The Best Daycare Centers in Old Forge, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Old Forge. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Old Forge
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Scranton serves the Old Forge area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, art, and social skills. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the professional, caring staff with extensive early childhood education credentials.
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La Petite Academy of Scranton
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy serves Old Forge families with their proprietary School Readiness Pathway curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success. The facility features secure keypad entry, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-specific learning centers. Their program emphasizes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social-emotional learning. The center employs qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and provides regular parent-teacher conferences. Additional features include nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and transportation for school-age children to local elementary schools.
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Kiddie City Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie City Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services to Old Forge area families with a focus on individualized development and hands-on learning. Their curriculum combines structured academic preparation with play-based activities, including the Creative Curriculum system. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and separate playgrounds for different age groups. Staff members hold early childhood education certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is noted for its family-like atmosphere, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on communication through daily updates and parent portals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Old Forge, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Old Forge, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Old Forge, as part of Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children also require a license. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the DHS's online **Child Care Finder** tool or by contacting the Northeast Regional Office of OCDEL, which oversees Lackawanna County. Always ask to see a current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Old Forge, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Old Forge and greater Scranton area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$225 to $325 per week**, while toddler care may cost **$200 to $280 per week**. Costs vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff ratios. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and need. You can apply through the Lackawanna County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring about potential support through employer-sponsored Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Old Forge, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists in Old Forge can vary significantly but are common, especially for infant rooms in highly regarded centers. It's not unusual for waitlists to be **3 to 9 months long**. We strongly recommend starting your search **6 to 12 months** before you need care, particularly if you are seeking an infant spot. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Some smaller in-home providers may have shorter or no waitlists, so exploring all options is key.
Are there any unique or popular types of childcare programs specific to the Old Forge community?
Yes, Old Forge and the surrounding Lackawanna County area offer several community-oriented options. Many local daycare centers participate in Pennsylvania's **Pre-K Counts** or **Head Start** programs, which provide free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. Given the strong community ties, you'll also find home-based providers who have served local families for generations. Furthermore, several centers incorporate elements of the region's cultural heritage and may participate in local events like the Old Forge Days. Some providers also offer "wrap-around" care for children attending the Old Forge School District's half-day kindergarten program.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in Old Forge, and are there any local red flags?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, safety (secured exits, covered outlets, safe playground equipment), and how staff interact with children. Ask about staff turnover, emergency procedures, and their sick policy. In Old Forge specifically, be sure to inquire about their plan for **inclement weather**, as Northeast PA winters can be severe. A local red flag would be a provider who cannot produce a current PA DHS license or is evasive about showing inspection reports. Also, be cautious of providers operating significantly below the local average cost without clear reason, as this may indicate they are cutting corners on staffing or quality. Trust your instincts about the environment and check online reviews and local parent groups on social media for unfiltered feedback.
Childcare Insights for Old Forge
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to know your child is safe, happy, and thriving while you’re away. For parents in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, the search for the "best childcare near me" is deeply personal and rooted in our community's values of warmth, reliability, and strong foundations. The good news is that the Old Forge area offers several wonderful options, from dedicated in-home providers to established centers, each with its own unique approach to nurturing young minds.
Your search should begin by considering what "best" means for your family’s specific rhythm. Are you looking for the structured learning environment of a preschool program, or the flexible, home-like setting of a family daycare? Many excellent providers in and around Old Forge offer a blend of both, with schedules that understand the demands of local work commutes to Scranton or nearby industrial parks. A crucial first step is to tap into the local network. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations at the Old Forge Library during story hour, or from other parents at the town park or community events. Personal word-of-mouth referrals in a close-knit community like ours often lead to the most trusted and beloved caregivers.
When you begin visiting potential places, look for signs of a engaging and safe environment specific to our area. A quality provider will have clear plans for both vibrant play and quiet time, and will happily discuss how they incorporate local elements, like seasonal changes in the Poconos or community celebrations, into their days. Inquire about their policies on outdoor play, as having safe, enclosed spaces for children to enjoy fresh air is a priority. Given Pennsylvania’s licensing requirements, always verify that the provider is properly licensed through the Department of Human Services, which ensures they meet important health, safety, and staff training standards.
Remember, the best fit often comes down to a feeling of partnership and open communication. Schedule a time to visit with your child, if possible, and observe how the staff interacts with the children already in their care. Do they get down on the child’s level? Is the atmosphere calm and joyful? Ask about daily routines, how they handle discipline, and their philosophy on early learning. For infants and toddlers, details like feeding and nap schedules are paramount. Trust your instincts during these visits; you know your child best.
Finally, consider logistics that matter in Old Forge. Is the location convenient for your daily route? How do they handle delays, especially during our Northeastern Pennsylvania winters? Understanding these practical details will bring daily peace of mind. Finding childcare is a journey, but by focusing on safety, philosophy, and that essential sense of trust, you can find a wonderful partner in your child’s early years right here in our community. The right provider will not just be a place your child goes, but an extension of your family’s support system in Old Forge.