Find a daycare in Tacoma, WA

Find daycares in Tacoma, WA

Find daycares in Tacoma, WA

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Find daycares in Tacoma, WA

Confirm your location to see the best daycares near you.
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Top 10 daycares in Tacoma, WA

Parents agree: these Tacoma daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Kerows Early Learning LLc

Kerows Early Learning LLc

4+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Kerows Early Learning LLC, located in Auburn and Federal Way, Washington, provides nurturing early learning experiences for children aged between 2 months to 10 years. With a clean and safe environment, this daycare promotes children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Its dedicated staff are certified in childcare safety, CPR/First Aid, and fully vaccinated. The curriculum is diverse, including traditional and play-based learning, STEM lessons, fine motor skills training, and programs in English and Swahili. Kerows accepts various forms of payment, including subsidies.
Siham Childcare LLC

Siham Childcare LLC

2+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
License home Daycare! We are located in Auburn/Federal way Zip code 98001 I have 20+ years of experience working with kids. The children learn to respect, care for others, and make friends on the way. The children will always have full alert attention, feel loved, and cared for. We will always be very understanding and flexible when working with parents. - Our staff is CPR/First Aid Certified and has a current Food Handlers Permit. The children in our child care at Siham Childcare home daycare are treated with respect and with every interaction is looked at as an opportunity for learning and growth. - Our hours are Seven days a week from 5a
Lil Life Childcare

Lil Life Childcare

23+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Haulcy Denise A, based in Auburn, WA, is a licensed home daycare committed to providing quality child care and enriching play experiences. Trusted by parents across the surrounding areas, they have the capacity to accommodate up to 12 children, ensuring each child gets ample attention and care. For further details on their offerings and availability, they encourage potential clients to reach out.
Just Like Home - Lakewood

Just Like Home - Lakewood

18+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Just Like Home Daycare Center, founded in 2008, has multiple locations in and around Lakewood and University Place, Washington. Known for their licensed daycare services, they provide child care and play experiences for groups of children in a nurturing environment. They have programs tailored for various age groups, accommodating up to 60 children at a time. Catering to the needs of the local community, they offer a home-like atmosphere which makes children feel comfortable and secure.
My Little Kingdom Child Care

My Little Kingdom Child Care

12+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
My Little Kingdom Child Care, Learning Center, and Preschool, located in Tacoma, Washington, was founded in 2013. It is a home-based, Christian and bilingual daycare that provides a comfortable, secure, and playful environment for children aged 2 to 12 years. The center emphasizes developmentally appropriate activities and materials, fostering children's growth in a professional, loving, and clean setting. In addition to indoor and outdoor games, arts & crafts, the curriculum includes pre-academic work with letters, numbers, shapes, and colors taught in both English and Spanish.
Barwaaqo Childcare LLC

Barwaaqo Childcare LLC

12+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Hi, my name is Deeqa, and I’ve been a licensed childcare provider for 12 years. Caring for children is not just my job—it’s my passion. I’m dedicated to creating a safe, loving, and engaging environment where every child can thrive. Parents know me as dependable, patient, and caring, and I make it a priority to treat each child like part of my own family. With my years of experience, I focus on keeping children happy, safe, and learning, while giving parents peace of mind. I provide healthy meals, fun and educational activities, flexible care options, and specialized support for children with speech or developmental delays.
Once Upon A Time Family Childcare & Services, LLC

Once Upon A Time Family Childcare & Services, LLC

6+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Once Upon A Time Family Childcare & Services LLC, located in Auburn, Washington, provides quality and affordable childcare to the local community. The daycare promotes curiosity, creativity, and early learning in a secure and safe space. It features an art station, a large outside play area, and cozy reading areas. Positioned in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood near schools and parks, it's easily accessible and offers a positive learning environment. The company is dedicated to working families, catering to up to 6 children.
Dreamydays Family Childcare  253-486-6506

Dreamydays Family Childcare 253-486-6506

5.0(2)
7+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Hersi H. says, "My experience with Dreamydays Family Childcare has truly been nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning, I felt a sense of warmth, trust, and genuine care that set them apart from other childcare providers. The environment is not only safe and nurturing but also thoughtfully designed to encourage learning, creativity, and social development. What impressed me most was the level of dedication and love shown by the caregivers. They treat every child as if they were their own, taking the time to understand their individual needs, personalities, and growth. The daily activities are engaging, educational, and fun, ensuring that children are constantly learning while still enjoying themselves. Whether it’s creative play, structured learning, or outdoor activities, everything is done with intention and care. The communication with parents is outstanding. I always felt informed and reassured, knowing exactly how my child was doing throughout the day. That kind of openness built a strong level of trust, which is priceless when it comes to choosing childcare. Dreamydays goes above and beyond to create not just a daycare, but a true community for families. It’s a place where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to grow, and where parents feel confident leaving their little ones in the best hands possible. I am incredibly grateful for the impact they’ve had on my child’s early development and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking a childcare experience that is both professional and deeply caring" Read more
Malkaan Family Childcare

Malkaan Family Childcare

11+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Malkaan Family Childcare, based in Auburn, WA, is a bilingual home childcare service that not only ensures quality care but also prepares your children for school. Their program offers a unique learning environment with a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and social skills. Children are exposed to multiple languages and their interests are at the heart of the program schedules. The daycare promotes creativity and includes activities like sing-alongs, motor skill development, and outdoor play sessions.
My Second Home Bilingual Preschool

My Second Home Bilingual Preschool

7+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Established in 2018, My Second Home Bilingual Preschool serves the Tacoma, WA, and surrounding areas with an in-home daycare service. Emphasizing a bilingual learning experience, the preschool is dedicated to enhancing each kid's abilities and skills. It focuses on teaching social values and good manners, along with another language - Spanish. The preschool provides a comfortable, joyful, and safe environment, preparing children for their next level of learning. It is conveniently located near Cloverdale Park and Boze Elementary.

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 Tacoma daycares

Recent success stories from people in the Tacoma area.
Sheikk I.
This childcare is truly amazing! The staff are caring, patient, and nurturing. They create a safe, fun, and educational space where kids feel loved and supported every single day
Dreamydays family childcare 253-486-6506
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