Find a daycare in Portland, OR

Find daycares in Portland, OR

Find daycares in Portland, OR

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Portland, OR

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Top 10 daycares in Portland, OR

Parents agree: these Portland daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
O

Open Arms Quality Childcare

New on TrustedCare
37+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
We have been providing safe and loving care since 1988. We are a play based child care. We strive to provide a loving, safe, and age appropriate environment so your little one is able to freely play and learn from their experiences. While we do provide an excellent state certified curriculum, and many opportunities for your little one to develop new skills in all of the major developmental areas throughout the day. We also want to provide a family atmosphere that allows us to meet your little ones individual needs.
V

Vanessa's Happy Daycare

5.0(2)
2 hires on TrustedCare
8+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
Hope S. says, "I miss Vanessa's Happy Daycare so much! My family moved out of state, and I wish I could have taken Vanessa with us! I wholeheartedly recommend Vanessa's Happy Daycare to any parent looking for a clean, nurturing, and development-focused environment for their child. My son, Kevin, attended Vanessa's Happy Daycare from when he was 6 months old to 3 years old. Vanessa was incredibly warm and attentive to Kevin. He can be quite messy, but I never picked him up in dirty clothes, and her house was always spotless. Vanessa takes the time to get to know each child at her daycare, and I really appreciated that as a first-time mom. I was worried about leaving my son at a daycare, but Vanessa keeps the children on a consistent routine, which was so beneficial for Kevin’s sense of security and overall development. There were countless signs that my son was in good hands at Vanessa's Happy Daycare. Kevin would be so excited to go to her house every morning and see his friends, and he would come home and tell me that Vanessa's son was his "bestie." Kevin would often share stories about all the games/activities they did - many seemed focused on developing dexterity and hand-eye coordination, like using zippers and buttons, building blocks, stacking cups, and even throwing balloons. It was amazing to see how much Kevin had learned and grown - he eventually stopped letting me zip up his jacket for him!" Read more
S

Sandy's Sidekicks Daycare & After Care

New on TrustedCare
Serves Portland, OR
Hi, we are an approved ERDC daycare and after care program. We offer a well supervised environment where we aim for kids to feel safe and comfortable while having fun learning. Meals drinks and snack are provided. Scheduled drop-in care is also available. ERDC accepted, private pay welcome. Call or email for details or a tour today!
S

St James Child Development Center

New on TrustedCare
Serves Portland, OR
St. James Child Development Center, located in Portland, Oregon and its surrounding areas, offers a nurturing and educational environment for children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. As a licensed daycare center, it accommodates up to 140 children, fostering their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development through age-appropriate lessons and activities. From early motor skills development for infants, to the introduction of books, puzzles, and sensory activities for toddlers, to a comprehensive Scope and Sequence curriculum for preschool children, St. James ensures each child's holistic growth.
H

Helen Gordon Child Development

New on TrustedCare
Serves Portland, OR
Founded in 1974, the Helen Gordon Child Development Center, located in Portland, Oregon, is a full-day, high-quality childcare and educational facility. Catering to the children of Portland State University's students, faculty, and the broader community, this center offers a Reggio-inspired environment that promotes active and quiet play. The center delivers an Emergent and Constructivist curriculum that integrates children's interests and life events, fostering a learning community. Their food and nutrition program embraces sustainability, teaching children gardening skills through hands-on herb planting.
S

Sonbeam Daycare Center

New on TrustedCare
41+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
Founded in 1987, Sonbeam Day Care Center, located in Portland, Oregon, offers a developmentally-based daycare and preschool program. Established by Temple Baptist Church, it provides a safe, wholesome environment that incorporates Christian values and Bible stories into its curriculum. The center's learning materials and activities are designed for children aged 2 1/2 through kindergarten, focusing on stimulating normal development, practicing new skills, and building character. Conveniently located near public transportation, Sonbeam serves not only the Lloyd Center community but also families from surrounding areas.
F

Fruit & Flower Child Care Ctr

New on TrustedCare
119+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
Fruit & Flower Child Care Center, founded in 1906 in Portland, OR, is Oregon's first child care program. The center started as a mission to help the less fortunate and evolved into a pioneering solution for single working mothers' childcare needs. It provides a supportive community for families with a developmentally appropriate environment for learning. The center offers a play-based program where children lead their activities. It also provides nutritious meals, emphasizes social competency, and offers financial assistance to those who qualify. It is recognized as one of the state's most respected childcare programs.
T

The International School Early Childhood

New on TrustedCare
35+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
The International School, founded in 1990 in Portland, Oregon, has been shaping future global citizens for over 27 years. They provide a unique educational experience, blending full language immersion in Chinese, Spanish, or Japanese, dynamic academics, and a warm multicultural community. With professional faculty from 17 countries, the school is the first in the Northwest region to be authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Program. They began as a Spanish immersion non-profit independent school and now educate over 400 students from preschool to 5th grade.
A

Ainsworth After School Care

New on TrustedCare
Serves Portland, OR
Founded in 2003, Ainsworth After School Care Association, located in Portland, Oregon, offers top-quality services for children and families. The experienced teachers work closely with students in a hands-on environment, offering a variety of structured activities, including homework help. By focusing on building a positive self-image and promoting individuality, the association has become a trusted partner for families seeking after school care for their children from Kindergarten through fifth grade.
C

Cedarwood Waldorf School

New on TrustedCare
Serves Portland, OR
Cedarwood Waldorf School, based in Portland, Oregon, is a progressive institution committed to enriching student experience from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school embraces an innovative approach to Waldorf education, blending arts, academics, and movement with a deep reverence for child development. Their early childhood program focuses on hands-on activities in a social setting, fostering competence, skill, and a sense of community. Cedarwood Waldorf School is dedicated to turning challenges into opportunities, preparing students for the demands and expectations of the modern world.

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

Reviews for Portland daycares

Recent success stories from people in the Portland area.
Sally C.
Vanessa is so loving, so kind and patient. Her home is welcoming. She makes me feel comfortable and confident as a parent that my children are in great hands when they are in her care. It feels like I am dropping off my babies to a trusted family member or a really close friend. Both of my children love her and her family. We are truly so grateful for Vanessa and the care she provides.
Vanessa's happy daycare
Vanessa's happy daycare
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