As a teacher, early education is important to me. Research shows a child's early years lay the foundation for the future. The human brain develops the vast majority of its neurons, and is at its most receptive to learning, between birth and three years of age. Because of this, I wanted to find a daycare that was more than just childcare and babysitting... a place of purposeful learning, both structured and independent learning...a place of teaching social and emotional skills...a place where my children were well-loved and cared for... a place where staff were well-educated and trained and loved their job...a place where I felt my children were safe. All these expectations were exceeded at the Goddard School. You have to get buzzed in to pick up your kid once you enter the building (I love the security). The staff is required to have daily lesson plans centered on a theme of the week (no random, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-teaching). The walls are full of pictures, artwork, activities, quotes, and family pictures. The learning is purposeful, connected and tied to big ideas. The staff know me by name, and even teachers in other classrooms know my kids' names. This just goes to show the importance that Michelle (the owner), Selena (director) and Danae (manager) place on creating a family environment at the Goddard. They are part of my family. I don't feel guilty about leaving my kids when I go to work because I know they are getting a rich experience. I mean, honestly, I am not the mom that is going to have my kids paint with coconut, or paint by blowing through a straw, yet I LOVE that my children get these experiences at the Goddard school. Academically, my 2-year-old practically knows how to sing his ABC's, counts numbers up to 13, and is learning how to share with others and practice using his manners. He currently tells mommy and daddy to "cover our coughs" whenever we sneeze, cough, or hiccup. He is learning social skills. My 18-month-old is addicted to books and will try to read to us in her own language. She is learning how to stay seated while eating her lunch, take turns, and share with friends. I attest much of my children's social development and oral language development to the Goddard School. I have the utmost respect for the teachers at the Goddard. They are juggling a multitude of things in addition to actual teaching...changing diapers, consoling crying little ones, making messes, cleaning messes, getting out toys, cleaning up toys, beginning activities, making snacks, applying sunscreen, putting on coats, taking off coats, repeating the process, and they do it all with poise, patience, positivity and enthusiasm. They are my heroes. Both my children started at the Goddard as babies (3 months-old and 5-months-old) and have been there ever since. Hands down, I would recommend this place to any parent considering childcare. It's where I feel comfortable leaving my precious little ones. read more

Impressed! This is the best school/facility out there. If you're a parent who is worrysome or anxiously concerned with your childs safety, security, education, teachers, and what your childs day consists of; then you will find yourself relaxed and worry-free knowing he/she is in great hands in a comfortable, secure, and loving environment. I work out of the area every other 60 days and during that time I realize the transition on my son can be taxing at times. Michelle (The Owner) and the other members of staff there did an excellent job in ensuring my son had adequate love and attention to help him during these transistions. Even during my time away Michelle kept up with me by providing me with updates about my sons progress at school and sending me pictures. She is the warmest, up front, empathetic business owner I've ever come across. In my sons classroom his teachers Ms. Amanda and Ms. Ariana were amazing in how they handled my son - even during drop off time (which were hard moments for him). They always handled the situation in a very nurturing and attentive way. The classroom was well organized, and very clean. The other children well mannered, and interactive. Each one of them displayed a high level of comfortableness, and enjoyment in the class. The daily events were educational and imaginative with weekly topics such as "The Solar System" centered around art projects, sensory tables, songs, dancing, sign language lessons, computer lessons, story time etc... There are special events that the school will put on for the kids such as Magic Shows and BBQ's. Which is a great bonding tool for parents, children, faculty and school environment. There is always more than one teacher in the classroom at all times - no matter what. And Michelle is constantly making her rounds and checking up on each classroom. If youre worried about security, the doors from the lobby and the school itself are always locked and monitored closely by staff at all times. I have not one single complaint about this school. I may be having to move out of the area soon, and the only thing that makes it hard and may possibly even make me stay in Vancouver is this specific school. It really is THAT good. The combination of faculty, and environment make it the best school Ive ever had the opportunity to enroll my son into. 5 stars without hesitation. read more

I toured 24 schools in the Vancouver area trying to find the perfect fit for my daughters preschool needs (coupled with my full time care need for her). The Goddard School in Salmon Creek surpasses all of them in curriculum, availability, cleanliness, and communication (I am confident stating this as I actually enrolled in and tried 3 other schools). I actually commute 30 min both ways each day for my child to be a part of this school. There is always someone available to answer the phone, attend your need, or even troubleshoot with you on any development plans for your child. Each staff member shines with passion and kindness and you can be assured they are there to educate not to work. My daughter has grown in leaps and bounds with her knowledge, social, and emotional skills- with a high emphasis on confidence. I plan to endure this commute for the next few years, because as a mom, knowing my child is in good and loving hands every time I leave her- the peace of mind is worth every minute in the drive and every penny that I pay. I would recommend anyone looking at schools to compare- staff availability (this is the only school that answers the phone every time and promptly responds to email), curriculum(their stem program and the teachers input is built for the children), their policies - many schools do not have a solid sick policy, lice policy..... any concern you may have Goddard has a system for it, and teachers this Goddard was the only school that I did not see teachers on their cell phones. I love this school and would be happy to talk to anyone about my other experiences. read more

Our daughter has been going to the Goddard School for over two years now and we couldn't be happier. The staff is warm, knowledgable and very accomodating to the kids. The curriculum is planned and integretated into the day very well. They have special theme days and events that the children look forward too. Also, they send home lots of pictures of the kids and thier art, which is fun, and give you a daily sheet letting you know what they kids have done for activities, eating, etc. My daughter is always happy to go to there. It's well worth the investment too. I started working part time and figured I would look around the other daycare centers in the area to see if there was a cheaper alternative, but after being used to the way things are run at the Goddard, you can really see a difference in the way another daycares manage their children. I felt like the children at the other daycare facilities were much more chaotic. If I'm going to send my daughter to daycare all day, I'd rather it be with professionals who teach my daughter to be kind, say "please and thank you", and do yoga, rather than with an 18 year old girl who can't control the kids, lets them cry and then tells me she only uses wipes on the kids hands during the day because its too dificult to get them to wash at the sink. (actual story). read more

My 16 mo. old son transferred to The Goddard School-Salmon Creek from another child care facility in the area and WOW! What a difference! I toured a lot of other facilities in the area. This one is THE BEST! The high security of the facility alone exceeds all other centers I have toured. Best of all, my son absolutely loves his new environment. The teachers are very well educated and the curriculum is incredibly diverse and fun each day. It is amazing how they incorporate so many new enriching activities into each day using music, art, movement,etc.. He has learned sign language in a matter of weeks! My son is so happy and I can tell how well they take care of him by the cleanliness of his clothes, hands, etc. when I come to pick him up. The facility is gorgeous and the play structures, toys, etc. are so new, safe, neat and tidy. Plus, they provide a detailed and accurate accounting of all that he did during the day from eating, activities, potty schedule, and cute things he said or did. The children all get along so well and the atmosphere is peaceful and calm. I can tell that everyone, especially the Owner, Michelle Solari, truly enjoy being there. We feel lucky to have found such a safe, warm, nurturing, family oriented and community conscious environment for our son. read more

Best school/daycare around !! After a not so great experience at a different facility in the area, I toured The Goddard school, and immediately knew that this was going to be our kids new "home" during the day! The teachers are wonderful!! They all seem to love their jobs, which shows, since I have never seen anything other than smiling faces. The focus is on learning through play, and the kids get to experience so much through different learning styles. My 3 year old came home telling me about the space and Jupiter as well as most other planets. It really shows that all of the teachers have at a minimum an Associate Degree in the field. Michelle ( the owner) and Selena (the director of education) are some of the most kind, warm and welcoming women I have ever met. They, along with ALL of the teachers, will go out of their way to make sure that you and your child feel comfortable, and their doors are always open should any concern ever arise. The teachers address any issues as they come up in a kind and respectful manner, and there is direct communication with the parents every day we pick up the kids. The facility is brand new, beautiful and has a state of the art security system. I simply cannot say enough about how wonderful they are!! read more

