The Best Daycare Centers in Camp Murray, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Camp Murray. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Camp Murray
Kiddie Academy of Lakewood
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lakewood provides comprehensive educational childcare with a proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated learning centers, and nutritional meal programs. Particularly popular with military families from nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray due to their flexible scheduling and understanding of military family needs.
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Discovery Child Enrichment Center
Independent
Discovery Child Enrichment Center offers a play-based learning environment combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness skills. The center maintains Washington State Early Achievers ratings and features certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks. The facility includes multiple outdoor play areas, dedicated art and music rooms, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Known for strong parent communication and serving many military-connected families.
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The Goddard School of Lakewood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lakewood implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts while promoting social skills and independence. The center features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and rigorous safety protocols. All teachers are early childhood education professionals who receive ongoing professional development. The school offers extended hours to accommodate military and working families, with nutritious meals and snacks included. Particularly noted for their kindergarten readiness program and inclusive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Camp Murray, WA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available to families living on or near Camp Murray, WA?
In the Camp Murray and greater Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) area, families have access to several types of licensed childcare. The most prominent is the Child Development Center (CDC) operated by the Army's Child and Youth Services (CYS) on JBLM, which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. There are also Family Child Care (FCC) homes, which are licensed, home-based programs run by military spouses or other certified providers, often offering more flexible hours. Off-base, you'll find private daycare centers and preschools in nearby communities like Lakewood and DuPont. Washington State requires all these options (except some religious exemptions) to be licensed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), ensuring they meet health, safety, and educational standards.
How does priority for the on-base Child Development Center (CDC) work for Camp Murray personnel, and are waitlists common?
Priority for the CDC on JBLM is strictly regulated. The highest priority (Tier 1) is given to single Active Duty service members and Dual Military couples. Tier 2 includes one Active Duty service member with a working spouse. Other DoD civilians and contractors typically fall into lower tiers. Due to high demand, waitlists for the CDC are very common and can be several months long, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It is strongly recommended that Camp Murray families register for childcare through the Army CYS Central Waiting List (via the **MilitaryChildCare.com** website) as soon as possible, even before a permanent change of station (PCS) move or the birth of a child. This system manages waitlists for both CDCs and affiliated FCC homes.
What is the typical cost range for childcare in the Camp Murray area, and are there financial assistance programs for military families?
Costs vary significantly based on the type of care and your Total Family Income (TFI). At the on-base CDC, fees are set on a sliding scale according to TFI, making it one of the most affordable options. For 2024, full-time weekly fees for the CDC typically range from approximately $94 to $191 per child. Off-base private centers in Lakewood or DuPont can often be higher, ranging from $250 to $400+ per week for full-time infant care. Military families should utilize the **Child Care Fee Assistance** program through Army CYS, which can provide subsidies for using off-base, state-licensed childcare providers when on-base care is unavailable. This program can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Are there childcare options that cater to the irregular hours often associated with military duties, such as night shifts, weekend training, or sudden deployments?
Yes, the unique demands of military life are specifically addressed by certain providers. The FCC homes affiliated with the Army CYS program are renowned for offering extended hours, overnight care, and weekend care to accommodate shift work, field exercises, and deployment cycles. Some CDC programs also offer "respite care" options for short-term needs. For true emergencies, such as sudden deployment notifications, the installation's **Child and Youth Services** office can provide guidance and may offer limited emergency care referrals. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront with any provider, especially off-base ones, as standard civilian centers may not have this flexibility.
What resources are available to help Camp Murray parents find and vet licensed childcare providers off the installation?
The primary resource is the **Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) online childcare search tool**. This database allows you to search by zip code (like 98430 for Camp Murray) and filter by age, program type, and hours. It provides each provider's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history—a critical step for vetting. Additionally, the **Army CYS School Liaison Officer** and the **Military & Family Readiness Center** at JBLM can offer local referrals and support. Many families also rely on unit-specific Facebook groups (e.g., "JBLM Spouses") and the **MilitaryChildCare.com** portal, which lists both on-base and affiliated community-based care options that meet DoD standards.