The Best Daycare Centers in Olyphant, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Olyphant. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Olyphant
Bright Horizons at PNC Plaza
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at PNC Plaza is a NAEYC-accredited center offering a comprehensive early education curriculum that emphasizes language development, literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum incorporates STEM activities, creative arts, and physical development. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, professional staff, and the visible developmental progress children make.
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The Learning Experience - Dunmore
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Dunmore offers a proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with social skills development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Their programs include early literacy, mathematics, science, and foreign language exposure. The facility includes indoor gymnasiums, modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. Parents highlight the center's clean facilities, engaging activities, and the caring, attentive teaching staff.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Scranton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Scranton provides a play-based learning environment grounded in current childhood development research. Their F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program balances academic readiness with social development and creative expression. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and classrooms equipped with learning centers. All teachers meet or exceed state qualifications and participate in continuous professional development. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and technology integration. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's communication, safety protocols, and the individual attention children receive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Olyphant, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Olyphant, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Olyphant, 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, safety procedures, and facility health standards. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the DHS **Child Care Finder** website or call the Northeast Regional OCDEL office. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Olyphant, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Olyphant and broader Lackawanna County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$900 to $1,200 per month**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$800 and $1,100 per month**. Home-based daycare may be more affordable. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and hours. 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, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are daycare waitlists common in Olyphant, and how far in advance should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists for infant care, in particular, are very common in Olyphant and the surrounding Scranton metro area due to high demand and limited infant slots (due to stricter staff-to-child ratios). It is strongly advised to begin your search **6 to 12 months before your needed start date**. For popular centers, waitlists can be a year or longer. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot). Starting early provides more options and reduces last-minute stress.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Olyphant, PA?
Olyphant offers a mix of traditional childcare options. The most common types are: 1. **Licensed Childcare Centers:** These are facility-based programs, often with structured curricula and multiple classrooms (e.g., KinderCare, local church-affiliated centers, or independent schools). 2. **Group or Family Childcare Homes:** Licensed care provided in a caregiver's private home. These often offer a smaller, more home-like setting and can be more flexible. 3. **Pre-K Counts Programs:** Pennsylvania's state-funded pre-kindergarten program for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which may be housed within local childcare centers or school districts. 4. **Part-time Preschool/Nursery Schools:** Often run by churches or community organizations, catering to children ages 3-5. There are relatively fewer large corporate chains in Olyphant itself, with many providers being local, independent businesses or home-based.
Beyond basic care, what are some enrichment or educational programs I can expect from daycares in the Olyphant area?
Many daycare centers in Olyphant and neighboring communities incorporate structured early learning programs aligned with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards. Common enrichments include: - **STREAM/STEM Activities:** Simple science, technology, and math concepts through play. - **Literacy Focus:** Daily reading, phonics awareness, and library visits. - **Physical Activity:** Structured outdoor play and movement programs, important in our region with distinct seasons. - **Social-Emotional Learning:** Programs like Conscious Discipline or Second Step to help with sharing, empathy, and conflict resolution. - **Local Culture:** Some programs may incorporate local history or outings to places like the Lackawanna County Children's Library or Nay Aug Park. Always ask for a sample daily schedule and curriculum overview during tours to compare program offerings.