We have been extremely impressed with the Salmon Creek Goddard School and the entire staff!!!! We had a nanny for 3.5 years who we absolutely loved so we were a little nervous about making the transition to the day care setting. We felt that our oldest son could really benefit from the group atmosphere and knew it would be an easy transition for our 15 month old. The Goddard school has more than exceeded our expectations! The staff encouraged us to call often in the beginning to check in on our boys and they even took the time to send pictures to help us know they were having a good time. Both of our boys adore their teachers and have fun stories to tell us every day. They love all the crafts, songs, friends and fun. We are loving the educational component that they receive every day without even knowing that they are learning. The facility is immaculate and is decked out with great toys that are age appropriate for each class. They create a new theme every month and always have new things going on to keep it enjoyable for everyone. We could not be happier with our decision to enroll our boys in the Salmon Creek Goddard School. read more

The Goddard School has allowed my wife and me to relax while going to work each day. The staff /educators are always friendly, but more importantly they provided our son comfort throughout the day. We have spent the last year at the Salmon Creek School and in the beginning our son had a difficult time being dropped of, but I was met at the end of each day with a very happy boy laughing and playing with friends. The education my son receives each day is even more impressive with a daily lesson plan sent home. The form of the days lessons allow me to ask specific questions to see how his day really went and not just a response of, "the play ground was fun Dad!" Over this last summer we missed two weeks of school to go camping and each day our son woke up he would ask, "Do I get to play with my teachers and friends at school today." The Goddard School in Salmon Creek is a caring environment that we feel lucky to be a part of. Matt Greco read more

As "High Maintenance" parents, we have struggled to find quality care in the Vancouver Area for years. We had been through 4 different Programs with negative outcomes before enrolling our 2.5 year old in a school that we deemed up to our standards. Paul (Owner) sat with me for nearly 2 hours while I vetted The Goddard School as a potential Preschool. He listened, he cared, I could tell he was invested not only Administratively, but also with the Children. That was important to us. We had a few issues to work through in the beginning that came from our daughter moving schools and environments. Paul and Ms. Danae (Director) were on the frontline of working through the concerns and assisted her teachers in getting her back on track. Hands down, the BEST program in Vancouver that I have discovered and I definitely recommend. The higher price stems from quality care and teachers who very clearly, LOVE what they do. read more

As a parent the biggest factors in deciding on a daycare provider are cleanliness of facility, friendliness and trustworthiness of the staff caring for your child. I trust anyone at this school 1000% and always recommend them to any and everyone searching for childcare. The daily progress notes allow you to follow what's going on in the classroom as well as how much of their lunch your child is eating. Everything is documented and as a registered nurse I like that. Pictures also are occasionally sent which is a fun added bonus. The site is always clean and there is artwork all over which gives it a welcoming feel. To me, the staff care about my kid as if she were one of their own and that means a lot me. If you're considering going here, do it! Paul the owner is great as well as the teachers and office staff. They all genuinely care about all the kids in their school. Hands down an amazing school. read more

My daughter has been attending The Goddard in Vancouver for nearly a year, and it's without a doubt one of the best decisions we have made regarding her social and educational development. She is just under the age 2.5 and constantly amazes me with how much she knows and retains from all she learns while at school. She is learning Spanish and ASL words/phrases alongside English, and already has a vast vocabulary and speaks quite clearly for her age. The staff there is phenomenal, and I love how all the assistants help in all the classrooms so that my daughter is familiar with just about everyone there. This makes it a familiar and safe place for her, which puts me at ease about dropping her off there. I can't recommend The Goddard in Vancouver enough! If you're not sure about where to enroll your child, schedule the tour with Michelle and you will know that this place is it. read more

