Best Daycares in Bend, Oregon
Bend has plenty of great daycare options for families. Whether you need care for infants, toddlers, or after-school programs, there’s something for everyone. These centers offer nurturing environments, structured activities, and experienced staff who care about your child’s growth and well-being.
Parents here appreciate the balance between fun and education that many of these daycares provide. With all the outdoor opportunities and creative learning options in Bend, you can feel confident finding a place that fits your child’s needs.
Top Daycare Centers in Bend, Oregon (2025)
Kids Cove Learning Center and Daycare
Website: https://www.kidscovebend.com/
Address: 63408 Omer Dr, Bend, OR 97701
Overview: Kids Cove Learning Center offers a nurturing environment designed to support both academic and emotional growth. They provide programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and after-school care, with an emphasis on early education and play-based learning.
What They Offer:
Full-time and part-time daycare options
Age-appropriate learning activities focused on early childhood development
Outdoor play areas and interactive learning environments
What Parents Are Saying:
"The staff at Kids Cove truly care about the children. My little one is always excited to go to daycare."
"Safe, clean, and well-organized. I couldn’t ask for more!"
High Desert Learning Center
Website: https://www.highdesertlearning.com/
Address: 21225 Starlight Dr, Bend, OR 97702
Overview: High Desert Learning Center offers a structured environment aimed at promoting cognitive, social, and physical development. They provide full-day programs for various age groups and emphasize the importance of creativity and exploration.
What They Offer:
Focus on academic readiness and hands-on learning
Full-time care and enrichment programs
Small class sizes for personalized attention
What Parents Are Saying:
"My kids have learned so much and love their teachers."
"The curriculum and care are outstanding."
Little Beez Preschool and Daycare
Website: https://www.bendoregondaycare.com/
Address: 3040 NE Saber Dr, Bend, OR 97701
Overview: Little Beez specializes in preparing children for school through a mix of structured learning and creative play. Their programs foster social skills, problem-solving, and confidence in young children.
What They Offer:
Full-time preschool and daycare services
Interactive play areas designed to promote creativity
Focus on literacy, numeracy, and early STEM learning
What Parents Are Saying:
"The staff is friendly and professional. My child feels right at home."
"Great balance of education and play!"
Growing Tree Children's Center
Website: https://www.thegrowingtree.org/
Address: 1080 NE 4th Street, Bend, OR 97701
Overview: A well-established daycare that emphasizes holistic child development. The Growing Tree Children's Center focuses on building confidence, fostering curiosity, and nurturing relationships.
What They Offer:
Programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and after-school care
Emphasis on outdoor exploration and creativity
Highly trained, caring staff
What Parents Are Saying:
"The Growing Tree is a gem. The staff go above and beyond to provide an enriching environment."
"My child has flourished here!"
Bloom Children's Center
Website: https://www.bloombend.com/
Overview: Bloom Children's Center offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children can learn and grow at their own pace. They emphasize nature-based learning and sensory play.
What They Offer:
Curriculum inspired by nature and creativity
Small class sizes and personalized care
Outdoor and hands-on learning experiences
What Parents Are Saying:
"Such a wonderful and nurturing space for kids!"
"Our family loves the nature-based activities."
Wild Heart Child Care
Website: Instagram Profile
Overview: This home-based daycare provides a nurturing, family-style environment. Wild Heart focuses on emotional well-being, creativity, and community for children.
What They Offer:
Small group sizes for close attention
Creative play and emotional development activities
Strong sense of community
Play All Daycare
Website: https://www.yelp.com/biz/play-all-daycare-no-title-2
Address: 21278 Keyte Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Overview: Play All Daycare emphasizes play-based learning and offers flexible schedules to accommodate working families. They prioritize social development through group activities and creative play.
What They Offer:
Play-focused curriculum for young children
Safe, child-friendly environment
Flexible full-time and part-time options
Vet Cadets Childcare
Website: https://vrcvet.com/vet-cadets-childcare/
Overview: Located within a veterinary clinic, Vet Cadets offers a unique experience for children, combining early education with exposure to animals. They aim to foster empathy and curiosity through hands-on learning.
What They Offer:
Exposure to animals and nature-based learning
Focus on emotional intelligence and responsibility
Munchkin Manor
Website: https://childcarecenter.us/provider_detail/munchkin_manor_at_the_county_bend_or
Address: 1130 NW Harriman St, Bend, OR 97701
Overview: Munchkin Manor provides a loving and engaging environment, offering care for toddlers and preschoolers. Their curriculum focuses on fostering early learning through music, art, and play.
