The Best Daycare Centers in Lawton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lawton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lawton
Bright Horizons at Scranton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Scranton offers a comprehensive emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while building foundational skills. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in child development. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and STEM activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals through their partnership with a professional food service. The center is NAEYC-accredited and maintains a 4-star Keystone STARS rating.
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The Learning Experience - Scranton
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience features their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their phonics-based early literacy program and mathematics curriculum provide strong academic foundations. The center includes state-of-the-art security systems, including coded entry and surveillance monitoring. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility offers large, bright classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Their enrichment programs include music, yoga, and manners curriculum, with flexible scheduling options for working families.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Dickson City
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Dickson City provides a research-based curriculum that aligns with Pennsylvania early learning standards. Their approach focuses on whole-child development through structured learning centers and play-based activities. The center maintains small class sizes with low teacher-to-child ratios and employs teachers with early childhood education degrees and certifications. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor play spaces. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their partnership with a professional nutrition program and maintain open communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lawton, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lawton, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lawton, Pennsylvania, all childcare facilities serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes, group childcare homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training in child abuse recognition and CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history or inspection reports, you can use the DHS's publicly accessible **Child Care Finder** tool online. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the Lawton area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state supervision.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in the Lawton area, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Lawton region of Pennsylvania, the cost of full-time daycare can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, infant care typically ranges from **$1,000 to $1,400 per month**, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around **$900 to $1,200 per month**. Family childcare homes often offer more affordable rates, potentially $100-$300 less per month. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, or training). You can apply through the local County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Lawton, and how far in advance should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers and highly-regarded in-home providers in and around Lawton, PA, especially for infant care slots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Due to high demand and limited capacity, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move **begin their search 6 to 12 months in advance** of their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age care, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical but still advisable. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family homes, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are some key local factors to consider when touring a daycare in Lawton, such as outdoor space or inclement weather policies?
Lawton's climate and rural/suburban setting present specific considerations. When touring, ask about **outdoor play areas**: Are they fenced, shaded, and equipped with age-appropriate structures? Given Pennsylvania's weather, inquire about the policy for outdoor time in colder months and rainy days—what indoor gross motor activities are provided? Also, consider the facility's location relative to major roads and its **pick-up/drop-off procedure** for safety. For in-home providers, ask about their emergency preparedness plan for power outages or severe storms, which can be more common in this region. Finally, given the area's mix of residential and agricultural land, it's wise to ask about pest control policies to ensure a clean and safe environment.
Beyond basic licensing, are there quality indicators or accreditations specific to Pennsylvania that I should look for in a Lawton daycare?
Absolutely. The most important quality indicator in Pennsylvania is the **Keystone STARS Quality Rating and Improvement System**. This voluntary program rates early learning programs from STAR 1 (meeting licensing standards) to STAR 4 (exceeding standards with high-quality practices). A higher STAR rating indicates better staff education, lower child-to-staff ratios, a richer learning environment, and stronger family engagement. Seeking a program with a STAR 3 or STAR 4 rating is a great way to identify high-quality care in the Lawton area. You can filter for STAR ratings on the state's Child Care Finder website. Additionally, some programs may hold national accreditations like NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), though these are less common in smaller communities like Lawton.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lawton: