Find a daycare in Tacoma, WA

Find daycares in Tacoma, WA

Find daycares in Tacoma, WA

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

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Tacoma, WA

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 Tacoma, WA

Parents agree: these Tacoma daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Siham Childcare LLC

Siham Childcare LLC

New on TrustedCare
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
Haala Family Childcare

Haala Family Childcare

New on TrustedCare
18+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Welcome to Haala Family Childcare, where we prioritize the growth and well-being of your child in a nurturing and safe environment. Located in Kent, WA, our intimate daycare setting ensures personalized attention with a small team dedicated to fostering your child's development and happiness. At Haala Family Childcare, we create a welcoming atmosphere where your child can explore, learn, and thrive, making every day a delightful journey of discovery and growth. Trust us to be your partner in nurturing your child's potential.
Ducky Daycare

Ducky Daycare

New on TrustedCare
4+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Ducky Daycare, located in Kent, Washington, is a women-owned and Black-owned business dedicated to providing a loving and nurturing environment for your child. As a licensed home daycare, Ducky Daycare can accommodate up to 6 children, ensuring personalized care and enriching play experiences. Please reach out to inquire about availability and pricing.
Shire Family Childcare

Shire Family Childcare

New on TrustedCare
6+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Shire Family Childcare, based in Federal Way, WA, is a licensed home daycare facility that offers an engaging and educational environment for children. Catering to a group of up to 12 children, they provide a nurturing atmosphere that encourages learning. The facility also offers meals and snacks and communicates in English, Somali, and Swahili to accommodate a diverse group of children.
Just Like Home - Lakewood

Just Like Home - Lakewood

New on TrustedCare
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.
Dee's Busy Bee's

Dee's Busy Bee's

New on TrustedCare
21+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Founded in 2004, Dee's Busy Bee's is a family-owned licensed childcare center in Lakewood, WA, specializing in the care of children aged 4 weeks to 4 years. Located in a quiet neighborhood near JBLM and Lakewood Towne Center, the center provides a safe, fun, and nurturing learning environment in a 1600 sq.ft indoor space and a 1000 sq.ft outdoor area. Children enjoy a variety of activities, including educational programs, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, promoting a secure and comfortable atmosphere. Dee's Busy Bee's values parent partnerships and maintains an open-door policy.
T's Family Daycare

T's Family Daycare

New on TrustedCare
22+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Welcome to T's Family Daycare, where we prioritize creating a nurturing and safe environment for your little ones in Puyallup, WA. With dedicated and caring staff, we provide personalized attention to help your child grow, learn, and thrive. Our intimate setting ensures that each child receives the love and guidance they need to develop socially and educationally. At T's Family Daycare, we are committed to laying a strong foundation for your child's future success in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Shayan's Playground

Shayan's Playground

New on TrustedCare
8+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Shayan's Playground, located in Puyallup, WA, and its surrounding areas, is an in-home daycare service that fosters a play-based environment for children. The facility offers a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor play, sensory exploration, music, and storytime, all aimed at promoting holistic child development.
Rising Star Home Daycare

Rising Star Home Daycare

New on TrustedCare
5+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Risingstar Home Childcare, founded in 2020 and based in Kent, WA, offers a safe, nurturing early developmental learning environment for children aged 0-13. The state-licensed center focuses on preparing children for a successful transition to kindergarten through a diverse education that includes Waldorf-inspired, faith-based, and play-based activities. The center, which is CPR and Safe Sleep certified, provides nutritious meals and boasts a large fenced backyard for outdoor fun. Flexible scheduling options are available to cater to different family needs.
Quality Family Child Care LLC

Quality Family Child Care LLC

New on TrustedCare
14+ years in business
Serves Tacoma, WA
Welcome to Quality Family Child Care LLC, where your child's well-being and development are our top priorities. Located in Auburn, WA, we offer personalized daycare services in a nurturing and secure environment. With a focus on fostering growth through play and learning, our small team ensures individualized attention and care for every child. At Quality Family Child Care, we are dedicated to creating a safe and stimulating space where your child can thrive and explore their full potential.

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?

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