The Best Daycare Centers in Starlight, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Starlight. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Starlight
The Goddard School of Honesdale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Honesdale offers a premier early childhood education program serving families in the Starlight area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on play-based learning while developing academic, social, and emotional skills. The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education in purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas with modern equipment, and they maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Scranton
KinderCare Education LLC
This NAEYC-accredited KinderCare center serves the broader Starlight region with comprehensive early childhood programs. Their research-based curriculum focuses on whole-child development through structured learning and play. The center features dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, toddler programs emphasizing social skills, and preschool curriculum preparing children for kindergarten success. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains rigorous health and safety standards including secured entrances, regular sanitation protocols, and emergency preparedness training. Their program includes nutritious meals, outdoor playground time, and enrichment activities in music and movement.
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The Growing Tree Early Learning Center
Independent
The Growing Tree is a locally-owned early learning center providing high-quality childcare to families in Starlight and surrounding communities. Their curriculum blends play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure facility access, and comprehensive safety systems including video monitoring. Their program emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular parent communication through digital portfolios, and developmentally appropriate practices. The facility includes separate age-specific classrooms, large outdoor play areas with natural elements, and dedicated spaces for creative arts and motor skill development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Starlight, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Starlight, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Starlight, 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 also require a certificate of registration. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and health requirements. You can verify a provider's license status and review any compliance history by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Pennsylvania DHS website or by contacting the OCDEL's regional office that serves Starlight. It's highly recommended to do this check before touring any facility.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Starlight, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Starlight and the surrounding rural areas of Pennsylvania, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. Prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and specific location within the county. For financial assistance, Pennsylvania offers the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the County Assistance Office serving Starlight. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly during your search.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Starlight, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare centers in a smaller community like Starlight, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It's common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to Starlight begin researching and contacting daycare providers as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Getting on multiple waitlists is a common strategy to secure a spot.
Are there any unique childcare options in Starlight, like nature-based or farm-oriented preschools, given its rural setting?
Yes, Starlight's rural character in the Pocono region does foster some unique childcare options that you may not find in urban areas. Several licensed family daycare homes and smaller centers incorporate nature-based learning, with daily outdoor play and garden activities. There are also a few programs that partner with local farms for seasonal activities, though these are often part-time preschool programs for ages 3-5 rather than full-day infant/toddler care. To find these, check local community boards, Facebook groups like "Starlight PA Community," and search the state's childcare database using filters for your desired program type.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to a small town like Starlight?
When touring a daycare in Starlight, beyond standard checks for safety and cleanliness, consider factors unique to a smaller community. Ask about their emergency preparedness plans for rural-specific scenarios, such as prolonged power outages or severe winter weather that might affect transportation. Inquire about their community connections—do they take walks to the local library or park? Also, given the tighter-knit community, ask about their staff turnover rate; lower turnover is often a sign of a stable, quality environment. Finally, discuss their policy on local school district closures (like for snow days) to see if they offer care for older siblings on those days.