The Best Daycare Centers in Kimberly, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kimberly. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kimberly
The Learning Tree
The Learning Tree Child Development Centers
The Learning Tree is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Eastern Oregon region, including Kimberly families. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and low student-to-teacher ratios. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain excellent safety records with regular drills and protocols. Parents consistently praise their communication and the nurturing environment.
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Kiddie Kampus
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Kiddie Kampus provides quality childcare services to families throughout Malheur County, including the Kimberly community. They offer age-appropriate developmental programs with a balanced approach to learning through play and structured activities. Their curriculum includes language development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication and regular progress updates, with particular emphasis on individualized attention for each child.
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Little Ducklings Child Care Center
Little Ducklings Child Care
Little Ducklings Child Care Center serves the Ontario-Kimberly area with a family-oriented approach to early childhood education. They implement a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development, including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. The center features modern security systems, age-separated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers for different developmental domains. Their qualified teaching staff maintains small group sizes to ensure personalized attention, and they offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. The center is noted for its inclusive environment and strong community connections, with regular family engagement events and transparent communication practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kimberly, OR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kimberly, Oregon, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Oregon, all childcare facilities caring for more than three children unrelated to the provider must be licensed by the state's Office of Child Care (OCC). This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers in Kimberly must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff training (including CPR/First Aid and recognizing child abuse), background checks, and developmentally appropriate programming. To verify a provider's license status and view any history of complaints or violations, you can use the free, online "Child Care Search" tool on the Oregon Department of Human Services website. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the Kimberly area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state oversight.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare in Kimberly, and are there any local or state assistance programs available?
Childcare costs in Kimberly and the surrounding Malheur County area are generally lower than the state average, but can still be a significant expense. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay approximately $600-$850 per month for a preschool-aged child in a licensed family home setting, and $750-$1,100+ per month for an infant or toddler in a center-based program. Financial help is available for qualifying families. The most common program is the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) subsidy through the state of Oregon, which helps low- and moderate-income working families. You can apply through the Oregon Department of Human Services. Additionally, it's worth inquiring directly with providers in Kimberly, as some may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers and preschools in Kimberly, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the smaller number of licensed providers in a rural community like Kimberly, waitlists can be surprisingly long, especially for infant care and sought-after preschool programs. It is not uncommon for popular providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that parents begin their search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a key strategy for securing care in the Kimberly area.
Are there any unique outdoor or agricultural-based childcare programs available in the Kimberly area?
Reflecting its rural Eastern Oregon setting, Kimberly and the nearby Ontario/Vale areas may offer childcare experiences with a strong connection to nature and local agriculture. While specific "farm-based" preschools are less common, many licensed family childcare providers incorporate large outdoor play areas, gardens, and animal interactions into their daily routines. When touring providers, ask about their outdoor play philosophy and daily schedule. Some programs may partner with local 4-H or FFA chapters for special activities. Additionally, the Malheur County Extension Service or the Four Rivers Community School in Ontario might have information on nature-focused early learning opportunities or summer programs suitable for preschoolers.
What options exist for part-time, drop-in, or non-traditional hour childcare in Kimberly for parents with shift work?
Finding flexible childcare in a small community like Kimberly can be challenging. Most licensed family homes and centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, daytime schedule. For part-time or drop-in care, your best bet is to inquire directly with licensed family childcare providers, as they may have more flexibility to accommodate a part-time schedule if they have an opening. For true non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, weekends), options are extremely limited. Some parents in the area form small, private nanny-shares or rely on trusted family, friends, or in-home babysitters. It's important to note that unregulated, in-home babysitting arrangements are not subject to state licensing or oversight, so parents must conduct their own thorough vetting for safety and reliability.