The Best Daycare Centers in Lakewood, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakewood
Kiddie Academy of Tunkhannock
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Tunkhannock provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure entry systems with coded access, and modern learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms. Their program includes daily progress reports, nutritious meals and snacks, and outdoor play areas with safety-certified equipment. The academy maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers flexible scheduling options for working families in the Lakewood area.
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Children's Discovery Center of Montrose
Children's Discovery Center
Children's Discovery Center offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness skills. The center features highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility protocols including surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. They provide organic meal options, extensive outdoor play spaces, and comprehensive communication systems including daily digital updates and parent portals. The center serves families throughout Susquehanna County including Lakewood residents.
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Little People's Child Development Center
Little People's Child Development Center
Little People's Child Development Center provides a nurturing environment with a balanced curriculum that combines academic learning with creative expression and physical development. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who implement thematic units, hands-on learning activities, and individualized attention. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and emergency preparedness protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their program includes enrichment activities like music, movement, and Spanish language exposure, serving families throughout Wyoming County including Lakewood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakewood, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lakewood, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lakewood, PA, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes (serving up to 6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health and safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and physical environment. To verify a facility's license and view any compliance history, you can use the DHS public search tool called "COMPASS" or call the Erie Regional OCDEL office, which oversees Warren County. It's highly recommended to check this status before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lakewood, PA?
The cost of childcare in Lakewood and surrounding Warren County is generally lower than in major Pennsylvania metros but varies by type. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $180 to $240 per week. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, often between $160 and $220 per week. Family daycare homes may offer more affordable rates, sometimes $30-$50 less per week. Costs can be offset by Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families. It's advisable to contact providers directly, as rates can change and some may include meals or supplies in their fees.
Are there any nature-based or outdoor-focused childcare programs available near Lakewood, given its proximity to the Allegheny National Forest?
Yes, Lakewood's location in the Pennsylvania Wilds is ideal for nature-based learning. While specific "forest school" models are less common than in urban areas, several local providers and home-based daycares incorporate significant outdoor play and exploration into their daily routines, taking advantage of nearby parks, trails, and natural spaces. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time policy, if they have designated outdoor classrooms, and how they utilize the local environment for learning. Some providers in the region may also partner with organizations like the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau for educational outings.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lakewood, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to limited capacity, especially for infants (which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios), waitlists at popular licensed centers in Lakewood and the greater Warren area can range from 3 to 9 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For family childcare homes, openings can be more sporadic but also fill quickly. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask about their specific waitlist procedures (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and follow up periodically to express continued interest.
What local resources or referral services can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Lakewood, PA?
The primary resource for Warren County families is the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 1, which is managed by the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC). They serve as a free, comprehensive childcare referral service. You can contact them via phone or their website to get a customized list of licensed providers in Lakewood based on your needs (hours, age of child, etc.). They also administer the Child Care Works subsidy and can guide you through the application process. Additionally, local Facebook community groups for Warren County parents are often used to share personal recommendations and hear about unadvertised openings in home-based daycares.
Childcare Insights for Lakewood
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and for many parents in Lakewood, Pennsylvania, the search for a "church daycare near me" is about more than just convenience. It often represents a desire for a nurturing environment that aligns with your family's values, where care extends beyond supervision to include a foundation of community and kindness. In our close-knit area, several churches offer daycare and preschool programs that can feel like an extension of home, providing a wonderful option for local families.
When beginning your search here in Lakewood, it's helpful to understand what sets a church-based program apart. Typically affiliated with local congregations like those you might find along Fairmount Avenue or near Chautauqua Lake, these centers often emphasize a holistic approach. This means that while they provide all the essential early learning and play, they may also incorporate gentle, age-appropriate lessons about sharing, gratitude, and community—values that resonate deeply in our town. The setting itself often provides a sense of warmth and security, which can be comforting for both children and parents during those first days of separation.
A practical first step is to look beyond a simple online search. While you can certainly start by looking up "church daycare near me in Lakewood, PA," consider also asking for recommendations from neighbors at the Lakewood Farmers Market or other parents at the local playground. Personal referrals in a community of our size are invaluable. Once you have a few names, such as potential programs at Lakewood United Methodist Church or other local parishes, the most crucial phase begins: the in-person visit. When you tour, pay close attention to the feeling you get. Are the children engaged and happy? Is the space clean, safe, and filled with light? Don't hesitate to ask the director specific questions about their daily schedule, their policies on communication, and their staff's qualifications and tenure. Low staff turnover is a great sign of a positive environment.
Remember to inquire about the practicalities that matter for a Lakewood family. What are their hours, and do they accommodate the schedule of parents who might commute to Jamestown or work in the local service industry? How do they handle snowy days, given our Western Pennsylvania winters? It's also wise to discuss their curriculum philosophy; many church daycare programs in our area offer excellent play-based learning that prepares children for the Lakewood Area School District without being overly academic for young learners. Finally, trust your instincts. The right place will feel like a partnership, where you are confident your child is not just cared for, but is truly known and cherished. In Lakewood, that perfect blend of quality childcare and heartfelt community is often waiting just around the corner.