The Best Daycare Centers in Wilkes Barre, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wilkes Barre. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wilkes Barre
Bright Horizons at Wilkes-Barre
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Wilkes-Barre is part of a nationally recognized childcare network with NAEYC accreditation. The center offers a comprehensive emergent curriculum that balances child-initiated and teacher-supported learning. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on activities. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated outdoor play spaces. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Parents consistently praise the center's communication through daily reports and the developmental progress tracking system.
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The Growing Place Early Education Center
The Growing Place
The Growing Place is a locally owned and operated center that emphasizes play-based learning within a structured environment. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities designed for different developmental stages. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive video monitoring. Classrooms are equipped with learning centers for literacy, dramatic play, blocks, and art. The staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The center is known for its nutritious meal program and strong parent-teacher partnerships, with regular family events and detailed progress reports.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Dallas
KinderCare Education
Located approximately 15 minutes from Wilkes Barre, this KinderCare center serves families throughout the Wyoming Valley region. The center follows KinderCare's proprietary curriculum that aligns with Pennsylvania early learning standards, focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Their Phonics Adventures program builds early reading skills, while their STEM programs introduce scientific concepts through hands-on experiments. The facility includes secure perimeters, coded entry systems, and age-separated playgrounds. Teachers receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The center offers flexible scheduling and transportation for school-age children, with parents highlighting the consistent communication and caring environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wilkes Barre, PA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wilkes Barre, PA?
In Wilkes Barre, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $900 to $1,200 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $800 to $1,100 per month, for toddler care. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $600 to $900 monthly. Costs can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. It's important to note that Pennsylvania offers subsidy programs like Child Care Works (CCW) for eligible families to help offset these expenses. Always inquire about what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, educational materials).
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Wilkes Barre?
All childcare providers in Pennsylvania must be licensed or certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This public database allows you to search for providers in Luzerne County, view their license type (Center, Group Home, Family), and access recent inspection reports detailing any violations, corrective actions, and commendations. You can also contact the **Northeast Regional Key** (serving Luzerne County) for assistance and to ask specific questions about local providers' records.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Wilkes Barre, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Wilkes Barre, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers and those affiliated with major employers or institutions (like Geisinger or King's College) often have the longest waits. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and submit applications **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. For infant care, contacting centers as early as during your pregnancy is advisable. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how frequently they update families on their position.
What local resources or referral services are available to help me find childcare in Wilkes Barre?
The primary resource for finding and evaluating childcare in Luzerne County is the **Pennsylvania Keys to Quality Early Learning** system. Specifically, you should contact the **Northeast Regional Key**, which serves our area. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help match your family's needs (location, hours, budget) with licensed providers. Additionally, the **United Way of Wyoming Valley** (based in Wilkes-Barre) can provide information on local programs and potential financial assistance. For school-age care, the Wilkes-Barre Area School District and other local districts often have information on before/after-school programs.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare center in Wilkes Barre, given local considerations?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and safety, tailor your questions to local and state-specific factors: 1. **Staffing:** "What is your staff turnover rate?" (High turnover is a challenge in the industry and can impact care quality). 2. **Pennsylvania Standards:** "How does your program align with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards and Keystone STARS quality rating?" (A higher STAR rating indicates a commitment to quality). 3. **Emergency Plans:** "What is your protocol for severe weather or other local emergencies?" (Consider our Northeastern PA winters). 4. **Community Involvement:** "Do children take part in local outings (e.g., Kirby Park, the Osterhout Free Library)?" 5. **Financials:** "Are there any additional fees beyond tuition, such as for registration, supplies, or late pick-up?" Also, ask if they accept CCW subsidies.