The Best Daycare Centers in Silverdale, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Silverdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Silverdale
Kiddie Academy of Silverdale
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Silverdale offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent peace of mind. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and a dedicated STEM lab. The academy emphasizes nutrition with healthy meals and snacks included in tuition, and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure personalized attention for each child's developmental needs.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Naval Base Kitsap
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Naval Base Kitsap provides NAEYC-accredited early education with a World at Their Fingers® curriculum that integrates emergent literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center serves both military and civilian families with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. Safety features include secured access, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The program emphasizes project-based learning and outdoor exploration with nature-based playgrounds. Bright Horizons maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication and developmental progress reports.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Silverdale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Silverdale implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. The school features STEAM-focused classrooms, dedicated art studios, and outdoor learning environments. All lead teachers hold early childhood education degrees or CDA credentials, and the school maintains a 1:4 ratio for infants and 1:10 for preschoolers. Security includes biometric entry systems and comprehensive surveillance. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through structured play and hands-on learning activities in purpose-built educational spaces.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Silverdale, WA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Silverdale, WA?
In Silverdale and the greater Kitsap County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers often charge slightly less, averaging $900 to $1,300 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Silverdale are generally lower than in nearby Seattle but have been rising. Many providers in the area require a non-refundable registration fee and may have specific policies for late pick-up fees.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Silverdale, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists in Silverdale, especially for infants and toddlers at highly-rated centers, can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. This is due to high demand from military families associated with Naval Base Kitsap and a limited number of licensed slots. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists, even at places that aren't your top choice, as a backup. Maintain regular, polite contact with center directors every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family home providers in surrounding areas like Bremerton or Poulsbo, which may have shorter wait times. Utilizing the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) childcare search tool can help you identify all licensed options.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Silverdale?
All childcare providers in Silverdale 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 staff and adults in the home, and **Staff Training** in CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and 30 hours of STARS (State Training and Registry System) basic training. Providers must also have a current **Merit** level license (the standard license) or higher, and their license should be visibly posted. You can and should check a provider's **compliance history** for any violations or complaints on the DCYF website. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of care your child will receive.
Are there specific childcare resources or referral services available to military families stationed at Naval Base Kitsap?
Yes, military families in Silverdale have access to dedicated support. The **Child Development Center (CDC)** and **Family Child Care (FCC)** program on Naval Base Kitsap are primary resources, offering priority placement for active-duty families. However, these facilities also have waitlists. The **Military and Family Support Center** on base provides childcare referrals for both on-base and off-base community providers. They can help navigate fee assistance programs like the **Department of Defense Child Care Fee Assistance** program, which helps offset costs for using community-based care when on-base care is unavailable. Additionally, the local **Child Care Aware of Washington** office can help military families understand their eligibility for subsidies and connect them with licensed providers in the Silverdale community.
What options exist for part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare in Silverdale?
While full-time care is most common, Silverdale does offer some flexible options. A few licensed daycare centers and several family home providers offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week), though these spots are limited and may cost more per day than a full-time rate. For true drop-in or emergency care, your best bets are: **Registered Drop-in Centers** (check DCYF search for "occasional care"), some **local gyms** (like the YMCA or Kitsap Athletic Center) which offer parent-supervised childcare for members, and **nanny/babysitter networks** through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Silverdale Moms" or "Kitsap Childcare Connection"). For military families, the Naval Base Kitsap CDC may offer a limited hourly care program based on availability. Planning for emergency care in advance by identifying a trusted backup provider is highly recommended.
Childcare Insights for Silverdale
Finding quality childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and if you're searching for "daycare around me" in Silverdale, Washington, you're likely seeking a nurturing environment that feels like an extension of your home. Silverdale, with its blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, offers a variety of childcare options, each with its own unique approach to early learning. The process can feel overwhelming, but focusing on what matters most for your family and understanding the local landscape can make all the difference.
A great starting point in Silverdale is to consider the type of setting that aligns with your values. You'll find everything from larger, structured childcare centers, often with comprehensive educational curricula, to intimate, licensed family home daycares that provide a cozy, family-style atmosphere. Many centers in the area take full advantage of our Pacific Northwest setting, incorporating outdoor play and nature exploration into daily routines, rain or shine. This is a wonderful benefit for children to grow up appreciating the forests and waterways that make our community special. When researching, pay close attention to a provider's license status through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) website, which is an essential step for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Given the presence of the Naval Base Kitsap, many Silverdale daycare providers are familiar with the unique needs of military families, including flexible hours and understanding the challenges of deployment. This community awareness is a valuable aspect of childcare here. As you begin visiting potential daycares, go beyond the initial tour. Try to visit during active hours to observe how caregivers interact with the children. Are they engaged at eye level? Is the environment calm yet stimulating? Don't hesitate to ask specific questions about daily schedules, caregiver-to-child ratios, policies on sick children, and their philosophy on discipline and learning. Asking how they handle a child who is having a tough day can be very revealing.
Practical logistics in Silverdale are also key. Consider your daily commute; traffic on Waaga Way and Ridgetop Boulevard can be heavy during peak times. A daycare that is conveniently located between your home and workplace, or perhaps near the Silverdale Waterfront Park for easy post-pickup adventures, can significantly reduce daily stress. Finally, trust your instincts. The right place will not only meet your checklist of safety and credentials but will also give you a genuine sense of trust and connection. You want to feel confident that your child is happy, safe, and engaged while you're at work. Taking the time to find that perfect fit in Silverdale is an investment in your child's early years and your own peace of mind.