The Best Daycare Centers in Burbank, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burbank. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burbank
Children's Garden Learning Center
Independent
Children's Garden Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the Burbank/Walla Walla area with a comprehensive play-based curriculum. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains exceptionally low teacher-to-child ratios. Their educational approach emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and kindergarten readiness through structured activities and free play. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication about child development progress.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Walla Walla
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location provides nationally-recognized early childhood education to families in the Burbank region with a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. The center employs qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. Their comprehensive program includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social skills building through structured learning centers. The facility features secure access controls, dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Parents highlight the consistent quality, experienced leadership, and excellent kindergarten preparation in their reviews.
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Sunshine Academy Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Academy serves the Tri-Cities region including Burbank families with a comprehensive early childhood program emphasizing academic readiness and character development. The center features degreed early childhood educators who implement a balanced curriculum combining Montessori-inspired activities with traditional preschool learning. Their approach focuses on individualized learning plans, social-emotional skills development, and hands-on exploration in purpose-built classrooms. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern safety equipment, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Parent reviews consistently mention the caring staff, clean environment, and noticeable developmental progress in children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burbank, WA
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Burbank, WA, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Burbank, Washington, all childcare centers and family home providers caring for children from outside their own household must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCYF's "Child Care Check" tool online. This resource shows the provider's license type (like a Child Care Center or Family Home), their current license status (active, probationary, etc.), any compliance history, and their maximum licensed capacity. Given Burbank's smaller, rural setting, it's especially important to confirm licensing, as options may be more limited and include both in-home and center-based care.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Burbank area, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to Burbank's limited number of childcare facilities and its location within Walla Walla County, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. For popular local centers or licensed family homes, getting on multiple waitlists is a common strategy. Be proactive in contacting providers directly, as some smaller in-home providers may not maintain formal online lists. Checking with neighboring communities like Pasco or Walla Walla might also be necessary to expand your options.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Burbank, WA?
In Burbank and the surrounding Walla Walla County area, childcare costs are generally lower than the Washington state average but can still be a significant household expense. For full-time infant care, parents can expect to pay approximately $800 to $1,100 per month at a licensed center. Licensed family home care may range from $700 to $950 monthly. Toddler care is typically slightly less expensive. It's important to inquire about what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Many families in the area qualify for state subsidy programs like the Working Connections Child Care program to help offset these costs.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Burbank that cater to agricultural or shift-working families?
Yes, Burbank's location in an agricultural region means some providers offer flexible hours to accommodate non-traditional work schedules common in farming, processing, and healthcare. While specific "24-hour" centers are rare, some licensed family home providers may offer early morning, evening, or occasional overnight care by arrangement. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront. Additionally, the Walla Walla County community may have resources or networks for connecting shift-working parents. Exploring in-home nanny shares with other local families can also be a viable solution for covering irregular hours.
What resources are available locally to help me find and evaluate childcare options in Burbank?
The primary local resource is Child Care Aware of Washington, which serves Walla Walla County. Their referral specialists can provide a customized list of licensed providers in Burbank and the wider area based on your child's age, schedule, and other needs. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups, Facebook pages (e.g., "Burbank Community" groups), or at places like the Burbank Park can yield personal recommendations. Always schedule in-person tours to observe the environment, ask about caregiver-to-child ratios, curriculum, safety protocols, and policies on illness, to ensure the fit is right for your family.
Childcare Insights for Burbank
As a parent in Burbank, Washington, the search for reliable childcare can feel both urgent and overwhelming. You’re looking for a safe, nurturing environment for your child, right here in our community, where they can learn and grow while you work or manage other responsibilities. The good news is that Burbank and the surrounding Tri-Cities area offer several options, but finding the right fit requires a local approach. Starting your search with the specific phrase "childcare near me" is a practical first step, but diving deeper into what Burbank has to offer will lead you to the best solution for your family.
One of the most valuable resources at your fingertips is the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) website. Their online childcare search tool allows you to filter by zip code, age of your child, and type of care, providing a verified list of licensed providers, family home daycares, and preschools in the Burbank, Walla Walla County, and nearby Richland or Pasco areas. Licensing is crucial, as it ensures basic health, safety, and training standards are met. Given Burbank’s more rural setting, many families find wonderful, home-based childcare providers who offer a smaller, family-like atmosphere. These are often discovered through local word-of-mouth, making it worthwhile to ask for recommendations from other parents at the Burbank Early Learning Center playground or in community Facebook groups specific to our area.
When considering options, think about the daily logistics unique to our location. What are your commute routes to work in the Tri-Cities? Is the provider conveniently located off Highway 12 or in a neighborhood that makes drop-off and pick-up manageable? Inquire about their policies for late pick-ups, especially if you anticipate traffic delays on the Cable Bridge or during harvest season when local roads can be busier. Don’t hesitate to schedule in-person visits; this is non-negotiable. During your visit, observe how caregivers interact with the children, ask about their daily structure, and see if the outdoor play space is secure and engaging. Trust your instincts about the feeling you get in the environment.
Finally, remember that finding childcare in a smaller community like Burbank can sometimes mean joining a waitlist, so starting your search early is key. Be prepared with questions about curriculum for preschoolers, nap schedules for infants, and how they handle meals. Many local providers understand the needs of agricultural and shift-working families prevalent in our region, so be upfront about your schedule. By using state resources, tapping into local networks, and prioritizing visits, you can move beyond a simple online search to find a childcare solution in Burbank that brings you peace of mind and your child a happy, stimulating place to belong.