Seattle Infant Development Center

• Price & value▼
• Honesty & trust▲

This review is solely about the waitlist process. We did the tour, joined the waitlist and paid the fee, but were only told afterwards that the center never thought we had a chance of getting a spot by our requested start date (which was over a year out). It would have saved money and everyone's time if they were transparent about. that. I cannot speak to the quality of care here because we won't be able to join but the waitlist process leaves a lot to be desired. To preempt a response from business owner that we were told the fee was nonrefundable, that is not the point - the point is you should have also told us paying the fee would effectively mean the fee goes down the drain.

• Price assessment: Overpriced
• Services: Service not listed

Both our kids attend SIDC and we're very happy to be a part of this school. The teachers are wonderful and invested. Being a nonprofit and the longest running daycare in downtown makes us feel like a special community. Our kids love being here and come home every day having learned something new.

• Staff & attitude▲
• Would recommend▲

My son has been at SIDC for the past 2.5 years. When we started here, I didn’t understand why they called it a “school,” but now I see that it is so much more than just daycare. My son has learned so much, and my whole family has enjoyed the community that we have found at the center. I also appreciate how caring the teachers are — many of them have been here for years or even decades. I would recommend SIDC to any parent looking for quality childcare.

• Speed & response▲
• Would recommend▲

My children have attended SIDC for the past 3.5 years, and we've loved the experience across classrooms. Specifically, what stands out to us is 1) community feel (parent-run board, ample opportunities to volunteer and get to know other families); 2) tenured teachers (multiple with 30+ years at SIDC under their belts); and 3) low ratios (SIDC intentionally keeps class sizes small). Our children have thrived, and we've learned a lot as parents through our engagement with the staff. Also, not a primary highlight, but I think it's worth flagging that parking is free / convenient and the garage exit feeds you immediately into I-5 North. Highly recommend!

SIDC is such a great daycare. Perfect if you work (or live) downtown or first hill. Opens 7:30a closes 5:30p-- really convenient hours. Several staff members have been there for 30+ years. Feels like a big family. It's basically the opposite of a corporate chain daycare (and cheaper, too). Seriously if you're looking for a daycare go take a tour

Our preschooler has had a great time at SIDC for the last three years, and has grown in so many ways thanks to the thoughtful care of her teachers. We appreciate the skilled and dedicated staff and board, small class sizes, low teacher to child ratios, and minimal closures. SIDC has been a supportive community for us on top of providing excellent child care - we feel right at home!

• Staff & attitude▲
• Would recommend▲

Our son has attended SIDC since he turned 2 years old. It's an amazing place that, for us, checked a lot of boxes that other daycares in the area did not. 1) Most of the teachers have been there for years -- many of them for decades. They are deeply caring and deeply passionate about childhood growth, development and socialization. For them, this is a career, not a job. 2) Other centers we toured in downtown and Capitol Hill had extremely tiny play spaces and offered only 30 min. of outdoor time twice a day. SIDC offers lots of outdoor playtime, and their play area is spacious and fun with a playhouse, tricycles, toy trucks, big blocks, "water play" in summer, and more. 3) Other preschools had short hours or frequent closures, which would have made it very difficult in a two working-parent household. SIDC is closed maybe 3 extra days a year for teacher trainings, and it closes on major national holidays, but that's it. And, finally 4) it's a small place with a big heart. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming and communal. Everyone knows your kid and looks out for them. Kids feel loved and safe. Highly recommend!

• Staff & attitude▲

We have loved our two years as part of the SIDC community. It's such a gem. The teachers are caring and experienced, the staff/child ratio is really low, and our son always walks in the door happy to be there and has learned so much. Like many parents, we started our childcare journey wondering about what would be the best fit, and we feel so lucky to have found our way to SIDC!

• Would recommend▲

My daughter joined SIDC in 2021 and has absolutely thrived. We were only looking for a daycare, but were lucky enough to find this educational center. SIDC uses the HighScope curriculum to encourage curiosity through active learning. Our child's social and emotional development is extraordinary. Wonderful teachers and staff, highly recommend.

My son has been happily attending SIDC for three years. He loves his teachers and friends there. Here are a few factors to choose SIDC: - size: one classroom for each age group and lower than state imposed number of children - teachers: high retention, long tenure, only changed when he moved to the next classroom - nonprofit: run by dedicated staff and a board formed by parents! Community feel - logistics: situated in downtown but away from the noise and crowd of it. Extremely easy access to/from highway, with bus, or on bike - High Scope curriculum: - COVID response: They were up and running with safety measures shortly after the initial lockdowns. It was/is a lifesaver while working remotely.