Puyallup Playcare is committed to providing quality childcare for children and their families in an environment that is safe, affordable, healthy, nurturing and responsive.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Full & part-time education
We provide full and part-time care for those living and/or working in the Puyallup area for children 2 1/2 through 12 years of age. Our environments and low teacher-to-child ratios allow us to get to know your child’s interests to help them reach their full potential.
Quality care for kids
We offer quality care at some of the lowest rates available. Children may be enrolled for a minimum of two days each week. DSHS reimbursement for Working Connections Child Care is accepted. Our staff is comprised of individuals who care about children and enjoying providing quality, enriching care each day.
Classrooms
Our early learning program serves preschool children beginning at age 2 1/2. Children are grouped by age and enrolled a minimum of two days per week for full-time days. The curriculum in each classroom is theme based and offers developmentally appropriate activities. We strive to prepare children to be ready to learn when they reach kindergarten.
Use the tabs below to read about our different classes and their curriculums.
Ages 2-1/2 to 3-1/2
Lead Teacher: Shari Barb
Assistant: Faith Brinks
Curriculum in the Explorers classroom focuses on social and emotional development of the child such as building friendships, using their words, sharing, group activities, waiting patiently, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. Color and shape awareness are also part of our Explorer room curriculum.
Ages 3-1/2 to 4-1/2
Lead Teacher: Jodi Howard
Assistant: Bianca de la Torre
Curriculum in the Trackers classroom focuses on developing the physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills that a preschooler needs to ensure success upon entering kindergarten including color and letter recognition, participation in collaborative play and learning, following directions, as well as conflict resolution.
Ages 4-1/2 to Pre-Kindergarten
Lead Teacher: Iskra Adame
Assistant: Noelle O’Brien
The curriculum in the Pioneers classroom focuses on the skills needed to be ready for kindergarten including letter and number recognition, colors, and shapes. We also focus on self-management skills (zippering coats and tying shoes), letter sounds, recognizing rhyming words, and counting.
Kindergarten to First Grade
Lead Teacher: Michelle Bertrang
AM Assistant: Vanessa Brown
PM Assistant: Dailey Delainey
The Adventurer classroom enjoys a curriculum filled with art, reading, and science. The teachers also exercise the opportunity to mirror activities that are practiced at the kindergarten and first-grade level at the school each child attends.
Second Grade to Sixth Grade
Lead Teacher: Tinka Clay
The Schoolmates classroom provides a safe, fun environment for children in 2nd through 6th grade, before and after school during the school year. Full-time care is provided in the summer and non-school days. In this classroom, the focus is on social development and collaborative learning, as well as establishing leadership skills and growing friendships.
Our school-age program cares for children before and after school who attend Fruitland, Maplewood and Meeker elementary schools in the Puyallup School District.
We transport to and from school in three 15 passenger vans.
Two meals and two snacks are served to the children each day. We are a participant in the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Breakfast is offered from:
7:45-8:15 a.m. for School-Age Children
8:00-8:30 a.m. for Preschool Children
AM Snack: 10:00 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00 p.m.
PM Snack:
2:45-3:00 p.m. for Preschoolers
3:30 to 4:15 p.m. for School-Age
All meals and snacks are balanced according to CACFP requirements. We attempt to serve fresh fruits and vegetables along with homemade dishes rather than prepared foods.
Tuition Rates
We provide year-round full and part-time education. Daily rates are as follows:
$42.00
dollars per day
Full-Time
Preschool
(10 hours or less)
$38.00
dollars per day
Full-Time Day
Grades K through 6
(Summer, Non-School Days)
$30.00
dollars per day
Before & After School
(Grades K through 6)
$22.50
dollars per day
Before or After School
(Grades K through 6)
We have an annual registration fee of $50. There is also a $6 early release fee, $5 over 10/hour day fee. There is a $3 a minute late pick-up fee.
It may be necessary for incoming children to be placed on our waiting list as our classrooms are often full. Our office staff will contact incoming families on the waiting list when an opening is available. We also welcome incoming families to call 253.848.4232 occasionally to check on their status on the waiting list.
When a spot becomes open, we request that families tour the center to view the classroom, meet the teachers and learn about our policies. Please feel free to ask about any concerns or questions you may have. It is your opportunity to learn as much as you need to know about the care we offer.
The Department of Early Learning requires that all enrollment paperwork, including immunization dates and medical needs paperwork, must be complete before the child may begin care. If you have questions please contact our office staff to help you through the process.
Click here to read more about tuition policies and guidelines.
Administrative Staff
We love our teachers, but our administrative staff is just as awesome!
Executive Director: Nancy Handy (nancy@puyallupplaycarecenter.org)
Asst. Director: Meredith Melendez Myers (meredith@puyallupplaycarecenter.org)
Administrative Assistant: Melissa Forsythe (admin@puyallupplaycarecenter.org)
Support Staff
Center Assistants: Abby Curtis, Cecilia Fernandez-Aponte, Vanessa Brown, Kendyl Hair
Cook: Melba Estrada