The Best Daycare Centers in Tualatin, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tualatin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tualatin
Bright Horizons at Tualatin
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Tualatin offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facility access. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Tualatin
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Tualatin provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The center employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain current CPR/First Aid certifications. Features include secure keypad entry, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and comprehensive safety protocols. The curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. The facility offers multiple playgrounds, large classrooms with learning centers, and dedicated art and music spaces that support creative expression.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Tualatin
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Tualatin offers a nationally-recognized curriculum that focuses on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features experienced early childhood educators with specialized training in age-appropriate instructional methods. Safety measures include secured entrances, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, early math concepts, social skills, and physical development through both indoor and outdoor activities. The facility provides nutritious meals and snacks, age-separated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers that encourage exploration and discovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tualatin, OR
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Tualatin, Oregon?
In Tualatin, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care often falls between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. These rates are generally in line with the broader Portland metro area. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (corporate center vs. in-home daycare), the specific curriculum offered, and included amenities like meals or diapers. It's important to note that Oregon offers the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program, which provides subsidy assistance to eligible working families in Tualatin to help offset these significant expenses.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Tualatin, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists in Tualatin can be substantial, especially for highly-rated centers and infant care slots. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infants. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. Many centers in Tualatin maintain rolling waitlists, so it's wise to check in periodically to update your information and express continued interest.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a registered family childcare home in Tualatin?
In Tualatin, licensed childcare centers are larger facilities, often in commercial buildings, that care for groups of children with multiple staff members. They are regulated by the Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD) and must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety, and curriculum. A registered family childcare home operates out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 10 children (with no more than two under 24 months). These homes offer a more intimate, home-like setting and are also regulated by the state, but with different capacity rules. Both types are listed on the state's online resource, **Oregon Early Learning Division's Child Care Search**, which parents in Tualatin can use to verify licensing and review inspection reports.
Are there any local Tualatin resources or programs to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Tualatin parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) of Washington County**, which serves Tualatin. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered programs, help understanding state regulations, and guidance on what to look for during a visit. Additionally, the **City of Tualatin's Parks & Recreation Department** often has information on preschool and before/after-school care programs that partner with the Tigard-Tualatin School District. Checking community boards at the Tualatin Public Library and the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce can also provide leads on smaller, local providers.
What should I look for during a site visit to a potential daycare in Tualatin, and what questions are specific to this area?
During a site visit in Tualatin, observe the cleanliness, safety (gated areas, secure entrances), and how staff interact with children. Ask specific questions like: "What is your outdoor play policy on rainy days, given our Pacific Northwest climate?" and "How do you handle communication during local events like wildfire smoke or severe weather?" Inquire about their sick policy and how they align with Oregon's exclusion guidelines. Also, ask about their summer schedule and if they accommodate the schedule of the Tigard-Tualatin School District for school-age children. Always verify their current license status and ask to see the most recent state certification visit report, which you can cross-reference online through the Oregon ELD.