The Best Daycare Centers in Montandon, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montandon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montandon
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lewisburg provides a premier early childhood education program serving the Montandon area with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed facility features dedicated infant rooms with low teacher-to-child ratios, STEM-focused learning centers, and secure indoor/outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes safety with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts with daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Lewisburg
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Lewisburg offers comprehensive early childhood education serving Montandon families with research-based curriculum focusing on whole-child development. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and social skills development. The center features age-appropriate classrooms with learning centers, secure outdoor playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in child development best practices. Safety protocols include keypad entry systems, regular security assessments, and comprehensive health and cleanliness procedures. The center provides flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent partnerships through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Play & Learn Early Learning Center
Independent
Play & Learn Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility serving Montandon with a play-based educational approach that emphasizes hands-on learning and social development. The center holds a Keystone STARS 4 rating, Pennsylvania's highest quality recognition for early learning programs. Their curriculum integrates Creative Curriculum with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative expression. The facility features modern classrooms with natural lighting, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. Teachers maintain low child-to-staff ratios and participate in continuous professional development. The center is known for its inclusive environment, strong community connections, and comprehensive parent communication system.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montandon, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Montandon, PA, and how do I verify their licensing status?
In Montandon and the surrounding Northumberland County area, your primary licensed options are family childcare homes (cared for in a provider's residence, typically smaller groups) and childcare centers. Pennsylvania's licensing is managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify the license, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history of any provider by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the Pennsylvania DHS website or by contacting the regional OCDEL office that serves Northumberland County. Always ask to see a provider's current certificate of compliance during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in the Montandon area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlist times can vary significantly. Centers in nearby hubs like Sunbury or Lewisburg may have longer waitlists, especially for infant care, which is in highest demand. Smaller family daycare homes in Montandon itself might have more immediate or flexible openings but fill quickly. It's strongly advised to begin your search and make inquiries at least 6-9 months before your needed start date, particularly for infants. When you tour a facility, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to be listed, how often they update parents on position, and if they offer priority to siblings or employees of local businesses.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Montandon, PA?
Costs are influenced by the type of care and the child's age. For Montandon and the Northumberland County region, you can expect the following approximate weekly ranges: Licensed family childcare homes often charge between $160-$220 per week for full-time care. Childcare centers in nearby towns typically range from $200-$280 per week for infants/toddlers. Infant care is generally the most expensive. Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families to help offset costs. You can check your eligibility through the COMPASS website or your County Assistance Office.
What are the staff-to-child ratio requirements for daycare in Pennsylvania, and how can I ensure a provider is meeting them?
Pennsylvania has strict, age-based ratios set by state regulations. For example, for infants (0-1 year), the ratio is 1 staff member to 4 children. For toddlers (1-2 years), it's 1:5, and for 2-year-olds, it's 1:6. These ratios must be maintained at all times. During your visit, observe the classrooms and ask the director how they maintain ratios during staff breaks or emergencies. A reputable center or home will be transparent about this. The provider's most recent DHS inspection report, which you can find online, will also note any past violations related to ratios, giving you a clear record of compliance.
Given Montandon's more rural setting, are there part-time or non-traditional hour childcare options available for parents with shift work?
Finding part-time or evening/weekend care in a smaller community like Montandon can be challenging, as most providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, daytime schedule. Your best bets are to inquire directly with local family childcare home providers, as they may offer more flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, explore networks or nanny shares with other parents in the area. For parents working at major local employers like the nearby hospitals or distribution centers, it's worth asking if they have any partnerships with or recommendations for providers accommodating shift work. Resources like the Central Pennsylvania Child Care Resource & Referral agency can also help search for providers with atypical hours.