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Open House:
Where Every Child Has A Voice
Open house registration, tour info, and inquiry form at:
t u c k e r m a x o n . o r g / e n r o l l m e n t
Tours every Friday! Preschool to 5th grade 2860 SE Holgate Blvd
Picking a preschool for your kiddo can feel overwhelming. We help explain the different types of care offered in Oregon and the philosophies behind different programs; and offer a list of questions you should ask when touring prospective preschools.
By Cassandra Johnson.
It’s Official: Parenting Is Hard
Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory stating that raising children is stressful and harmful to the mental well-being of parents. This comes as no surprise to anyone with small children. We look into how Oregon is helping to ease that stress on parents and caregivers.
By Beth Peters.
When to give babies ibuprofen and acetaminophen; preventing youth suicide; get an early start on summer camp plans; and more.
Take burger night to the next level at Lone Star Burger Bar.
By Denise Castañon.
The Portland Winter Light Festival shines bright on dark nights; get your game on at the Newberg Game Con; immerse your family in the arts at Northwest Children’s Theater’s Spotlight family arts festival; and much more.
RESOURCES
We Get It
You get up, feed your kid(s) breakfast, dash around the house to find shoes, backpacks, coats, etc., and then wrangle everyone out the door to day care or school. You rush to your own office to try to get as much of your own work done — or rush back home to face down that neverending laundry pile. You keep your fingers and toes crossed that neither you, your partner nor your kiddo catch the latest stomach bug making the rounds. Sound familiar? It’s no wonder that last August U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory that stated that the mental well-being of our nation’s parents was in dire straits. One third of parents reported that they felt highly stressed out compared to 20% of other adults. Prolonged mental stress of parents can have an impact on the mental well-being of their kids and affect the physical well-being of parents as well. Raising a kid absolutely comes with so many joyful moments. But there are also times when you can feel like you are drowning, especially if you don’t have a solid support system to help you out. Writer Beth Peters lays out what Oregon is doing to help ease that burden on parents and caregivers starting on page 22.
We here at PDX Parent hope to help out our fellow parents as much as we can with useful information and lots of ideas for your family to have fun together. (Be sure to check out our Time Out section on page 38.) This month, we’ve also got a feature that we hope parents who are starting their search for a preschool will find helpful. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a Montessori and play-based preschool, this story is for you. Writer Cassandra Johnson breaks down the types of preschool care available locally and explains what several popular educational philosophies mean for your child. Find it on page 8.
The staff of PDX Parent is made up of a bunch of moms who understand the joys and hardships of raising kids here in our community. (Our freelance writers are also local parents!) And if you are still searching for a village to help your family thrive, we hope you’ll count us as part of your community through the long days and short years of parenting. And know that we are always rooting for you and your family.
Visiting my alma mater and trying not to worry about another parental stressor: paying for college.
On Our Cover
A huge thanks to the Portland Winter Light Festival for sharing this brilliant photo by Remaining Light Photography of a kiddo dancing in the dark at the popular festival. The festival, put on by the Willamette Light Brigade, takes place this year from February 7-15 throughout the city. Expect interactive displays, enchanting performers and glowing processions that will light up our dark winter nights. Find a map of the shining light installations and events at pdxwlf.com.
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PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area. PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein. PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.
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Pro tips: Ways to Save on Summer Camps
I’ve been writing about summer camps in Portland for more than 10 years. Here are some tried and true ways to save money when booking camps for your kids.
Book early! Many camps offer early bird deals. Sometimes camps allow you to pay for a week in the winter, but then select your specific date closer to the start of camp. This helps if you know your kid wants to attend a particular camp, but you don’t know the specifics of your summer plans just yet.
Ask for a sibling discount. If you are signing up two or more of your kids for the same camp, definitely check on discounts! Even if you don’t see a sibling discount listed, it’s still worth asking about!
Go in with friends and ask for a group discount.
Check out our Sneak Peek Summer Camps Guide on page 24.
Do your kiddos have a bunch of besties? Make camp extra fun by getting them all signed up for the same camp. And check with the camp to see if they will offer you a reduced price for everyone in the group.
Check out SUN camps. Public schools with Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) programs that offer free after-school enrichment, will also often offer summer camps at very low prices as well. Usually the schedule and cost is not widely released until late spring. Check in with your school’s SUN director to see if summer camps will happen at your school.
Parks & Rec camps. Your local parks and recreation department will most likely hold summer camps. And the prices are usually lower in cost than comparable day camps. Portland Parks & Recreation offers even further reduced rates through its Access Discount program. Find out more at portland.gov/parks/discount — Denise Castañon
In the Know: Preventing Youth Suicide
Local child psychiatrist Diane Kaufman, M.D. is the founder/director of the Hold On Campaign for Suicide Prevention, which uses the power of art to educate, connect, express and heal. “Expressing one’s inner thoughts and feelings creatively is a way to safely discharge them,” she says. “Research has shown that making art can reduce stress, cortisol levels, lower elevated blood pressure, and increase feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.”
Kaufman is a suicide-attempt survivor herself and brings the Hold On campaign’s message to community health fairs, medical schools, monthly free online arts and healing workshops and more. Songs created as part of the Hold On campaign have won awards — and given hope to those dealing with suicidal thoughts.
Hotlines and Resources
“Suicide in Oregon, per most recent statistics, is the 10th leading cause of death. For ages 10 to 34 years old it is the second leading cause of death,” says Kaufman. She notes parents who are concerned that their child or teen may be at risk for suicide should look out for changes in behavior including becoming withdrawn, not being involved in interests that used to engage them, and speaking about feeling sad. Parents should also be alert to friendship or relationship break ups, or the suicide of a friend, family member or favorite celebrity.
Diane Kaufman, M.D. also recommends reaching out to the following groups for help or more information.
988 Lifeline: 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/youth Lines for Life: linesforlife.org and theyouthline.org
The Jed Foundation: jedfoundation.org/suicidal-thoughts The Trevor Project: thetrevorproject.org
In terms of preventing suicide, if you think your child is at risk, Kaufman offers these tips. “If the family has any guns they must be safely secured, or better yet removed from the home,” she says. “If there are medications at home which can put the child at risk, these should be safely secured. Parents can contact their pediatrician and if their child is already in mental health treatment speak with the therapist, psychiatrist, and/or nurse practitioner.”
Find out more about the Hold On Campaign for Suicide Prevention at holdoncampaign.org. — D.C.
Ask Dr. Baynham: Fever Relievers
Q: With cold and flu season still in full force, how do I know when to give my 16-month-old Tylenol versus Motrin? And should I alternate the doses?
A: Fever is the body’s natural response to infection. Think about treating the child and not the number. For example, if your child is acting fine, drinking well and doesn’t seem uncomfortable, I would let it run its course. If the fever is making your child feel bad (lethargic, achy, fussy), then I would treat. And unless your infant is younger than 30 days old and has a fever of 100.4 or above, there is no specific number that is an “emergency” for fever.
Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) and ibuprofen (like Motrin or Advil) are both good options.
Acetaminophen lasts four to six hours and is good for pain and/or fever. Ibuprofen lasts longer, around six to eight hours, and is also an anti-inflammatory. Some parents will alternate the doses every three hours so that something is always “on board.” You don’t have to do this as long as you’re keeping track of the intervals between each medicine. You can even give your child both at the same time. For my children, I usually start with
ibuprofen and if there is no improvement in 30 minutes, give them acetaminophen.
Make sure you’re giving a good weight-based dose. Most bottles will underestimate dosing to err on the side of caution, but if you know your child’s weight and are comfortable doing the calculations, acetaminophen is 15 milligrams per kilogram (a maximum of 1 gram per dose) and ibuprofen is 10 milligrams per kilogram (a maximum of 400 milligrams per dose). Note that this is kilograms, not pounds.
Acetaminophen comes in two versions, infant and child, but they are the exact same concentration, so the volume is the same. The difference is that infant acetaminophen comes with a syringe and the child version comes with a cup. Ibuprofen comes in two different concentrations and the infant version is twice as concentrated, meaning the volume will be smaller (about half). If you’re not sure, go with the bottle recommendation or call your doctor to double check.
To try and avoid this all together, make sure you’re up to date on seasonal flu and COVID vaccines, and practice good hand washing!
Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.
Pay Attention: PPS School Lottery
Attention all parents of elementary-school-aged kids: The Portland Public Schools (PPS) lottery program opens this month on February 12 and closes on March 12. (The lottery for middle and high school students ended in December 2024.) The lottery program allows children to attend a unique school — like dual-language or subject-area focused schools — across the district. The lottery process gives all eligible children a chance to be placed in openings in each of the more than 20 participating schools. Pro tip: The seven participating charter schools each have their own application and lottery process.
To begin the lottery process, create an account through the PPS ParentVue system (parent-portland. cascadetech.org) and choose up to three schools you want your child to attend, ranking each choice from first to third preference. Pro tip: The application process is available in six languages. Decisions will be made roughly six to eight weeks after the lottery closes. If your kid wasn’t selected, or was placed on a waitlist, you can appeal the decision by emailing the enrollment office at enrollment-office.@pps.net. Best of luck! — Tiffany Hill
For more information on the PPS lottery process, visit pdxparent.com/ lottery-lowdown
GAIL
PARK
A
Primer Preschool
Researching preschools for the first time can feel overwhelming for parents. We help cut through the buzzwords, explain the philosophies behind different programs and offer a list of questions you should ask when touring prospective preschools.
BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
unting for preschool can be a daunting task. Aside from the month-long waitlists and the numerous tours to schedule, parents often get hit with trendy “buzzwords.” Unfortunately, when many schools claim Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf or play-based philosophies, it can be difficult to unravel what the school means, and which programs are truly quality. More than that, for parents starting from scratch, it’s often challenging to even know what questions to ask. Read on for the full scoop on the different types of preschools available in the Portland area and some helpful tips on selecting the right program for your child.
Licensing Types
The first thing to understand when searching for a preschool is the type of license a school has. In Oregon, there are three primary licenses: center-based, certified family and registered family. Preschools falling under these licenses operate more than four hours a day and are monitored regularly by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Other (unlicensed) programs tend to run as recorded programs and operate fewer than four hours a day. Many preschool co-op programs fall under this category. They are recorded with the state, but do not have to follow the same procedures as licensed schools. Center-based care runs out of a commercial property, school or church. The rules for center care tend to be more stringent than those for family care. Centers typically offer multiple classrooms, and depending on space, can serve more than 100 children. They tend to have more consistent and continual schedules with fewer breaks as they serve a broader population demographic. Certified family and registered family care both operate out of homes. These are usually run by providers or teachers who live in the home. Like center care, licensed home providers still work to follow safety and basic quality requirements, including background checks and annual training. Under a certified family license, providers can serve up to 16 children. Registered family providers can care for up to 10 children.
Although knowing the type of program is important, what’s more crucial in the search for quality child care is understanding the core philosophies and values that drive a program. Often, preschools use words like Montessori or play-based to draw families through the doors. However, while many do incorporate tenets of these philosophies, providers can use these terms in different ways — and not always correctly. Read on for more information.
Montessori
A true Montessori program is a program accredited through an authorized association such as the American Montessori Society. Ideally, most of the lead guides, as teachers are called in the Montessori tradition, will have training in Montessori methods. A Montessori environment is also very carefully arranged to create space for the children to work as both individuals and as groups. Materials are selected and created based on the research of Maria Montessori, and focus on skills-based training and the child’s curiosity.
One of the key benefits of a Montessori education is the independence of the child and instillation of real-world skills through intentional work. Children are given access to real tools over toys, and encouraged to explore and investigate over imaginative play. Another tenet of a Montessori program is that guides are there to help facilitate and observe children instead of lead large-group teaching instruction.
Waldorf and Lifeways
Like Montessori programs, Waldorf programs (and their home-based counterparts Lifeways) are accredited schools with teachers trained in the specific Waldorf model. Waldorf approaches take on a holistic view of child development. Enriched by the arts, children are encouraged to spend time in imaginative play, telling stories, exploring outside, music and rhythmic exercises, and working on handicrafts such as felting and sewing, and other art projects such as watercolors.
One of the key components to a Waldorf program is the daily and weekly rhythm. Typically, each day will have a different focus that repeats weekly. For example,
Mondays are baking days, Tuesdays are gardening, Wednesdays are music circles, etc. Within the day there is a rhythm as well. One thing to note about true Waldorf education is that, in the preschool years, the printed word aspect of literacy is not as encouraged as much as oral storytelling traditions are.
Reggio Emilia
Unlike Waldorf and Montessori philosophies, Reggio Emilia itself is not an accredited philosophy that schools can claim. What they can do is use “inspired” practices and draw on the overarching ideals of a Reggio Emilia education. Named after a city in Italy, it’s better known in the U.S. as an educational philosophy that centers on a child-led, project-based approach that includes documentation of children’s learning, is rich in art, and incorporates elements of the community
throughout the school. The Portland area has several schools, including the Wild Lilac Child Development Community (pictured opposite page, top right), that draw heavily on the ideas founded in Reggio Emilia practices.
When asked what practices Wild Lilac specifically incorporates into its school from the Reggio approach, Executive Director Beverly Ajie, mentions two key tenets of the philosophy: observation with documentation of students’ work and project-based work. “Our teachers work to be observers first and then co-learners second. … You’re watching and then you’re ready to catch those learning moments when they arise by asking open-ended, thought-extending questions, and then bringing in the materials or changing the environment,” says Ajie. Documentation, or reflection of students’ learning processes, are seen throughout all the halls of the
school in mindful displays and written pieces about the projects. All of these practices are enveloped by a rich practice of community, including a clothing closet, parent classes, a lending library, and open communication between teachers and families.
“Monti-sort Of” and Play-based Learning
Heidi Lawler of Whimsy and Wonder Preschool (pictured bottom right) categorizes her school as “Monti-sort of.” She has worked at accredited Montessori programs and Waldorf programs. However, these days, instead of strictly following one philosophy or another, she pulls from multiple beliefs based on what her students need — an approach that many providers have started taking. These practices tend to be wrapped up in the term play-based learning, where children learn through hands-on, experiential modes of sensory and imaginative play. True play-based learning is not a freefor-all, but is facilitated by educated teachers trained to observe, assess and create learning opportunities. Lawler provides an environment filled with the artistic and mindfulness components of a Waldorf education along with simple and intentional tools drawn from the Montessori approach.
The Right Match
As one would expect, there are pros and cons to all types of programs. So how do you know which site is a good fit for your family?
According to Anna Pickel, owner of Happy Go Lucky Childcare (pictured next page), one of the biggest characteristics of a quality program is whether or not the director is involved.
