The Best Daycare Centers in Minisink Hills, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Minisink Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Minisink Hills
The Goddard School of Stroudsburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Stroudsburg offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with low student-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. Parents praise the consistent communication, experienced staff, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured access and thorough cleaning procedures.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Stroudsburg
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Stroudsburg provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that aligns with Pennsylvania learning standards. The center features dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms focused on kindergarten readiness. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, commercial-grade kitchen providing nutritious meals, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents consistently highlight the center's structured learning environment, experienced leadership team, and strong focus on social-emotional development.
Daycare Services:
Creative Learning Child Care Center
Creative Learning Child Care Center
Creative Learning Child Care Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized attention. The center features dedicated infant rooms with primary caregiver assignments, toddler classrooms with sensory learning stations, and preschool programs focused on literacy and math readiness. Their qualified teaching staff maintains small group sizes and implements comprehensive safety protocols including secured facilities and health monitoring. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play spaces, and enrichment programs including music and movement. Parents consistently praise the warm, family-like atmosphere, experienced teachers, and strong focus on child development milestones.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Minisink Hills, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Minisink Hills, PA, and what factors influence the price?
In Minisink Hills and the surrounding Pocono region, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care is generally between $900 and $1,200 per month. These costs are influenced by several local factors. Center-based programs are often at the higher end of the range, while licensed home-based daycares may be more affordable. The specific age of your child, the program's hours (e.g., extended care beyond 6 PM), and whether meals/snacks are included will affect the price. Additionally, programs that offer structured early learning curricula or have particularly low child-to-staff ratios may charge a premium. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about any registration or supply fees, which are common in Pennsylvania.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Minisink Hills?
All childcare providers in Minisink Hills must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through two key resources. First, use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website, which allows you to search by location and view a provider's license status, capacity, and any recent inspection reports. Second, you can contact the **Northeast Regional Key** (serving Monroe County, where Minisink Hills is located) for additional support and information. When visiting a potential daycare, don't hesitate to ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted. Reviewing inspection reports is crucial, as they detail any non-compliance issues related to health, safety, staff qualifications, and program standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in the Minisink Hills area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers and highly-regarded home-based providers in the Minisink Hills/Stroudsburg area, especially for infant care slots, which are limited by state ratios. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **at least 6 to 12 months** before their needed start date. For infant care, starting inquiries during pregnancy is not uncommon. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to be on it? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes in residential neighborhoods, can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Minisink Hills?
While full-time care is most prevalent, several options for part-time or flexible care exist in the Minisink Hills area. Many licensed home daycare providers offer more flexible arrangements, such as 2-3 days per week, which can be ideal for parents with non-traditional or rotating work schedules. Some larger centers in nearby East Stroudsburg or Stroudsburg may offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5, but infant and toddler part-time slots are rarer. Another growing option is utilizing local **nanny shares** with other families in the community, coordinated privately or through regional parenting groups on social media. For occasional or backup care, services like Care.com can help connect you with local babysitters, though these are not regulated daycare substitutes.
What local resources or organizations in Monroe County can help me find and evaluate childcare?
Parents in Minisink Hills have several valuable local resources. The primary organization is the **Northeast Regional Key**, which is the state-designated Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Monroe County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed childcare, help parents understand quality indicators (like Keystone STARS ratings), and provide information on subsidy programs like Child Care Works if you qualify. Additionally, connecting with the **Pocono Parents Network** on Facebook or other community groups can provide word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into local providers. For evaluating quality, look for programs participating in Pennsylvania's **Keystone STARS** quality rating system—a higher STAR rating (1-4) indicates a commitment to exceeding minimum licensing standards in areas like learning environment and staff education.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Minisink Hills: