The Best Daycare Centers in Lanesboro, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lanesboro. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lanesboro
Bright Horizons at Scranton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Scranton offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and ongoing professional development. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through play-based activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals and snacks. The center serves families throughout the Scranton area, including those commuting from Lanesboro.
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The Goddard School of Scranton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Scranton provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their highly trained teachers implement STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and focus on developing critical thinking skills. The facility features secure keypad entry, sanitization protocols, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios. The school serves families across Lackawanna County, including Lanesboro residents.
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Kiddie Academy of Scranton
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Scranton implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The center features state-licensed teachers with CPR and First Aid certification, and offers technology-integrated learning stations. Their safety measures include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The academy provides family communication through daily reports and parent engagement activities. Located conveniently near major highways, it serves families from Lanesboro and surrounding communities with flexible full-time and part-time care options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lanesboro, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Lanesboro, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lanesboro and the surrounding Susquehanna County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, around $700 to $950 per month. Preschool programs often cost between $600 and $850 monthly. These rates are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania metros but reflect local economic conditions. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Susquehanna County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify that a daycare or childcare home in Lanesboro is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed or certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, including any reported violations, you can use the state's publicly accessible "Child Care Finder" tool online. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (16432 for Lanesboro). This report will show their license type, capacity, and results of recent inspections. You can also contact the Northeast Regional Key, which serves Susquehanna County, for additional guidance and referrals to licensed providers in our rural area.
Given Lanesboro's rural setting, what are the main types of childcare options available, and are waitlists common?
Due to Lanesboro's small, rural community, options are limited but typically include: 1) Licensed Group Child Care Centers, often located in nearby towns like Susquehanna or Hallstead; 2) Licensed Family Child Care Homes, which are smaller, home-based settings within the community; and 3) Part-day preschool programs, sometimes affiliated with local churches or community organizations. Waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and at the more sought-after facilities. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6-12 months before you need care, particularly if you require full-time infant or toddler placement.
What should I look for in a daycare that accommodates the specific needs of a family in a rural area like Lanesboro, such as transportation or flexible hours for commuting parents?
For rural families, key practical considerations include: **Transportation:** Very few daycares in the area offer pickup/drop-off services. You will likely need to provide all transportation, so proximity to your home or commute route is crucial. **Hours of Operation:** Many centers close by 5:30 or 6:00 PM. If you have a long commute to jobs in Binghamton, NY, or Scranton, PA, seek out providers with extended hours or discuss early drop-off/late pick-up options. **Weather Policies:** Inquire about closures or delays due to severe winter weather, which is common, and their communication plan. **Community Connection:** A smaller, home-based provider may offer more flexibility and understanding of rural life challenges than a larger center.
Are there any state-funded early learning programs like Pre-K Counts or Head Start available to Lanesboro residents?
Yes, eligible families in Lanesboro can access Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs, though they may require travel to neighboring communities. These free or low-cost programs are designed for 3- and 4-year-olds from income-eligible families. The local grantee for Head Start and Early Head Start in Susquehanna County is typically the Northern Tier Community Action Corporation (NTCAC). Pre-K Counts is administered through local school districts or eligible childcare providers. You should contact the Susquehanna Community School District or the NTCAC directly to check availability, eligibility requirements, and program locations, as these are often centralized in larger towns within the county.