“If the person who’s supposed to be in charge is checked out or not even on site, that’s a red flag,” she says. Ultimately, the director is the one responsible for ensuring that employees are trained according not only to state regulations, but also to the vision and direction of the site. It’s also important that the director has a close relationship with the teachers.
Although Michelle LewisBarnes of Childspace Preschool is now a provider, she used to be a licensing specialist; her advice is to check the safety of the site through the state child care safety portal using any and all information you have on the child care provider: oregon. gov/delc/families/pages/child-care-safety. aspx.
Another thing to look out for is the teacher training and knowledge. Do not be afraid to question preschool providers who do use a philosophy about how it is
Ask These Questions When Touring a Preschool
1. What is the teacher turnover and how long have the current teachers been with you?
2. How much training do the teachers receive each year and what type of training?
3. What are the cleaning protocols?
4. What is the school community like?
5. Has your school received a valid safety finding in the past two years? If so, how has it been corrected?
6. Are you able to support and accommodate children with special needs? If so, how?
(Please note, not every school is equipped to handle every child, and this is not the fault of the school or the child. It’s important to have these difficult conversations up front.)
7. Ask the school about discounts offered such as sibling discounts and prepay discounts. If you are already enrolled in Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), ask the preschool if they accept ERDC payments.
incorporated into their site. If they cannot give specific examples, or if the examples do not match up to the philosophy, that is another red flag. If a preschool does not claim a label, ask them how they believe children learn best and how they encourage that in their classrooms.
The philosophy itself is not always as important as the primary goal that drives the program. Pickel says the social and emotional well-being of each child in care is key. “It starts with building relationships, and that relationships are really the key to everything that we do. … If you don’t have a relationship with children, family and your coworkers, something is going to break down. …”
Ultimately, a quality preschool program is going to be one that focuses on the child and family connection. Regardless of the direction a family takes, communication between the school and family is going to be key in creating and maintaining a healthy environment for the developing child.
Cassandra Johnson has lived in the Portland metro area for over a decade where she has worked in the early childhood education and special needs fields for public and private schools. She spends most of her days catering to her three toddlers. But when she has a moment, she goes back to her love of writing and devouring any book she can fit into her sons’ nap times.
How to Choose a Preschool
1. Identify which characteristics or tenets of each philosophy you agree or disagree with. How do you think your child best learns? This can also include what the environment looks like and feels like.
2. Tour as many schools as possible, including one school that may offer a different perspective to your ideal philosophy.
3. Talk with administration about the fine print, including illness policies, payment options, school closure calendars, guidance policies, etc.
4. Register for multiple schools or waitlists with the recognition that finding the ideal school in your budget and on your timeframe can be difficult.
5. Eligible parents can also apply for Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) funding through the state; however, there is currently a waitlist. Additionally, Preschool for All is an expanding program in Portland that increases child care availability by providing free preschool for eligible families. Multco.us/programs/preschool-all.
JUNE 23-AUG. 1, 2025
oes.edu/summer
15544 S Clackamas River Dr., Oregon City, OR 97045
The Marylhurst School has nurtured curiosity, creativity, and connection in children since 1972. Our progressive preschool program inspires imagination, interests, and social growth through play and a multicultural curriculum. As one of Oregon's "Best Schools" for three years running, we emphasize early literacy, numeracy, and lifelong skills of sharing, persistence, and creativity. Situated on 38 acres in Oregon City, our nature-rich campus allows children to explore, play, and learn outdoors as they grow into confident, engaged learners.
Discover the little school where big things happen! St. Rose School helps raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on faith and values. Our Northeast Portland school provides a comprehensive PreK-8th grade education that includes art, music, PE and much more, helping to form lifelong learners who respect others and serve their community. *Space available in PreK & Kindergarten for 2025-26!*
14750 SE Clinton St. Portland, OR 97236 fmes.org (503) 760-8220
Franciscan Montessori Earth School
We offer a remarkably different education for children aged 2.5 to 14 years on 10 picturesque acres. Students are empowered to become confident, self motivated learners for life.
- Montessori curriculum
- Small class size
- Before and after care
- Foreign Language programs
- Gardening program
- On campus extracurricular activities
- CYO sanctioned sports program
Schedule a virtual or in-person tour of campus!
1436 SE Spokane Street Portland, OR 97202 (503) 739-2572
Sellwood Schoolhouse is a play-based preschool in the heart of the SellwoodMoreland Neighborhood. Our classes are staffed by warm and gifted teachers in creative and playful settings, with a 1:10 teacher/student ratio. Our program provides an enriching morning preschool experience with a convenient opportunity to stay until 4 pm with our afternoon playgroup. Our preschool curriculum is inspired by the seasonal changes throughout the year and we spend much of our day outside engaging with the natural environment and beautiful neighborhood.
Portland Jewish Academy's preschool program focuses on creating an inclusive, engaged community. The curriculum is centered in Jewish values, and encourages inquiry-based exploration that nurtures students' development. Full and half-day options available. Open to everyone.
Sprout and Spark is a research-based preschool that offers a blended curriculum of Montessori, Reggio-Emilia, and Unstructured Forest Play. Our team of experienced, professional teachers strives to spark joy, creativity, resilience, and curiosity in each child and delight in helping them grow into responsible, independent, and compassionate lifelong learners.
For more than 50 years, West Hills Montessori School has provided integrative learning experiences that foster empathy, creativity, academic skill-building, and joy in learning.
AMI-certified teachers guide the social, emotional, and academic progress of children ages 15 months to 12 years:
-Guiding children to follow their paths of interest
-Cultivating independence and self-confidence
-Encouraging community engagement
-Empowering every learner to express their full potential
19200 Willamette Drive, West Linn, OR 97068 littlenestlings.co | letschat.littlenestlings@gmail.com (503) 496-3482
Little Nestlings Early Learning Center
• A nonprofit preschool in West Linn • Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy
• Child-led curriculum fostering creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking
• Daily nature time + process art in a dedicated atelier
• A fully secular program welcoming families of all beliefs
We nurture ages 3-5 with a focus on creativity, social-emotional growth, and discovery. Schedule a tour today to see how Little Nestlings helps children thrive!
13505 SE River Rd., Portland, OR 97222 rosevilla.org/preschool | preschool@rosevilla.org (503) 652-3201
Rosebud Preschool
Now enrolling!
Rosebud Preschool is Portland’s only Reggio-inspired, intergenerational preschool for children ages 24 months to five years old. Located on the campus of Rose Villa Senior Living, we combine the colorful, creative, childcentered approach of Reggio education with meaningful programming that includes Rose Villa residents to create opportunities for intergenerational learning.
We offer:
• Preschool and toddler classes
• Small class size
• Integrated community of children, families, and elders
You’re never too young to begin exploring. Our Discovery Preschool is a fun and active three-hour preschool and pre-K class with strong academic focus for children ages 3-5.
The students develop self-confidence, strength, balance, cognitive development, and social and emotional learning skills such as compassion, cooperation, and self-control. Our PE curriculum is specifically designed for students to build an exciting foundation in gymnastics which helps children thrive in future endeavors.
2305 S Water Ave
Portland, OR 97201 intlschool.org | admissions@intlschool.org (503) 226-2496
International School of Portland
Since 1990, International School of Portland (ISP) has offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness.
• One of only two schools in the United States to provide three full language immersion programs (Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish) under one roof.
