Where little minds
grow, play,
and thrive
A licensed, bilingual early learning home in Tacoma offering nurturing, play-based care in English and Spanish — from 4 weeks through school age.
Why families choose ScholarKids
Early Achievers Level 4 — WA State quality rating
Bilingual English & Spanish environment
DCYF licensed · All staff CPR & First Aid certified
Background checks on all household members
USDA nutrition program · Hot meals provided
DSHS / Working Connections accepted
MCCYN Military Childcare accepted
Tacoma, WA · Family Child Care Home
OUR MISSION
A home where every child belongs
At ScholarKids Early Learning, we believe the best start in life is rooted in love, consistency, and respect for every child's unique pace. Founded and led by Maribel Picazo Romero. A dedicated early childhood educator since 2015, with a CDA and AAS degree. Our child care center offers the warmth of home with the structure of a high-quality learning program.
MISSION
We create a bilingual environment where children learn to respect and appreciate diverse cultures and languages, with a focus on English and Spanish — helping every child and family thrive.
VISION
We prepare children for school and life through age-appropriate play, kindness, and collaboration with families. We celebrate every milestone and meet each child where they are.
PROGRAMS
Care for every stage
We welcome children from 4 weeks through school age. Each age group follows a developmentally appropriate curriculum with individualized attention. We offer full and part-time rates.
Infants
4 weeks – 17 months
Safe sleep practices, individual feeding schedules, sensory play, and secure attachment. Parents provide formula/breast milk.
Toddlers
18 – 29 months
Language-rich routines, potty training support, music, movement, and social-emotional learning in a bilingual setting.
Preschool
30 months – 5 years
School readiness through play-based learning, early literacy, math concepts, and kindergarten transition support.
School Age
Before and after school care with homework support, creative activities, and a safe space to unwind and grow.
School age children
WHY SCHOLAR KIDS
What sets us apart
More than just childcare — a community built on trust, education, and genuine love for children.
01
Early Achievers Level 4
Washington State's quality rating recognizes our commitment to high-quality, research-based early learning practices.
02
Truly bilingual
Children grow up hearing and using both English and Spanish naturally throughout the day — a lifelong advantage.
03
Family partnership
Daily updates via the Tadpoles app and Facebook, twice-yearly conferences, and an open-door policy all year long.
04
Nutritious meals included
Hot breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily through the USDA CACFP nutrition program at no extra cost.
05
Safe, certified team
All staff hold current CPR, First Aid, and required state certifications. Background checks cover all household members 14+.
06
Inclusive & welcoming
We serve children of all backgrounds and abilities, including special needs children, with individualized care plans.
A TYPICAL DAY
Daily Schedule
Monday – Friday · 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Our daily routine provides structure, predictability, and plenty of time for play.
7:00 – 8:30 AM
Morning arrival, free play & welcome circle
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Breakfast (drop-off cutoff 9:00 AM)
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Structured learning, outdoor play, arts & language activities
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Rest & nap time (licensing requirement)
3:00 – 3:30 PM
Afternoon snack
3:30 – 5:30 PM
Free play, creative activities & end-of-day routines
Meet Our Amazing Teachers
Maribel Picazo
Owner & Provider
CDA + AAS in Early Childhood Education. Working with children since 2015. Early Achievers Level 4 program director.
Consuelo Romero
Lead Teacher
ECE coursework at Antioch University. Previously lead teacher at “Our Hope PlayCare.” Passionate about play-based learning.
Yisell Coria
Subdirector
Pursuing AAS in Early Childhood Education at Highline College. Specializes in curiosity-driven, active learning environments.
Angelica Giron
Chef
Working with children since 2007. Prepares nutritious, kid‑friendly meals that introduce diverse flavors and healthy habits.
OUR TEAM
Meet our teachers
Our dedicated team brings years of experience, warmth, and a genuine passion for early childhood education.
WHAT PARENTS SAY
Families who trust ScholarKids
Don't take our word for it, hear directly from the families who bring their children to us every day.
PARENT VOICES
Real families. Real stories. Real results.
Hear from our families. Watch the video.
Winter
Parent since 2022
"My family has been blessed to be able to send our children here to Scholarkids, it is truly like a second home for them but with even more education, activities and friends to play with. The outdoor play area is wonderful, as well as the arts and crafts that the children get to do each day. The teachers here are warm, welcoming and caring, so I get to drop my babies off each day knowing they will be safe and loved. The owner Mrs. Maribel has been amazing to work with, communication has been excellent since day one, and we can tell she cares very much about the well-being and development of the children in her care."
Jillian B.
Parent since 2023
"My kid has been going here for 2 and a half years and he absolutely loves it. He was very very wary of people. But at scholarkids he instantly felt at home. I love this facility. And I am so glad I found here. Will be putting my baby in this daycare once he was born too. Always very clean. Great toys. Great big play area in the backyard, and plenty of space for kids to play indoors. My son also starting learning Spanish here he can understand most of it. And sometimes speaks it to us. Amazing daycare."
William R.
Parent since 2021
"Very caring, professional, transparent and trustworthy. My wife and I feel extremely comfortable with our child going here! It has been amazing to watch our child learn and grow in the intentional environment and instruction. We are thrilled to be a part of ScholarKids!!"
Amanda H.
Parent since 2023
"This daycare is AMAZING for our now 9 month old :) we have been going to Scholar kids since my daughter was 6 months old and it’s been awesome. She is always happy at drop off and pick up! You should check this place out for sure!"