Licensed Daycare in Salem, Oregon
20 licensed daycares in Salem, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Oregon licensing records.
Salem listings updated May 2026 from official Oregon records.
Daycare in Salem: what parents should know
Families in Salem can choose from 20 licensed childcare providers, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 25% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Oregon license at indexing time, sourced from Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
For age coverage, 2 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 3 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Salem spans 3+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 25% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Salem's licensed centers hold about 1,299 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Salem childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Salem
ChildCare Aware reports the Oregon average full-time cost at $1,380/month for infant care and $1,080/month for preschool. City-level prices in Salem vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Oregon families may also qualify for Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) (intake: (800) 699-9074).
Full Oregon licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 64 kids
Largest licensed centers in Salem
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Salem licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Salem, Oregon?
What's the average daycare cost in Salem?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Salem daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Salem?
How do I verify a Salem daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Salem
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programOregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 699-9074 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
Official license searchChildcare resources for Salem
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Salem, Oregon are compiled from official Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 20 Licensed Centers in Salem
Free, no signup, verified directly with Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).