urbanMamas Portland

I would lile to send my toddler (28 month) to a preschool at least twice a week. I live in NW Portland (Bethany/ Beaverton) area. Any advice/ recommendation will be greatly appreciated?
thanks,
(kashyapa@msu.edu)

I know that my husband and I have a unique situation, but someone out there has to have some similar story! We are both firefighters and are expecting in August. I will return to work in October/November and need to find childcare for 24hours every third day (we work 24 hours on, then have 48hours off). So we only need care 10 days a month. We can't afford a live-in nanny and I am very skeptical about an au pair. We can do daycare during the day, but then need someone to pick up our child and care for him until we get home the next morning.

I know it will take me a while to work out this situation, but any help or advice from someone in a similar situation would be fantastic!

Thank you

I'm a teacher and looking for childcare that fits with my schedule i.e. 9 months of the year and till about 3 or 3:30pm in the afternoon. This will be for an 18 month old boy. I'm looking for either a nanny to care for him at our home or an eco-friendly/organic preschool that has a 9 month program and takes kids as young as 18 months. Location in Beaverton or NW Portland.

I'm thinking a nanny who has school aged kids and wants summers and late afternoons off to be home with their own kids would be a good fit for us.

Recommendations appreciated.Thanks

I am looking for a true eco-healthy childcare in Beaverton:

organic food, non-toxic cleaners, no pestecides on playground, no microwaving plastics, non-toxic toys (mainly European and US made wooden and cloth toys, avoiding plastic toys), etc.

Can anyone reccomend a place in Beaverton or close by? Thanks.

We are forming a playgroup for parents and children in the SE Woodstock neighborhood in Portland. We would love to meet families in our neighborhood and be able to walk to each others' houses to have playgroups. Jessica has a 3 year old son Owen and Mariko has a 2 1/2 year old son Aiden. Come play with us! We're on Facebook. Search for "Woodstock Community playgroup".

Jessica Bell
Mariko Kino Harris
marikokino@gmail.com

Overlook Collaborative Preschool is a Reggio Emilia inspired, vegan/vegetarian and eco-friendly school located in the Overlook neighborhood of North Portland.

The lead teacher and owner, Erin Sekulic, has 14 years of teaching experience, 8 of which are preschool. The most recent 4 years she has been teaching at a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool.

We are currently accepting applications and offering tours for prospective families.

Our school hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Please check out our website for more details about Overlook Collaborative Preschool:

www.overlookpreschool.com

Call or email any time if you have questions!

503.477.4455

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about Growing Seeds Childcare/Preschool in N/NE PDX?  We're considering sending our 2 year old twins there in a few months and would love to hear what people know about the care.  This will be our first experience with out-of-home childcare, so we're feeling a little anxious about finding the right place!

Thanks, Dena

Are you looking for some more social interaction for your 18 month-4 year old? Perhaps a little more mama/papa time for yourself? We are a group of mamas located in close-in NE/N Portland that are part of a family nannyshare - It currently runs 4 days a week 9-5 (currently only 9-1 on Mondays....) and kids come either for the a.m. (9-1), p.m. (1-5) or all day. Some come just one 1/2 day a week others come more. You can choose the number of days per week as space allows. There are up to 4 kids at a time total in different families homes. We are organized and have had great success over the past few years keeping our costs down and the social interaction for our kids up....as well as finding a great nanny who gets paid well!

The cost is a super affordable $5/hr per child. We have an amazing nanny who is mellow, fun, creative and is very comfortable and confident with all kinds of little personalities. She is CPR and First Aid certified. The children that come range from 16 months to 4yrs old (average is 3 years). We are looking for some new families to join us. We currently have a couple spaces open in the afternoon (1-5pm) but expect to have more mornings (9am-1pm) available in the summer/fall and would be open to expanding to Monday afternoons and/or Fridays if there is a need. Please contact me if you are interested and/or would like more information.  Nicole  narpdx@yahoo.com

Hi there.

I am a 28 year old illustrator, comic artist and pet portrait artist from Portland, and am looking for summertime Nanny or Babysitting work.

I would, in particular, like to focus on daily creative projects and help with artwork and writing. I also enjoy pets, making snacks, walks around Portland, and field trips.

During the school year, I am an Artist in Residence for elementary and middle schools in the greater Portland Area.

