The Best Daycare Centers in Pocono Manor, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Pocono Manor. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Pocono Manor
The Goddard School of Stroudsburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Stroudsburg is a highly-regarded early childhood education center located approximately 10 miles from Pocono Manor. They follow the Goddard Systems' F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development through play-based learning. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character enrichment programs. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different developmental stages. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, nurturing environment, and the visible progress in children's learning and social skills.
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Kiddie Academy of Stroudsburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Stroudsburg offers comprehensive educational childcare services just 10 miles from Pocono Manor. Their Life Essentials® curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The academy features degreed lead teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with electronic check-in systems. Their program includes technology integration, music and movement, and community awareness activities. The center maintains rigorous health and safety standards including regular sanitation, secure access controls, and staff CPR/first aid certification. Parent reviews highlight the academy's structured learning environment, experienced staff, and the development of independence and confidence in children.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center is a well-established independent childcare facility located approximately 8 miles from Pocono Manor in Tannersville. They provide a nurturing environment with a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation with social-emotional development. The center features experienced educators with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Their program includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility includes secure indoor learning spaces, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated areas for different age groups. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently commend the center's family-like atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and the strong foundation children receive for future academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Pocono Manor, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Pocono Manor, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Pocono Manor, 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 must also be registered. Licensed facilities must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in health, safety, and child development), physical environment, and program curriculum. To verify a provider's compliance and view any inspection reports, you can use the publicly accessible **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website or contact the Pocono region's DHS Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 18, which serves Monroe County. This is a critical first step in your search.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Pocono Manor area, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited supply of licensed childcare slots in the Pocono region, waitlists are common and can be substantial. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, waitlists of 6 to 12 months are not unusual in and around Pocono Manor. For toddler and preschool programs, waitlists may range from 3 to 9 months. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and contacting facilities during their second trimester. For families moving to the area, initiating contact with providers 6-8 months before your needed start date is advisable. Be prepared to place a deposit to hold a spot on a waitlist.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Pocono Manor, and are there financial assistance programs available?
The cost of childcare in Monroe County is significant, though slightly below major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia. In Pocono Manor and surrounding communities, you can expect to pay an average of **$1,000 to $1,400 per month** for full-time, center-based infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from **$900 to $1,200 per month**. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care program**, administered by the local ELRC Region 18. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the COMPASS website or contact the ELRC directly for guidance.
Are there unique seasonal or tourism-related childcare considerations for families living in Pocono Manor?
Yes, Pocono Manor's location in a major four-season tourism destination creates unique childcare dynamics. Some providers may offer adjusted hours or special summer camp-style programs to accommodate seasonal workers or the influx of tourist families. Conversely, some in-home providers who also work in the tourism industry may have less availability during peak seasons (summer and winter). Traffic can increase significantly on weekends and holidays, potentially affecting drop-off and pick-up times. It's important to ask potential providers about their year-round schedule consistency, their policy for major holiday weeks (like Christmas in the Poconos), and if they offer care for school-age children on snow days or during summer break.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Pocono Manor, and how do I choose between them?
The primary options in Pocono Manor and the wider rural/suburban Poconos area are: 1. **Licensed Childcare Centers**: Often located in dedicated buildings or community centers. They offer structured programs, multiple classrooms, and may have more resources. Ideal for parents seeking a consistent, curriculum-based environment. 2. **Registered Family Childcare Homes**: Operated in a provider's residence, typically with a smaller group of children. They often offer a more home-like, flexible, and mixed-age setting, which can be beneficial for siblings. 3. **Pre-K Counts and Head Start Programs**: These are state and federally funded high-quality preschool programs for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, often hosted within local elementary schools or community centers. Your choice should depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, budget, and educational philosophy. Given the geographic spread, also strongly consider the provider's location relative to your home or commute, especially during winter weather. Touring multiple types is the best way to decide.
Nearby Cities
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