The Best Daycare Centers in Turner, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Turner. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Turner
Salem Montessori School
Salem Montessori Society
Salem Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained teachers and carefully prepared environments. The school serves children from infancy through elementary years, focusing on individualized learning, practical life skills, and holistic development. Features include beautiful outdoor classrooms, organic gardens, and mixed-age groupings that allow children to learn at their own pace. The infant and toddler programs emphasize nurturing care, language development, and movement in specially designed environments. Located just 7 miles from Turner, this highly-regarded institution maintains low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes peace education and community building.
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The Goddard School of South Salem
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of South Salem provides a premier early childhood education with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and age-appropriate learning environments. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, indoor gymnasium, and dedicated art and music rooms. Located approximately 8 miles from Turner, this nationally accredited center offers flexible scheduling and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Sunshine Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Early Learning Center offers a play-based curriculum combined with structured academic preparation in a nurturing Christian environment. The center features low child-to-teacher ratios, experienced early childhood educators, and comprehensive security measures including keypad entry and surveillance systems. Programs include age-appropriate literacy and math activities, creative arts, music instruction, and outdoor play in secure, fenced playgrounds. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through digital portfolios, and emphasis on social skills development. Located about 6 miles from Turner, this established center maintains excellent state licensing records and strong community reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Turner, OR
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Turner, Oregon, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Turner and the surrounding Marion County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month, while care for a toddler or preschooler is generally between $900 and $1,200 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (in-home vs. center-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Oregon's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program, which helps eligible working families, those in school, or in job training with childcare costs. Additionally, local organizations like the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency can provide guidance and support for accessing subsidies. It's highly recommended to apply for ERDC early, as there can be a waitlist.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Turner is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All licensed childcare facilities in Oregon are regulated by the Early Learning Division (ELD). You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and see any reported violations by using the free online "Child Care Search" tool on the Oregon Early Learning Division website. When visiting a potential daycare in Turner, look beyond the license for local specifics: ask about their emergency plans for events like wildfire smoke (common in the Willamette Valley) or flooding. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, the caregiver-to-child ratio, and how staff interact with the children. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Turner-area parents. A quality provider will be transparent and welcome your questions.
Are there any licensed in-home daycare providers in Turner, and what are the advantages of choosing this option?
Yes, Turner has several licensed Family Child Care (FHC) homes, which are often a popular choice in smaller communities for their home-like setting and potentially smaller group sizes. In Oregon, a licensed family home can care for up to 16 children with multiple caregivers, though many are much smaller. Advantages in Turner include potentially more flexible hours to accommodate local shift work (common in nearby agricultural or manufacturing sectors), a mixed-age setting that can be beneficial for siblings, and a location that may be closer to your home, reducing commute time. You can find licensed family homes through the same ELD Child Care Search tool, filtering by "Family Child Care Home" and zip code (97392).
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for daycare centers in the Turner area?
Availability for infant care in Turner is very limited and often involves significant waitlists, sometimes 6 to 12 months long. This is a common challenge across Oregon due to high demand and stringent infant-to-provider ratios. For toddler and preschool slots, availability is somewhat better but still competitive, especially at highly-rated centers. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Don't limit your search to Turner alone; consider expanding to nearby Salem, Aumsville, or Stayton, but factor in the commute. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
Are there part-time or non-traditional hour childcare options available for parents in Turner with irregular work schedules?
Finding part-time or non-traditional hour care (evenings, weekends, overnight) in Turner itself can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet for flexible hours is to seek out licensed Family Child Care Homes, as some providers may offer more adaptable schedules to meet community needs. Additionally, exploring registered but unlicensed "certified" family care or nanny-sharing arrangements with other local families can be a solution. For resources, you can contact the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Marion & Polk Counties, which is operated by Family Building Blocks. They maintain a database of providers and can help match your specific schedule needs with available options in the region.