The Best Daycare Centers in Umatilla, OR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Umatilla. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Umatilla
Bright Horizons at Good Shepherd Medical Center
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum including Emergent Curriculum and World at Their Fingertips. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low child-to-teacher ratios, and state-of-the-art security systems. Their program emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. As part of the Bright Horizons network, they maintain rigorous health and safety protocols including comprehensive background checks, regular facility inspections, and emergency preparedness training. The center serves employees of Good Shepherd Medical Center but also accepts community families from Umatilla and surrounding areas.
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Small Miracles Childcare Center
Small Miracles Childcare
Small Miracles provides a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and comprehensive developmental tracking. Their qualified staff includes teachers with CDA credentials and ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, character development, and school readiness skills. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Lil' Buckaroos Learning Center
Lil' Buckaroos Learning Center
This locally-owned center offers a balanced curriculum blending structured learning with creative exploration. Their program includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and arts integration. The facility features modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. Staff members hold early childhood education qualifications and receive ongoing training in child development and safety procedures. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and implements comprehensive safety measures including surveillance systems, emergency protocols, and regular facility maintenance. Parents appreciate the strong community feel, consistent communication, and focus on individual child development needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Umatilla, OR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Umatilla, Oregon, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Umatilla, Oregon, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the state's Office of Child Care (OCC), which is part of the Oregon Department of Education's Early Learning Division. Providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify the license status, view inspection reports, and check for any history of complaints by using the "Find Child Care" tool on the **Oregon Early Learning Division website**. It's highly recommended to search for providers in Umatilla (97882) on this portal and to contact the OCC directly for the most current information before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Umatilla, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Umatilla and the surrounding Morrow County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $700 to $900 per month, while toddler care may range from $650 to $850. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Oregon offers the **Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program**, which helps eligible working families, those in school, or in job training pay for childcare. You can apply through the Oregon Department of Human Services. Additionally, local organizations like the **Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO)** may have resources or referrals for Umatilla residents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Umatilla, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited childcare options in a smaller community like Umatilla, waitlists for licensed centers and quality home-based programs are common, especially for infants. It is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **as early as possible**, ideally 6-12 months before you need care. Contact providers directly to inquire about their specific waitlist process and estimated timelines. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Umatilla and neighboring communities like Hermiston for more options. Being flexible with your start date can also improve your chances.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Umatilla, Oregon?
Umatilla primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is **licensed family childcare homes**, where care is provided in a provider's residence for a smaller group of children. The second is **childcare centers**, which are larger facilities, though there are fewer of these in the immediate Umatilla area. Many families in Umatilla also look to the larger nearby city of **Hermiston**, which has more center-based options and preschool programs within a reasonable commuting distance. For school-age children, the **Umatilla School District** may offer before and after-school programs at local elementary schools.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Umatilla, and are there any local resources to help me evaluate quality?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure outdoor play areas, and note how staff interact with the children—engaging warmly and responsively. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, daily routines, and their policies on nutrition, discipline, and communication with parents. In Oregon, you can also check if a provider is participating in the **Spark** quality rating and improvement system (though participation is voluntary), which is a key indicator of a program committed to high standards. For local insights, talk to other parents in the community and consult with **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies** that serve Eastern Oregon, such as those operated by CAPECO, for checklists and guidance.