Welcome
A neighborhood center rooted in community
The Wallingford Childcare Center was established in 1968 by the Wallingford United Methodist Church as a community outreach. We maintain a supportive relationship with the church while offering a non-religious curriculum to the Wallingford neighborhood and the greater Seattle area.
We design environments where children engage with ideas, materials, and peers that reflect their interests and emerging skills. We view every child as a capable individual from birth. Our educators listen closely, respond thoughtfully, and create opportunities for children to navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of self within a supportive community.
Our promises
How we care for every child
Commitments that help us assure a consistent, stable foundation and supportive environment where our children can grow.
We help them feel proud of who they are
We nurture intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth, so every child builds a strong, confident sense of self.
We follow their curiosity
Our Emergent Curriculum begins with what fascinates each child — teachers watch, listen, and shape the day around their interests.
We celebrate many cultures
We weave in a richness of cultures so children grow up with understanding, belonging, and appreciation for one another.
Big feelings are welcome
We help children name and work through big emotions in healthy, constructive ways.
Families are partners
Strong partnership between faculty and families through ongoing communication, volunteer opportunities, and open access to the classroom.
Outdoor play, rain or shine
We get outside most days for active play and fresh air — rain or shine — with plenty of art, sensory play, and hands-on discovery along the way.
Classrooms
Five rooms, growing with your child
From our youngest infants in the Cloud Room to confident pre-kindergartners in the Rocket Room, each classroom keeps small ratios and a curriculum tuned to that age.
Cloud Room
Infants explored as capable learners, following each child's own rhythms.
Sunshine Room
Young toddlers build the basic skills of daily life and growing independence.
Rainbow Room
Language and social skills blossom through art, play, and friendship.
Star Room
Colors, shapes, and letters introduced in playful, integrated ways.
Rocket Room
Hands-on science and discovery, with a strong runway toward kindergarten.
Curriculum
Curiosity leads the way
At WCCC, emergent curriculum means learning grows from children's interests at every age.
Whether it's an infant exploring textures, a toddler testing independence, or a preschooler investigating the natural world, our educators listen, observe, and design experiences that honor each child's curiosity and capability.
“Our image of the child is rich in potential, strong, powerful, competent.”
— Loris Malaguzzi
Testimonials
From our community
“My kids love WCCC. They are so proud of all that they are learning through the play-based model and it has been wonderful for their social development. As a parent, it feels great to be a part of the WCCC community.”
— WCCC Parent
“It is a joy to work for the Wallingford Child Care Center. The small classroom sizes allow us as teachers to make a real connection — not only with each child but with each family. WCCC’s commitment to a nurturing yet experiential child care environment allows us to succeed as educators seeking to empower each child to thrive throughout their time here.”
— WCCC Faculty Member
“There’s so much that we love at WCCC, but what sets them apart from other providers is the feeling of community. The staff is wonderful and welcoming. It’s clear that they care about our son’s well-being. We look forward to connecting with our son’s friends and their families at Family Fun Nights scheduled throughout the year. We’re so happy to be part of the WCCC community!”
— WCCC Parent
“My son spent two wonderful years there, from age 3 to 5, and I can honestly say the experience was warm, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in community. At the center, the teachers customized learning and activities, and cared for our kids like loving aunts rather than just educators.”
— WCCC Parent
Come see us in person
We offer group tours for prospective families. We currently have openings for 2–5 year olds, and welcome you to join our waitlist for younger rooms.