do exist. Some family daycare homes may offer before-and-after-school care and transportation to/from the local Lackawanna Trail School District elementary schools. For summer care, your best bets are to inquire with these same home providers about seasonal openings or look to organized summer camps. The Lake Winola community itself or nearby towns like Factoryville often host summer recreation programs that operate on a weekly basis. There are very few formal "drop-in" daycare centers in the immediate area; care is typically scheduled and reserved. Planning for summer care should begin by early spring, as spots fill quickly.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lake Winola: