The Best Daycare Centers in North Lakewood, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Lakewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Lakewood
Lakewood Montessori School
Independent
Lakewood Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education with certified AMS teachers and carefully prepared classroom environments. The center emphasizes individualized learning, practical life skills, and hands-on materials that foster independence and critical thinking. Features include low student-teacher ratios, organic meal programs, Spanish language immersion, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Their curriculum focuses on developing the whole child through sensorial activities, mathematics, language arts, and cultural studies. The facility maintains exceptional safety protocols with secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Lakewood
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading programs, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees and ongoing professional development. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated learning centers, and secure monitored environments. Their program emphasizes kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities while maintaining a nurturing, play-based approach. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Primrose School of University Place
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of University Place serves the North Lakewood area with their Balanced Learning® approach that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and science through hands-on activities. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, commercial-grade kitchens providing nutritious meals, and expansive outdoor learning environments. Their degreed teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events, creating a supportive educational community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Lakewood, WA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in North Lakewood, WA?
In North Lakewood, WA, daycare costs are influenced by the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, full-time infant care (0-12 months) typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. Toddler care (1-3 years) is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Licensed family home daycares often offer more affordable rates, generally between $900 and $1,300 monthly for full-time care. These costs are competitive within Pierce County but can vary based on specific programs, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities like meals or curriculum. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about any registration or supply fees, which are common.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in North Lakewood, and how can I secure a spot?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, waitlists at licensed daycare centers in North Lakewood can be substantial. It's common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infants under 12 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100). Follow up every 2-3 months to confirm your spot. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family home providers in the 98499 zip code and surrounding areas, as they may have shorter wait times and offer more flexible availability.
What specific Washington State licensing requirements should I verify when choosing a daycare in North Lakewood?
All childcare providers in North Lakewood must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Key requirements to verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, ongoing training in early childhood education and Safe Sleep practices (for infants), and compliance with health and safety standards. You can check a provider's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history for free on the DCYF website or by calling their licensing office. Additionally, look for providers with the state's "Early Achievers" quality rating—a voluntary program that assesses and improves early learning quality. A high rating (Level 3 or above) often indicates a stronger program.
Are there any local resources or programs in North Lakewood that help parents find and afford childcare?
Yes, North Lakewood parents have several local resources. The **Pierce County Child Care Resource & Referral** service, often accessed through organizations like Child Care Aware of Washington, offers free personalized referrals to licensed providers in the area. For financial assistance, Washington State's **Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)** subsidy helps eligible low- and middle-income families pay for childcare; you can apply through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Additionally, some employers in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) area, which many North Lakewood residents work at, may offer childcare discounts or partnerships with local centers. Checking with your HR department is recommended.
What are the options for drop-in or part-time childcare in North Lakewood for flexible or occasional needs?
While less common than full-time care, North Lakewood does offer some flexible childcare options. A few licensed family home daycares and centers may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week) or half-day programs, though availability is limited. For occasional drop-in care, your best bets are larger childcare centers in nearby Lakewood or Tacoma that offer hourly rates, or utilizing registered drop-in services like those sometimes found at local gyms (e.g., YMCA) or recreation centers. Due to Washington State licensing regulations, true "drop-in" at a standard daycare often requires pre-registration and health forms. For reliable occasional care, many North Lakewood parents form babysitting co-ops or use trusted nanny-share arrangements with neighbors, which can be more adaptable to irregular schedules.
Nearby Cities
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