The Best Daycare Centers in Shohola, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shohola. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shohola
Tiny Tots Early Learning Center
Independent
Tiny Tots Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located just 15 minutes from Shohola in Milford. They offer a comprehensive educational program based on Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning experiences. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their program includes daily progress reports, nutritious meals and snacks, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and excellent communication. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Dingmans Ferry serves the Shohola area with a premium early childhood education program just 10 minutes away. This nationally accredited facility follows the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Features include STEM curriculum components, foreign language exposure, yoga and mindfulness activities, and secure indoor/outdoor learning environments. The school employs degreed teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents highlight the school's modern facilities, comprehensive safety measures, and strong emphasis on individualized learning plans for each child.
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Milford Child Care Center
Independent
Milford Child Care Center has been serving Pike County families for nearly two decades, located approximately 15 minutes from Shohola. The center provides a play-based learning environment with structured educational components aligned with Pennsylvania early learning standards. Their program includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility features secure access systems, regularly updated safety equipment, and nutritious meal programs. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The center is praised for its family-oriented atmosphere, experienced leadership, and consistent quality care across all age groups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shohola, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Shohola, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Shohola, Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children must also be registered. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and health requirements. To verify a provider's compliance, you can use the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool online or contact the DHS Northeast Regional Office. It's highly recommended to ask any provider you visit for their license or certificate of compliance to be displayed, and you can cross-reference their status for any recent violations.
Given Shohola's rural setting, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
Shohola's rural nature in Pike County means childcare options are more limited and often smaller in scale compared to urban areas. You will primarily find licensed **family daycare homes** and some smaller **childcare centers**. There are very few large, corporate chain facilities. Due to this limited supply, especially for infants and toddlers, **waitlists are very common and can be lengthy**, often several months to a year. It's crucial to begin your search early, ideally during pregnancy. Some parents also explore options in nearby towns like Milford or Matamoras, or consider licensed in-home nannies, which can be more prevalent in this area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shohola, PA?
Costs in Shohola and surrounding Pike County are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Pennsylvania but have been rising. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$225 to $350 per week** for full-time infant care. Licensed family daycare homes are often more affordable, typically ranging from **$175 to $275 per week**. Toddler care is usually slightly less expensive. These rates are estimates, and prices vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidy programs through CCIS (Child Care Information Services) for eligible families, which can significantly offset costs.
Are there any unique seasonal considerations for childcare in Shohola due to its location in the Pocono Mountains?
Yes, Shohola's location in the Poconos presents specific seasonal factors. Some providers may offer or adjust to **summer camp-style programs** for school-age children, which can fill up quickly. Winter weather can significantly impact operations; it's essential to ask about a provider's **inclement weather and emergency closure policies**. Rural roads may be slower to clear, leading to delayed openings or closures. Additionally, the area sees an influx of seasonal residents and tourists. This can sometimes create temporary openings in programs but may also mean some in-home providers adjust their schedules seasonally. Always clarify year-round availability.
What resources are available locally to help me find and evaluate childcare in Shohola?
The primary local resource is the **Pike County Child Care Information Service (CCIS)**, administered by the Pocono Mountains United Way. They maintain a referral list of licensed and certified providers in the county, including Shohola, and can assist with the subsidy application process. You can contact them directly or visit their website. Additionally, local **community Facebook groups** (e.g., "Shohola, PA Community" or "Pike County Moms") are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and experiences from other parents. For evaluation, beyond state licensing checks, consider scheduling visits and using a checklist that includes questions about outdoor play areas (important in a rural setting), emergency preparedness for a more remote location, and their policy on accepting children whose parents work non-traditional hours, which is common in the area.