The Best Daycare Centers in Riverside, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Riverside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Riverside
The Goddard School of Scranton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Scranton offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social skills, and physical development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides comprehensive safety protocols including regular health screenings and secure check-in systems.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Scranton
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Scranton provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on math and science activities, and creative arts. Certified teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The center offers nutritious meals and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Little People Child Development Center
Independent
Little People Child Development Center offers a nurturing environment with play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center provides structured daily routines including circle time, creative arts, music, and outdoor play in secure, fenced playgrounds. Their experienced teaching staff focuses on individualized attention and maintains small class sizes. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, age-appropriate learning centers, and comprehensive safety protocols. The center emphasizes parent partnership and provides regular developmental progress updates.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Riverside, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Riverside, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Riverside, PA, all childcare facilities serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This includes family childcare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety procedures, and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or by contacting the DHS's regional office that serves Lackawanna County. Always ask to see a current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Riverside, PA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Riverside area and surrounding Lackawanna County, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from **$900 to $1,300 per month**. Prices can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), specific programs offered, and staff qualifications. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania offers the **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the County Assistance Office. Additionally, local organizations like the **Scranton/Lackawanna Human Development Agency (SLHDA)** can provide guidance and resources for childcare subsidies. It's crucial to apply early, as waitlists for subsidies can exist.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Riverside, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infant and toddler rooms, waitlists at many licensed daycare centers in the Riverside/Scranton area can be **6 to 12 months long**. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Does being on a waitlist guarantee a spot? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighboring communities like Taylor, Old Forge, or Scranton, as they may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting.
What are some key factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Riverside, given the local community and climate?
When touring daycares in Riverside, consider these local-specific factors: First, inquire about their **weather and emergency policies**, given Northeastern Pennsylvania's snowy winters—ask about delayed openings, closures, and backup plans. Second, assess **outdoor play areas**; safe, enclosed spaces are important. Third, ask about their **community involvement**—do they take walks to local parks like the Riverside Park or participate in community events? Fourth, discuss their **approach to Pennsylvania's early learning standards (Keystone STARS)**; a facility with a high STAR rating (3 or 4) indicates a commitment to quality education. Finally, observe staff interactions and cleanliness, and trust your gut feeling about the environment's warmth and safety.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Riverside, PA, for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding part-time or flexible-hour childcare in Riverside can be challenging but not impossible. While many larger centers primarily offer full-time, Monday-Friday schedules, your best bets are: 1) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**, which often have more flexibility in hours and may accommodate shift work, evenings, or weekends. 2) Some centers in the broader Scranton area may offer part-time slots (e.g., 2-3 days a week), but these are limited and often have long waitlists. 3) Explore **in-home nanny shares** with other local families, which can be arranged for customized schedules. Using local Facebook parenting groups (e.g., "Scranton Moms") or networks can help you connect with providers offering non-traditional hours. Always ensure any flexible provider is still licensed or properly vetted for safety.
Childcare Insights for Riverside
Finding quality childcare that feels like the right fit for your family is one of the most important searches you'll undertake as a parent. If you're currently typing "daycares near me with openings" from your home in Riverside, Pennsylvania, you're likely balancing the need for reliable care with the desire for a nurturing environment close to home. The good news is that the Riverside area, nestled along the Susquehanna River and part of the broader Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region, offers several wonderful options for families, though navigating availability requires a proactive and local approach.
A great first step is to tap into the strong sense of community here in Riverside. While online search tools and state databases are useful, some of the best leads come from talking to neighbors at Riverside Park or other parents at local events. Personal recommendations can give you genuine insight into a daycare's daily rhythm and values, something a simple listing cannot. For state-licensed facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) website is an essential resource. Their search tool allows you to filter for providers in the 17868 zip code and surrounding areas, showing their licensing status and any reported compliance information. This provides a crucial baseline for safety and quality as you begin your list.
When you contact centers or home-based providers in the Riverside area, be prepared with specific questions that go beyond just "Do you have an opening?" Inquire about their current waitlist for your child's age group and their anticipated turnover. Ask about their daily schedule, their policy on outdoor play—especially important with the beautiful riverfront and parks nearby—and how they handle communication with parents. Given our Northeastern Pennsylvania seasons, it’s also wise to ask about their inclement weather or emergency closing policies. Many local providers have deep roots in the community and often participate in area traditions, which can add a lovely layer of familiarity for your child.
Remember, finding an opening is just one part of the equation. Once you identify a potential spot, schedule a visit. This allows you to observe the environment firsthand. Notice how the caregivers interact with the children, check that the space is clean and safe, and trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere. Does it feel warm and engaging? Is there evidence of creative play and learning? For Riverside parents, convenience is also a practical concern, so consider the commute relative to your work or home. A daycare slightly further away with an immediate opening and a stellar reputation may be worth a slightly longer drive compared to a less-suitable option that's merely closer.
The search for the right daycare opening in Riverside, PA, requires patience and persistence. By combining community insight with official resources, asking detailed questions, and prioritizing an in-person visit, you can find a childcare solution that offers you peace of mind and your child a happy, stimulating place to grow. Your diligence now will help ensure your little one thrives in a caring environment right here in our community.