I cannot even begin to describe the experience we have had with this school. Our son started here when he was a little over a year old as a toddler, through pre-school and pre-kindergarten (he is almost 5 now) and we have been delighted with the school. First of all ... let me list the things this is school is NOT .... it is not a day-care, it is not a baby-sitting service, it is not a nanny replacement ...... it is a real school with real education. We believe our son's development and social skills have been defined by his experience here. The teachers are amazing - caring, nurturing, firm and focused. The administration is top-notch with excellent communication, child and parent focus, providing a safe environment and just making the school an amazingly pleasant place. As our son makes his way to kindergarten we believe his start at Goddard sets him up for success. read more

Both of our girls have gone to the Goddard School (one in east Vancouver, WA and one in Salmon Creek) starting as one-year-olds and continuing to age five. One of the things that drew us to the Goddard School was knowing our kids would be safe and secure. We also have appreciated the nurturing environment where the children see how much fun learning can be. The staff are highly professional and very caring as they encourage the kids to be respectful, understanding, and kind to each other and help them learn everyday skills like eating, walking, talking and using the potty or more advanced skills like reading, writing and socially acceptable behavior. Managerial staff are always on hand should a parent have questions or concerns. The Goddard School has been wonderful and I feel our girls have really benefited from their education there. read more

Being possibly over protective as parents, my husband and I dreaded taking our sweet daughter to preschool. Goddard made it a comfortable wonderful experience. They welcomed my inquiries into her well being, my numerous visits before hand and even let us participate in some of their events to allow us to get comfortable with the idea. They spent a significant amount of time giving us a tour and explaining the process, the schedule and what to expect. My favorite thing about my daughter attending Goddard are the daily recaps they email us with a breakdown of every activity she did, what she learned and even what she ate. They often even have pictures of her doing the activity they describe in the email. If you want attention to detail, a clean, safe environment with lots of love in the air then you want Goddard! read more

Although our son only attended the school a short while, we were very impressed with the care he received at the school. The environment at Goddard is very warm and nurturing and is also very conducive to learning. The owners and teachers are also very warm and began to feel like a family. They offer many activities for the families outside of the school to help establish a real sense of community. We are only leaving the school because we are moving out of the area but will definitely search for an equally outstanding environment for our child to learn and grow once we are moved and settled. Thank you Goddard for all your help and love in our transition from Texas to Washington! We will miss you... read more

We moved to Vancouver from Nova Scotia about a month ago, and we chose Goddard School Salmon Creek for our 4-year-old mostly because it is close to the place where I work. I am very glad I made this decision. My son is having such a great time there everyday, and he doesn't even want to go home! Most importantly, he learns lots of new stuff within such a short time. The programs are fabulous there. Everyday there are times for science, music, art, reading, out-door playing... The teachers are well educated, caring, and very good with kids. The on-site owner and education director are always available when you have any concerns, and they are very helpful. We would highly recommend this school to anyone. read more

The Teachers are the best!!!! I have not met a teacher there that my children do not like or are not excited to see. I like being able to drop my children off and know that they are in a safe nurturing environment that they will be having a great time learning in. The teachers are well educated and experienced in early education. The facility is always clean and well organized. The owner and directors are very friendly, professional and easy to communicate with. This is a Great school with the very the best teachers who genuinely care for my children. read more

What can I say- the Goddard School at Salmon Creek is extremely clean, safe, and has wonderful staff! My husband and I have been quite the picky critics and just did not feel safe leaving our 5 month old twins with anyone...until Goddard School. Michelle and Selena completely put our mind at ease and were willing to work with our crazy work schedules. I love the attention to detail and how secure you feel dropping of your children here. All of the staff was very attentative and genuine. I can't imagine finding any place better than this! Look no further! read more

There isn't enough praise I could give Goddard Salmon Creek. The owner and staff are wonderful and the teachers are absolutely amazing in every age group. You couldn't find a better environment to place your children in! My daughter is just under 2 years old and has been at Goddard since she was 4 months old. The growth that I've seen in her confidence over the past year and a half is incredible. She is far ahead of her milestones and I credit a lot of that to the learning practices used by the teaching staff starting at an early age! read more