The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Clair, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Clair. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Clair
KinderCare Learning Center at Pottsville
KinderCare Education
This NAEYC-accredited center offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, and science programs. Features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes social-emotional development through structured play and learning activities, with regular parent communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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The Goddard School of Pottsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This FLEX Learning Program center focuses on play-based learning with STEAM curriculum integration. Features secure entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and age-specific learning environments. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields with ongoing training. The program includes yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Employs comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and health screenings, with live streaming access for parents to view classrooms.
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TLC The Learning Center
TLC Early Learning Centers
A locally-owned center providing individualized care with Creative Curriculum implementation. Features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and structured developmental assessments. The facility includes secure outdoor play areas, modern classroom technology, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Specializes in kindergarten readiness with emphasis on literacy and social skills development. Maintains strong parent partnerships through regular progress updates and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Clair, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Clair, PA?
In Saint Clair and the surrounding Schuylkill County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week for an infant. For a toddler, the range is typically $150 to $225 per week. Licensed group or family home daycares often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $125 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but it's important to note that subsidies may be available through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Works program for eligible families to help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Saint Clair is properly licensed and has a good record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This resource allows you to search for providers in Saint Clair (19079) and view their license status, inspection dates, and any compliance reports or violations. It's highly recommended to also contact the DHS's Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Schuylkill County, for any additional questions. Furthermore, you can ask the provider directly for their certificate of compliance and references from current families in the Saint Clair community.
Are there many options for childcare in Saint Clair, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
Saint Clair is a small borough, so on-site daycare center options within the immediate town limits are limited. You will likely find a few licensed family home daycares operating in residential areas. For more choices, including larger daycare centers and preschool programs, parents commonly look in neighboring communities such as Pottsville, Orwigsburg, or Schuylkill Haven, all within a 10-20 minute drive. Many working parents in Saint Clair commute to these areas for work, making drop-off and pick-up convenient. It's advisable to start your search early, as popular providers in the region often have waitlists, especially for infant care.
What are the key questions I should ask a potential daycare provider in Saint Clair regarding their safety and emergency procedures?
Given Saint Clair's location, it's crucial to ask about localized safety plans. Key questions include: "What is your specific plan for shelter-in-place or evacuation during severe weather common to Schuylkill County?" "How are children supervised during outdoor play, especially given the residential and sometimes hilly terrain?" "What is your protocol for a child wandering off, and how do you secure the premises?" "Are all staff certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR, as required by PA DHS?" Also, inquire about their communication plan for emergencies like power outages or road closures affecting Route 61, a major artery. A reputable provider will have detailed, written policies for these scenarios.
What resources are available in Saint Clair to help me find and evaluate childcare?
A primary local resource is the **Schuylkill County Child Development Program**, which administers the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pre-K Counts programs. While not a direct daycare referral service, they can provide guidance on early childhood resources in the county. For direct referrals, use the Pennsylvania state-wide **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 12**, which serves Schuylkill County. They offer a referral specialist who can provide a list of licensed providers matching your needs, explain the subsidy process, and offer advice. Additionally, local community hubs like the Saint Clair Area Municipal Authority or the Saint Clair Public Library may have bulletin boards with information on local family home daycares.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Saint Clair: