The Best Daycare Centers in Medford, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Medford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Medford
KinderCare Learning Center at Medford Center
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited KinderCare location offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features include dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, STEM learning stations, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes safety with secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and health screening protocols. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Primrose School of Medford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Medford follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a strong focus on character development and literacy. The curriculum includes music, art, Spanish language exposure, and technology integration. Facilities feature age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for motor skill development. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials, and the center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including thorough cleaning procedures and secure building access. The school is known for its strong parent partnership program and regular community events.
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The Children's Learning Center of Southern Oregon
Independent Nonprofit
As a longstanding nonprofit childcare center, The Children's Learning Center provides high-quality early education with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center specializes in inclusive education, serving children with and without special needs in integrated classrooms. Features include sensory-rich environments, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic support services. The highly qualified staff includes early intervention specialists and certified early childhood educators. The center maintains excellent safety records with comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Parents consistently praise the individualized attention and strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Medford, OR
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Medford, Oregon?
In Medford, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $950 to $1,200 per month, for a toddler. Licensed family childcare homes are often more affordable, typically ranging from $800 to $1,100 per month. These costs are generally in line with the Oregon state average but are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Medford can be lower than in larger Oregon metro areas like Portland. Financial assistance is available through programs like the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program, which many local providers accept.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Medford, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and infant rooms in Medford can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. This is due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for children under two years old. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Get on multiple waitlists, including both centers and licensed family homes. Maintain regular, polite contact with providers (e.g., a check-in email every 2-3 months) to show continued interest. Be as flexible as possible with your start date. Additionally, explore resources like the **Child Care Resource & Referral of Jackson County**, which can help you identify available openings and navigate the local landscape.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Medford?
All childcare facilities in Medford must be licensed and regulated by the **Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD)**. Key requirements you should verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), which are strictly enforced for safety. **Background Checks** for all staff and household members in a family home. **Health and Safety Training** including CPR, First Aid, and prevention of infectious diseases. **Facility Safety** including safe sleep practices for infants, emergency plans, and playground safety. You can and should review a provider's licensing history, including any complaints or violations, for free on the ELD's online **Child Care Licensing Search** tool. This is a crucial step in ensuring your child's safety.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Medford that focus on outdoor or nature-based learning?
Yes, Medford and the surrounding Rogue Valley have a growing number of programs that emphasize outdoor and nature-based education, taking advantage of Southern Oregon's natural beauty. Several licensed preschools and forest schools operate on the principle of regular, extended outdoor play and learning in all weather. These programs often utilize local parks, trails, and private natural spaces. When searching, look for keywords like "nature preschool," "forest kindergarten," or "outdoor-based" in their descriptions. It's important to confirm they are ELD-licensed and inquire about their specific outdoor safety protocols, including sun protection, weather preparedness, and staff training for outdoor environments.
What local resources in Jackson County can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Medford?
The primary local resource is **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) of Jackson County**, a program of the Southern Oregon Education Service District. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help parents find licensed care that matches their needs, schedule, and location. They also provide information on licensing, quality indicators, and financial assistance programs. Another valuable resource is the **Oregon Early Learning Division's website**, which hosts the official licensing database and inspection reports. For community insights, consider joining local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Medford Moms & Dads") to get personal recommendations and experiences with specific providers in the area.