Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Early Childhood Education in Tacoma
Founded in 1911, Tacoma Day has dedicated over a century to providing high-quality childcare and early education. Our nationally accredited program through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) reflects our commitment to excellence in child development. We serve children aged 14 months to 12 years, offering full-time and part-time care with a curriculum designed to foster social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Our facility features three classrooms, a spacious playground, and modern equipment tailored to children's needs. We maintain a staff-to-child ratio below state requirements and employ educators with specialized training in early childhood development. Our partnership with families and community resources ensures individualized care plans that respect each child's unique temperament and learning style.Through programs like ECEAP/Head Start and transportation partnerships with local schools, we strive to make quality education accessible to all families. Our executive director brings 33 years of experience in early childhood education, including being among the first 50 professionals in Washington State to earn a CDA competency credential. We operate year-round with flexible scheduling accommodations for working families while maintaining strict adherence to USDA nutrition standards for meals. Our governance by a volunteer Board of Trustees ensures continued operation at the highest standards of care and education.
Services
Daycare Services
Preschool Programs
After-School Care
Transportation Services
ECEAP/Head Start
Details
- Year established: 1911
Highlights and features
- 100+ years of experience in early childhood education
- NAEYC nationally accredited program
- Specialized curriculum for school readiness and development
- Transportation partnerships with local schools
- Trained educators with low student-teacher ratios
Associations and certifications
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Services
Daycare Services
Our daycare program provides a safe, nurturing environment for children aged 14 months to 5 years. Certified educators implement sensory-rich activities that support developmental milestones through structured play and individualized care plans. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional growth, language development, and early cognitive skills while maintaining USDA-certified nutrition standards for daily meals.
Preschool Programs
Designed for children aged 2.5 to 5 years, our preschool curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through play-based learning. Certified teachers facilitate extended learning center activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking. Daily schedules balance active exploration with quiet reflection while incorporating community resources like museums and libraries to enhance educational experiences.
After-School Care
Our after-school program supports K-5th grade students with homework assistance and enrichment activities. Certified staff provide tutoring in specific subjects while promoting social skills through cooperative projects and physical activities. The program includes field trips and summer enrichment opportunities that develop initiative, perseverance, and pro-social behaviors in a flexible learning environment.
Transportation Services
We offer transportation partnerships with local schools including Bryant Montessori Elementary (direct service) and McCarver Elementary (district-provided). This service ensures convenient access to our programs while supporting working families' schedules. Transportation arrangements are coordinated with school district protocols and safety standards for student commutes.
ECEAP/Head Start
As a provider of Washington State's free ECEAP/Head Start program, we deliver comprehensive early education services to eligible families. This includes developmental assessments, family engagement activities, and health services coordination. Our blended curriculum meets state standards while addressing individual learning needs through specialized support and community partnerships.
People
Rosemary Totten
Executive Director
With 33 years of experience in early childhood education, Rosemary Totten holds a BA in Sociology from Central Washington University and was among the first 50 professionals in Washington State to earn a CDA competency credential. She has dedicated her career to implementing developmentally appropriate learning environments that respect each child's unique qualities.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 14 months through 12 years, offering toddler, preschool, and school-age programs with developmentally appropriate curricula for each stage.
Is your program nationally accredited?
Yes, we maintain national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), reflecting our commitment to high-quality early childhood education standards.
Do you offer transportation services?
We provide transportation to Bryant Montessori Elementary and coordinate with Tacoma School District for McCarver Elementary services to support working families' schedules.
What educational programs are available?
Our programs include toddler care, preschool, after-school care, ECEAP/Head Start, and summer enrichment with curricula focused on school readiness and lifelong learning skills.
How do you support child development?
We implement individualized care plans that respect each child's unique temperament while promoting social-emotional growth, language development, and cognitive skills through structured play and community resources.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday from 6:15 AM to 5:00 PM, with accommodations available for families needing care until 5:00 PM through prearrangement.
