The Best Daycare Centers in Hammond, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hammond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hammond
Pumpkin Ridge Child Development Center
Independent
Pumpkin Ridge Child Development Center serves the Hammond area with a comprehensive educational approach focusing on whole-child development. Located just minutes from Hammond, this center offers a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials, and the center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Their safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Hillsboro
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves families in the Hammond area with a research-based curriculum that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, including a STEM lab and literacy-rich environments. Their team includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, comprehensive health protocols, and regular safety drills. The center offers flexible scheduling options and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parent engagement is encouraged through regular updates, family events, and portfolio assessments tracking developmental milestones.
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The Goddard School of Hillsboro
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hillsboro provides premium early childhood education to families in the Hammond region with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. The school features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and enhanced security systems including electronic entry and surveillance. All teachers are qualified early childhood professionals who participate in continuous training. The program emphasizes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. Parents receive daily communication through their proprietary app and regular progress reports documenting developmental achievements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hammond, OR
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Hammond, Oregon, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Hammond, Oregon, all childcare facilities caring for more than three children unrelated to the provider must be licensed by the Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD) under the Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes, childcare centers, and preschools. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" tool on the Oregon Early Learning Division website or contact the ELD directly. It's highly recommended to check for any history of complaints or violations, which is public record. Given Hammond's smaller size, many providers are licensed family homes, so verifying this credential is a crucial first step.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and preschools in the Hammond area, and when should I start looking?
Due to Hammond's location in Clatsop County and its proximity to the larger city of Astoria, quality childcare options can have significant waitlists, especially for infant and toddler care. It is not uncommon for popular centers or licensed family homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For preschool programs (ages 3-5), waitlists for the fall term often fill up by the prior spring. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple lists, and follow up periodically.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Hammond, Oregon?
Childcare costs in Hammond and the surrounding North Coast region are generally in line with Oregon state averages, which are among the highest in the nation. For full-time care (approximately 40-50 hours per week), you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,400 per month for infant care in a licensed family home or center. Toddler care typically ranges from $900 to $1,200 per month. These costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to budget for this significant expense and explore financial assistance options like the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program, which helps eligible families with childcare costs.
Are there any unique childcare options or resources in Hammond that take advantage of the coastal environment?
Yes, Hammond's unique coastal setting influences some local childcare philosophies. Several providers, particularly licensed family homes and nature-based preschools in the greater Astoria area, incorporate "forest school" or outdoor education principles. This might include regular outdoor play in all weather, beachcombing excursions (with appropriate safety measures), and learning activities centered on local marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, the Clatsop County 4-H program and the Columbia River Maritime Museum sometimes offer seasonal camps or educational programs for school-age children. When touring providers, ask about their daily outdoor time and how they utilize the natural environment in their curriculum.
What should I know about backup or emergency childcare options in Hammond, especially given its smaller size and seasonal tourism?
Hammond has limited traditional drop-in or backup childcare centers. Your primary options are to first check if your regular provider offers occasional extra days for an added fee. For true emergencies, parents often rely on informal networks with other trusted parents or known babysitters. It's wise to build this network early. For planned backup care, you may need to look at providers in neighboring Astoria, which has a few more options. Be aware that during peak summer tourist season, even babysitter availability may be tight. We recommend identifying and vetting at least one or two backup sitters before you need them. The local Facebook community groups for Hammond and Astoria can sometimes be a resource for finding recommended sitters.