The Best Daycare Centers in Seahurst, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Seahurst. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Seahurst
Bright Horizons at Burien
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Burien is a nationally recognized childcare center located just minutes from Seahurst. They offer a comprehensive World at Their Fingers curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure access systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor play spaces. The program focuses on project-based learning and incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, nutritional meal programs, and the developmental progress they see in their children.
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The Learning Experience - Burien
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Burien provides a structured early education program with their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center serves children from 6 weeks to 6 years old and emphasizes both academic and social-emotional development. Their facilities include modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center employs certified early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. Special programs include phonics-based reading readiness, foreign language exposure, and character development. Parents frequently mention the clean, safe environment and the visible learning progress their children make.
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Kiddie Academy of Des Moines
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Des Moines offers a comprehensive Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on whole-child development through structured learning and play. Located just south of Seahurst, this center provides care for infants through school-age children. Their educational approach includes literacy development, math concepts, science exploration, and social studies. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with learning centers, and outdoor play areas. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The academy emphasizes health and safety protocols, including rigorous cleaning procedures and nutritional meal planning. Parent reviews highlight the caring staff, educational quality, and excellent communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Seahurst, WA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Seahurst, WA?
In Seahurst and the surrounding Burien/Highline area, full-time daycare costs are generally aligned with the higher-than-average rates for King County. For an infant (under 12 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,300 per month. For a toddler (1-3 years), rates typically range from $1,600 to $2,000 per month. These costs reflect the state's required low child-to-staff ratios, the high cost of living, and the operational expenses for providers. It's important to note that licensed in-home daycare providers in the neighborhood may sometimes offer slightly lower rates, around $1,400-$1,800 for infants, but availability is very limited. We recommend contacting the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to inquire about subsidy programs like Working Connections Child Care if you need financial assistance.
How long are the waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Seahurst, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for the most sought-after licensed daycare centers and preschools in the Seahurst area can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. For infant care, we strongly recommend beginning your search and putting your name on lists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age care, starting your search at least 4-6 months before your desired start date is advisable. Many local centers, such as those in nearby Burien or White Center, maintain centralized waitlists. Be proactive, tour multiple facilities, and get on multiple lists to increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Washington State, and how can I verify a provider in Seahurst?
All childcare providers caring for more than one child from different families must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), ongoing professional development, compliance with strict child-to-staff ratios, and regular facility inspections. You can easily verify the license and review the compliance history of any provider in Seahurst by using the "Child Care Check" tool on the DCYF website. This public database shows the license status, capacity, any licensing complaints, and the results of routine inspections, which is a crucial step in your vetting process.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available near Seahurst?
Yes, Seahurst's proximity to Seahurst Park and the Puget Sound shoreline makes it an ideal location for nature-focused programming. While there may not be a dedicated forest school within Seahurst's immediate boundaries, several nearby providers incorporate strong outdoor components. Some licensed preschools and in-home providers in the area prioritize daily outdoor play and exploration in local parks, regardless of weather, following the "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" philosophy. Additionally, you can find established nature-based preschools in adjacent communities like Burien and West Seattle that may be accessible. When touring, ask specifically about their outdoor curriculum and daily schedule.
What backup or emergency childcare options exist for parents in Seahurst when their regular provider is closed?
Planning for backup care is essential in Seahurst, as most licensed centers have fixed closure schedules. Options include: 1) **Drop-in Centers:** Facilities like KinderCare in nearby Burien or Tukwila sometimes offer drop-in care based on availability, but you must pre-register. 2) **Nanny/Babysitter Networks:** Utilize local parent Facebook groups (e.g., "Burien/Seahurst Parents") to find vetted, on-call babysitters. 3) **Care.com or UrbanSitter:** These platforms allow you to search for local backup sitters. 4) **Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care:** Informal arrangements with other trusted parents in your neighborhood can be a reliable solution. It's best to establish a backup plan before you need it, as last-minute options in a small community like Seahurst can be scarce.