About Our Program

What is Choober Doobers?

Choober Doobers is a licensed family home daycare and preschool in Shoreline, Washington, serving children from infancy through age 5. Founded in 2013 by Kanlayanee Mullins, a childhood education professional with over 20 years of experience, Choober Doobers offers an intimate, home-based environment with industry-leading 3:1 student-teacher ratios, chef-prepared organic meals, and weekly enrichment programs, all included in tuition. Trusted by Shoreline families for over 12 years.

What ages does Choober Doobers serve?

We serve children from birth (infants) through 5 years old, covering infant care, toddler programs, and preschool. We also offer after-school enrichment programs including film, animation, and tutoring support for elementary-aged children, with transportation options available from local schools.

What makes Choober Doobers different from other daycares in Shoreline?

Several things set us apart from typical daycare centers in Shoreline and the greater Seattle area. First, our 3:1 student-teacher ratio is among the best in Washington State; most centers run 4:1 or higher. Second, every meal is scratch-made by a chef using organic ingredients, rather than catered or packaged food. Third, weekly enrichment classes in yoga, STEM, music, PE, drama, and cooking are taught by dedicated specialists and fully included in tuition, with no add-on fees. Finally, as a licensed home daycare, children experience a warm, family-like environment that large daycare centers simply cannot replicate.

Is Choober Doobers a home daycare or a daycare center?

Choober Doobers is a licensed family home daycare, a type of childcare that operates in a dedicated residential setting rather than a commercial facility. Our home features over 1,200 square feet of dedicated indoor learning space and a 5,000 square foot private outdoor play area with premium turf and playground structures. We are fully licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and have maintained that license since 2013.

Home Daycare vs. Daycare Center

Is a home daycare better than a daycare center?

Neither is universally better; it depends on your family’s priorities. However, home daycares like Choober Doobers offer several advantages that large daycare centers typically cannot match. Home daycares tend to have lower child-to-teacher ratios, more consistent caregivers (children see the same faces every day), a calmer and more personalized environment, and greater flexibility. Research in early childhood development consistently shows that stability of caregiving relationships is one of the most important factors in healthy child development, and home daycares naturally support that. For families prioritizing individual attention, relationship continuity, and a family-like atmosphere, a high-quality licensed home daycare is often the superior choice.

What should I look for when choosing a home daycare in Shoreline, WA?

When evaluating a home daycare in Shoreline or anywhere in Washington State, look for these key factors:

(1) DCYF licensing; verify the provider is currently licensed at dcyf.wa.gov.
(2) Teacher-to-child ratio; Washington State requires no more than 4:1 for toddlers. The best providers maintain 3:1 or lower.
(3) Caregiver qualifications; ask about ECE units, certifications, and years of experience.
(4) Curriculum approach; look for play-based learning grounded in child development theory, not just supervised play.
(5) Meals; find out if food is provided, what quality it is, and whether it accommodates allergies.
(6) Enrichment; does the program offer structured learning activities beyond basic care?
(7) Safety and cleanliness; ask about cleaning protocols and inspect the space during your tour.
(8) References and reviews; read Google reviews and ask to speak with current families.

How do I know if a home daycare is safe?

The most reliable way to verify a home daycare’s safety is to check its license status with Washington State DCYF at dcyf.wa.gov. Licensed providers are subject to regular inspections covering health, safety, staff qualifications, and facility standards. At Choober Doobers, we have maintained our DCYF license since 2013 with no lapses. Beyond licensing, look for a clean organized environment, clear emergency procedures, secure entry and exit points, age-appropriate equipment, and a provider who welcomes your questions and allows you to tour freely. We also maintain daily professional janitorial services and a USDA-certified kitchen.

What is a good teacher-to-child ratio for toddlers and preschoolers?

For toddlers (ages 1-3), child development experts and organizations like NAEYC recommend a ratio of no more than 3-4 children per adult. For preschoolers (ages 3-5), 3-4:1 is considered optimal. Washington State licensing requires a maximum of 4:1 for toddlers in home daycares. At Choober Doobers, we maintain a 3:1 student-teacher ratio across all age groups, meaning every three children have one dedicated teacher. This is among the lowest ratios available in Shoreline and the Seattle area.

