Family-Owned and Operated Since 2006
We're not a franchise or corporate chain. We're a family-run operation built on values, relationships, and long-term trust.
Our Story
Where It All Began
A Mission That Started at Home
In 2006, Just Like Home Daycare Center began as a mission, not just a business. Operating from our family home under the name Lil Shadows 24 Hours, we served parents working evenings, overnight shifts, and other non-traditional schedules when few providers would.
From day one, our goal has been simple: open doors, extended hours, and the kind of warmth that makes families feel their children are truly at home.
Our Story
2008 - Opening Our First Childcare Center
As the needs of our community grew, so did our dream. In 2008, we opened our first childcare center, Just Like Home Daycare Center, expanding our ability to serve more children and families.
We continued offering extended childcare hours, Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, while keeping the same warm, family-centered care that made our home daycare special.
2008
2013 - Expanding to Lakewood
In 2013, we reacquired our original center and opened Just Like Home Daycare Center of Lakewood. This was an important milestone in our journey and helped us continue building strong relationships with children, parents, and the local community.
2013
2018 - Launching Our School-Age Program
In 2018, we recognized the growing need for care for older children and launched our School-Age Program. This program was created to support children before and after school, as well as during school breaks, giving families more dependable childcare options as their children grew.
2018
2026 - Reopening and Continuing Our Mission
In 2026, we celebrated another milestone by reopening Just Like Home Daycare Center in Lakewood. Today, we are especially grateful that our centers are centrally located within the same area, allowing our staff, families, and programs to stay closely connected.
This growth reflects the trust families have placed in us over the years and our continued commitment to supporting the Lakewood community.
2026
2006
2006 - Our Beginning as Lil Shadows 24 Hours
Our journey began in 2006 with a simple mission: to support working families who needed dependable childcare outside of traditional business hours. We started in our family home as Lil Shadows 24 Hours, providing care for children whose parents worked early mornings, evenings, overnight shifts, and other non-traditional schedules.
From the beginning, our goal was to create a safe, nurturing, and home-like environment where children could feel loved, supported, and comfortable while their parents worked.
2012 - Growing to Better Serve Families
In 2012, we relocated our Tacoma center to a larger site to better meet the needs of the families we served. This move allowed us to provide more space, improved learning environments, and continued support for parents who relied on flexible childcare.
2016
2016 - Opening Lakewood 3
In 2016, we expanded again by opening Just Like Home Daycare Center of Lakewood 3, located across the lot from our existing center. Having centers close together allowed us to stay connected as one family-owned program while making care more convenient for families.
2020
2020 - Adapting During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Like many businesses, we faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. To continue providing quality care while adapting to changing circumstances, we made the difficult decision to close our Tacoma location and relocate families and staff to our Lakewood centers.
Through this transition, our commitment remained the same: to care for children in a safe, loving, and supportive environment.
Today
Today - Nearly 20 Years of Family-Owned Childcare
Today, Just Like Home Daycare Center remains proudly family-owned and family-operated. What began as a small home daycare has grown into multiple childcare centers, but our mission has never changed.
For nearly two decades, we have provided safe, loving, and home-like environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Our name reflects our philosophy: every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and valued
Our Philosophy
Why We Do What We Do
Our name is our philosophy. Every child who walks through our doors should feel just like home. That means safety, warmth, consistency, and love. It means teachers who know your child by name and a place where families of every background are welcomed and supported.
From our bilingual environment to our Creative Curriculum classrooms, every decision is rooted in the belief that early childhood is the most important stage of life.
What Sets Us Apart
What Makes Just Like Home Different
After nearly 20 years, we remain the only child care provider in Lakewood operating Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to midnight. We're proudly family-owned, and all four campuses are centrally located near Douglas Street and Custer Road.
Extended Hours Nobody Else Offers
Every campus is open 5:30 AM to midnight, designed from day one for parents with non-traditional schedules.
Four Locations, One Community
Our campuses are close together, giving families flexibility in location without sacrificing consistency of care.
Core Values
The Values That Guide Everything We Do
Family First
We partner with parents because families are children's first and most important teachers.
Safety and Trust
Our centers use restricted access, fenced yards, and security cameras. Every team member passes state and FBI background checks.
Learning Through Play
Our play-based, Creative Curriculum approach keeps learning joyful, purposeful, and age-appropriate.
Respect and Inclusion
We celebrate diversity and treat every child, family, and staff member with dignity and respect.
Flexibility and Support
Extended hours and subsidy acceptance exist because dependable care should work for real-life schedules.
Come Visit the Family Behind Just Like Home
Schedule a tour and meet our team, we'd love to show you what nearly 20 years of serving Lakewood looks like.