The Best Daycare Centers in Plymouth, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Plymouth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Plymouth
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Kingston serves the Plymouth area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning through STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their focus on individual development tracking and their highly qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offer nutritious meal programs.
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Kiddie Academy of Forty Fort
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy serves the Plymouth community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning through structured play and technology integration. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated playgrounds for different age groups. They stand out for their comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills and health screening procedures. Their staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing training in child development best practices.
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The Growing Place Child Development Center
Independent Center
The Growing Place serves Plymouth families with a developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances academic preparation with social skills development. Their program includes Montessori-inspired learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and hands-on science exploration. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, spacious indoor play areas, and age-specific outdoor playgrounds. What makes them exceptional is their low student-to-teacher ratios and their commitment to inclusive education. They offer extended hours and provide daily communication to parents about their child's progress and activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Plymouth, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Plymouth, PA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Plymouth, PA, 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 registration certificate. Licensing involves rigorous inspections for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and staff qualifications. To verify a facility's compliance and view any recent inspection reports, you can use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online. You can also contact the DHS Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Luzerne County, to ask about a specific provider's status or history.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Plymouth, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Plymouth area and greater Luzerne County, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from **$800 to $1,100 per month**. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. 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 Luzerne County Assistance Office. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Wyoming Valley may offer guidance or supplemental support. It's crucial to ask individual daycare centers if they accept subsidy payments, as not all providers participate.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Plymouth, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to limited high-quality options in the Plymouth area, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at reputable centers can be **6 to 12 months long**. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists **as soon as you know you are expecting or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date**. Some popular centers in the region may have even longer waits. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring licensed family daycare homes can sometimes offer shorter wait times.
Are there any daycare centers in Plymouth that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in healthcare, manufacturing, or logistics?
Finding childcare for evening, overnight, or weekend shifts is a significant challenge in Plymouth. While most traditional centers operate Monday-Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, a few **licensed group daycare homes or smaller centers** in the region may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate local workers from the healthcare sector or warehouses. Your best strategy is to use the Pennsylvania Child Care Finder and filter for "Programs with Non-Traditional Hours." You may also need to consider arranging a nanny share with other local shift-working families, as 24/7 center-based care is very rare in this specific market.
What should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan, especially given Plymouth's location in the Wyoming Valley?
Given Plymouth's history with flooding from the Susquehanna River and its general winter weather, a robust emergency plan is essential. When touring facilities, ask specifically about: **1) Evacuation procedures and designated relocation sites** (especially to higher ground), **2) Communication protocols** for parents during floods, snow emergencies, or power outages, **3) Shelter-in-place supplies**, and **4) Staff training** on these plans. A high-quality center will have detailed, written plans that comply with PA DHS regulations and will conduct regular drills. Also, inquire about their policy for early closure or delayed opening due to severe weather common in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Childcare Insights for Plymouth
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. If you're searching for "infant daycare near me" in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, you're likely looking for a place that feels like a second home for your little one—a nurturing environment close to where you live and work. The good news is that the Plymouth area and the wider Wyoming Valley offer several options, each with its own unique approach to those precious first years. Starting your search locally means you can find a convenient location that minimizes your commute, giving you more precious moments with your baby before and after work.
When exploring infant daycare in Plymouth, it's important to consider what makes our community special. Many local providers understand the rhythms of life here in Luzerne County, from the changing seasons along the Susquehanna River to the close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere that defines the area. A key first step is to visit potential centers in person. This allows you to see the cleanliness of the space, observe how caregivers interact with the infants, and get a genuine feel for the daily routine. Look for a low caregiver-to-infant ratio, which is crucial for individualized attention; Pennsylvania state licensing requires specific ratios, but the best centers often strive for even smaller groups. Don't hesitate to ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and their philosophy on feeding, sleeping, and developmental activities.
Given Plymouth's location, you might also consider expanding your search slightly into neighboring communities like Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, or Edwardsville for more choices. Many parents in Plymouth find this balance works well, especially if their commute takes them in those directions. While you search, tap into local networks for recommendations. Connecting with other parents at the Plymouth Borough Park or through community Facebook groups can provide honest, firsthand insights that you won't find online. Ask about their experiences with local daycares regarding communication, safety, and how their child has thrived.
Remember to inquire about practicalities specific to infant care. This includes policies on breastmilk storage and preparation, their process for introducing solid foods, and how they document and share details about your baby's day, from diaper changes to nap times. A quality infant daycare in the Plymouth area will prioritize open communication, sending you photos or little updates to give you peace of mind while you're apart. Finally, trust your instincts during your visits. The right place will not only meet all safety and licensing standards but will also feel warm, secure, and engaging. Your search for the perfect infant daycare in Plymouth, PA, is about finding a trusted partner in your child's early journey, right here in our own community.