I have been teaching art and creative writing  workshops to children (ages 8 and up) for the past nine years for Young Audiences, The Rock n Roll Camp for Girls, and the Independent Publishing Resource Center.

My tasks have included single-handedly wrangling 4-6 youth at a time during Zine camp and on field trips, doing one on one tutoring and mentoring during my afterschool program, helping a band of 8 year old girls come to consensus during Rock Camp, and steering 30 children at a time during Zines 101 Workshops.

I truly enjoy children and young adults, and would love to have an arts-focused summer with a young person who is out of school and ready for fun.

I have a car, a clean driving record, have been fingerprinted and cleared through Portland Public Schools, and of course am a responsible lady!
I come with references.

If you know of any friends or families in seek of summertime respite, please pass my information along to them or vice versa.

Nicole : kniqole@hotmail.com

Thank you thank you thank you!

Hello fellow Portland Parents!

Does anyone have any experiences or impressions of the YMCA Market Street Child Development Center?  I'm considering it for infant care and would love to get some Mama's (and Dad's) advice about it.

Hey there SE mamas...I am interested in exploring childcare swapping in our area.  I have an 18mo. old daughter and another on the way in Sept. and am in desperate need of a few hours off per week...sound like you too?  I think it would work best with at least three of us and each of us would take the kids for 1 morning per week (maybe for 3 hours?), that would give us each 2 mornings off.  Ideally doing crafts, going on walks and reading stories with maybe a snack in there somewhere?  This is just a rough idea from the other groups I've read about, so I'm open to other ideas too.  I live off Hawthorne and would prefer close-in SE...let me know if you're interested and we can get into specifics then! Thanks, Dena

I am a mature and heart centered woman in her 30's who has been lovin' wee one's for over 20 years ! I believe in nurturing the WHOLE child, mind-body-spirit...I bring joy, creativity, compassion, intuition, safety and unconditional love to the little people i share time with. My experience is vast and my references glowing !  I am a non driver by choice . I walk everyday outdoors and am very healthy and active..

Creative Minds Learning Centers are artistic, green pre-schools for children (ages 2-6 years). We are having Spring Open Houses on Saturday, 3/28 from 10:00am- 12:00 pm at all three schools! Our Gateway school is located at: 334 SE 146th Avenue, Portland 97233, our Woodstock school is located at: 7103 SE 60th Avenue, Portland 97206 and our newest school the Broadway School at: 8340 NE Broadway, Suite D, Portland, OR 97220. Please bring the family and visit our certified schools, learn about our program and meet some of our teachers! We are offering Spring Specials (at select schools). Check out our website to learn about our philosophy:
http://www.CreativeMindsLearningCenter.com 
Please call us if you would like to schedule a Meet and Greet for your child: (503) 252-0004 ext. 1 

I have recently become dissapointed with the daycare my daughter has been attending since she was 3 months.  The ratios seem very high, and I have seen the caregivers pick up the babies by one arm, and just leave babies crying on the ground. 

So, I am on the hunt for a new option.  I want to feel confident in the care my daughter is receiving.  I don't have an option not to work, so because of that, I want to know that since she can't be with me during the days, she is in good hands and learning in a nurturing environment. 

Is this possible to find?  Or do all daycares have high ratios?  I don't want a nanny unless it was a nanny share because I want her socializing.  However, rather than just look in the phonebook, I was hoping the fellow urbanMamas may have some suggestions. 

I am looking in N. Portland, full-time, but possibly part-time with only 6 hours/day.  If you know of something or enjoy where your child is receiving care, please share!  slackmegan@yahoo.com

I am looking for the right person to watch my daughter during my call shifts in trade for rent. I am a student at OHSU studying nurse midwifery. The call shifts are 12hrs and 24 hrs alternating every other week. The schedule is variable. My daughter has full time day care 7am- 6pm, so it is not necessary to watch her during the daytime hrs on the weekdays, only during evenings or mornings after/before daycare hrs, and weekend call. It would involve picking my daughter up from school by 6pm, giving her dinner, and hanging out with her until it is bedtime (24 hr days). On the 12 hr days you would giver her dinner, and play for a bit, as I will be home in a few hrs. I also am on call for a home birth midwife at this time fri-sunday, and would like someone that is open to occasionally watching her during these times. We can arrange this around a social life!!! as I do have other backup. She is rather easy, and 3 yrs old. She entertains herself very well, but would really love you to play with her, draw, puzzles, etc. I am fine with TV if you would like as long as you can multitask and play a little too! And no scary or violent shows. We live in multnomah village, in a cute bungalow style house. The room has a closet and has nice light. We live very close to the village.
I would like 1/2 the utilities.
Sarah email:  allensa@ohsu.edu

The Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP) works with family child care providers who are committed to strengthening the quality of child care and ensuring that children receive nurturing, safe and developmentally appropriate care that helps prepare them for success in school and life. Family Child Care Providers attend monthly trainings and meetings, receive regular home visits, and work with a child care coordinator to address their professional development goals.

Referrals to CCIP providers are available for parents seeking child care in the Portland Metro area by contacting the CCIP program manager at (503) 524-3245 or  mgoodman@nhweb.org. Please visit us at http://www.childcareimprovement.org

I am a postpartum doula wishing to supplement my income with a 1-2 -day a week nanny position. I appreciate attachment style parenting and have many years of experience with newborns to 1 yr of age. Most of my experience is with the nearly 600 families I've served as a postpartum doula, but I have also worked with two families as a part time nanny and they were both wonderful experiences.

Looking for child care for my daughter to start end of April. First time mom looking for the perfect environment for 3 month old and looking for a highly recommended facility in SW Portland between Multnomah Village and Johns Landing. Looking for trustworthy, loving, caring place for 4 days a week.Social interaction and positive staff. Really appreciate any recommendations.

Please respond to Susan at emailforsue@aol.com - reference day care.

I am starting at a wonderful school come Fall and will need childcare for my daughter. (then she will be almost two).  Any recommendations for the Pearl district area or NE (Concordia/Alameda ish)?

We haven't so much as hired a babysitter beyond grandma (& that was only twice! when she was visiting).

I think--know  my daughter is wanting social interation w/other kiddos as well as activities (I am looking for a center with small kid to teacher ratio, not a nanny or in home care)

Please be frank, who is the best out there & why? Are there waitlists?

I will hopefully have this covered by scholarship $. 

Thanks,

K.Lott

Hi, I am a 32 year old writer/artist with 4+ years of experience as a nanny. I'm looking for a family to work with from approximately June to September. There is a possibility I could commit to a more permanent position, and I am open to different starting and ending dates as long as I can fit it in with my schedule. I am available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as occasional weekends.

I enjoy reading with kids, doing art projects, going on walks, visiting the library, and allowing free play in a safe and nurturing environment. I am first aid and cpr certified for infants and children. I have recent infant experience as well. I am socially and environmentally concious. I encourage kids to talk about their feelings, and help them gain problem solving skills. I am looking for a family who values their childcare provider and who strives for clear communication.

I ride a bike, do not own a car, and would prefer taking the bus or walking with your children instead of driving. I live in Southeast, and would prefer a family in that area, but I am open to other areas as well. My rate is $12 for one child, and I am open to nanny shares as well. I am queer identified and only work with queer-friendly families.  You can reach me at jneel555@yahoo.com. I hope to hear from you soon.

Jess

Hello! We are seeking a part time, in home nanny, one to two days per week from 2pm-8:30 pm, includes every other saturday, for our beautiful 4 month old daughter.  Experience with infants is a must.   We are looking for someone who can support our attatchment parenting practices, is ok with cloth diapering, babywearing, is CPR certified, and can bring love and joy into our home.  We are a vegetarian family with a breastfed daughter.  We love the outdoors, hiking, gardening, and traveling.  We are looking for someone to start around March 30th.  Please send us an email with why you think you would be a good fit for our family, your experience, salary requirements and references to mindyfagerstrom@hotmail.com. 

Sometimes a mama needs just a few hours to herself. Just a few hours to get the shopping done without a hassle. To get her hair cut. To get her teeth cleaned. To get her sanity back. If that's you, and you've got a 2 to 3 year old who also wants a little time with some friends, then you should join our playgroup.

