The Best Daycare Centers in Shickshinny, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shickshinny. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shickshinny
Building Blocks Learning Center
Independent
Building Blocks Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility located just minutes from Shickshinny. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones, incorporating STEAM activities and literacy development. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments. Their program includes nutritious meal plans, outdoor play areas, and transportation services for school-age children. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, caring staff, and the visible developmental progress children make.
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Kindercare Learning Center
Kindercare Education
This Kindercare location serves families in the Shickshinny area with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features dedicated learning centers, age-appropriate playgrounds, and secure facilities with keypad entry. Their team includes early childhood professionals with ongoing training in child development best practices. The program offers flexible scheduling options, enrichment activities, and comprehensive progress tracking. Parents highlight the center's structured learning environment, qualified teachers, and excellent safety protocols.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Wilkes-Barre provides premium early childhood education to families throughout the region, including Shickshinny. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic learning with creative play, incorporating technology and hands-on activities. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and security systems. All teachers hold degrees in education or related fields and receive continuous professional development. The school emphasizes character development, communication skills, and preparing children for elementary school success, with parents consistently praising the engaging curriculum and nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shickshinny, PA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Shickshinny, PA?
In Shickshinny and the surrounding Luzerne County area, you'll primarily find three types of licensed childcare options. The most common are Family Child Care Homes, which are smaller, home-based settings licensed for a limited number of children, often offering a more flexible and family-like environment. You may also find Child Care Centers, though these are less common directly in Shickshinny and more likely in nearby larger towns like Berwick or Nanticoke. These centers operate in commercial buildings and serve larger groups. Finally, there are Group Child Care Homes, which are larger than family homes but smaller than centers. Due to Shickshinny's smaller, rural nature, many parents also utilize informal networks or registered but unlicensed providers for part-time care. All licensed providers are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet specific health, safety, and staff qualification standards.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Shickshinny?
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a free, public online tool called "COMPASS Child Care Search" where you can look up any licensed provider. Simply enter "Shickshinny, PA" or the provider's specific name. This tool will show you the provider's current license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, it also provides access to recent inspection reports, which detail any compliance issues or violations of state regulations. You can see if violations were corrected and read the inspector's notes. For a more local perspective, you can also contact the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7, which serves Luzerne County. They can provide guidance and may have additional information on local providers' quality and participation in state subsidy or quality improvement programs like Keystone STARS.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shickshinny, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Shickshinny and the surrounding rural areas of Luzerne County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in Pennsylvania's major cities but can still be a significant expense. For an infant, you can expect to pay an average of $175-$225 per week at a licensed family child care home. A toddler might cost $150-$200 per week. Center-based care in nearby towns may be slightly higher. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program, administered locally by the ELRC Region 7. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (e.g., working, attending school). Additionally, some providers participate in the Keystone STARS program, which can offer higher subsidy reimbursement rates, potentially lowering your co-pay. It's highly recommended to contact the ELRC at (570) 829-3951 to determine your eligibility and for a list of providers who accept subsidies.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Shickshinny, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlist situations in Shickshinny vary significantly by provider. Due to the limited number of licensed slots in this small community, the most in-demand providers—especially those with high Keystone STAR ratings or those offering care for infants—often have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. Family child care homes, with their smaller capacities, can fill up very quickly. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6-12 months before you need care, particularly if you require infant care. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist policy, any fees to be placed on the list, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in neighboring communities like Berwick, Nanticoke, or Mocanaqua can broaden your choices and potentially reduce wait times.
What local resources or organizations in Shickshinny can help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
Your primary local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 7**, which serves Luzerne County. They offer free referral services to help parents find licensed childcare that meets their specific needs for location, hours, and child's age. Their specialists can also help you understand what to look for in a quality program and explain the Keystone STARS quality rating system. You can reach them at (570) 829-3951. Additionally, consider connecting with other parents through local community hubs like the **Shickshinny Borough community events**, the **Shickshinny Area Little League**, or the **Shickshinny Fire Company** activities. These informal networks are invaluable for getting honest, word-of-mouth recommendations and insights about providers' reputations, reliability, and day-to-day operations that you won't find in an official report.
Nearby Cities
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