The Best Daycare Centers in Shawanese, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shawanese. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shawanese
The Goddard School of Dallas
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Dallas offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with daily communication to parents through the proprietary mobile app. Located approximately 15 minutes from Shawanese, this facility serves families throughout the Back Mountain region.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Wyoming Valley
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Wyoming Valley location provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics, and science exploration. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Their team includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development. The program emphasizes social skills, problem-solving, and kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. Serving the greater Wilkes-Barre area, this center is approximately 20 minutes from Shawanese and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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The Learning Center at LCCC
Luzerne County Community College
Operated by Luzerne County Community College, The Learning Center combines early childhood education with teacher training programs, ensuring cutting-edge educational practices. The NAEYC-accredited facility features observation rooms, developmentally appropriate learning materials, and college-campus amenities. Curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, literacy development, and STEAM activities guided by degreed early childhood professionals. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety protocols including secure access control. Located in the Back Mountain area approximately 12 minutes from Shawanese, it serves as both a childcare facility and laboratory school for early childhood education students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shawanese, PA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shawanese, PA?
In Shawanese and the surrounding Luzerne County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging $200 to $275 per week. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often more affordable, averaging $150 to $225 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh but are consistent with the regional Northeastern PA economy. It's important to note that prices can vary based on the facility's amenities, staff-to-child ratios, and whether meals are provided. Many providers in Shawanese offer sibling discounts, and Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy program is available for eligible families to help offset these expenses.
How can I verify a daycare or childcare provider's license and inspection history in Shawanese?
All licensed childcare providers in Shawanese, PA, are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (Shawanese), or zip code. It will show the license status (active, provisional, etc.), capacity, ages served, and detailed reports of recent inspections, including any non-compliance citations. You can also call the DHS Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Luzerne County, for additional information. Always choose a licensed provider, as this ensures they meet state-mandated health, safety, and staff training standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Shawanese, and what's the best way to secure a spot?
Due to limited supply in smaller communities like Shawanese, quality daycare centers and highly-regarded home-based providers often have waitlists, especially for infant care. Wait times can range from 2 to 6 months, and sometimes longer. The best strategy is to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Contact providers directly to inquire about availability and their specific waitlist process—some may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. It's advisable to get on multiple waitlists. Additionally, exploring licensed family childcare homes in residential neighborhoods of Shawanese can sometimes offer more immediate openings and a smaller, home-like setting.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a family childcare home in Shawanese?
In Shawanese, parents typically choose between licensed **Child Care Centers** and licensed **Family Child Care Homes**. Centers are usually located in commercial buildings, have multiple staff and classrooms grouped by age, and often follow a structured educational curriculum. They may have more resources and offer services like preschool prep. **Family Child Care Homes** operate out of the provider's residence in a neighborhood setting. They offer mixed-age care in a smaller, family-like environment, often with more flexible hours, which can be beneficial for shift workers in the area. Both are licensed by the state, but homes have a smaller capacity (up to 6 children, depending on licenses). Centers might be more resilient to provider absences, while homes can offer more personalized care. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and the environment you prefer.
What local resources or organizations in Shawanese can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A primary local resource is the **Luzerne County Child Care Information Service (CCIS)**, which is part of the Pennsylvania Child Care Works system. While not based directly in Shawanese, they serve all of Luzerne County and can provide referrals to licensed providers in your specific area, help with subsidy applications, and offer guidance on choosing quality care. You can contact them via the Pennsylvania COMPASS website or by phone. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Shawanese Community Board") or asking for recommendations at places like the Shawanese United Methodist Church or the Area Little League can provide valuable, word-of-mouth insights into provider reputations and availability.