The Best Daycare Centers in Scranton, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scranton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scranton
Lahey Family Fun Learning Center
Independent
Lahey Family Fun Learning Center is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive educational approach. The center emphasizes play-based learning while incorporating structured academic preparation. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure indoor learning spaces and safe outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention to each child's development, and the warm, family-like atmosphere. Their curriculum includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and social-emotional learning.
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The Growing Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Growing Tree Child Development Center offers a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. Their educational approach combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early childhood education methods. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including coded entry and comprehensive monitoring. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, a dedicated art studio, and modern outdoor learning environments. Parents highlight the center's strong focus on kindergarten readiness, nutritious meal programs, and detailed progress reporting.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Clarks Summit
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the greater Scranton area with a nationally-recognized curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development. As part of the KinderCare network, they offer comprehensive early childhood programs with certified teachers and structured learning environments. The center maintains high safety standards with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. Their approach includes hands-on learning, creative expression, and physical development activities. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports, the qualified teaching staff, and the center's commitment to inclusive, diverse learning environments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scranton, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Scranton, PA?
In Scranton and the surrounding Lackawanna County area, daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay an average of $900 to $1,200 per month for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, averaging between $700 and $950 monthly. These rates are generally lower than the state average for Pennsylvania, reflecting the local cost of living. It's important to note that many facilities have a weekly rate, which for centers often falls between $210-$280. Financial assistance is available through programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families, and some centers may offer sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Scranton, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Scranton can be substantial, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, a lead time of 3-6 months is more common but still advisable. When touring facilities, always ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your continued interest, and how much notice they give when a spot becomes available. Exploring options in neighboring communities like Dunmore, Moosic, or Clarks Summit can also provide more availability.
What are the key differences between Pennsylvania-licensed daycare centers, group homes, and family homes in Scranton?
Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services (DHS) licenses three main types of childcare, each with different regulations: * **Child Care Center:** These are formal facilities, often in commercial buildings. In Scranton, they are licensed for 13 or more children and must meet strict requirements for staff qualifications (including directors with specific degrees), child-to-staff ratios, safety drills, and curriculum. They often have multiple classrooms. * **Group Child Care Home (Group Home):** This is a home-based setting licensed for 7-12 children. The provider must have an associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field and a specific number of training hours. These offer a more home-like environment than a center but with more structure than a family home. * **Family Child Care Home (Family Home):** This is a home-based setting for 4-6 children. The provider needs a high school diploma and must complete mandatory training. This option often provides the most flexible hours and a family-style environment. Parents in Scranton can verify the license and inspection history of any provider through the Pennsylvania DHS website.
Are there any local resources or referral services in Scranton to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary local resource is the **Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency (SLHDA) - Child Care Information Services (CCIS)**. This is the designated agency for Lackawanna County that helps parents find licensed childcare, provides referrals, and administers the Child Care Works subsidy program. You can contact them at (570) 963-6835 or visit their office. Additionally, the **Pennsylvania Keys to Quality Early Learning** website and STAR rating system is a crucial tool. This voluntary program rates licensed providers on a scale of 1 to 4 STARS based on quality standards beyond basic licensing. Checking a provider's STAR rating can help you identify higher-quality programs in the Scranton area.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to facilities in Scranton's older building stock?
Scranton has many historic buildings, so during a tour, pay close attention to how the facility addresses potential issues common in older structures. Key things to ask and observe include: * **Lead Paint and Windows:** In buildings built before 1978, ask about lead paint testing and remediation. Check that windows have secure guards or stops to prevent falls and that they open and close safely. * **Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation:** Ask about the HVAC system, especially in basements or upper floors. Look for signs of proper ventilation and inquire about radon testing, which can be a concern in Pennsylvania. * **Accessibility and Layout:** Note if the space is on one level or if there are multiple floors. Are stairways securely gated? Is the floor plan open and conducive to supervision, or is it broken into many small rooms? * **Outdoor Play Space:** Given the urban setting, assess the safety and condition of the outdoor play area. Is it fully fenced? Is the equipment modern and well-maintained? Is the surface appropriate (e.g., mulch, rubber mats)? * **General Maintenance:** Look for signs of ongoing upkeep—fresh paint, repaired plaster, secure railings—which indicates the operator invests in the property's safety.