• Home to the longest-running Chinese immersion program in the Pacific Northwest.
• Dynamic English program.
• Only program in the USA to offer Japanese immersion combined with IB PYP.
• Tuition Support Available.
• From Preschool – 5th Grade.
We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School!
4817 SW 53rd Ave. Portland, OR 97221 pdxmc.org (503) 972-7100
Portland Montessori Collaborative
Founded in 2012, Portland Montessori Collaborative, or pdxMC, is a Montessori preschool in SW Portland/Bridlemile neighborhood which serves children three months through five years. We boast homemade snacks and meals lovingly prepared by our in house chef with an emphasis on local and organic foods. Founded in the spirit of environmental sustainability, our program uses cloth diapers, and educates for peace, social justice and ecological intelligence.
Our school provides a Montessori curriculum for even our youngest learners. Like Maria Montessori, we believe that “The task of educators is immense because human progress and world peace are in their hands.”
SE Portland
3330 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, OR 97206 www.sispdx.org school@sispdx.org (503) 774-5533
St. Ignatius Preschool
St. Ignatius Catholic Preschool is a state certified, full day, playbased program with:
* Experienced teachers and engaging curriculum
* A safe, nurturing learning environment
* Service learning opportunities, music, PE, and library classes
St. Ignatius develops students committed to building a just and compassionate world.
NE Irvington, SE Richmond, and St. Johns sweetdayschool.com info@sweetdayschool.com (503) 281-3991
Sweet Day Community School
Connection, discovery, and play are values that we practice each day. Sweet Day teachers guide children through a daily routine that includes time for active and quiet play, structured and unstructured time, artistic expression, and long-term learning investigations. Our classrooms are designed to meet the needs of children by inspiring their interests and reflecting their identity.
Located in SE Portland, Brooklyn Preschool was founded in 1971, on the belief that children and parents benefit from a shared learning atmosphere. Our mission is to help children develop through a positivityfirst experience under the support of family teachers and the guidance of a professional educator.
Lilyposa Schoolhouse is a half day, year round play-based preschool in SE Portland. Their program integrates open-ended, cooperative play with plenty of arts, music, and outside time with supportive and kind teachers. Their focus is on social-emotional learning and skill building. They help children develop skills to become critical thinkers who are excited about learning.
2300 SE Harrison St. Milwaukie, OR 97222 portlandwaldorf.org
admissions@portlandwaldorf.org (503) 654-2200
Portland Waldorf School
Young children thrive in our nurturing environment, supported by mindful teachers. Our programs focus on playoriented learning that fosters imagination, creativity, and exploration. Classes enjoy daily outdoor play, seasonal stories, crafts, and more. Offering full & half days, parent & child classes, and extended care hours.
Open House 2/8 2pm-4:30pm. Kinderprep
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
2-3 Year Program
3-5 Year Program
Our emergent environments are welldesigned individual development plans.
Children explore their five senses and phonemic awareness through kinesthetic play.
We inspire exploration with handson active learning. Children bring their own genius and with family knowledge we create environments of curiosity, growth and self awareness.
460 S. Heather St. Cornelius, OR 97113 swallowtailschool.org outreach@swallowtailschool.org (503) 846-0336
Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm
At Swallowtail, we believe every child deserves an education that nourishes their mind, body, and spirit. Our unique approach to education allows us to provide:
• Screen-free, hands-on learning
• Significant outdoor and farmbased experiences
• Strong community connections
We offer Family-Child Circle (birth-3 years, Mondays), Preschool (3-4 years, half/full-day, 3-5 days/week), and Kindergarten (4-6 years, half/full-day, 4-5 days/week) with extended care available.
424 NE 73rd Ave. Portland, OR 97213
montavillapreschool.com
montavillapreschool@gmail.com (617) 935-9619
Montavilla Preschool
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2025
We provide nurturing environments for children 2-5 years that is safe for them to grow at their own pace and in their own unique process.
Our monthly curriculum themes help children develop self-confidence and creative expression, discovering a sense of belonging through:
• Play
• Music Circle & Movement
• Art Projects
• Social/Emotional Learning
• Engagement with Nature & the Outdoors
11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane Portland, OR 97229
msb.org admissions@msb.org (503) 439-1597
Montessori School of Beaverton (MSB)
MSB is an independent Montessori school West of Portland, serving children ages 3-12. We specialize in child-centered learning and offer ample access to nature on our 6-acre campus. Our progressive program allows children to discover, imagine, and participate in an engaging environment designed to support children's innate curiosity. Our students are known for their confidence, self-awareness & genuine love of learning.
Village Preschool is a cooperative play school for students ages 3-6. Parents in SW Portland came together to form an educational space for their children to grow, play, and learn together while participating meaningfully in their children’s early education. We encourage self-reliance and confidence with compassionate support. *Learning through play *Daily outdoor time *Everyone is welcome *Safe environment
Place Where Young Minds and Hearts Blossom. Now Enrolling!
• From infancy through kindergarten, building self-confidence, strong academic foundations and a lifetime love of learning.
• An integrative, balanced approach to child development utilizing a variety of proven educational philosophies.
• Inspiring mindfulness, an evidence-based technique to practice peaceful problem solving and critical thinking.
• Experienced educators with a holistic approach to help each child blossom.
• Safe, engaging learning environments with thoughtfully designed areas for collaborative learning and play.
It's Official: Parenting is Hard
If you’re feeling the caregiving crunch, you’re not alone. Even the U.S. Surgeon General is sounding the alarm on the stressors of everyday parenting.
BY BETH PETERS
It’s no secret that parents are stressed. An average day will be familiar to many PDX Parent readers: You wake up early, make breakfast, rush out the door, hope nobody gets sick, rinse and repeat. It can feel like you’re flying without a net or, if there is a net, you’re not sure how much it’ll hold.
But when the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy released an advisory in
August 2024, the topic of caregiving in the U.S. took on a new life.
“Parenting may be hazardous to your health,” proclaimed USA Today’s story about the advisory. “Parental stress is so debilitating, the surgeon general has declared it a public health issue,” said Fortune. “Parents are at their wits’ end. We can do better,” added The New York Times
Every headline seemed to say the same thing: If you’re raising a kid in the U.S., you’re struggling.
“People have been feeling it for a while,” says Barb Buckner Suárez of Birth Happens. A mother of four, Buckner Suárez has been a perinatal health educator, parenting guide, and couples coach in the Portland area for more than 25 years. Much of what the advisory shared — including that nearly half of parents say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming — are things she sees all the time.
“The issue is that our safety net is not in place,” she says. “If it were, we wouldn’t be in the state of crisis that we are right now.”
We take a look at how we got to this hazardous designation, including
specifically what it’s like here in Portland and across the state, and what’s working for families.
The Shape of the Problem
Per the advisory, 41% of parents say that on most days “they are so stressed they cannot function” and one-third reported high levels of stress in the past month as compared to a fifth of other adults.
Where’s the stress coming from? Social isolation and lack of social support, says the advisory. Approximately 65% of parents and guardians, and 77% of single parents in particular, experienced loneliness, compared to 55% of non-parents, according to a 2021 survey referenced in the advisory. Oregonians feel that. Justine Broughal moved back to Portland from Queens three and a half years ago. Her motivation: Find more community. Unfortunately, it took time.
“It was really tough to find our people,” she says. “I feel like Portland has a lot of community supports in place but you kind of have to know where to look for them.”
