Kids Country Maple Valley

Center · Maple Valley · 24221 SE Kent Kangley Rd

What kind of place is this?

Size 160 children licensed Larger than the middle half of Seattle centers, where the middle half licenses 43–121. Measured across 576 Seattle centers, 2026-08-17.
Approach play-based

In the program’s own words

“Our play-based approach to learning cultivates an environment that focuses on the whole child and their physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.” kidscountryinc.com, August 2026

Who runs it

Chain Kid's Country
Owner Privately held Early Learning Academies earlylearningacademies.com

Kid's Country runs 4 licensed locations in Seattle.

Will it fit our family?

Ages served 6 weeks through 12 years
Hours 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Days / week 5

What will it cost us?

This provider does not publish pricing.

What Shortlist has verified

State quality rating Early Achievers Level 5
License status Active

State record — Washington DCYF

Last visit
November 13, 2025
On file
3 visits since August 2023 — all of them cited findings · 10 complaint investigations
Fixed?
Washington DCYF does not publish whether a finding was corrected.
Most serious
ImmediateDuring the course of the complaint assessment, Licensor Lauilefue concluded that more likely than not, there was enough information available to determine more than likely a licensing violation occurred. Licensor learned through the complaint assessment and during licensing observation of the facility that a child that was listed on the allergy list with a milk sensitivity, reached over during meal time to their peer's milk and drank it on more than one occasion. Licensor observed the teacher take the milk away without any follow up protocol afterwards. · June 29, 2023

Washington DCYF publishes the licensor’s own observation and a risk level for every citation it issues at a licensing visit, with the inspection report attached as a PDF.

Nov 2025 Licensing visit 5 findings

Licensing visit · November 13, 2025

Infant safe sleep practices

WAC 110-300-0291(1)(a) · Serious

The licensor observed an infant sleeping face down with a pacifier in his/her mouth. The licensor immediately instructed the staff to reposition the infant and emphasized the importance of closely monitoring infants during nap time. The licensor informed staff that pacifiers should be removed once an infant is sleeping to ensure unobstructed breathing and proper supervision. Completed Date Disputed Date Disputed

Safety requirements

WAC 110-300-0165(2)(d) · Serious

The licensor observed a roll of trash bags on a shelving unit in the bathroom, which could be accessible to children if a child were to stand on the toilet. The licensor provided guidance to store trash bags out of children’s reach, such as in a locked cabinet. Completed Date Disputed Date Disputed

Emergency preparation and exiting

WAC 110-300-0166(3)(c) · Serious

The licensor observed that the exit gate was blocked by a shopping cart, potentially hindering access during an emergency evacuation. The licensor provided guidance to staff to ensure that all exit routes remain clear and accessible at all times to comply with safety regulations and protect the safety of children and staff. The licensor observed toys scattered on the floor near an exit pathway, which had not been put away and created a potential tripping hazard. Licensor provided guidance to reduce the risk of accidents, it is important to ensure that toys are regularly picked up and stored properly, maintaining clear and unobstructed exit pathways at all times. Completed Date Disputed Date Disputed

Storage of hazardous and maintenance supplies

WAC 110-300-0260(1)(b) · Serious

The licensor observed cleaning spray bottles stored on countertops in areas where food is prepared, creating a potential risk of contamination. Licensor provided guidance to ensure that all cleaning products are immediately removed from food preparation areas and stored in designated, clearly labeled locations away from food, utensils, and equipment. Completed Date Disputed Date Disputed

Storage of hazardous and maintenance supplies

WAC 110-300-0260(5) · Serious

The licensor observed that the broom was stored with the bristles facing downward, exposing dust and other contaminants that could be accessible to children. The licensor provided guidance to always store brooms with the bristles facing upward or hang them on a wall rack out of children’s reach to prevent contamination and maintain a safe, hygienic environment.

Report (PDF)

Jun 2025 Complaint 2 findings

Complaint · June 14, 2025 · Resolved September 2, 2025

3 valid issues

Serious injury, valid issues and self-report are Washington’s own fields on its complaint listing.

Positive relationships and child guidance

WAC 110-300-0330(2) · Short Term

Licensor Champney determined that there was sufficient evidence to conclude that a licensing violation more likely than not occurred. The Licensor gathered statements from staff members that corroborated aspects of Mr. Alex’s behavior with the children. Based on the totality of the information collected, it was found that Mr. Alex failed to consistently provide guidance in modeling and teaching social skills, self-control, respect for others’ rights, kindness, and conflict resolution. As a result, the Licensor concluded that a licensing violation likely occurred.

Prohibited behavior and discipline, and physical separation of children

WAC 110-300-0331(1) · Serious

Licensor Champney concluded that there was sufficient information to determine that a licensing violation more likely than not occurred. The Licensor gathered statements from staff members who confirmed aspects of Mr. Alex’s behavior with the children. One staff member observed Mr. Alex aggressively take a stuffed toy away from a child but did not witness him throwing it. However, multiple children provided consistent accounts to staff indicating that the toy was thrown at a child during the incident. Additionally, in a written statement, Mr. Alex admitted to throwing the stuffed toy to a child, though he described the action as playful and non-aggressive. Based on the totality of the information gathered, the Licensor determined that a licensing violation likely occurred.

Report (PDF)

Apr 2025 Complaint 1 valid issue

Complaint · April 22, 2025 · Resolved September 22, 2025

Reported to the state by the program

Serious injury, valid issues and self-report are Washington’s own fields on its complaint listing.

Prohibited behavior and discipline, and physical separation of children

WAC 110-300-0331(1) · Serious

0331, Licensor Smith concluded that there was enough evidence to determine that more than likely that a violation had occurred. Interviews with staff were consistent with the referents complaint. Interviews with management confirmed that the staff person acknowledged the inappropriate behavior.

Report (PDF)

Jan 2025 Complaint 2 valid issues

Complaint · January 16, 2025 · Resolved March 18, 2025

Reported to the state by the program

Serious injury, valid issues and self-report are Washington’s own fields on its complaint listing.

Prohibited behavior and discipline, and physical separation of children

WAC 110-300-0331(1) · Serious

During the course of the complaint assessment, Licensor Champney gathered information from a reliable witness regarding an incident of a staff member mishandling a child. Based on the details, the staff member used excessive force when trying to make the child sit in a chair and pushed the child towards the table, without using appropriate guidance techniques such as offering choices, redirecting, or helping the child shift focus.

Report (PDF)

Nov 2024 Complaint 1 valid issue

Complaint · November 13, 2024 · Resolved March 3, 2025

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record, but the state’s published report includes no citation detail.

Report (PDF)

Oct 2024 Licensing visit 3 findings

Licensing visit · October 9, 2024

Training requirements

WAC 110-300-0106(8) · Short Term

(1)Licensor observed staff Asma did not complete the training requirements within 3 months date of hire. 0106 (3) Licensor observed staff Asma did not complete the 30 hour child care basic training. 0106 (8) Licensor observed staff Asma had an expired Safe Sleep training.

Safety requirements

WAC 110-300-0165(2)(c) / 110-300-0165(2)(d) · Short Term / Serious

Licensor observed electronic charging cords accessible to children. (immediate corrections made cords made inaccessible to children). 0165 (2)(d) Licensor observed a roll of plastic bags stored on a paper towel dispenser accessible to children. (immediate corrections made removal of plastic bags).

Infant and toddler nutrition and feeding

WAC 110-300-0285(2)(m) · Short Term

Licensor observed children's sippy cups were not labled to avoid infants and toddlers from sharing the same dish/sippy cup.

Report (PDF)

Jun 2024 Complaint 1 valid issue

Complaint · June 18, 2024 · Resolved September 23, 2024

Reported to the state by the program

Serious injury, valid issues and self-report are Washington’s own fields on its complaint listing.

Supervising children

WAC 110-300-0345(3) · Short Term

Licensor Champney concluded based on the information gathered by Director Shelby the teacher reported she had left a child in the classroom unsupervised for a duration of 5-10 minutes. Therefore, the teacher was not attending to the child and being aware of what the child was doing at all times.

Report (PDF)

Sep 2023 Complaint 1 valid issue

Complaint · September 12, 2023 · Resolved November 16, 2023

Reported to the state by the program

Serious injury, valid issues and self-report are Washington’s own fields on its complaint listing.

Supervising children

WAC 110-300-0345(3) · Short Term

After completing the complaint assessment Licensor Severson determined there was enough information available to determine more likely than not, a licensing violation occurred, as the child injured, was not directly near a teacher being manually supervised while in the stroller, and being held or secured for safety, as the departing teacher in charge of the child in the stroller, acted to assist other children in the immediate area, resulting in the child in stroller being left unattended, and an active child nearby, was able to be push the stroller over forward, & child in the stroller injured their head.

Report (PDF)

Aug 2023 Licensing visit 3 findings

Licensing visit · August 10, 2023

Storage of hazardous and maintenance supplies

WAC 110-300-0260(5) · Serious

Licensor observed 2 mop buckets, vacuum, mops, brooms accessible to children in classroom, bathrooms or hallway during inspection.

Safety requirements

WAC 110-300-0165(2)(d) · Serious

Licensor observed corded items accessible in hallyway to child's access Licensor observed plastic bagged items in classrooms. Licensor observed flaking paint in classroom. Licensor observed one light cover off a light fixture in bathroom.

Equipment and surfaces in outdoor early learning space

WAC 110-300-0146(1)(a)(b) · Serious

Licensor did not observe 9 inches of play material around all fall zones.

Report (PDF)

Aug 2023 Complaint 1 valid issue

Complaint · August 8, 2023 · Resolved September 20, 2023

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record, but the state’s published report includes no citation detail.

Report (PDF)

Jul 2023 Complaint 2 findings

Complaint · July 12, 2023 · Resolved September 13, 2023

Serious injury: Chemicals in eyes, on skin, or ingested in the mouth · 2 valid issues · Reported to the state by the program

Serious injury, valid issues and self-report are Washington’s own fields on its complaint listing.

Storage of hazardous and maintenance supplies

WAC 110-300-0260(1)(a) · Serious

Licensor learned through the complaint assesment, that more likely than not, a violation had occurred. During the course of the assessment, licensor learned that there were sanitizing products accessible to children.

Supervising children

WAC 110-300-0345(3) · Short Term

Licensor learned through the complaint assesment, that more likely than not, a violation had occurred. During the course of the assessment, there were hazards present in the classroom such as the bleach bottle and children had access to it.

Report (PDF)

Jun 2023 Complaint 2 valid issues

Complaint · June 21, 2023 · Resolved September 3, 2023

Food allergies and special dietary needs

WAC 110-300-0186(3) · Immediate

During the course of the complaint assessment, Licensor Lauilefue concluded that more likely than not, there was enough information available to determine more than likely a licensing violation occurred. Licensor learned through the complaint assessment and during licensing observation of the facility that a child that was listed on the allergy list with a milk sensitivity, reached over during meal time to their peer's milk and drank it on more than one occasion. Licensor observed the teacher take the milk away without any follow up protocol afterwards.

Report (PDF)

May 2023 Complaint 2 valid issues

Complaint · May 24, 2023 · Resolved July 27, 2023

No longer displayed by the state

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record, but the state’s published report includes no citation detail.

Report (PDF)

Before you tour

Kids Country Maple Valley hasn’t published

Cost, a typical day, sick and biting policies.

Ask what changed after the 14 findings Washington DCYF ranked Immediate or Serious, most recently in November 2025.It does not publish whether a finding was fixed. The rest carry its lower risk levels.

Sources and dates

Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.

What kind of place is this

Not yet reported: established.

Who runs it

Will it fit our family

Not yet reported: schedule, holiday closures.

Licensing and contact

State record

Every state visit and complaint on file, shown in full and never edited. Open a date to read what the state wrote.

Do you run Kids Country Maple Valley? Shortlist has no tuition, hours or ratios for it, because the state does not publish that. Add what is missing. It is free and takes about ten minutes.