The Best Daycare Centers in Scranton, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scranton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scranton
Little Blessings Child Development Center
Independent
Little Blessings Child Development Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a strong focus on Christian values and academic preparation. The center features a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. Their qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide individualized attention. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern learning materials. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and excellent communication. The center serves families throughout Florence County, including Scranton residents.
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ABC Child Development Center
Independent
ABC Child Development Center provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum blends play-based learning with structured academic preparation, incorporating STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The center maintains excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features modern classrooms, dedicated infant rooms, and expansive outdoor play areas. Serving the broader Florence County area, they offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
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First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Lake City
First Baptist Church Child Development Center offers a faith-based educational program that combines academic excellence with Christian character development. The center utilizes the Creative Curriculum system, supplemented with hands-on learning activities and technology integration. Their experienced teaching staff maintains South Carolina Early Childhood credentials and provides individualized learning plans. The secure facility includes monitored classrooms, age-separated playgrounds, and a dedicated music and movement room. Parents appreciate the strong community atmosphere, consistent communication, and focus on both academic and spiritual growth. The center serves families throughout northeastern South Carolina, including Scranton.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scranton, SC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Scranton, SC, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Scranton, SC, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). This includes family home daycares (serving 6-12 children) and group childcare centers. Licensing ensures compliance with state standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks for employees, and health protocols. To verify a facility's license, you can use the SCDSS Child Care Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it will show the facility's current license status, any compliance history, and the ages they are approved to serve. You can also contact the SCDSS Child Care Licensing office for the Upstate region for direct confirmation.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Scranton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Scranton and the surrounding rural areas of South Carolina, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $110 to $140 per week. These costs are generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas of the state. For financial assistance, South Carolina's ABC Voucher Program (ABC Quality) is the primary resource for eligible families based on income and need. You can apply through the SC Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Scranton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare providers in a smaller community like Scranton, waitlists can vary but are common, especially for infant spots. It's not unusual for popular centers or highly-regarded home daycares to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months. For infants, we strongly recommend starting your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. For toddler or preschool-age children, 3-4 months in advance is advisable. Be proactive: call multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up periodically to express your continued interest.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Scranton, SC?
Part-time and drop-in childcare options in Scranton are more limited than full-time care. Most licensed group centers primarily offer full-time weekly schedules. Your best bet for flexible care is to inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as some may offer part-day or part-week arrangements. There are no large, corporate drop-in chains in Scranton. For occasional needs, you might explore networks like Care.com for local, vetted babysitters, or inquire at community centers or churches in nearby towns like Lake City or Florence, which may have mother's day out programs. Always ensure any occasional caregiver has passed a background check.
Are there any daycare facilities in Scranton that offer educational preschool programs or follow specific curricula?
Yes, several daycare providers in Scranton integrate early education into their programs. Look for centers that are part of South Carolina's ABC Quality program, especially those with a "B" or "A" rating, as they voluntarily meet higher standards for learning environments. Some facilities may use structured curricula like Creative Curriculum or incorporate elements of Montessori or play-based learning. It's important to ask directors directly about their daily schedule, learning objectives, and how they prepare children for kindergarten. Given Scranton's size, you may also find that some family daycares offer strong, personalized pre-academic activities focusing on letters, numbers, and social skills, even without a formal branded curriculum.