Justine Broughal, mother to a 4-year-old and 1-year-old, moved back with her family to her hometown of Portland from Queens, New York. her motivation? To find her parenting village.
Broughal, whose kids are 4 and 1, says finding community got less challenging after her eldest started school. “As my kids have gotten older, it’s been easier to find more community than when they were babies.”
She recalls joining PDX Waitlist, a popular child care waitlist tool for the Portland area. She and her husband got on 10 waitlists, many of which they had to pay for.
“Nothing ever came of that,” she says. “Some of them we heard back from, like, two years later, and we’re like, ‘OK, it’s a little late now.’”
She’s found many local options to meet other parents and families charge a fee. “When my daughter was a toddler, one of the first things I started getting into community-wise was going to events at [Portland toy store] Hammer and Jacks. I mean, they’re cheap — it’s like a $5 donation and you can go and not pay anything — but sometimes it feels like in order to engage in community, there’s a cost.”
Where’s My Village?
High cost of living. Lack of adequate child care. Social isolation. All contribute toward the hazardous state of parenting in the U.S., per the Surgeon General’s advisory. The advisory, however, isn’t above critique. There’s a difference between parents who are working multiple jobs and can’t feed their kid to a parent who’s stressed because they’ve overpacked their child’s schedule. Buckner Suárez’s critique of the advisory is how it puts the onus on the very people hurting the most.
“We’re already stressed, almost to the breaking point,” she says. Asking already stressed people to solve the very problems that are causing the stress isn’t the fix, she says. The solution is creating a safety net. What would that look like for caregivers and children?
“Universal health care, universal paid leave, universal child care,” says Buckner Suárez. “You know, the things that that across the board would support all of us.”
Oregon ranks fairly well in terms of providing some sort of care economy — at least when compared to the rest of the country.
“Portland’s actually a really great place to have a baby,” says Buckner Suárez. “There’s a lot more support for different kinds of ways to have babies and give birth in this city, which is helpful.”
Of course, that’s specific to the Portland metro area. A 2019 report from the Center for American Progress found that, at the time, 90% of Oregon was a child care desert (i.e. an area where there was only one child care slot for every three children who need care).
While that number may now be closer to 75%, according to a survey of 1,926 Oregon residents by nonpartisan research nonprofit Oregon Values and Beliefs Center, less than a third of the state’s youngest children have access to regulated child care facilities.
Even when you can find child care in this state, it can cost more than college tuition, per a report published in March 2023 by
the Oregon Child Care Research Partnership. That same report found 21% of a median income household’s annual income was needed to cover center-based child care in Oregon. That number was even higher — 37% to 65% — for a minimum-wage worker.
Unfortunately, those numbers are actually good when compared to other states. In a 2021 ranking of child care by online child care marketplace Care.com, Oregon placed squarely in the middle: 29th for care and quality, 25th for availability, and 27th overall.
Put more succinctly by Buckner Suárez: “We’re better than a lot of places — and there’s a lot of space to grow.”
What’s Working in Oregon
One of the marquee programs that has helped weave Oregon’s safety net is Paid Leave Oregon (PLO).
Since first providing benefits in September 2023, PLO has paid out $750 million in leave and served nearly 100,000 Oregonians, says PLO communications officer Jack Patterson. Of the 79,884 applications received between August 2023 and March 2024, 98% were used for a family-related leave type (48% for a personal medical condition, 35% for bonding leave, and 15% to care for a family member), per a July 2024 legislative report.
The goal now, says Patterson, is to make paid leave part of “the fabric of Oregon.”
Doing that, he notes, often involves a “paradigm shift” for many Oregonians who may find it hard to believe that paid leave is, indeed, available to them.
By definition, the events that PLO covers are “life-changing” — welcoming a baby, caring for a sick loved one, healing from sexual assault, and, new as of January 1, 2025, taking leave to facilitate an adoption — which is why, Patterson says, “paid leave is a public health program.”
“The best way to care for your family is to be there to care for your family,” he says. “That’s one of the foundations of a care economy: the opportunity for people to
JUDSON RAPPAPORT
be with the people they care for and care about, and paid leave provides that.”
Patterson would know. When we spoke, he was just about to take the remainder of his 12 weeks of paid leave to care for his first child.
Broughal also has experience with PLO; her second child was born three months after the program began paying out benefits.
“Financially, it made it so much more doable for us,” says Broughal, who runs her own business as an event and wedding planner. “And for my husband. He would have gotten two weeks of leave if not for [PLO].” She says that unlike for some participants, it was easy for them to apply and get approved.
Another notable Oregon program aimed at caring for families: Family Connects. Launched in February 2020, the free, nurse home-visiting program is intended for all families with babies under 6 months, but is currently only available in a few counties and not in Multnomah County. (Washington County families are eligible).
Still, with plans to eventually be available statewide — although there’s no specific timeline in place — Family Connects
suggests that, eventually, earlier care will be readily available to Oregonians alongside broader programs like PLO.
What’s Next?
The Surgeon General’s advisory came out in August 2024; Donald Trump was elected to a second presidential term in November. It’s unclear what, if any, policies Trump will put forth to help families or what, if any, support a Republican-controlled Congress will provide.
While this may sound like a recipe for despair, locally, there’s some hope. Multnomah County’s criticized but still groundbreaking Preschool for All initiative continues to expand, and local organizations like Family Forward Oregon recently celebrated wins like the 2023 launch of the first state agency solely focused on child care and early childhood education, the Department of Early Learning and Care.
Buckner Suárez also points to longstanding postpartum organizations like Postpartum Support International and Baby Blues Connection, which both call Portland home. “These are huge local resources,” she says.
“During the six months of rain here, you need people,” says Broughal. “That’s what brings light into your life when you’re not able to be outside as much.”
“Every time I talk with a family, I wish that I could say, ‘Here’s your village and here’s your village and here’s your village.’ I think it’s stressful upon stressful to say that you need to go find your village, but that is kind of it,” says Buckner Suárez. “Find people that understand the assignment: We’re all collectively trying to raise the next generation.”
It’s a sentiment that the Surgeon General also shares. In his introduction to the advisory, Dr. Murthy calls raising children “sacred work.”
“It should matter to all of us,” he writes. “And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.” His hope, he says, is that the advisory will “help catalyze and support the changes we need to ensure all parents and caregivers can thrive.”
A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, Beth Peters (she/her) is a new Portland mom who’s always looking for a good story in her city.
GET A JUMP ON booking summer camps with
— and don’t miss our huge Ultimate Summer Camps Guide in our March issue.
i9 SPORTS NIKE KIDS CAMP
Address 2140 Windham Oaks Ct., West Linn, OR 97068
Website www.i9sports.com
Camp Phone (503) 305-8841
Early Bird Discount Offered Save $ 40 at i9sports.com
Sibling Discount
June 16 – August 11
Registration Deadline Varies, the earlier you register the more money you save!
Location Multiple - see i9sports.com
Before/After Care No
Camp Type/Theme Multi-Sport
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio 8 to 1
Nike Kids Camp powered by i9 Sports is a premium multisport camp that is geared towards building a foundation of techniques and skills that will help campers develop athletically. Campers will work on running, jumping, catching, throwing, kicking, balance and playing through fun practices and games. The whole camp utilizes teaching and coaching techniques that bring to life the best research and science around grouping kids and celebrating the efforts that help kids want to love sport for life.