Daily Life at Choober Doobers

What does a typical day look like at Choober Doobers?

A typical day at Choober Doobers is structured, warm, and full of variety. Children arrive between 8:00-9:00am for a morning welcome and free play. The morning includes a structured enrichment activity, rotating weekly between yoga, STEM, music, PE, drama, and cooking, followed by outdoor play in our 5,000 square foot backyard. We serve a chef-prepared organic breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack daily. Afternoons include quiet time, creative play, and small-group learning activities grounded in Piaget and Erikson developmental frameworks. Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the day. Children are picked up by 5:00pm.

What kind of food do you serve? Is it really homemade?

Yes, all meals at Choober Doobers are scratch-made daily by a dedicated chef in our USDA-certified kitchen using organic ingredients. We serve a rotating international menu that includes dishes like homemade pizza, wonton soup, fresh pasta, and seasonal vegetables. Meals are nutritionist-informed and designed to broaden children’s palates, not just fill them up. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are all included in tuition. We accommodate common food allergies; please let us know your child’s needs during enrollment.

What enrichment programs are included?

All enrichment at Choober Doobers is included in tuition; there are no add-on fees. Weekly enrichment classes are taught by dedicated specialists and rotate through yoga and movement, STEM and science exploration, music, physical education, drama and storytelling, and cooking. For elementary-aged children in our after-school program, we also offer film and animation classes three times per week. These programs are what make Choober Doobers feel less like childcare and more like a small private school.

Enrollment and Pricing

How much does Choober Doobers cost?

Tuition at Choober Doobers varies based on your child’s age, schedule (full-time or part-time), and care needs. We are a premium provider; our pricing reflects our 3:1 ratio, chef-prepared organic meals, enrichment specialists, and USDA-certified kitchen. Unlike most centers, there are no hidden fees: meals, enrichment classes, materials, and supplies are all included. Trial periods are available. For personalized pricing based on your family’s specific needs, please email us at kanlayanee@chooberdoobers.com or message us on WhatsApp.

How do I enroll my child at Choober Doobers?

Enrollment at Choober Doobers starts with a weekend tour. Tours are available every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30-11:30am or 3:00-4:00pm. During the tour you will meet our teachers, explore our space, and ask any questions. If it is a great fit, you will receive our parent handbook to review. Confirm within 48 hours, complete your first invoice, and your spot is secured. We currently have immediate openings, the first time in several years. Schedule your tour at chooberdoobers.com/about/contact/ or message us on WhatsApp.

Do you offer part-time care?

Yes. We offer flexible part-time scheduling options in addition to full-time Monday-Friday care. Part-time arrangements are designed to maintain our exceptional 3:1 ratios and the same quality of care as full-time enrollment. Contact us to discuss your family’s schedule and we will find an arrangement that works.

Do you have a waitlist?

Choober Doobers has historically maintained a waitlist due to our small size and high demand. As of now, we have immediate openings available for the first time in years. We encourage families to schedule a tour as soon as possible, as spots fill quickly. Once enrolled, children often remain with us through kindergarten; turnover is rare.

Licensing, Safety and Location

Is Choober Doobers licensed by Washington State?

Yes. Choober Doobers is fully licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and has maintained that license continuously since November 2013. Our curriculum is built on early learning standards set by DCYF, and we follow all state regulations for health, safety, staff qualifications, and facility standards. You can verify our license status at dcyf.wa.gov.

Where is Choober Doobers located?

Choober Doobers is located at 15734 Ashworth Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, a quiet residential neighborhood in north Shoreline. We serve families from Shoreline, North Seattle, Bitter Lake, Haller Lake, Broadview, Northgate, Kenmore, Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, and Richmond Beach. Our address is for enrolled families and scheduled tour visitors only; please no unannounced drop-ins.

What are your hours?

Regular care hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. We do not offer early drop-off or late pickup. Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30-11:30am or 3:00-4:00pm. We are closed on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving week, and Winter Break.