The Best Daycare Centers in Preston Park, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Preston Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Preston Park
The Learning Experience - Scranton
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Scranton serves the Preston Park area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center emphasizes both academic and social development through structured learning activities, character development programs, and age-appropriate technology integration. Facilities include secure, modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All teachers are state-certified and receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and implements strict security protocols including coded entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all employees.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Moosic
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves families in the Preston Park region with a research-based curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, nutritious meal programs, and extensive safety measures including secured entry systems and regular safety drills. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous training. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, STEM learning stations, and literacy-rich environments. Parent communication is maintained through daily reports and a dedicated app that tracks child development milestones.
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Little People's Child Development Center
Little People's Child Development Center
Family-owned and operated, Little People's Child Development Center serves the greater Scranton area including Preston Park with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular facility maintenance. The program includes outdoor learning environments, music and movement activities, and strong parent partnership programs. The center has maintained excellent state inspection records and high parent satisfaction ratings for over 15 years of operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Preston Park, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Preston Park, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Preston Park and throughout Pennsylvania, childcare facilities must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family daycare homes (serving 4-6 children) and group daycare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and health protocols. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history, you can use the DHS's publicly accessible **Child Care Finder** tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database and look for providers with a "Star 4" rating, which indicates participation in Pennsylvania's voluntary quality rating system (Keystone STARS).
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Preston Park, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Preston Park area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from **$900 to $1,300 per month**, depending on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based) and its specific programs. Costs tend to be slightly lower than in major metropolitan areas of PA but are consistent with rural/suburban northeastern Pennsylvania. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program is the primary resource for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or schooling). You can apply through the Wayne County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Preston Park, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant and toddler rooms in highly-rated centers and licensed home providers in Preston Park. Due to lower provider density in this more rural area, available spots can fill quickly. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and estimated timeline. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help secure a spot sooner.
What are some of the unique outdoor or nature-based childcare options available in the Preston Park area?
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains region, Preston Park offers unique access to nature-based learning. Several local providers incorporate "forest school" principles or have extensive outdoor play areas. You can look for programs that emphasize daily outdoor time regardless of weather, have gardens for children to tend, or organize nature exploration walks. Some home-based providers and smaller centers leverage their large, wooded properties for this type of curriculum. When touring, ask specifically about their outdoor philosophy, safety protocols for outdoor play, and if they have certifications like Nature Explore. This is a distinctive benefit of childcare in this scenic part of Pennsylvania.
How does the seasonal tourism in the Poconos affect daycare availability and schedules in Preston Park?
Preston Park's location in Wayne County, part of the Pocono Mountains tourism region, can subtly impact childcare. Some providers may have adjusted summer schedules or offer special "summer camp" style programs for preschool and school-age children to accommodate families in the hospitality industry. However, it can also mean that certain highly sought-after providers have longer waitlists as year-round residents compete for spots with families who may have seasonal homes. It's less common for centers to close for seasonal reasons, but it's always wise to ask about their operational calendar, especially regarding major holiday weeks (like Thanksgiving or Christmas) when tourism peaks, to ensure their hours align with your needs.