The Best Daycare Centers in Washougal, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Washougal. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Washougal
Bright Horizons at Camas
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Camas offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and advanced safety protocols. The center serves families throughout Clark County, including Washougal residents, with flexible scheduling options and strong parent communication systems.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Camas
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Camas provides a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Their programs include phonics-based literacy, hands-on math and science, creative arts, and physical education. The center employs state-certified teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and enrichment programs. Serving the greater Camas-Washougal area, they provide transportation options and accommodate various scheduling needs for working families.
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The Goddard School of Camas
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Camas offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.E.X.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding, and scientific inquiry starting in preschool. The school features highly educated faculty with bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education, maintaining excellent teacher-to-student ratios. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, indoor gymnasium, multiple playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Serving Washougal and surrounding communities, they emphasize character development, communication skills, and preparing children for elementary school success through individualized learning plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Washougal, WA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Washougal, WA?
In Washougal, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of program. For infants and toddlers, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. Preschool programs for children aged 3-5 are generally less expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,300 per month. Home-based family childcare providers often offer more competitive rates, typically between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally in line with the broader Clark County area but can be slightly lower than in neighboring Portland-Vancouver metro. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum materials). Financial assistance may be available through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) for eligible families.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Washougal?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Washington State is the DCYF's online "Child Care Check" tool. You can search specifically for Washougal by zip code (98671) and filter by age group, program type (center or family home), and hours of operation. This tool provides crucial verification, showing a provider's license status, any licensing history, and their quality rating if they participate in the state's Early Achievers program. For local recommendations, the Educational Service District (ESD) 112, which serves Clark County, is also a valuable resource. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media or through the Washougal School District can provide word-of-mouth insights, but always cross-reference any recommendation with the official DCYF licensing database to ensure compliance with state health, safety, and staff training requirements.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Washougal, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and highly-rated preschool programs in Washougal. Due to limited slots and high demand, it is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 12 months before you need care. For infant care, starting your search during pregnancy is not uncommon. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the process for getting on it (some require a fee), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby Camas or east Vancouver can provide more alternatives, but be mindful of commute logistics. Getting on multiple waitlists is a standard strategy for parents in the Washougal area to secure a spot.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Washougal?
The Washougal School District partners with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington to offer the "Club K" program at its elementary schools (Cape Horn-Skye, Gause, and Hathaway). This program provides care before school, after school until 6:00 PM, and on most school breaks and holidays, which is a huge benefit for working parents. Registration typically opens in the spring for the following school year and fills quickly. Some local licensed family childcare homes also offer school-age care and may provide transportation to/from school. For more flexible or occasional care, you can also search for providers on the DCYF website who list "school-age" as a service. It's recommended to secure a spot for the school year as early as possible.
What local resources or programs are available to help parents afford childcare in Washougal?
The main program for financial assistance is the Washington State Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by DCYF. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and need (such as employment or attending school). You can apply online through Washington Connection. Locally, the Council for the Homeless, which serves all of Clark County, can provide guidance and referrals for resources. Additionally, some Washougal childcare providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly. For military families, there may be specific subsidies available. The ESD 112's Child Care Aware program is another excellent free service that can help parents navigate subsidy applications and understand their options in the Washougal community.