The Best Daycare Centers in Mills, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mills
KinderCare Learning Center at Scranton
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare in Scranton offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with staff holding degrees in early childhood education and ongoing training in safety protocols like CPR and first aid. Facilities include secure keypad entry, age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play areas, and a nutrition program that provides balanced meals. Parents praise the center's strong communication and developmental tracking, making it a trusted choice for families in the Mills area.
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The Goddard School of Clarks Summit
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clarks Summit provides a play-based learning environment rooted in the Goddard LifeReady® learning system, which focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities. The center boasts highly qualified teachers with early childhood certifications and maintains rigorous safety standards, including secured facilities and regular health inspections. Features include spacious classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and a focus on individualized learning plans. High parent satisfaction stems from its engaging curriculum and strong community involvement, serving families from Mills and surrounding regions.
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Tunkhannock Child Care Center
Independent
Tunkhannock Child Care Center is a locally owned facility known for its nurturing environment and developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes hands-on learning, creative arts, and language development. The center emphasizes small class sizes and qualified staff with backgrounds in early childhood education, along with robust safety measures like surveillance systems and emergency drills. It offers nutritious snacks and meals, ample outdoor play space, and regular parent-teacher conferences. Its community-focused approach and consistent high ratings make it a reliable option for Mills residents seeking quality childcare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mills, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Mills, Pennsylvania, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Mills, 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 (caring for 4-6 children) and group childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and health requirements. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history, you can use the DHS's **Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the **Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 6**, which serves Potter County where Mills is located. It's always recommended to ask the provider for their license number and check their status directly.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mills, PA, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Mills and broader Potter County area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major urban centers in PA but can vary. For an infant, you might expect an average of **$150-$225 per week**, while toddler care may range from **$130-$200 per week**. These are estimates, and prices depend on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and specific services offered. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is available for eligible families. You apply through the **ELRC Region 6**. Additionally, local organizations or employers may offer assistance, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers about any sliding scale options or local scholarships.
Are daycare waitlists common in Mills, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Given that Mills is a smaller, rural community in Potter County, the number of licensed daycare providers is limited. While waitlists may not be as extensive or lengthy as in large cities, they are still common for infant care and popular, well-regarded providers. It is strongly advised to **begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care**, especially if you require an infant spot. For more immediate or flexible needs, exploring registered family childcare homes in the area may yield shorter wait times. Contacting multiple providers to get on their interest lists as early as possible is the best strategy.
What are the options for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Mills, PA?
Finding part-time or non-traditional hour care (evenings, weekends) in a rural area like Mills can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, daytime schedule. Your best options are likely to be **licensed family childcare homes**, which may offer more flexible arrangements by individual agreement. Some providers might offer half-day or 2-3 day per week schedules. For shift work or irregular hours, you may need to explore informal networks, nanny shares with other local families, or inquire if any providers offer "drop-in" care. Clearly communicating your specific schedule needs early in your search is crucial.
What resources are available in Mills to help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare?
The primary local resource is the **Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 6**. They offer free **Child Care Referral Services** and can provide a list of licensed providers in the Mills/Potter County area. They can also guide you on what to look for during a visit. Pennsylvania also has a **Keystone STARS** quality rating system. When visiting a potential daycare, ask if they participate in STARS (a 1-4 star rating) as this indicates a commitment to quality beyond basic licensing. Additionally, talk to other parents in the community, check online parent groups for Potter County, and always schedule an in-person tour to observe the environment, ask about curriculum, and meet the staff.