WHY KIDS ♥
Two or more sports will be used to engage the campers and allow them to work on all the agility, balance, coordination and speed that is needed while playing sports and having fun.
WHY PARENTS ♥
The camp uses games for communication, teamwork, problem solving and movement that are unique to this camp. The outcome should be your campers going home with a smile on their face, every day and wanting to come back.
TRACKERS EARTH
Address 4617 SE MILWAUKIE AVE PORTLAND, OR 97202
Website
TRACKERSPDX.COM/YOUTH/CAMPS/ SUMMER-CAMP
Camp Phone 503-345-3312
Early Bird Discount Offered $50 OFF ALL CAMPS (ENDS MARCH 20)
Cost
$485 WEEK, DAY BASECAMP (ONSITE)
$624 WEEK, DAY ADVENTURE CAMP (MOBILE)
$898 WEEK, OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE
Dates JUNE 16 - AUGUST 29, 2025
Ages GRADES K-12
Location
SE PDX / NE PDX / W PDX / SANDY / OVERNIGHT
Before/After Care YES
Camp Type/Theme OLD SCHOOL CAMPSARTS, CRAFTS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Explore Trackers Earth's awardwinning programs! Kids can get outdoors, find friends, and learn new skills with expert Guides. Choose Basecamps (onsite) or Adventure Camps (mobile) from the following subjects:
→ Stealth, Archery & Wilderness Survival
→ Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Cooking
→ Animals, Farms & Wild Food Foraging
Role-Playing Games, Secret Agents & Wizards
Pottery, Woodworking & Blacksmithing
Trackers offers old school camp adventures for Grades K-12 with day & overnight options!
Join us for the Best Camps in the Known Universe!
WHY KIDS ♥
Trackers teaches awesome outdoor skills such as woodworking, wilderness survival, archery, boating, wild foods foraging, and more! Kids understand that Trackers goes beyond just camp, with their Guides helping and trusting them to be the competent and capable bad asses they know they are.
WHY PARENTS ♥
Parents understand that Trackers helps connect kids to nature and community, guiding them to develop reallife skills, thoughtfulness, and resilience. They appreciate its mission: guiding kids to become caretakers who live truly adventurous stories, now and into their future adulthood.
WHY KIDS ♥
Search for fossils, learn the science behind soccer or music, explore creatures of air, land, and sea, and so much more, all while sharing the adventure with friends!
WHY PARENTS ♥
Let your kids invent, imagine, design, program, engineer, and explore this summer! OMSI offers a broad array of STEAM activities unlike anywhere else to spark curiosity and inspire your kids’ love of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Direct a movie, explore the seashore, or go whitewater rafting. All while making lifelong friends! OMSI camps and classes are unforgettable experiences, with overnight camps for grades 2-12 and day camps for grades K-8.
At OMSI’s overnight camps, you can choose coastal adventures or desert exploration! Examine tide pools on the coast or hunt for fossils in Eastern Oregon.
OMSI’s day camps in Portland feature chemistry, space, dinosaurs, robots, LEGO ®, and more!
Address 1945 SE WATER AVE, PORTLAND OR 97214
Website
WWW.OMSI.EDU/CAMPS-CLASSES
Camp Phone (503) 797-4661
Early Bird Discount Offered REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Sibling Discount NO
Cost $420-$2,330
Dates
DAY CAMPS: JUNE 16-AUGUST 18 OVERNIGHT CAMPS: JUNE 24-AUGUST 29
Ages 5-18
Registration Deadline OPEN UNTIL FULL (THEY FILL FAST!)
Location PORTLAND, OR / FOSSIL, OR / NEWPORT, OR / AND MORE!
Before/After Care NO
Camp Type/Theme STEAM, DAY AND OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio DAY CAMPS 1-10, OVERNIGHT CAMPS 1-8
PRE-COLLEGE INSTITUTE
Join us!
Come be a part of this amazing week long opportunity for high school students. Students will spend all day learning from George Fox faculty and current students, while immersing themselves in college living with evening activities and access to our new residential facilities.
SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS
Skyhawks progression of camps and programs, led by our expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for an introduction to a sport or those who want to refine and master their sport-specific skills.
Skyhawks Sports has proven to be the leader in youth sports since 1979!
WHY KIDS ♥
You will enjoy handson experiential learning during the day, along with fun recreational activities in the evening. An experience you will never forget!
WHY PARENTS ♥
High School students will earn college credit with an immersive, real-world learning experience that deepens understanding and equips students with crucial skills in their field of choice. Maximize the summer by spending a week at Oregon’s #1 private university.
WHY KIDS ♥
Kids walk away from our Skyhawks camps with a big smile on their faces, feeling good about learning new skills, meeting new friends, and being able to play fun games and activities with positive role models as coaches!
WHY PARENTS ♥
Every day at every camp, our team is committed to making sure your child walks into a safe and welcoming environment and leaves a Skyhawks program with new skills, new friends, and a lifelong love for a healthy, active lifestyle!
WHY KIDS ♥
Grow your skills to act, sing and dance while you learn about all of the magic that goes into live theatre! Our summer staff creates an exciting, engaging and encouraging learning environment.
WHY PARENTS ♥
No need to sit in hours of traffic to cross the river into Portland! While growing in skills for the stage, students will also grow in their courage, ownership, receptivity and authenticity.
Join us this summer for camps, intensives and performance opportunities for kids and adults! This summer includes Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka KIDS musical theatre day camps for ages 6-14, Beetlejuice Jr. musical theatre intensive for ages 10-18, and an Andrew Llyod Webber concert series for ages 14+!
WHY KIDS ♥
"The adventures"
"Making friends"
"Learning new games and songs"
"Performing on the last day"
WHY PARENTS ♥
"All three of my children love the activities, teachers and performing! I'm continually impressed with the quality of programming and caring of the staff. It's been wonderful watching my kids' confidence grow with each performance!"
Enhance your singing, dancing and acting skills while making new friends. Choose from 30+ camps at five different locations!
Website LOVEGOOD.COMPANY
Early Bird Discount Offered YES
Dates CAMPS RUN JUNE THROUGH AUGUST
Ages 6+
Location LOVEGOOD PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY
Camp Type PERFORMING ARTS
NORTHWEST CHILDREN'S THEATER SUMMER CAMP
Website NWCTS.ORG/SUMMER-CAMP-25
Registration Deadline ONGOING BUT CAMPS FILL UP FAST!
Cost
$249-$999
Dates JUNE 16 - AUGUST 22
Ages 4 - 14
Location MULTIPLE
Camp Type THEATER
BAXTER SPORTS
SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS
Website BAXTERSPORTS.COM
Early Bird Discount Offered YES
Cost
$395-$425
Dates
WEEKLY--ALL SUMMER LONG
Ages K-8
Location MULTIPLE Camp Type SPORTS
Established in Portland in 2008, BaxterSports offers a variety of award winning camps for grades K-8. Our camps teach not only the techniques and tactics of sports but also promote the growth mindset necessary for success both on and off the field.
VIBE SUMMER CAMP
Website VIBEPDX.ORG
Early Bird Discount Offered REGISTER BEFORE 1/31 WITH THE CODE SUMMER_15 FOR 15% OFF
Registration Deadline NONE
Cost
$347-389
Dates JUNE 16TH-AUGUST 29TH
Ages 5 AND UP
Location MULTIPLE HTTPS://VIBEPDX.ORG/ SUMMER-CAMPS Camp Type ART AND MUSIC
WHY KIDS ♥
We go all day, mixing traditional sports with a variety of creative games. Our awardwinning camps are fun, active, and engaging no matter your child’s experience or skill level.
