The Best Daycare Centers in Harrington, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrington
Providence Sacred Heart Children's Center
Providence Health & Services
This highly-regarded children's center operates within the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center campus, offering exceptional early childhood education with a focus on developmental milestones. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keycard access and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their curriculum emphasizes play-based learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated nap rooms, and nutritional meal programs. What sets this center apart is its connection to a major medical center, ensuring immediate access to healthcare resources and maintaining the highest safety standards in the region.
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KinderCare at Northpointe
KinderCare Learning Companies
This KinderCare location serves the greater Spokane area with a comprehensive early childhood program built on their proprietary curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The center features secure entry systems, daily health checks, and rigorous safety protocols. Their educational approach includes phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and creative arts. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration and independence. Staff members participate in ongoing professional development and many hold degrees in early childhood education. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Primrose School of Spokane Valley
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Spokane Valley offers a nationally-recognized Balanced Learning curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The facility features secure, purpose-built classrooms, commercial-grade playground equipment, and dedicated art and music rooms. Their approach emphasizes character development, literacy, and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning experiences. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive extensive training in the Primrose curriculum. The school maintains exceptional health and safety standards with comprehensive cleaning protocols and secure entry systems. Parent satisfaction is notably high due to their transparent communication, regular developmental assessments, and family engagement events that create a strong community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrington, WA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harrington, WA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harrington, as in all of Washington State, childcare providers must be licensed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). This includes family home daycares (caring for up to 12 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, training (including CPR/First Aid), and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history, you can use the free DCYF "Child Care Check" tool online. It's highly recommended to check this resource for any Harrington provider you are considering, as it provides transparency into their licensing status and any past violations.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Harrington, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to Harrington's smaller, rural community size, licensed daycare slots, especially for infants, can be very limited. It is not uncommon for reputable providers to have waitlists ranging from 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For infant care (children under 12 months), parents are advised to begin their search and get on waitlists during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Proactively contacting the handful of licensed providers in or near Harrington (including those in neighboring towns like Davenport or Wilbur) is crucial. Building a relationship with a provider early can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Harrington, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs available?
While costs are generally lower than in major Washington metros, full-time childcare in Harrington for one child typically ranges from $600 to $900 per month for preschool-age children, with infant care being at the higher end of that scale. The Washington State Department of Commerce administers the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy program, which helps eligible low- and middle-income families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and activity (like work or school). You can apply through the Washington Connection website. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly about payment options.
Are there any unique childcare options in Harrington that leverage the agricultural community, such as outdoor or nature-based programs?
Yes, Harrington's rural setting fosters some unique childcare approaches. While formal, licensed "forest schools" are less common, many in-home providers and smaller centers take significant advantage of outdoor play and learning. It's common to find programs with large, secure outdoor spaces, gardens, and activities connected to the local farming rhythms. When touring providers, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time, play areas, and if they incorporate agricultural themes (like planting seeds or animal care). Some family daycare homes on larger properties may offer a particularly robust outdoor experience that is a hallmark of childcare in this region.
What resources are available in Harrington for finding and evaluating childcare, beyond a basic online search?
Beyond an internet search, a key local resource is the **Child Care Aware of Eastern Washington** referral agency. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and certified childcare in Lincoln County and can help you navigate options based on your schedule, child's age, and specific needs. You can contact them by phone or online. Additionally, the **Harrington Civic Center** and local community boards (like at the post office or library) often have flyers for in-home daycares. Tapping into local parent networks through community events, churches, or social media groups is invaluable for getting personal recommendations and learning about less-advertised home-based providers.