The Best Daycare Centers in Redmond, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Redmond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Redmond
Small Wonders Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders Learning Center is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances structured learning with play-based activities. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood education credentials and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. They emphasize social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM exploration through hands-on activities. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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The Learning Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Child Development Center offers a comprehensive educational approach focusing on whole-child development. Their curriculum integrates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early childhood education practices. The center features qualified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains excellent staff retention rates. Facilities include modern classrooms with natural lighting, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor playgrounds with both shaded and open areas. The program emphasizes character development, early literacy, mathematics readiness, and creative expression. They maintain strict health and safety standards including regular sanitation protocols and emergency preparedness training. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Bend serves the Redmond area with their nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. This state-of-the-art facility features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education or related fields and ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social studies through play-based activities. The school maintains exceptional safety standards with secure entry systems, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict health protocols. Facilities include bright, modern classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and multiple age-appropriate playgrounds. Their program emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular developmental assessments to track each child's progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Redmond, OR
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Redmond, Oregon?
In Redmond, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, 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 in-home family childcare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $800 to $1,100 per month. These costs are generally in line with the Central Oregon region but are often lower than in neighboring Bend. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program for qualifying families.
How long are daycare waitlists in Redmond, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for quality daycare, especially for infants, are common in Redmond and can range from 3 to 9 months, sometimes longer for highly sought-after centers. The demand often outpaces supply due to the city's growth. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers—both centers and licensed family homes—to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typically $25-$75. Stay in regular, polite contact with providers every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include providers in nearby Terrebonne or the northern areas of Bend, which some Redmond families utilize.
What are Oregon's licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a daycare's license in Redmond?
In Oregon, all childcare providers caring for more than three children unrelated to them must be licensed by the Office of Child Care (OCC), a division of the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and developmental standards, including background checks, staff-to-child ratios, safe environments, and ongoing training. To verify the license status and review any history of complaints or inspections for a Redmond daycare, you can use the free, online **"Child Care Licensing Lookup"** tool on the Oregon DELC website. This resource is crucial for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and monitored facility.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Redmond area?
Yes, reflecting Central Oregon's outdoor culture, Redmond offers several childcare options with a strong emphasis on outdoor play and nature exploration. Some centers and preschools have dedicated outdoor classrooms and incorporate daily outdoor time regardless of weather, following the "there's no bad weather, only bad clothing" philosophy. While full-scale "forest schools" are more common in Bend, you can find Redmond programs with large, natural play areas, gardens, and regular outdoor activities. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor schedule, their approach to risk in play, and if they utilize local parks or trails. This focus helps children develop resilience and a connection to the high desert environment.
What resources are available in Redmond to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource is **"NeighborImpact's Child Care Resources"** program, which serves Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties from their Redmond office. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help match your family's needs with licensed providers. They can also provide guidance on what to look for during tours, questions to ask, and information on financial assistance programs. Additionally, the **Central Oregon Family Magazine** and local Facebook parenting groups (e.g., "Redmond, OR Moms") are valuable for word-of-mouth recommendations and reviews from other parents. Always complement these resources with your own visits and checks via the state's online licensing lookup tool.
Childcare Insights for Redmond
Finding quality, affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families in Redmond, Oregon. The search for "cheap childcare near me" is more than just a Google query; it's a quest for peace of mind, knowing your child is safe, engaged, and thriving while you work. In our growing community, balancing cost with quality requires a bit of local knowledge and a proactive approach. The good news is that Redmond offers a variety of options, from licensed home-based providers to larger centers, and understanding the landscape here is the first step.
When we talk about "cheap" or affordable childcare in Redmond, it's essential to look beyond the sticker price. Value is found in a reliable, nurturing environment. A great starting point is the state's official resource, the Oregon Early Learning Division. Their website allows you to search for licensed providers specifically in Redmond and Deschutes County, giving you a verified list to begin your inquiries. Many local parents also find success through community networks. The Facebook group "Redmond, Oregon Moms" or the "Central Oregon Parents" group can be invaluable for personal recommendations and hearing about potential openings in smaller, home-based settings, which can often be more budget-friendly than larger centers.
Another critical step for families in Redmond is to investigate financial assistance programs. Oregon offers employment-related daycare (ERDC) subsidies for qualifying families, which can dramatically reduce your weekly co-pay. Applying through the Oregon Department of Human Services is a process, but it can make many more options in Redmond accessible. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask providers directly if they offer any sliding scale fees based on income or discounts for siblings. Some local churches and community organizations in Redmond also host preschool programs that operate on a partial-week schedule at a lower cost, which can be a perfect solution for parents with flexible or part-time work arrangements.
As you visit potential childcare spots in Redmond, consider the unique aspects of our area. Does the provider incorporate Central Oregon's natural beauty into their day, with time spent outdoors at nearby parks like Sam Johnson Park or the Dry Canyon? In a region with distinct seasons, ask about their policies for smoky air days in the summer and indoor activities during colder months. Affordable care should still include a stimulating environment that leverages what makes living here special. Finally, trust your instincts. The right fit in Redmond will feel like a partnership, where communication is open and you feel confident in your child's care. By combining state resources, local word-of-mouth, and a clear understanding of available aid, finding affordable childcare in Redmond is an achievable goal, allowing you to focus on your work knowing your child is in good hands right here in our community.