The Best Daycare Centers in Pittston, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Pittston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Pittston
The Children's Learning Center of Pittston
The Children's Learning Center
The Children's Learning Center of Pittston is a highly-regarded local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum focused on developmental milestones, with certified early childhood educators providing individualized attention. The center emphasizes hands-on learning through play-based activities, STEM exploration, and literacy development. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Their facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and safe outdoor play spaces. The center stands out for its strong parent communication system, nutritious meal program, and commitment to creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's social, emotional, and academic growth.
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The Learning Experience - Pittston
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Pittston is part of a nationally recognized early education franchise with a proven curriculum called L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program). The center features state-certified teachers with specialized early childhood education training and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their program includes foreign language exposure, philanthropy lessons, manners and etiquette training, and advanced kindergarten readiness. The facility includes modern security systems, sanitization protocols, and age-specific learning environments with interactive technology. Parents consistently praise the center's communication through daily digital reports, regular parent-teacher conferences, and the visible progress children make in both academic and social skills development.
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Kindercare Learning Center at Wilkes-Barre
Kindercare Education
While located in nearby Wilkes-Barre, this Kindercare Learning Center serves families throughout the Greater Pittston area and is part of one of America's largest early childhood education providers. The center offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, featuring phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics exploration, and science discovery. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, classroom cameras, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. Kindercare stands out for their inclusive approach, nutritious meal programs, and strong track record of preparing children for elementary school success through their proprietary curriculum and assessment tools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Pittston, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Pittston, PA?
In Pittston and the surrounding Luzerne County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $225 to $350 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $200 to $300 per week. Home-based family childcare is often slightly more affordable, ranging from $160 to $250 per week. It's important to note that these are average estimates; premium centers with extensive curricula or extended hours may charge more. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families in Pittston to help offset these costs, and many local providers accept it.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Pittston?
All childcare providers in Pittston must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their compliance history is through the state's publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. You can search by provider name, city (Pittston), or zip code. This tool shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and, crucially, the results of all recent inspections, including any violations and their corrective actions. You can also contact the Northeast Regional Office of OCDEL for additional information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Pittston, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Pittston, especially for infants due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For this reason, it is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin touring facilities and applying during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, seeking placement 3-6 months in advance is advisable. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees (which are typically non-refundable and range from $25-$100) and how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
What are some of the key local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in Pittston?
Parents in Pittston have several valuable local resources. The primary hub is the **Luzerne County Child Development** program, which administers the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pre-K Counts programs for income-eligible families. They can provide referrals. Another essential resource is the **Pennsylvania Keys to Quality** website, which details the state's quality rating system (STARS). You can find providers with high STAR ratings (3 or 4) in your area, indicating higher quality standards. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media (like "NEPA Moms" or "Pittston Area Community" pages) are excellent for getting personal recommendations and insights from other parents.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare or preschool in Pittston?
When touring a facility in Pittston, go beyond the basics. First, ensure the license is visibly posted. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, including secure outdoor play areas. Crucially, watch how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and the specific curriculum for your child's age group. Inquire about their policies for sick children, emergency procedures, and daily communication with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). Given Pittston's weather, ask about indoor gross motor activities for rainy or cold days. Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and whether your child seems comfortable there.