The Best Daycare Centers in Peckville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Peckville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Peckville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clarks Summit is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Peckville area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with keypad entry systems. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills, with daily updates provided to parents through a proprietary mobile app. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign language.
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Kiddie Academy of Scranton
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Scranton provides educational childcare serving the Peckville community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features degreed lead teachers, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills. Their program includes technology-integrated learning, nutritious meal programs, and structured developmental assessments. The facility offers spacious classrooms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated areas for different age groups. Parent communication includes daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences to track developmental milestones.
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Small Wonders Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders Daycare & Learning Center is a well-established local provider in Peckville offering personalized care with a focus on early childhood development. The center provides a structured daily routine that includes circle time, arts and crafts, music and movement, and outdoor play. Their educational approach emphasizes social skills development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness. The facility maintains small class sizes with experienced caregivers, many of whom have been with the center for over a decade. Safety features include secure access, monitored playground areas, and strict health and hygiene protocols. The center serves as a community hub with strong parent involvement and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Peckville, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Peckville, PA?
In Peckville and the surrounding Lackawanna County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 and $300 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $200 to $275 per week. In-home family childcare providers in residential areas of Peckville may offer slightly lower rates, often ranging from $160 to $240 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh but are consistent with the Northeastern PA region. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Peckville is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Peckville, 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 inspection history online through the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. This public tool allows you to search by provider name or zip code (like Peckville's 18452) and view their license status, recent inspection reports, and any regulatory compliance notes. You can also contact the Northeast Regional Office of OCDEL for additional information. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current certificate of compliance, which must be posted in a visible location.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Peckville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to a limited number of dedicated daycare centers within Peckville proper, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before your needed start date. For popular centers, you may need to get on a list even earlier. Many parents in the area also expand their search to neighboring communities like Blakely, Olyphant, and Dickson City, which may have more options. In-home family childcare providers may have more immediate or flexible openings, but their capacity is much smaller. Contacting providers directly to ask about their current waitlist length and policy is the best approach.
What local resources or referral services are available to help parents in Peckville find and choose childcare?
The primary resource for Lackawanna County parents is the **Child Care Information Services (CCIS) of Lackawanna County**. CCIS is a state-subsidized agency that maintains a database of licensed providers, offers personalized referrals based on your needs (location, hours, child's age), and can determine if you qualify for childcare subsidy assistance. They are located in Scranton and serve all of Lackawanna County, including Peckville. Additionally, local pediatrician offices, community centers like the Peckville Assembly of God, and Facebook community groups (e.g., "Peckville, PA Community Board") are often used by parents to get personal recommendations and learn about smaller, home-based providers.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Peckville specific to local considerations?
Beyond standard questions, consider asking these locally relevant questions: 1. **"What is your plan for snow days or inclement weather, given our Northeastern PA winters?"** (Closures can be frequent). 2. **"Do you participate in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating program, and what is your current STAR level?"** (This indicates a commitment to quality beyond minimum licensing). 3. **"Are outdoor play times dependent on using a shared community space or do you have a dedicated, fenced outdoor area?"** (Space can be limited in a borough like Peckville). 4. **"What is your policy and experience with managing allergies, given the high prevalence of seasonal allergies in this region?"** 5. **"Can you provide references from other local families in the Valley View or Lakeland school districts?"** Getting feedback from neighbors can be invaluable.