A Child's Garden
Website: https://www.achildsgardenbend.com/
Address: 2510 NE Studio Rd, Suite A1, Bend, OR 97701
Overview: A Child's Garden combines structured learning with free play to encourage cognitive and emotional growth. They provide programs tailored to meet developmental milestones.
Active Learning Academy
Website: https://www.activelearningbend.com/
Address: 2535 NE Studio Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Overview: Active Learning Academy emphasizes interactive learning, offering a curriculum that blends academic preparation with creativity and physical activity.
Types of Daycares Available
Infant Daycare in Bend
Infant daycare centers provide specialized care for children as young as six weeks old. These programs focus on nurturing, safety, and early development, ensuring your child is cared for in a clean, secure environment. Staff are typically trained in infant care, including feeding schedules, diaper changes, and safe sleep practices.
What to Look For:
Low caregiver-to-infant ratio
Daily updates on naps, feedings, and milestones
Safe sleep areas and age-appropriate activities
Toddler Daycare in Bend
Once your child starts walking, toddler daycare programs offer age-appropriate activities to promote learning, social skills, and physical development. Structured schedules often include snack time, playtime, and early educational activities designed to spark curiosity.
What to Look For:
A balance of play and structured learning
Social interaction opportunities
Outdoor play areas for physical development
Preschool Daycare in Bend
Preschool programs focus on preparing children for kindergarten through early academic and social development. These centers often follow an established curriculum, incorporating literacy, math, art, and science into daily activities. Play-based learning is also a core component.
What to Look For:
Licensed teachers with early childhood education training
Curriculum that blends academics and play
Opportunities for creative activities like art and music
After-School Daycare in Bend
For school-age children, after-school daycare programs offer a safe environment to complete homework, engage in enrichment activities, and socialize with peers. Many after-school programs also offer transportation from local schools.
What to Look For:
Help with homework and academic support
Enrichment programs (sports, arts, STEM activities)
Safe supervision and structured schedules
Home-Based Daycare in Bend
Home-based daycare programs provide care in a smaller, family-style environment. These centers often have fewer children than traditional daycares, allowing for more personalized attention.
What to Look For:
Licensing and safety certifications
Small group sizes for individualized care
Clear daily routines and communication with parents
What to Consider When Choosing a Daycare
Staff Qualifications
Qualified caregivers are essential to a positive daycare experience. Look for centers where staff have training in early childhood education, CPR certification, and first aid.
Safety and Cleanliness
Daycare centers should follow strict safety protocols, including secure entry points, childproofed environments, and regular cleaning routines. Ask about their health policies to ensure proper care is taken to prevent the spread of illness.
Activities and Curriculum
A good daycare blends structured learning with play. Ask about daily schedules, lesson plans, and opportunities for creative and physical activities. Programs that incorporate both indoor and outdoor play are ideal for healthy child development.
Communication with Parents
Transparency is key. Many daycares provide daily updates via apps or written reports, informing parents about their child's activities, meals, and progress. Open communication helps build trust and ensures that parents stay informed.
Cost and Availability
Daycare costs can vary widely based on the type of care and services provided. Some centers offer sibling discounts, sliding scale rates, or government assistance programs to help families manage costs. Availability can also be a challenge, so early enrollment is often recommended.
Tips for Finding the Right Daycare
Visit Multiple Centers: Touring several facilities will give you a sense of the environment, staff, and available programs.
Check References and Reviews: Talk to other parents and read online reviews to learn about others’ experiences.
Ask About Accreditation: Accredited centers meet higher standards for safety, curriculum, and staff training.
Trust Your Instincts: Pay attention to how you feel during your visit. A warm, welcoming environment often indicates a high-quality daycare.
Benefits of Daycare
Daycare can provide both children and parents with numerous benefits:
Social Development: Children learn to interact with peers, share, and build friendships.
Structure and Routine: Regular schedules help children feel secure and promote healthy habits.
Early Learning: Many programs introduce literacy, numeracy, and other key skills through play-based learning.
Parental Support: Reliable daycare allows parents to work or study, knowing their children are in safe hands.
For families with infants, hiring a nanny may offer more personalized care. Check out our guide to nanny services in Bend for additional options.
