The Best Daycare Centers in Taylor, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Taylor. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Taylor
The Growing Tree Child Care & Learning Center
The Growing Tree
The Growing Tree offers a comprehensive educational curriculum focusing on early childhood development through play-based learning and structured activities. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention with low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features modern security systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM activities. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Clarks Summit
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited KinderCare location serves the greater Scranton area including Taylor with a research-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Their qualified teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center features secure entry systems, dedicated learning centers, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their approach balances academic readiness with social development through activities like phonics, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. Parent communication includes regular updates and portfolio assessments.
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Lahey Family Fun & Learning Center
Lahey Family Fun & Learning Center
Lahey Family Fun & Learning Center provides a unique combination of traditional childcare with exceptional enrichment opportunities, including an on-site swimming pool for aquatic education. Their curriculum focuses on whole-child development through hands-on learning experiences, creative expression, and physical activity. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators and comprehensive safety protocols. They offer flexible scheduling options and emphasize building strong partnerships with families through open communication and family events. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor play spaces, and specialized activity areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Taylor, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Taylor, PA?
In Taylor and the surrounding Lackawanna County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 to $350 per week for infant care. For a toddler (age 2-3), costs typically range from $200 to $300 per week. Licensed group or family home daycares often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $160 to $250 per week. It's important to note that these are average estimates; some centers with specialized curricula or extended hours may charge more. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program is available for eligible families in Taylor to help offset these costs, and many providers in the area accept it.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Taylor is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania, including those in Taylor, must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The primary tool for parents is the **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** website. You can search for providers by zip code (like 18517 for Taylor) and view their license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, you can also access their most recent **Inspection Reports**, which detail any regulatory violations and the provider's plan of correction. For the most direct local insight, you can also contact the **Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency (SLHDA)**, which is the local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Region 9, serving Lackawanna County. They can provide guidance and information on licensed providers.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Taylor, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots at highly regarded centers in the Taylor/Scranton area. Due to limited capacity and high demand for quality care, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search **6 to 12 months in advance**. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical but still advisable. When contacting providers, always ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be placed on the list? How often is it updated? Do they offer priority to siblings of current families? Exploring options in neighboring communities like Old Forge, Dickson City, or Scranton itself can also increase your chances of finding an available spot sooner.
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents in Taylor, PA?
Parents in Taylor have several licensed options to consider: 1. **Child Care Centers**: These are facilities like KinderCare or local independent centers, often located in commercial buildings. They typically have multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staffs. 2. **Group Child Care Homes**: Licensed to care for 7-12 children in a residential setting. These offer a more home-like environment with potentially smaller group sizes. 3. **Family Child Care Homes**: Licensed to care for 4-6 children in the provider's home. This is often the most intimate and flexible setting, sometimes offering more personalized care. Additionally, there are **Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts** and **Head Start** programs for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which are free and focus on school readiness. These are often housed within local school districts or community agencies.
What local resources or organizations in Taylor can help me navigate finding and paying for childcare?
The key local resource is the **Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 9**, administered by the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency (SLHDA). They serve all of Lackawanna County, including Taylor. This office is your one-stop shop for: * **Referrals** to licensed childcare providers that match your needs. * **Application assistance** for the **Child Care Works (CCW)** subsidy program, which helps income-eligible families pay for care. * **Information** on quality indicators like Keystone STARS ratings, a voluntary program where providers can earn a 1-4 STAR rating based on quality standards. You can contact ELRC Region 9 directly or visit their website. The Taylor Public Library and community boards can also be sources of information on local in-home providers and parent networks.