The Best Daycare Centers in Lakeville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakeville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakeville
Bright Horizons at Hawley
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Hawley is a NAEYC-accredited center offering a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness. Their World at Their Fingertips approach emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and nutritious meal programs. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and offer flexible scheduling options for working families. The facility includes age-appropriate outdoor play areas and dedicated learning environments for each developmental stage.
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Growing Place Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Growing Place Child Care & Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The center employs qualified early childhood professionals with ongoing training requirements. Their safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility features modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and physical activities. They emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Lake Region Early Learning Center
Independent
Lake Region Early Learning Center offers a balanced curriculum combining structured academic preparation with developmental play. Their program focuses on social skills, cognitive development, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The center features certified teachers, small class sizes, and comprehensive safety measures including surveillance systems and strict pickup procedures. Their facility includes modern learning materials, outdoor nature exploration areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and maintain strong community partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakeville, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lakeville, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lakeville, Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children must also be registered. Licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. To verify a provider's compliance, you can use the free, public **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. This resource allows you to search for licensed providers in the Lakeville area (Pike County) and view their inspection reports, any regulatory violations, and their current license status. It's the most reliable way to ensure you're considering a regulated and monitored facility.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Lakeville, PA, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Lakeville and the surrounding Pike County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from **$1,000 to $1,400 per month**. Family daycare homes may be slightly less, averaging $800 to $1,100 monthly. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and operating hours. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (such as employment or education). You can apply through the Pike County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lakeville, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited provider options in the more rural Lakeville area, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at licensed centers can be significant, often **6 to 12 months or longer**. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit policy (if any) to hold a spot, and how often they update the list. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycare homes in neighboring communities like Hawley or Matamoras, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a similar quality of care.
Are there any unique childcare options in Lakeville that take advantage of the local rural and natural environment?
Yes, Lakeville's setting in the Pocono Mountains region allows some providers to incorporate nature-based learning. You may find **"forest school" or outdoor-focused preschool programs** that operate with significant outdoor play and exploration, weather permitting. These programs emphasize physical activity, environmental education, and hands-on learning in natural settings. Additionally, some local family daycare providers may have larger outdoor play areas with gardens or access to trails. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time, philosophy on nature play, and if they participate in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS quality rating program**, which often encourages outdoor learning environments.
What resources are available in Lakeville for finding and evaluating in-home babysitters or occasional childcare?
For occasional or part-time babysitting needs, Lakeville parents often rely on **local community networks**. A good starting point is to inquire at the **Lakeville United Methodist Church** community board or other local gathering spots. Social media groups like "Lakeville, PA Community" or "Pike County Moms" on Facebook are frequently used to ask for recommendations and read reviews from other parents. For more formal screening, you can use statewide services like **PA Sitter**, which allows you to search for caregivers by zip code and see their verified background checks. Always conduct your own interview, check references thoroughly, and ensure any occasional caregiver understands Pennsylvania's mandatory reporter laws for child safety.