The Best Daycare Centers in Redmond, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Redmond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Redmond
Bright Horizons at Redmond
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Redmond is renowned for its research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning through play and exploration. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, regular health checks, and comprehensive background checks for staff. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and a focus on social-emotional development. Parent communication is strong through daily updates and portfolio assessments, making it a top choice for families seeking a balanced, nurturing environment.
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KinderCare on Education Hill
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare on Education Hill offers a comprehensive early childhood program rooted in a balanced learning approach that integrates literacy, math, and social skills through hands-on activities. The center employs experienced educators with certifications in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for optimal engagement. Safety measures include keypad entry, regular drills, and a nutritious meal program. The curriculum focuses on milestone tracking and school readiness, with enriched learning zones and outdoor playgrounds. Parents appreciate the consistent feedback and inclusive community, supported by a strong track record of preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Redmond
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Redmond stands out with its F.L.E.X.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum, which blends play-based learning with academic readiness in literacy, math, and science. Staff hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training, fostering a creative and safe environment with low ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor spaces. Emphasis is placed on character development and individualized learning plans, with robust parent involvement through regular conferences and digital portfolios. Its focus on innovation and community has earned high parent satisfaction and a reputation for excellence in early education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Redmond, WA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Redmond, WA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Redmond, the average cost for full-time infant care ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler care typically costs between $1,600 and $2,100 per month. These rates are among the highest in Washington state, reflecting the area's high cost of living and demand from tech industry families. For financial assistance, Washington State offers the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy for eligible families based on income and activity requirements (like work, school, or job search). Additionally, the City of Redmond, through its Human Services division, may provide resources and referrals, and many local centers offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's crucial to apply for subsidies early, as there can be waitlists.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Redmond, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Redmond can be notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant spots. For popular centers affiliated with major employers like Microsoft or in highly sought-after neighborhoods (e.g., Education Hill, Downtown), waitlists can exceed a year. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age entry, starting your search 9-12 months in advance is advisable. Many centers allow you to join a waitlist before your child is born, specifying the desired start date.
What are the key differences between a licensed family home daycare and a childcare center in Redmond, and how do I verify their licensing?
Licensed Family Home Daycares in Redmond are run out of a provider's residence and are licensed for up to 12 children, often offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups. Childcare Centers are larger facilities in commercial or dedicated spaces, serving more children in age-separated classrooms with multiple staff. Both must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). To verify licensing, compliance history, and any complaints, you can use the DCYF "Child Care Check" tool online. This public database shows the license status, capacity, and results of routine inspections and investigations, which is a critical step for vetting any provider.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Redmond that focus on outdoor or nature-based learning, given the Pacific Northwest environment?
Yes, Redmond has several programs embracing the "outdoor preschool" or nature-based learning model, capitalizing on the region's parks and green spaces. Options include licensed nature preschools that spend a significant portion of the day outdoors at locations like the Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park or Marymoor Park. Some traditional centers also incorporate strong outdoor curricula with all-weather gear policies. The Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families has a pilot program licensing outdoor, nature-based early learning programs, so look for providers participating in this. These programs emphasize physical activity, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning, which is a great fit for the active Redmond community.
What should I know about the early learning landscape and "preschool preparedness" for transitioning to the Redmond School District (Lake Washington School District)?
The Lake Washington School District (LWSD), which serves Redmond, offers optional state-funded Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for children who are 4 years old by August 31st, but it is not a full-day, universal preschool program. Therefore, most families use private daycare or preschools for pre-K education. When selecting a program, consider those that align with Washington State's Early Learning and Development Guidelines. Many Redmond preschools specifically prepare children for LWSD's kindergarten curriculum, which focuses on social-emotional skills, early literacy, and math foundations. It's beneficial to choose a program that fosters independence, group interaction, and basic problem-solving. Connecting with other local parents through community centers or platforms like Nextdoor can provide insights into which programs best facilitate a smooth transition to local elementary schools.
Childcare Insights for Redmond
Finding the right daycare center for your child is one of the most significant decisions a parent in Redmond makes. It’s about more than just convenience; it’s about finding a nurturing extension of your family where your little one can thrive. If you’re typing “daycare center near me” into your search bar, you’re likely navigating a mix of hope, anxiety, and the very practical need for quality care that fits the unique rhythm of life here in Redmond.
Our community, known for its innovation and beautiful parks, also boasts a diverse and competitive childcare landscape. This is a blessing, but it can feel overwhelming. A great first step is to understand the local options. Redmond offers everything from large, corporate early learning centers to smaller, home-based licensed family childcare providers. Many centers in areas like Downtown, Education Hill, and Overlake incorporate elements that reflect our local culture, such as outdoor play spaces that take advantage of our lush surroundings and STEM-inspired activities that resonate with our tech-savvy community. Proximity to your workplace at the Microsoft campus or along the 520 corridor, for instance, might be a key logistical factor in your search.
Given Washington State’s specific licensing requirements, always verify that any center you consider is licensed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). You can use their online childcare lookup tool to check compliance history—a non-negotiable starting point. Once you have a list of licensed providers, the real work begins. We recommend scheduling tours during active hours. This allows you to see the daily flow: how do teachers interact with children during a conflict? Is the atmosphere chaotic or engaged? Trust your instincts on the vibe of the place. Ask specific questions about their curriculum for different age groups, their policies on outdoor play in our drizzly weather, and how they handle food, especially if your child has allergies.
Remember to inquire about the practicalities that affect Redmond families. What are their hours, and do they align with a potential commute across the 520 bridge? Is there a waitlist, and how long is it? Many sought-after centers in Redmond have lengthy waitlists, so planning ahead is crucial. Don’t overlook the value of your local network. Talk to other parents at the park, at the Redmond Saturday Market, or in neighborhood forums. Personal recommendations from those who have lived experience with a center can be incredibly insightful.
Ultimately, the best “daycare center near me” in Redmond is one where you feel a genuine connection. You want to see caregivers who get down on the child’s level, a clean and stimulating environment, and a philosophy that aligns with your own. It’s the place where you can leave for work at the Tech Center or a local business feeling confident, knowing your child is safe, valued, and happily exploring their world. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and know that with careful research, you will find a wonderful partner in your child’s early years right here in our community.