We have an integrative teaching approach with a curriculum that includes: learning about and honoring God; exploring his creation and nature; respecting and loving others through compassion, service, and meaningful relationships; developing respect and care for our environment; and growing emotionally intelligent and relationally connected children.
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ”
Matthew 19:14
Integrative Model
We want our curriculum to be rooted in Christian gospel and values through worship, music, story-time, role-modeling, and conversation. We teach inspired by an Emilia-Reggio model, emergent and play-based.
Emergent: Our teachers plan learning activities based on the interests of the children. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of discovery, exploration, and excitement to learn more. We work to create a growth mindset and to develop the imagination, through activities that the children enjoy.
Play-Based: We focus on the process of learning rather than the outcome. Our students are encouraged to build hypotheses, observe, and evaluate and engage in appropriate risk-taking. This fosters both curiosity and problem-solving!
Academics of math, science, and language are woven into art, movement, music, and dramatic play.
- We welcome children ages 3-5 years old who are potty-trained.
- We want both your kiddo and your whole family to feel welcomed and loved by our family and staff!
- Our “classroom” is both indoor and outdoor; we promote/encourage ample outdoor time all year long.
- We maintain a child-centered, dependable routine and flexible structure throughout our preschool day.
- We strive to create a safe, fun, family-friendly, loving, Christian environment!
- We are screen free!
Meals
We provide our preschoolers with a nutritious breakfast in the morning and snacks in the afternoon that meet USDA meal guidelines. Lunch is not provided by Puddles & Pinecones at this time. We encourage you to send a sack lunch with your child that is both nutritious and meets USDA meal guidelines of fruit, vegetables, grains, and a protein.
Capacity
Our total capacity is for up to 16 children ages 3 to 5 years old. However, in the best interest of our preschoolers and staff, our goal is to maintain a smaller classroom size by aiming for 8 children ages 3 to 5 years old. Our student teacher ratio will always be maintained at 10:1 or less.
Location & Hours
Puddles & Pinecones is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, all year long, excluding holidays.
We are located on a quiet dead-end street in the Ashcreek/Garden Home area of Southwest Portland, Oregon. We have dedicated our 900 square-foot, daylight basement and large .2 acre fenced-in back yard to our preschool, providing ample space for our preschool children to play, learn, and explore indoors and outdoors all year long.
