The Best Daycare Centers in West Jordan, UT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in West Jordan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in West Jordan
The Goddard School of West Jordan
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in West Jordan offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional learning in state-of-the-art classrooms with secure entry systems. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the facility features age-appropriate playgrounds, enrichment programs, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure check-in systems and rigorous cleaning procedures.
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The Avenues Preschool - South Jordan
The Avenues Collective
Located just minutes from West Jordan, The Avenues Preschool offers an exceptional bilingual (Spanish/English) curriculum with project-based learning and Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches. The program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship through hands-on experiences in beautifully designed learning environments. Features include low student-teacher ratios, highly qualified educators with advanced degrees, secure facilities with camera monitoring, and extensive enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education. The center is known for its strong parent communication and community involvement.
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Creative Kids Learning Center - Riverton
Creative Kids Learning Centers
Creative Kids Learning Center serves the West Jordan area with a comprehensive early childhood program that combines academic preparation with developmental play. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies through thematic units. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, age-separated playgrounds, and modern classrooms equipped with learning centers. Staff maintain low teacher-child ratios, and all lead teachers have early childhood education credentials. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and extensive safety protocols including emergency preparedness training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in West Jordan, UT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in West Jordan, UT?
In West Jordan, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 per month for infant care (6 weeks to 18 months), and slightly less, around $700 to $1,000 per month, for toddler care. In-home licensed family childcare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $600 to $900 per month. These costs are generally in line with the Salt Lake County average. It's important to note that many facilities have a weekly rate, which averages $200-$275 for centers. Always ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed in Utah, and what are the key state regulations I should know about?
All childcare providers caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past inspection reports through the official Utah Child Care Licensing Search website. Key Utah regulations for parents to know include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for 2-year-olds, 1:15 for 4-year-olds), required background checks for all staff, annual health and safety training, and specific square footage requirements for indoor and outdoor play spaces. In West Jordan, the city may have additional business licensing requirements, but the state sets the core health and safety standards.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in West Jordan, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant spots at highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in West Jordan. Due to high demand in the growing communities of southwest Salt Lake County, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. For infant care, contacting centers during the second trimester of pregnancy is a wise strategy. Some popular centers in areas like Daybreak or near the Jordan Landing shopping district may have waitlists exceeding a year. Don't be discouraged—also consider licensed in-home providers, which may have more immediate availability and shorter wait times.
What resources are available in West Jordan to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Several state and federal programs can assist qualifying families in West Jordan. The primary resource is the Utah Child Care Subsidy Program (also known as the Child Care Assistance Program), which is income-based and can cover a significant portion of daycare costs at participating providers. Applications are managed through the Utah Department of Workforce Services. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For preschool-aged children, the Granite School District (which serves West Jordan) offers free, income-qualified preschool programs at several elementary schools, which can be a full or partial-day educational childcare solution.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and in-home family childcare in West Jordan, and how do I decide which is right for my child?
The choice often comes down to environment, schedule, and philosophy. **Daycare Centers** (e.g., KinderCare, The Learning Experience, or local chains) typically offer a more structured, school-like environment with multiple classrooms, larger peer groups, and often a set curriculum. They usually have stricter hours (e.g., 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM) but are less likely to close if one staff member is sick. **Licensed In-Home Family Childcare** operates in a provider's residence, offering a smaller, mixed-age group setting that can feel more like a family. They often provide more flexible hours and may be more affordable. In West Jordan's suburban neighborhoods, many excellent in-home providers exist. To decide, consider your child's temperament (does they thrive in busy or calm settings?), your need for schedule flexibility, and visit both types to get a feel for the caregiver and environment. Always ensure any option you choose is properly licensed by the state.