WHY PARENTS ♥
We offer a holistic approach to teaching and coaching kids with a mix of traditional sports and creative games that emphasize positivity, fair play, and the importance of community. We are outside at a park near you and open for business every week of PPS summer break.
Get creative with Vibe's inspiring Summer Camps! From hands-on art adventures led by experienced teaching artists to our enriching Kindergarten Ready Camp, kids will explore art, early literacy, movement, and more. Spark imagination, build confidence, and make friends!
WHY KIDS ♥
Kids love Vibe’s art summer camps for the friendships and the fun making art together. Through hands-on projects and exciting themes, campers connect, create, and leave feeling proud of their creativity and new skills!
WHY PARENTS ♥
Parents love Vibe's safe, nurturing environment and watching their kids build confidence, friendships, and creative skills. Led by professional teaching artists, these camps inspire young minds and create memorable experiences kids can’t stop talking about!
STEVE & KATE'S CAMP
Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, maker crafts, sports & more! Buy any number of days to use at any time. Unused days are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included.
–
Alpengirl is an overnight adventure camp for girls ages 11-17, offering 1- or 2-week camps in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain West, East Coast, and Europe. Trip activities include backpacking, horseback riding, llama packing, rafting, kayaking, climbing and more.
ONE RIVER SCHOOL OF ARTS & DESIGN SUMMER ART CAMPS
Our 2025 Summer Camp schedule is now LIVE! Book early to save $75 on each camp. Use the code EARLYBIRD75.
Early Bird Discount Offered EARLYBIRD75
New and exciting camps start on June 16th to August 29th. Half-day options or back-toback for a full-day experience. Website LAKEOSWEGO. ONERIVERSCHOOL.COM/CAMPS
Registration Deadline EARLY BIRD: 2/29/2025 Cost
$365.00-$425.00/WEEK
JUNE 16TH-AUGUST 29TH, 2025 Ages K-12
Location 15010 BANGY RD LAKE OSWEGO OR 97035
Portland Drama Club teaches Portland's youth the power in themselves through play, practice and performance. Come have a blast with us at our award winning summer musical theater camps!
Theater skills are life skills!
YOGA PLAYGROUNDS
1
These yoga summer camps are designed to nurture a sense of inner strength, self esteem and happiness. Packed with playfulness, positivity and fun, each day includes a wonderful mix of poses and movement, games, mindfulness, creativity, nature exploration, and art. Website YOGAPLYGROUNDS.COM Registration Deadline
- JULY
SUMMER AT OES
Summer at OES (June 23August 1) offers students in pre-K through fifth grade a variety of fun, inquiry-based summer enrichment programs. From rock climbing to creative arts, from fencing to STEM, your child will find their passion at OES.
Spotlight Musical Theatre Academy offers skillbased musical theatre training for youth. Summer intensives provide all cast members opportunities for broadening their musical theatre skills.
~Beetlejuice (13-18y)
~Alice in Wonderland (10-14y)
~Jungle Book (8-10y)
~Bugz (6-8y)
21-AUG
Fine Art Drawing & Painting, Clay, Outside Play Time at Somerset Park, Arts & Crafts, Calligraphy, Digital Art Camp with different weekly themes and many schedule options to choose from! Flexible enrollment and Early Bird discount available. Classes for different ages available.
Early Bird Discount ARTWORLDSCHOOL.COM/ SUMMER-CAMP
Registration Deadline EARLY BIRD FOR ENROLLMENT BEFORE 4/15/25
Cost $50-$115 PER DAY
Dates JUNE 16 – AUGUST 22, 2025 Ages 4-15
Location 18335 NW WEST UNION RD SUITE 5-E PORTLAND, OR 97229
CAKE CAMP AT CAKE HOOPLA
Cake Hoopla offers immersive cake-decorating camps with a fun & engaging curriculum. Campers will design unique cakes, practice new skills with fondant, buttercream, & professional baking tools, then execute their cake design on the final day. Sign up today!
Become a member of the Wolfpack by getting into the forest this summer. Build confidence, body awareness, and an appreciation of Portland’s unique access to the forests… all while having fun, and adventuring together! This is our 5th yr!
TRY EVERYTHING + ROCK BAND MUSIC CAMP
Backbeat Music is a yearround music school that offers a range of music camps all summer and private lessons yearround. Camps feature our popular Try-Everything camps, Rock Band, Write Music For Computer Games, Instrument Building, and more. Full +Half-Day options. We provide a FUN, fast-paced, and a game-based approach in our camps. Our approach adds excitement and enjoyment for the kids as they learn through a progression of drills and games specific for each of the levels of play.
THE MARYLHURST SCHOOL
Discover the magic of summer at The Marylhurst School! From kayaking adventures and pottery creations to culinary arts and imaginative role-playing, our handson camps spark creativity, exploration, and fun. Join us for an unforgettable summer experience!
REV UP YOUR READING
Did you know students lose up to 20% of reading progress over summer? Rev Up Your Reading Summer Camp provides 1-on-1 Orton-Gillingham tutoring, small group writing, and multisensory math. Build your child’s skills, confidence, and connections this summer!
Dates JULY 7 - AUGUST 1
Discover Camp at YMCA of Columbia Willamette—
Where Adventure Meets Belonging! Our camps offer life-shaping experiences, new friendships, and a sense of belonging. Registration opens for members on Feb 10! Nonmembers Feb 17!
Dive into imaginative brain science and critical thinking adventures!
Our scientists-in-training immerse themselves in epic quests, play games, solve mysteries, design experiments, and tackle inventive challenges that inspire curiosity and creativity. Join us to know your own mind!
Registration
Dates JUNE 16 - AUG 22
Ages GRADES 2 - 6
Location LLOYD CENTER
Here’s the Beef
Portland burger lovers
If your family loves burgers, head to Northeast’s Lone Star Burger Bar now.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON
were crushed by last fall’s news that all the Burger Stevens carts closed. And by Portland burger lovers, I mean me — and my husband and two kids. We are burger aficionados and look forward to Friday night, which is when we head to a restaurant or cart to eat burgers (often with my in-laws).
When I heard that Podnah’s Pit, a long-running and highly lauded Texas-style barbecue joint on Northeast Killingsworth, opened the Lone Star Burger Bar at the former La Taq space right next door, I knew we needed to visit. Especially since they included a kids’ burger on the menu.
We visited on a rainy Thursday evening and found a table quickly at one of the spacious and cozy booths. Well some of us did, my husband dropped us off in front of the restaurant and circled until he found a parking spot. Side note: I didn’t spy any high chairs.
Once my husband joined us, we looked over the concise menu. There’s a cheeseburger, green chile cheeseburger and bacon cheeseburger — each with a hefty patty. The kids’ burger features a ¼ pound patty and includes fries. Classic and Coney Island-style
hot dogs (served with a meat-sauce topping), and fries and onion rings make up the rest of the menu. According to their Instagram, Lone Star often has a special burger of the day, but there wasn’t one on our visit.
My husband and I each ordered the cheeseburger ($14). We also got an order of onion rings ($8) and fries ($2.50 when added to a burger). And my kids each got the kids’ burgers sans ketchup ($7.50).