We live in Northeast (Grant Park/Hollywood) and have a beloved nanny coming over every Monday to look after our 2.5 year old daughter. We've known her for over a year now and love her to pieces. She's a super-active 60-something-year-old with a lifetime of experience raising her own kids and grandkids, as well as many years running in-home playgroups. We're looking for two or three kids, aged 2 to 3, to join the fun on Monday mornings. There will be painting, crafts, stories, games, music, organic snacks, oodles of socialization and educational fun.

The playgroup hours are 9 a.m. to Noon; cost is $15 per visit. If you're interested, e-mail me, Danielle, at dcentoni@yahoo.com.

I am the mommy of a wonderful 9 month old baby boy and I am currently looking for child care in my neighborhood or close to. I am returning to work and I have been looking for child care for the past several months. I will be needing 5 days per week 7:30-3:30. I would prefer someone that provides organic food choices, uses child/earth friendly cleaners, doesn't mind using cloth diapers, has a small group, no tv time, provides lots of age appropriate activities, outside time, music and story time. I am looking for someone who is respectful to children in their interactions and appreciates the individual differences of each child. My son is an active bright child that is very curious about the world and very engaging. If you have an opening and are in the Woodstock, Moreland, Sellwood, Reed, Brooklyn, Near Grout or Lewis Elementary please e-mail me I would be interested in speaking with you. I will be returning to work May 1st.

I have an option of placing my two year old at West Hills.  Has anyone had experience with this facility?  

Thanks,

Shana 

I'm a 30-year-young transplant to Portland from Minneapolis, MN.  I live in SW with my husband and our two dogs.  I've lived in Portland for about 6 months and am looking to nanny for the right family. 

Here's a bit about me:  I have a degree in Women's Studies and Creative Writing, I also minored in Studio Arts.  I've taken a year of Apparel Technology (fashion design) studies as well.  I am always out to continue to learn about subjects that interest me. 

I enjoy sewing, crafts, biking, writing, photography, exploring Portland & Oregon, music, art, cooking and movies.  I am a very responsible, loyal and punctual person by nature.  I am also very silly, creative, fun and resourceful.  I come from a single-mom family with 5 kids.  I'm the second oldest and always took on a caretaker role with my younger brothers.  My family is very loving, affectionate, open-minded, smart, creative and honest.  I would love to nanny for a family with similar values.

I have a lot of experience with children, babysitting, and nannying.  I started babysitting for friends of our family when I was 13-years-old.  I continued babysitting on and off all of my teen years.  I have a 7-year-old and 2-year-old neice that I've watched and cared for since they were born.  For 2 years I nannyed full-time for a boy (2-4 years old), and I continued to nanny on occasion for him whenever I was needed until he was 6 years old.

I very much look like a cartoon character (pink hair, tattoos, brightly colored clothing) and children are always drawn to me.  I feel like I'm a very child-like adult and I can relate to kids on their level very easily.  Plus, I really like to play, be silly, use my imagination...

I have a vehicle that I would be willing to use with children if necessary.  I also love to bike.  My CPR and First Aid need to be renewed and I would be completely able to do so if requested.  I can cook vegetarian, vegan and meat style food.  I am ok with cloth or disposable diapering.  I am willing to work with the right family on any needs or desires for the child/ren.

I am open to nannying full-time or part-time or even just babysitting if needed.  I can start as soon as possible.  My schedule is completely open right now so I can fit into any schedule needed.  (My hubby has Thursday and Friday off so if one of my days off could match up with one of his, we would love that best.)  I can get up early or stay late, overnights can be discussed on occasion.  I charge $12/hour for 1-2 children depending on age.  References and a full resume can be emailed if you are interested. 

Thank you for taking the time to consider me....have a great day!
Summer
s.michaud.skog@gmail.com

The Peanut Gallery playschool is seeking girls to add to our September wait list.  We are a toddler and young preschooler program in NE Portland, just East of Concordia and North of Beaumont Village.  For more information about our school, please visit our website:

I'm looking for someone to provide very part-time childcare for a totally-brand-new baby in May and early June (though the time period could expand if I end up getting a job this summer). As I need the baby-free time for doing homework, the caregiver would be responsible just for holding and entertaining the baby in my apartment (or taking it for a walk in the neighborhood) while I'm there. Because I'll be close at hand, I don't need the caregiver to be an expert, experienced baby whisperer (though that's always nice) - just a nice person with patience and a sense of humor.

