The Best Daycare Centers in Lincoln, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lincoln. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lincoln
Bright Horizons at Spokane Valley
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Spokane Valley is a highly-regarded early education center serving families throughout the Lincoln area with its comprehensive World at Their Fingertips curriculum. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, low child-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access. Their emergent curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills through hands-on exploration. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, excellent communication, and the center's ability to prepare children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Kindercare Learning Center on Sullivan
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves Lincoln-area families with its nationally-recognized early childhood education program featuring a balanced learning approach that combines academic preparation with social development. The center employs qualified early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication and regular progress updates.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Spokane Valley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Spokane Valley provides premium early childhood education to Lincoln-area families through its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. The school features highly-qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and small class sizes. Their STEAM-enriched curriculum includes foreign language exposure, yoga, and music programming. The modern facility includes secured entry, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different developmental stages. Parents consistently highlight the school's excellent communication, nurturing environment, and comprehensive approach to child development that addresses cognitive, social, and physical growth.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lincoln, WA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lincoln, WA, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Washington State, all childcare centers and family home providers caring for more than one child from different families must be licensed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and staff training standards. For Lincoln specifically, you can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history using the DCYF's online "Child Care Check" tool. It's also advisable to contact the local DCYF office serving Lincoln County for any region-specific inquiries. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lincoln, WA?
Childcare costs in Lincoln, WA, are generally lower than in major urban areas of Washington but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $700 to $950 per month for full-time infant care. Licensed family home daycare is often slightly more affordable, ranging from $600 to $850 monthly. Costs for toddlers are typically $50-$100 less per month. Availability of subsidies through the state's Working Connections Child Care program can help eligible families offset these costs. It's best to contact providers directly for their current rates, as spots in Lincoln can be limited.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Lincoln area?
Yes, given Lincoln's rural setting in Eastern Washington, some providers incorporate the natural environment into their programs. While dedicated "forest schools" are less common, many local family home providers and smaller centers take advantage of the area's open spaces for daily outdoor play and learning. Some may have gardens, access to safe outdoor exploration areas, and programs that emphasize outdoor activity. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time policy, even in cooler weather, and if they incorporate local nature into their curriculum. This is a popular feature for parents in this region.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Lincoln, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Lincoln, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular licensed centers or home daycares to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a waitlist fee (which is usually applied to your first month's tuition). Follow up every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns in Lincoln County if you are able to commute.
What resources are available in Lincoln to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary resource for Lincoln parents is the statewide organization **Child Care Aware of Washington**. They offer a free referral service to help you find licensed providers in Lincoln and Lincoln County based on your specific needs (hours, age, etc.). You can access their search online or call their referral line. Additionally, the **Lincoln County Community Services** office may have local information. For evaluation, beyond using the DCYF's online tool, consider connecting with other parents through local community groups on social media or at places like the Lincoln County Library for personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations.