🌄 Overview

Finding childcare in Wallowa County—including Joseph and Enterprise, Oregon—can be a little different than in larger cities. Options are more limited, but families can still find quality childcare, preschool programs, and early childhood services throughout the area.

This guide covers local daycare options, early childhood programs, and helpful family resources.

🏫 Preschool & Early Childhood Programs

🎓 Wallowa County Education Service District (ESD)

• 📍 Enterprise, Joseph & Wallowa (multiple locations)

• 📞 (541) 426-7600

👉 One of the main early childhood providers in the county.

What they offer:

• Preschool programs

• Early childhood classrooms in Joseph and Enterprise

• Services for children birth to age 5

• Speech, occupational, and developmental support

👉 The ESD currently operates:

• 1 classroom in Joseph

• 2 classrooms in Enterprise

✔ Great option for structured early learning

👶 Local Daycare Options (Important Info)

Wallowa County has very limited traditional daycare centers.

👉 Most childcare is:

• Small home-based daycare

• Private babysitters

• Word-of-mouth providers

💡 How locals find daycare

• Facebook groups (Joseph / Enterprise community pages)

• Word-of-mouth referrals

• Local schools and ESD connections

• Parent networks

👉 This is the most common way families find childcare here

🏥 Family & Child Health Support

🏥 Winding Waters Health Center

• 📍 603 Medical Parkway, Enterprise, OR 97828

• 📞 (541) 426-4502

• 🌐 windingwaters.org

👉 A major family resource in Wallowa County

What they provide:

• Pediatric and family medical care

• Prenatal & newborn support

• Mental health services

• WIC (nutrition program for families)

• Parenting and health education

👉 Winding Waters is a federally qualified health center focused on community care

⚠️ Important

👉 Winding Waters is NOT a daycare

But it is:
✔ A key support system for families
✔ A place to get referrals and guidance
✔ Helpful for new parents and young children

🧭 Additional Family Resources

🏥 Wallowa Memorial Medical Clinic

• 📍 Enterprise, OR

• 📞 (541) 426-7900

Offers:

• Pediatric care

• Family medical services

• Therapy services

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent & Community Support

Local organizations and groups help families with:

• Childcare referrals

• Parenting resources

• Early childhood development support

👉 Many services are coordinated through:

• Schools

• Health clinics

• Community groups

💡 Tips for Finding Childcare in Joseph & Enterprise

✔ Start early—spots are limited
✔ Ask locals (very important here)
✔ Check with schools and ESD
✔ Join local Facebook/community groups
✔ Ask healthcare providers for referrals

🌄 What This Means for Families

Childcare in Wallowa County is:

• ✔ Smaller and more personal

• ✔ Community-based

• ⚠️ Limited in availability

👉 But families often find trusted, high-quality care through local connections

👶 Good to Know

If you’re:

• Visiting the area

• Moving here

• Planning ahead

👉 It’s best to secure childcare early or plan alternatives

⚠️ DISCLAIMER (SMART TO INCLUDE)

Childcare availability, providers, and services may change. Always contact providers directly or verify through local resources before making arrangements.