The Best Daycare Centers in Forest Grove, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Forest Grove. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Forest Grove
Primrose School of Beaverton
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Beaverton offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, outdoor learning environments, healthy meals and snacks prepared on-site, and low student-teacher ratios. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school serves families throughout the Washington County area, including Forest Grove residents.
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The Goddard School of Hillsboro
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hillsboro provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All teachers meet or exceed state qualifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills through structured play and guided activities. Serving the broader Washington County area, including Forest Grove families seeking high-quality early childhood education.
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The Children's Garden
Independent
The Children's Garden is a locally-owned Forest Grove childcare center offering a nature-inspired, play-based curriculum that emphasizes outdoor exploration and hands-on learning. The program focuses on developing social skills, emotional intelligence, and early academic foundations through child-directed activities in both indoor and outdoor environments. The facility features natural playgrounds, garden areas, and age-appropriate learning spaces. Teachers maintain low child-to-staff ratios and hold early childhood education credentials. The center is known for its family-like atmosphere, strong parent communication, and commitment to serving the local Forest Grove community with personalized care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Forest Grove, OR
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Forest Grove, Oregon?
In Forest Grove, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. This is generally in line with the broader Portland metro area, though slightly lower than downtown Portland rates. Costs can vary based on the type of provider (center-based vs. in-home), the specific program's amenities, and whether it's a nationally accredited center. It's important to note that Oregon offers the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program, which provides financial assistance to eligible working families, students, or those in job training to help offset these costs. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any potential waitlist fees.
How can I verify if a daycare or preschool in Forest Grove is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed childcare facilities in Forest Grove are regulated by the State of Oregon's Early Learning Division (ELD). The best way to verify licensing and review compliance history is to use the state's online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool. You can search by the provider's name, city (Forest Grove), or zip code. This public database will show the facility's license status, capacity, ages served, and any recorded licensing violations or non-compliances from their past inspections. You can also contact the ELD's Office of Child Care directly. Additionally, many high-quality programs in the area participate in Oregon's voluntary quality rating system, called "Spark," which indicates a higher standard of care and learning environment.
Are there any nature-based or outdoor-focused preschool programs available in the Forest Grove area?
Yes, Forest Grove and its surrounding Washington County area are known for several nature-based and outdoor preschool options, capitalizing on the region's natural beauty. One notable example is the "Forest School" model offered by some local providers and through the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve education programs. These programs emphasize outdoor play and learning in all weather, often with a focus on environmental education. Pacific University's Early Learning Community also incorporates outdoor exploration into its curriculum. Due to their popularity, these programs often have significant waitlists, so it's advisable to inquire and apply well in advance, sometimes even a year ahead for infant spots.
What resources are available in Forest Grove to help me find last-minute or drop-in childcare?
Finding reliable last-minute care can be challenging. Your best local resources include: 1) The "NW Regional Child Care Resource & Referral" service, which can provide lists of licensed providers with possible immediate openings. 2) Local community hubs like the Forest Grove City Library or the Community Auditorium, which sometimes have bulletin boards with caregiver postings. 3) Networks affiliated with Pacific University; some students offer babysitting or nanny services. 4) A few licensed family childcare homes may offer occasional drop-in slots, but this is rare and usually requires prior registration and paperwork. For true emergency backup care, parents often need to rely on personal networks or larger regional services based in Hillsboro or Portland.
Does the Forest Grove School District offer public preschool programs, and how do I enroll?
The Forest Grove School District (FGSD) offers limited public preschool opportunities primarily through federally funded programs like Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), which have specific eligibility requirements based on family income or a child's developmental needs. The district does not currently offer universal public preschool for all 4-year-olds. Enrollment for these targeted programs typically begins in the spring for the following fall. You should contact the FGSD's Early Learning Department directly for the most current information on availability, eligibility screenings, and application processes. For general preschool, most families in Forest Grove utilize private childcare centers, faith-based preschools, or licensed in-home providers.