The Best Daycare Centers in Moscow, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Moscow. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Moscow
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clarks Summit serves the Moscow area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with hands-on learning centers. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, nurturing environment, and strong academic foundation preparation.
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La Petite Academy of Scranton
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy serves Moscow area families with their proprietary School Readiness Pathway curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured access and regular safety drills. Their program includes daily progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and a balanced approach to learning through play and structured activities. The facility offers both indoor and outdoor learning environments, nutritious meal programs, and extended hours to accommodate working families.
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Growing Years Child Development Center
Independent
Growing Years Child Development Center provides high-quality early childhood education to Moscow area families with a focus on individualized learning and whole-child development. Their curriculum combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning standards, emphasizing hands-on exploration and social-emotional growth. The center features highly qualified staff with CPR/first aid certification and ongoing training in child development best practices. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and maintained low child-to-teacher ratios. Parents appreciate the warm, family-like atmosphere and the center's commitment to developing confident, curious learners through structured yet flexible daily routines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Moscow, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Moscow, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Moscow, PA, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $200 to $275 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families in Lackawanna County. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or schooling). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's recommended to contact the Lackawanna County Assistance Office or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website to apply for CCW and to get a current list of approved providers in the Moscow area.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Moscow, PA?
All childcare providers in Moscow must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location (like Moscow, PA 18444), or type. It displays the license status, capacity, ages served, and, crucially, the results of recent inspections, including any violations and corrective actions taken. You can also call the DHS Northeast Regional Office at (570) 963-4591 for assistance. Always ask a provider for their license number and cross-reference it online before enrolling your child.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Moscow, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many licensed daycare centers and quality home-based providers in the Moscow area often have waitlists that can be several months long. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before your needed start date. Be proactive by contacting multiple providers to get on their lists, even if they are your second choice. Follow up with a polite phone call or email every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Covington Township or Daleville for more options. Being flexible with your start date by a week or two can also sometimes help you secure an opening.
What are the main differences between family childcare homes and childcare centers available in Moscow?
In Moscow, parents typically choose between two licensed options: Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers. **Family Child Care Homes** are operated in the provider's residence, are smaller (caring for 4-12 children depending on age), and often offer a more home-like, mixed-age setting with potentially more flexible hours. They are common in residential areas of Moscow. **Child Care Centers** are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with multiple classrooms, more structured curricula, and larger staff teams. They may have more resources and equipment but can feel less personal. Centers in Moscow must meet strict state ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), while homes have different ratio rules. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your preference for environment.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Moscow, PA?
When touring a daycare in Moscow, go beyond the basics. First, observe the **cleanliness and safety**: check for secure entrances, covered electrical outlets, safe sleep practices for infants (cribs with firm mattresses, no loose bedding), and age-appropriate toys. Second, watch the **interactions**: Are caregivers engaged at the children's level, speaking kindly, and responding to needs promptly? Third, ask about their **policies**: What is their sick-child policy, discipline approach, and emergency plan for things like fires or severe weather common to Northeastern PA? Fourth, inquire about **daily routines** including outdoor play (weather permitting), meal provisions, and nap schedules. Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere—it should feel warm, organized, and welcoming. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Moscow-area parents.
Childcare Insights for Moscow
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes. It’s about more than just a location; it’s about finding a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can thrive while you’re at work. If you’re a parent in Moscow, Pennsylvania, typing “daycare near me” into your search bar, you’re likely looking for options that blend the convenience of a local setting with the quality and peace of mind you deserve. The good news is that the Moscow area and the broader Pocono region offer a variety of childcare solutions to fit different family needs and schedules.
When searching for daycare in Moscow, a key local consideration is the blend of community feel and accessibility. Many families here appreciate smaller, home-based daycare providers that offer a family-like atmosphere, which can be a wonderful fit for infants and toddlers needing a cozy transition from home. These are often found through personal recommendations at local spots like the Moscow Marketplace or through community boards. Simultaneously, there are established childcare centers in nearby towns such as Scranton or Mount Pocono that provide structured preschool curricula and extended hours, which might be ideal for working parents with longer commutes along Interstate 380. Visiting any potential daycare is crucial. Pay attention not just to the facilities, but to how the caregivers interact with the children. Are they engaged on the floor, or are they distant? Trust your instincts during these visits.
Given our Northeastern Pennsylvania climate, it’s also wise to ask about outdoor play policies. A quality daycare in Moscow will have safe, enclosed outdoor spaces and a plan for active play in all but the most severe weather, as fresh mountain air is a wonderful part of growing up here. Don’t forget to inquire about their protocols for snow days or delayed openings, as this will directly impact your own work schedule during the winter months. Another practical step is to check with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for licensing records and any compliance history of the centers you are considering. This public information offers an important baseline for safety and standards.
Finally, tap into the local network. Other parents in the North Pocono School District are an invaluable resource. Consider asking for insights in community Facebook groups or at the Moscow Public Library. They can provide honest feedback about their experiences with punctuality, communication, and how their child has developed. Remember, the best “daycare near me” for your family is one that aligns with your child’s personality and your family’s values. It may take a few visits and conversations, but finding that right fit in our community will provide a solid foundation for your child’s early learning and give you the confidence to start your day. Your search is the first step in building a supportive partnership for your child’s growth right here in Moscow.