The Best Daycare Centers in Lewisburg, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lewisburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lewisburg
The Goddard School of Lewisburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lewisburg offers a premier early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach rooted in developmental guidelines. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, and social-emotional skills, delivered by degreed and certified teachers in low student-to-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and enhanced safety protocols like keypad entry and daily health checks. Parent communication is prioritized through regular updates and a proprietary mobile app. The school stands out for its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which encourages creativity and critical thinking, and its commitment to nurturing each child's individual growth in a safe, inclusive environment.
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Lewisburg Children's Center
Non-profit Community Organization
Lewisburg Children's Center is a highly-regarded non-profit facility emphasizing a whole-child developmental approach within a nurturing, community-focused setting. The curriculum integrates play-based and structured activities aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, covering literacy, math, science, and arts. Staff includes experienced educators with backgrounds in early childhood education, and the center maintains low ratios for personalized attention. Safety features include secured access, comprehensive background checks, and routine sanitization. The center is noted for its family engagement events, nutritious meal programs, and flexible scheduling options, fostering a supportive environment that promotes social, emotional, and academic readiness for kindergarten.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Selinsgrove
KinderCare Education LLC
Although located in nearby Selinsgrove, this KinderCare Learning Center serves families in the Lewisburg area with a nationally-recognized curriculum that balances academic readiness and social development. The program includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on math and science activities, and character education, all delivered by qualified teachers with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure, bright classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and strict safety measures such as electronic sign-in and emergency preparedness drills. Parent satisfaction is high due to consistent communication, progress reports, and inclusive community events. KinderCare's emphasis on individualized learning plans and enrichment programs like music and physical education makes it a top choice for comprehensive childcare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lewisburg, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lewisburg, PA?
In Lewisburg and the surrounding Union County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,300 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $800 to $1,150 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $700 to $1,000 monthly. These rates are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like State College or Harrisburg but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). Financial assistance may be available through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families.
Are daycare waitlists common in Lewisburg, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality, licensed daycare centers and popular home-based providers in Lewisburg, especially for infant spots, which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool openings, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. The limited number of providers in a smaller community like Lewisburg contributes to this demand. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is standard practice locally.
What are the key differences between a PA-licensed daycare center, a licensed group home, and a registered family home in Lewisburg?
Pennsylvania has three main types of regulated childcare, all of which you'll find in Lewisburg: 1. **Child Care Center**: Licensed by the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). These are facilities like the Lewisburg Children's Museum preschool or church-based centers. They follow strict guidelines on staff qualifications, group sizes, and safety. 2. **Group Child Care Home**: Licensed for 7-12 children in a residential setting. They must have a director with specific credentials and an assistant. 3. **Family Child Care Home**: Registered for 4-6 children in the provider's home (or fewer if all are related). Regulations are slightly less stringent than for centers. All are inspected by DHS, and you can check their compliance history and license status online via the PA DHS website. Unregulated "informal" care is also an option but does not undergo state oversight.
What local resources in Lewisburg can help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare?
Parents in Lewisburg have several valuable local resources: * **Central Susquehanna Valley Keystone STARS Program**: This is Pennsylvania's quality rating system. You can search for providers in the 17837 zip code and see their STAR rating (1-4), which assesses learning environment, staff qualifications, and leadership. * **SUN Area Technical Institute's Early Childhood Education Program**: While a training school, they sometimes have connections to quality local providers and understand area standards. * **The Lewisburg Children's Museum**: They often have information on local preschools and may host provider fairs. * **Word-of-Mouth & Local Groups**: The "Lewisburg, PA Community" Facebook page and other parent groups are excellent for getting personal recommendations and experiences with specific providers in the area.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Lewisburg, such as for parents with irregular schedules or students at Bucknell University?
Yes, but they can be harder to secure. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer part-time or drop-in care, but most centers in Lewisburg prioritize full-time enrollment. Your best bets for flexibility are: * **Nanny Shares**: Coordinating with another local family to share a nanny is a popular option, especially among Bucknell faculty, staff, and graduate students. * **College Student Caregivers**: Many responsible Bucknell University students are available for babysitting and recurring part-time care. The Bucknell Office can often provide referral lists. * **Specific Centers/Preschools**: Some church-affiliated preschools offer half-day programs (e.g., 9 AM-12 PM), which can be paired with other care. It's crucial to be upfront about your schedule needs when touring facilities, as consistency is a major component of most programs' policies.