The Best Daycare Centers in Lakewood, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakewood
Lakewood KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Lakewood KinderCare offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds designed for specific age ranges. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes a keypad entry security system, regular safety drills, and nutritious meal programs. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Bright Horizons at Lakewood
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lakewood provides a World-Class Curriculum® that emphasizes emergent learning through play and exploration. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with natural materials and outdoor classrooms. Staff includes degreed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development. The facility maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including thorough cleaning procedures, secure access controls, and comprehensive emergency preparedness. The program includes Spanish language exposure, STEM activities, and arts integration. Parents value the strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and the detailed developmental progress reports.
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The Goddard School of Lakewood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lakewood implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. The curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. Classrooms are equipped with SMART Board technology and hands-on learning materials. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, indoor gymnasiums, and age-separated playgrounds. The school emphasizes character development and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parents consistently praise the engaging learning environment and strong communication from staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakewood, WA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lakewood, WA?
In Lakewood, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for an infant. For a toddler, costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Licensed family home daycares are often slightly more affordable, ranging from $900 to $1,400 for infants and $800 to $1,200 for toddlers. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Washington State does not have price controls on childcare, so rates are set by individual providers. Financial assistance may be available through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) for eligible families.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and check its compliance history in Washington State?
All licensed childcare providers in Lakewood must be licensed through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The most reliable way to verify a provider's license and review their history is to use the free, public **DCYF Child Care Check** tool online. This database allows you to search by provider name, city (like Lakewood), or zip code. For each listing, you can view the license status, capacity, ages served, and most importantly, any licensing compliance reports, which detail inspections, violations, and corrective actions taken. You can also call the DCYF's Background Check Central Unit at 1-800-446-1114 for additional information. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lakewood, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers and highly-regarded family home providers in Lakewood, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. To navigate this, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100). Inquire about their list movement and how often you should check in. Consider expanding your search to neighboring areas like Tacoma or University Place for more options. Additionally, explore licensed family home daycares, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family home daycare in Lakewood?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. **Daycare Centers** are commercial facilities, often in dedicated buildings. They typically have multiple classrooms, more staff, and structured curricula. They must follow strict WA state ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). **Licensed Family Home Daycares** operate out of the provider's residence in Lakewood. They offer a smaller, mixed-age group setting (max of 12 children, including the provider's own) which can feel more like a family. Ratios are also enforced but the environment is more home-like. Family homes may offer more schedule flexibility but might have limited backup if the provider is ill. Both are licensed by DCYF, but centers are subject to additional facility and zoning codes.
What local resources in Lakewood or Pierce County can help me find and choose quality childcare?
Several excellent local resources are available. Your first stop should be **Child Care Aware of Washington**. They offer a free referral service (call 1-800-446-1114 or visit their website) tailored to your needs, location (Lakewood), and budget. They can provide lists of licensed providers. The **Pierce County Human Services** department may also have information on local programs and subsidies. For hands-on support, consider contacting the **Lakewood Family Center** or the **Pierce County Library System** (Lakewood branch), as they often have community bulletin boards and family resource information. Finally, local parent groups on social media (like Facebook groups for Lakewood moms/parents) can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights.
Nearby Cities
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