The Best Daycare Centers in Fields, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fields. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fields
Harney County Early Learning Center
Harney Education Service District
The Harney County Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded facility operated by the Harney Education Service District, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their curriculum emphasizes play-based learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills aligned with Oregon Early Learning Standards. The center features qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, low student-teacher ratios, and inclusive environments for children with diverse needs. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, regular health inspections, and USDA-approved nutritional meals. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and developmental screening services, making it a cornerstone for early education in rural Eastern Oregon.
Daycare Services:
Oregon Child Development Coalition - Burns Center
Oregon Child Development Coalition
The OCDC Burns Center provides high-quality, culturally responsive childcare and early education services through the Oregon Child Development Coalition. Their research-based curriculum focuses on bilingual development (English/Spanish), literacy, and STEM activities, with specialized programs for agricultural and migrant families. The center employs certified early childhood educators and family advocates who maintain strong parent partnerships and home-visiting programs. Safety features include monitored playgrounds, nutrition programs meeting federal guidelines, and trauma-informed care practices. With a commitment to equity and community engagement, this center offers flexible scheduling and comprehensive support services for rural families in the Fields service area.
Daycare Services:
Harney County Head Start
Community Action Team of Oregon
Harney County Head Start delivers federally-funded early childhood education with a strong focus on school readiness and family well-being. Their holistic approach includes evidence-based curricula like Creative Curriculum, emphasizing cognitive, physical, and social development through structured play and hands-on activities. The program features degreed teachers, low child-staff ratios, and comprehensive services including dental/health screenings, mental health support, and parent education workshops. The facility maintains high safety standards with routine drills, sanitization protocols, and inclusive environments for children with disabilities. Serving low-income and at-risk families, this center is a vital resource for equitable early education in the Fields region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fields, OR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fields, Oregon, and how can I verify a provider is licensed?
In Oregon, all childcare providers caring for more than three children unrelated to them must be licensed by the state's Office of Child Care (OCC). This includes home-based family childcare and center-based programs in Fields. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and staff training standards. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the free, online "Child Care Search" tool on the Oregon Early Learning Division website. You can search by provider name, city (like Fields), or zip code to view their license type, any history of complaints, and their latest inspection reports. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the Harney County area.
Given Fields' remote location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are there long waitlists?
Due to Fields' small, rural population in Harney County, childcare options are limited and primarily consist of licensed family childcare homes. There are no large childcare centers in Fields itself. Availability can be extremely tight, and it's common for the few providers to have waitlists, sometimes lasting several months to a year. Parents are often advised to contact providers as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Some families may also explore options in larger nearby towns like Burns (over 50 miles away) or consider forming small, cooperative nanny-shares with other local families, though these arrangements must still comply with state regulations if they exceed the three-child threshold.
How much does childcare typically cost in Fields, Oregon, and is there any financial assistance available?
While specific rates in Fields vary by provider, the average cost for full-time infant care in a family home in rural Oregon can range from $600 to $900 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, it may be slightly less. These costs reflect the lower overall cost of living but also the limited supply. Financial assistance is available through the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program, which helps eligible working families, those in school, or in job training pay for childcare. Given the economic landscape of Harney County, many families qualify for some level of subsidy. You can apply for ERDC online or through the local DHS office in Burns.
What should I look for when touring a family childcare home in a rural area like Fields?
When touring a home-based daycare in Fields, beyond standard checks for safety and cleanliness, pay special attention to factors unique to a rural setting. Ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather, wildfires (common in Eastern Oregon), and medical emergencies, given the distance to a major hospital. Inquire about their outdoor play area and how they manage encounters with local wildlife. Also, discuss their policy on farm animals if the property has them. It's also wise to ask about their backup plan if the provider gets sick, as alternative care options in Fields are nearly non-existent. Building a strong, communicative relationship with your provider is especially important in a close-knit community.
Are there any state or local programs in Oregon that support early childhood education for preschoolers in remote communities like Fields?
Yes, Oregon offers the Oregon Pre-Kindergarten (OPK) program and the Preschool Promise program for income-eligible families. However, in a very remote community like Fields, these programs are often delivered through a partnership with the local Head Start program or the Harney County Education Service District. Access may involve transportation to a centralized location or, in some cases, home-visiting models due to the population dispersion. For school-age childcare, the Fields School itself may provide resources or referrals. Contacting the Harney Early Learning Hub, which serves the county, is the best way to learn about current early education opportunities and possible travel-based solutions for families in the Alvord Desert region.