I'm very flexible about the logistics - I'm open to babysitting swapping, nannyshares, babysitting, whatever works! My main point of inflexibility is that I have no car, so you'd have to get yourself here (Sellwood). I think I'll need about 4-8 hours of care a week, preferably on weekdays, but the specific timeslots are flexible.

Please contact Sara at ostling32 at gmail.com if you're interested!

Are you looking for a fun, caring, reliable part-time nanny? Someone who will sing silly songs to your baby, blow bubbles with your toddler, or do craft projects with your preschool aged child?
 
I am currently looking for a part-time nanny position, generally 2-4 days a week (but I can be flexible if it's a great fit!)  I would prefer to work in North or NE Portland, but will consider other parts of the Portland Metro area.  I'd love to have at least a 6 month commitment to your family.

A bit about me:
I am the mother of an elementary aged child, whom I will not be bringing with me. I was a Girl Scout leader for 3 years, so I am full of silly songs and fun craft projects. I have nannied for several families since moving to Portland and have great references from them. 
 
I have a safe and insured vehicle, so I have reliable transportation to work and to take your young one on fun outings. I am well educated; I have a law degree.  I have undergone criminal background checks by the Girl Scouts and the Oregon State Bar.  I love pets and have no animal allergies.

As for my general childrearing philosophy, I tend to pull my beliefs from multiple sources, especially attachment parenting and Montessori. I believe in soothing crying babies and have experience with cloth diapers, feeding with breastmilk, and babywearing. For toddlers and older children, I believe in learning while playing, silliness, and redirection if needed. Although I am flexible, I do believe that children thrive with some consistency and structure.  I think that children (and I) do best to get out of the house daily, even if it's just for a walk around the neighborhood.  I love to go on outings to coffee shops (Urban Grind is my new favorite find to take babies and toddlers), OMSI, the Zoo, story time, baby gym, indoor park, etc.
 
If you have any questions or would like to discuss things further, please feel free to contact me. Thank you!
vintagemagenta@gmail.com

Tumbleweeds Playschool is a new program for 2-3 year olds in SE Portland.  Experienced teacher has created a Playschool in her home for your children to play while you take care of your responsibilities.  Children can come one,two, three or four days per week.  Activities include gardening, baking and cooking, arts, dramatic play, outdoor play, stories and songs.  Organic and homemade snacks and lunch served. For more information, check out our website www.tumbleweedsplayschool.com or email me at wintry@tumbleweedsplayschool.com

I would like to recommend our in home nanny Ariel for you and your kids.   She's been with us for six months now and she's FANTASTIC with our 18 mos son.  She takes him to the park and for walks each day it's remotely possible. And when they play inside she's always reading to him and making him laugh and laugh.  He really enjoys his time with Ariel and she shows sincere concern and care for him. AJ has learned a number of new words and skills that we contribute to Ariel's attention.  Included in Ariel's very affordable rate of $12/hr she will do some thorough cleaning and household chores while your child is sleeping.  It's so very helpful to have her around.  She's available for full days on Mondays and Tuesdays and would entertain your flexible needs.  Please call her at 360.939.5766 if you're in need.

Are you needing care for your happy, fun loving toddler? Then you may be the account I am looking for!

I have been doing daycare in my home since 1997 and love what I do. The kids in my care range in age from infancy to 3 years old and my home is a play land for this age group.... We have 2 indoor play rooms and a big back yard for outside time. I offer dress up, dollies, blocks, books, play dough, arts and crafts, music, dance, and more. I serve home cooked meals and although I'm not totally organic, I do use all hormone free meats and milk. We go outside as much as the weather will allow and watch no TV.  I follow a daily routine that allows for consistent naps and meal times but believe that children learn as they play and allow the kids to choose the activities we do throughout the day.  I am open weekdays 8 - 5:15 and charge $35 a day. I currently have 2 full time openings but will consider part time as well.!
Please let me now if this sounds like the situation you've been looking for.

Sandi
(503) 287-4162

Hello! My name is Siobhan. I am 16-year-old, Red Cross-certified babysitter looking for work. I live in North Portland, and am available 4-9 pm on week days, and whatever works on weekends. I have recommendations if you would like them. To contact, please email me at siobhan_kitty@yahoo.com