The Best Daycare Centers in Kittitas, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kittitas. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kittitas
Ellensburg Child Care Center
Independent
Ellensburg Child Care Center is a highly-regarded nonprofit facility serving Kittitas County with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center features a play-based educational approach with structured curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. All lead teachers hold Early Childhood Education credentials with ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms and large outdoor play areas with natural elements. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, nutritious meal program, and the stable, long-tenured teaching staff that provides consistent care. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and holds Washington State Early Achievers quality ratings.
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Kittitas County Head Start
Educational Service District 105
Kittitas County Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education with comprehensive family support services for families throughout Kittitas County, including Kittitas residents. The program uses evidence-based curriculum focusing on school readiness, literacy development, and social skills. Services include health screenings, nutrition programs, and family advocacy. Teachers hold bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields with specialized Head Start training. The facility features modern classrooms, dedicated play areas, and family resource centers. The program is particularly noted for its inclusive approach, serving children with special needs and offering transportation services for qualifying families in the Kittitas area.
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Little Scholars Learning Center
Independent
Little Scholars Learning Center offers a structured academic foundation while maintaining a nurturing environment for children from infancy through school age. The curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning standards, focusing on individualized development plans. The center features purpose-built classrooms with learning centers for literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Security includes keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and secure outdoor play areas. Teachers maintain Child Development Associate credentials or higher with ongoing training in early childhood best practices. The center is recognized for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and flexible scheduling options that accommodate Kittitas area families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kittitas, WA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Kittitas, WA, and how do I find them?
In Kittitas, you'll primarily find licensed family home daycares and potentially smaller childcare centers. Due to the town's size and rural nature, large corporate centers are less common. The most reliable way to find licensed providers is through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) online childcare search tool. You can filter by location (Kittitas ZIP code 98934), age of your child, and type of care. Additionally, local resources like the Kittitas County Early Learning Coalition and community Facebook groups (e.g., "Kittitas Community Board") are invaluable for word-of-mouth recommendations and learning about smaller, in-home providers who are licensed.
What is the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Kittitas, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Kittitas County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $700 to $1,000. These costs are generally lower than in larger Washington metros like Seattle but can vary based on the provider's qualifications, program structure, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Washington State offers the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy for eligible families. You apply through the DCYF. Locally, it's also worth inquiring with providers about potential sliding scale fees or if they participate in the state's subsidy program, as not all small providers do.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Kittitas, and when should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Kittitas, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular licensed family homes or local centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, be sure to ask directly about their current waitlist length, their policy for securing a spot (e.g., deposit), and how often they update families on their position.
What are the key Washington State licensing requirements I should verify for a daycare in Kittitas?
All licensed providers in Kittitas must comply with Washington State DCYF regulations. Key requirements to verify include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For infants (0-12 months), the ratio is 1:4; for toddlers (12-36 months), it's 1:7. 2) **Background Checks:** All staff and adults in a family home must pass comprehensive background checks. 3) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must have current CPR/First Aid certification and complete ongoing training. 4) **Facility Safety:** The home or center must pass regular inspections for safety, sanitation, and safe sleep practices (for infants). You can view a provider's licensing history, including any compliance issues, on the DCYF website.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or seasonal childcare options in Kittitas, particularly for students or agricultural workers?
Options for non-standard childcare are very limited in Kittitas due to the small market, but they do exist. Some licensed family home providers may offer part-time slots or flexible arrangements, but this is rare and usually requires prior arrangement. There are typically no formal drop-in daycare centers. For seasonal needs, such as during harvest times, some families arrange for nanny-shares or seek out college students from nearby Central Washington University (in Ellensburg) for occasional babysitting. Your best bet is to network through local community groups and explicitly ask providers about flexibility. The local resource and referral service, Child Care Aware of Washington, can also help identify providers who might accommodate atypical schedules.