A warm and welcoming preschool and child care center in Auburn, Washington, proudly owned and operated since 2002. For over 20 years we have been providing a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved and encouraged to learn and grow.
Open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for children from six weeks until kindergarten. In Auburn since 2002, and rated Early Achievers Quality Level 3 by the state.
Many children begin their journey with us as infants and stay until they are ready for kindergarten. The best part of joining the Tender Years family is watching children grow and develop through the years.
Our smaller classroom environments and group sizes allow each teacher to build meaningful relationships with each child. Every child gets more individualized attention, encouragement and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
Four classrooms, one for each stage from six weeks until kindergarten. Each one is planned around what children are ready to learn at that age.
Music, stories, tummy time, sensory play and yes, even art, in a room that feels like a home away from home.
The “I can do it!” stage: early literacy, language, sensory exploration and early math, and gentle help with potty training.
Kindness, cooperation and communication, with weekly activities in early literacy, math, creative expression and imaginative play.
The kindergarten readiness skills our local school districts look for: letters and sounds, writing their name, numbers, counting and sorting.
We believe strong relationships between families and teachers are an important part of a child’s success. Our teachers take time each day to share special moments, pictures and accomplishments from your child’s day. Through open communication in the Procare app, or talking about their day at pick-up, we are able to support your child’s social, emotional and physical growth. Open communication builds trust, and that’s where great partnerships begin.
We use Teaching Strategies GOLD at Tender Years Academy. It is a research-based, observation-driven assessment system used to track children’s development across 38 objectives in areas such as social-emotional, literacy, math and physical skills. It is whole-child focused: we know that each child develops at their own pace. Our teachers observe children’s learning through notes, photos and examples of their work throughout the year, and use it to celebrate their strengths and identify opportunities for continued growth.
Families are invited to parent-teacher conferences three times a year to discuss progress, accomplishments and goals. Of course, communication does not stop there. We encourage families to connect with teachers any time they have questions, concerns or something special to share.
We follow strict cleaning and sanitizing practices to keep children safe and healthy. Any mouthed toy goes straight into a designated sanitation bucket. Tables and chairs are sanitized several times throughout the day, and all toys and surfaces are disinfected every night. Bathrooms, floors and high-touch areas are also cleaned and disinfected daily.
The cook and all staff are trained and kept up to date on any children who have allergies or special care needs.
Sick children are asked to stay home until they are symptom-free without the use of medication. If your child becomes ill at school, we may need you to pick them up and keep them home until they are symptom-free.
Your child’s safety and well-being are always a top priority. The building has controlled access through a keypad and individual codes. Visitors ring the bell for service and are not permitted into classrooms without authorization or supervision. Our playgrounds are fully fenced and all gates are locked. We practice fire drills each month, and earthquake, lockdown and shelter-in-place drills every quarter. We want families to have peace of mind knowing their children are safe and in caring hands.
The facts families ask about first. Everything else, ask us on your tour.
English and Spanish.
We follow the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program and prepare and serve nutritious, home-cooked meals and snacks. A copy of our menu is at the front desk and on the Meals page.
We are a fully licensed child care center in Washington State, licensed for 87 children from birth to 5½ years. We participate in the Washington State Early Achievers program and are currently rated at Level 3. Look us up on Washington’s Child Care Check under our licensed name, Tender Years Academy Center.
We accept DCYF Working Connections Child Care and Best Start for Kids. We can give you the information you need to apply for subsidy benefits during your tour, and the links are on the First day page.
We are more than an early learning program, we are a family. Throughout the year we love to bring children and families together for special events. Some of our favorites are the Fall Open House, Fall Carnival, Family Barbecue, Craft Nights, Pie with Parents and Parents’ Night Out. There is always something fun happening in our school. Through the year
Our dedicated staff bring patience, compassion, creativity and a genuine love for working with children. All staff complete Washington State training along with our center’s own orientation and training, and our teachers continue their education and professional development throughout the year.
Over 34 years in early childhood education, a degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, and children she once cared for who now bring her their own little ones. Read Carrie’s story
Over 15 years in child care, and the person who helps run the center day to day. You will see her at drop-off and pickup, and she is often the one who picks up the phone when you call. More about Tereza
“My youngest has been here since she was three months old. The infant room is so attentive and caring. Every child loves their teachers, and so do we.”
Brittani M., parent of two
“Kind, patient staff and wonderful daily updates, so I can see how my son is doing through the day. You can tell they genuinely care about him.”
Hannah C., parent
“All five of my kids have come here and they want to go back every day. The small classes and the way they handled potty training made all the difference.”
Maria L., parent of five
We would love to give you a personal tour of our school. It gives you and your child a chance to explore our classrooms, meet our caring staff and see the warm, nurturing environment firsthand. It is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, see the classrooms in action and imagine your child becoming part of the Tender Years family. Tours take about 30 minutes, and there is no pressure or obligation. We want you to feel comfortable, informed and confident when choosing the right program for your family.