The Best Daycare Centers in Tacoma, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tacoma. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tacoma
Kindercare Learning Center
Kindercare Education
Kindercare on South 19th Street offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development, aligned with state standards. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and maintain low child-to-staff ratios. The center provides nutritious meals and emphasizes parent communication through daily updates and regular conferences. It stands out for its structured daily routines and inclusion of music, art, and physical activities to support holistic development.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Tacoma General
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Tacoma General is known for its high-quality, research-based curriculum that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and literacy. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. Staff include degreed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development, and the program maintains excellent safety records with regular drills and health protocols. Parent satisfaction is high due to transparent communication and involvement opportunities. Unique aspects include employer-sponsored support and a focus on individualized learning plans to track developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of University Place
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located near Tacoma, The Goddard School offers a F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic readiness with play-based exploration. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities including secure classrooms, outdoor play spaces, and technology-integrated learning tools. Teachers are highly qualified with backgrounds in early education and receive ongoing training. Safety is prioritized with strict access controls and hygiene practices. The school excels in parent partnerships through regular progress reports and events, and it emphasizes character development and diversity. Its flexible scheduling and enrichment programs like yoga and foreign language make it a top choice for families in the Tacoma area.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tacoma, WA
What are the typical costs for daycare in Tacoma, WA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Tacoma, daycare costs vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of care. For infants, full-time center-based care averages $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is typically $1,200 to $1,600. Licensed family home daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. Preschool programs average $800-$1,200. To help with these costs, Washington State offers the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy for income-eligible families. Locally, you can apply through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or seek guidance from Child Care Aware of Washington, which has a Tacoma office. Additionally, some centers offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed in Tacoma, and what are Washington State's key licensing requirements I should know?
All childcare centers and family home providers in Tacoma must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any enforcement actions on the DCYF "Child Care Check" website or by calling their licensing division. Key state requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and annual facility inspections. Tacoma providers must also comply with local health department regulations. Always ask to see their current license during your tour.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in Tacoma, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists for high-quality daycare centers in Tacoma, especially for infant spots, can be very long—often 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for popular centers in neighborhoods like North End, Proctor, or Stadium District. For family home daycares, waitlists may be shorter but still significant. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you need care, ideally during pregnancy if seeking infant care. Be prepared to put down a deposit (which is often non-refundable) to secure a spot. Expanding your search to include providers in surrounding areas like University Place, Fircrest, or Lakewood can increase your options.
Are there specific resources in Tacoma to help me find and evaluate childcare options beyond a basic internet search?
Yes, Tacoma has excellent local resources. The primary organization is **Child Care Aware of Washington**, which offers a free, personalized referral service for Pierce County. Their specialists can provide a list of licensed providers matching your needs (location, schedule, child's age) and offer guidance on what to look for during visits. Another key resource is the **Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department**, which regulates health and safety standards and can provide information. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Washington's **Early Achievers** quality rating and improvement system—a higher rating (Level 3 or above) indicates a commitment to quality standards.
What are some unique types of childcare or early learning programs available in Tacoma that I might not find elsewhere?
Tacoma offers several distinctive programs. The **Tacoma Public Schools** district operates the **Tacoma Early Learning Network**, which includes free and low-cost preschool options like the state-funded Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for qualifying families. The **Metro Parks Tacoma** system offers nature-based and recreational preschool programs at locations like Point Defiance Park and community centers. There are also several culturally-specific providers, such as the **Asia Pacific Cultural Center**, which may offer language immersion or culturally relevant care. Furthermore, Tacoma is home to several cooperatively-run preschools where parents participate in the classroom, which can be a more affordable and community-oriented model.