The Best Daycare Centers in Summit Hill, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Summit Hill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Summit Hill
Bright Horizons at Lehigh Valley Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lehigh Valley Hospital is a NAEYC-accredited center offering a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. As part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, they prioritize health and safety protocols with on-site nursing support and comprehensive emergency procedures.
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Growing Place Preschool & Child Care Center
Independent
Growing Place Preschool & Child Care Center serves the Carbon County region with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center holds a STAR 4 rating from Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality initiative, indicating the highest level of early learning quality. Their curriculum includes Creative Curriculum components with emphasis on literacy development, STEM activities, and social skills. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and fenced outdoor play spaces. Staff members hold Pennsylvania early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling and serves children from 6 weeks through school age.
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Carbon County CARES
Carbon County Child & Family Development Services
Carbon County CARES provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services through federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The center focuses on school readiness through evidence-based curricula that address cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Their program includes health and nutrition services, family engagement components, and special needs support. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain Pennsylvania teaching certifications. The facility features developmentally appropriate classrooms, learning centers, and safe play areas. As a community-based organization, they offer sliding scale fees and comprehensive support services for families throughout Carbon County, including Summit Hill residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Summit Hill, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Summit Hill, PA?
In Summit Hill and the surrounding Carbon County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $900 to $1,200 per month for infant care. For a family daycare home, which is often a more affordable and smaller setting, costs typically range from $700 to $950 per month. These rates are generally lower than in larger Pennsylvania cities like Allentown or Philadelphia. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some providers may offer sibling discounts. We recommend contacting local providers directly for the most current rates and to inquire about any potential financial assistance programs, such as Pennsylvania's Child Care Works subsidy, for which you may qualify based on income.
How can I verify that a daycare in Summit Hill is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. This public tool allows you to search for providers in Summit Hill (19080/18250 zip codes) and view their license type, capacity, and any recent inspection reports. These reports detail any regulatory violations and corrective actions. For the most thorough vetting, we recommend visiting the daycare in person, asking about staff-to-child ratios (which are set by PA law), checking for visible safety measures like secured exits and outlet covers, and requesting references from current families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Summit Hill, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of dedicated daycare centers in Summit Hill itself, waitlists can be common, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular local centers or highly-regarded family daycare homes to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and make inquiries **at least 6 to 12 months before their needed start date**. Many families also look at options in neighboring towns like Lansford, Coaldale, or Lehighton, which may have different availability. Getting on multiple waitlists (even if a deposit is required) is a common strategy to secure a spot.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the Summit Hill area?
Parents in Summit Hill typically have three main licensed options: 1. **Child Care Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms and structured programs. There are a limited number within the borough itself. 2. **Family Child Care Homes**: A popular choice in this residential community, these are licensed providers who care for children in their own homes. They offer a smaller, often more flexible, home-like environment and are common in Summit Hill. 3. **Group Child Care Homes**: These are similar to family homes but are larger, caring for more children with additional staff. Additionally, many families utilize **in-home caregivers** (nannies or babysitters) or rely on **family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care**, which is unregulated but common in close-knit communities like Summit Hill. The Carbon County Resource Center can help connect you with licensed providers.
What local resources or organizations in Carbon County can help me find and choose quality childcare?
Your primary local resource is the **Carbon County Child and Family Development Center**, which is part of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 18. They offer free, personalized referral services to help parents find licensed childcare that fits their needs. You can contact them at (570) 325-2771. They can also provide guidance on applying for the Child Care Works subsidy. Furthermore, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Summit Hill, PA Community") or community hubs like the Summit Hill Public Library can yield personal recommendations and insights into the reputations of local providers. The Panther Valley School District may also have information about pre-K programs and community partnerships.