What’s special about Lone Star Burger Bar is that the beef is ground in house daily and it’s a mix of brisket, sirloin and chuck. This makes for an outstanding meaty taste and a run-down-yourarms juicy burger. And you will need two hands to hold this burger — the patty is half a pound of deliciousness. The toppings add the perfect punch without diminishing that flavorful beef taste: delicately shaved red onion, pickles, American cheese and smoked tomato aioli. And the large burger bun from Dos Hermanos Bakery may seem too big when your plate is set down in front of you, but it’s wonderfully soft and again perfectly compliments the groundbeef mix.
When my kids took their first bites of the kids’ burger that comes with ketchup and American cheese, they immediately
If You Go
Lone Star Burger Bar 1625 NE Killingsworth St., lonestarburgerpdx.com.
Open daily noon to 8 pm.
yummed in appreciation, their eyes going wide.
“These burgers taste real and authentic,” noted my younger child.
The fries were also exceptional. The potatoes have got their skins on and are fried to a deep, golden brown. We all noted how good they were. And the onion rings with their wide cut and delicate batter might be up there as the all-time best onion rings I’ve ever had. “The onions don’t fall out!” noted my older kiddo.
In fact, we spent the rest of the meal playing “Rank This Portland Burger.” We had a lively conversation talking about all the burgers we’ve had in Portland and which were our favorites, including places now shuttered. My oldest child and I ranked Lone Star in our No. 2 spot. (Mid City Smash is my No.1 and Monster Smash is their No. 1.) My husband and younger child ranked it as No. 3. My husband still yearns for the perfect Grain & Gristle burger he once had and liked Burger Stevens a little more. But that means Lone Star is still at the very top of burgers we’ve eaten in Portland. It’s a ways out of our neighborhood, so it won’t quite be on a weekly rotation, but as my older child and husband agreed: “This place is worth the drive!”
Editor Denise Castañon once toyed with the idea of vegetarianism, but quickly dismissed it because she couldn’t imagine a life without cheeseburgers. She lives in Southeast Portland with her husband and two kids — and eats relatively healthfully when not enjoying a burger.
Sch
Enrollm Application accepted star January 1s
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center
4845 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-1466 | sunshine-montessori.com
Ages: 2 years through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Locally owned and operated
• Serving the community since 1996
• Qualified & consistent staff
525 SW 150th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006 503-626-0457 | www.nwlearning.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
Early Learning School 14950 SW Osprey Drive, Beaverton, OR 97007
503-579-0600 | childs-place.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Large outdoor play areas
• Snacks & lunch prepared and served daily
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 17650 SW Alexander Street, Aloha, OR 97003 503-591-9660 | www.mayflower-montessori.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
FEBRUARY 2025
Go. Play. Explore.
Top 3 Free Fun stuff for zero dollars!
The Multnomah County Library offers excellent opportunities for kids to celebrate Black History Month. On Thursday, February 6 from 3-5 pm at the Midland Library, kids can design block motif stamps to create their own Kente cloth tote bag — and learn about the meaning and folktale origins of this vibrant and beautiful textile. And on Wednesday, February 12, 5:30-6:15 pm at the Hollywood Library, families can enjoy an engaging and interactive African storytelling performance. — Denise Castañon
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Portland Winter Light Festival
The festival is put on by the Willamette Light Brigade and lights up the downtown core as well as neighborhoods around Portland with artistic, glowing art displays. Friday to Sunday, February 7-15. Pro tip: If your kids want to really immerse themselves in the festival fun, your family can join the Little Luminaries Procession on Saturday, February 15. Meet up is at 6:15 pm at The Judy. Find maps and more information at pdxwlf.com — D.C.
Keep celebrating the year of the snake! Don’t miss the Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration. The festivities include lion dancers, drummers, and a 150-foot dragon dancing from the Portland Chinatown Museum, through the China Gate and ending at the Oregon Historical Society. Saturday, February 8 at 10 am. Portlandchinatownmuseum.org/lunar-new-yeardragon-dance-parade-and-celebration And at Washington Square Mall, the Lunar New Year Celebration will feature traditional crafts, arts and performances. You can also make a wish on the wishing tree. Saturday, February 8, 11 am-4 pm. Washingtonsquare.com — Tiffany Hill
game on
Visit George Fox University for the Newberg Game Con. This weekend gamers' event is for beginner to advanced board-game and role-playing-game enthusiasts. You can even bring your own games! Or check one out from the game library. There will also be demos of new and in-development games. Saturday and Sunday, February 1-2. Tickets are $8 per person, or $12 for a weekend badge. Tabletop.events/conventions/newberg-game-con-2025 — T.H.
big concert for littles
Get ready to dance and sing along in English and Spanish when kindie performers 123 Andrés come to Beaverton. The husband-and-wife kindie performers Cristina and Andrés sing about animals, letters and friendship — all those great preschool fundamentals — and more! Saturday, February 1, 11 am at The Reser, 12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton. $15-$20. Thereser.org — D.C.
Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/ events-calendar. Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.
arts all around
sound on
bursting with fun
The Amazing Bubble Man (aka Louis Pearl) will blow your family away with his mesmerizing bubble tricks, displays, comedy and more. Outgoing kiddos will love the opportunity to become a part of his act with his audience participation bits.
From square bubbles, fog filled bubbles to bubble volcanoes, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation of the humble bubble. Sunday, February 16, 1-2:30 pm at Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for kids 17 and under. Albertarosetheatre.com/calendar — T.H.
Northwest Children’s Theater’s Spotlight — a Family Arts Festival is back this month! All three performance spaces at The Judy will host various musicians, artists, actors and dancers. The best part? All the performances are specifically for kids to enjoy. Saturday and Sunday, February 1-2, 11 am-3 pm at The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway. Find tickets and a list of performers at nwcts.org/spotlight — D.C.
Vibration, pitch, volume and sound waves — all the science behind what makes music possible will be explained to curious minds at the Oregon Symphony’s Music for Families concert The Sounds of Science. Conductor Deanna Tham will lead the symphony through the rousing 1812 Overture and Debussy’s Clair de Lune among other pieces And Dance West and the Pacific Youth Choir will also be performing during this short and interactive kid-friendly concert. Sunday, February 16, 2 pm at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets start at $12 at orsymphony.com — D.C.
for the Ghibli groupies
Catch the last nine days of the beloved annual Studio Ghibli Film Festival at OMSI. Enjoy classics like Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away (pictured above), Ponyo and more all up on one of Portland’s biggest theater screens. Through Sunday, February 9. Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for youth. (OMSI members get a 50% discount.) Omsi. edu/exhibits/studio-ghibli-film-festival — T.H.
how lovely
Celebrate February 14 with your little sweetie by making a special Valentine’s Day craft together at the St. Johns library. All supplies will be provided. Wednesday, February 14 from 3-4 pm. Multcolib.org/ events-classes/valentines-day-family-craft — T.H.
PHOTO CREDIT
THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN
STUDIO
GHIBLI
Learning to save is a skill that lasts a lifetime.
We started the OnPoint Savers Account for children 17 and under so that kids can get a head start on learning healthy savings habits. Just open your child’s membership with a minimum of $25 and we’ll deposit an additional $55*. Plus, they’ll earn 5.00%* on the first $500. Not a bad way to start for a beginner, don’t you think? Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers 57 branches with one near you!
*Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 4/24
