The Best Daycare Centers in Shavertown, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shavertown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shavertown
The Learning Center at Dallas
Independent
The Learning Center at Dallas is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. They feature state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a curriculum focused on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center boasts secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and extensive outdoor play areas. Their program includes nutritious meal service, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and specialized enrichment programs in music and physical education.
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The Growing Place Child Development Center
Independent
The Growing Place offers a nature-inspired curriculum that incorporates outdoor learning and environmental awareness. Their highly qualified staff includes early childhood education specialists with advanced certifications in infant/toddler development. The facility features secure video monitoring, allergy-aware meal programs, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. They emphasize hands-on learning experiences, character development, and strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and classroom involvement opportunities.
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Kindercare Learning Center at Kingston
Kindercare Education
This Kindercare center provides nationally recognized early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and social studies. The facility features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Their program includes qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, regular developmental assessments, and a strong focus on school readiness. Additional features include healthy meal options, transportation for school-age children, and enrichment programs in Spanish and music.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shavertown, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shavertown, PA?
In Shavertown and the surrounding Luzerne County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 to $325 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $200 to $275 per week. In-home family childcare providers in the area often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $160 to $240 per week. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and prices can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and inquiring about any potential registration or supply fees.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Shavertown?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Shavertown, must be licensed or registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and view their compliance history, including any recent inspection reports and violations, through the state's publicly accessible online portal called "COMPASS." Searching by the provider's name or location will show their current license status, capacity, and detailed reports from the past two years. You can also contact the Northeast Regional Office of OCDEL for assistance. Always choose a provider that is "licensed" rather than just "registered," as this indicates they meet more comprehensive health, safety, and program standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Shavertown, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant/toddler slots, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in the Shavertown area, especially for children under two years old. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Some of the more popular centers in the Dallas School District area may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring smaller, licensed family daycare homes can sometimes offer more immediate availability.
What are some of the key factors to consider when choosing between a daycare center and a family home daycare in Shavertown?
Your choice depends on your family's priorities. Daycare centers in Shavertown (like those in nearby Dallas or Kingston) often offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger staff teams. They may have more resources for early learning and are typically open year-round with fixed hours. Licensed family home daycares, often run by a single provider in their residence, offer a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often provide more flexible hours and may be more affordable. For either option, ensure they are DHS-licensed. Visit both types, observe interactions, check inspection reports, and consider your child's temperament—some thrive in a bustling center, while others do better in a quieter home setting.
What childcare resources or referral services are available to help parents in Shavertown find and evaluate options?
A primary local resource is the Luzerne County Child Care Information Services (CCIS) agency. CCIS helps families find licensed childcare providers that meet their needs and also administers the Child Care Works subsidy program for income-eligible families. They maintain a database of all licensed providers in the county. You can contact them directly for referrals. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Keys to Quality website offers a searchable map of STAR 1-4 rated providers—this quality rating system evaluates early learning programs on factors like staff qualifications and learning environment. Local parenting groups on social media for the Back Mountain area (which includes Shavertown) can also provide personal recommendations and experiences.