CHILD CARE
Classrooms & Procedures
Peninsula Children’s Center provides quality, affordable child care for children ages 6-weeks to 12-years-old. We are based in a state-of-the-art child care facility on North Maryland Ave., with a before- and after-school program operating out of four local elementary schools.
Peninsula Children’s Center’s Main Site:
4720 N. Maryland, Portland, OR 97217
(503) 280-0534
Serves children ages 6 weeks to 5-years-old in the Infant, Toddler, Junior, and Preschool Classrooms.
Before and After School Program
Serves children ages 5 to 12-year-olds.
Locations:
Peninsula Elementary School, 8125 N. Emerald, Portland, OR 97217
(503) 289-0661
Boise-Eliot Elementary School, 620 N. Fremont, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 282-0042
Sabin Elementary School, 4013 NE 18th Ave., Portland, OR 97212
(503) 756-2761
Transportation for the Before and After School Program
Our Peninsula Elementary School site also serves Beach, Chief Joseph, Clarendon, James John, Rosa Parks, and Sitton
Elementary Schools.
Transportation between our Peninsula School site and these elementary schools is provided by Portland Public Schools Transportation Services (afternoons) and a Peninsula Children’s Center van (mornings). There is no additional fee for transportation.
Tuition
Tuition for our Infant-Toddler, Preschool, and Summer School-Age Programs is determined by a sliding fee scale based upon gross monthly income and family size. During the school year, tuition for our school-age programs is based upon a flat monthly rate. We also accept tuition subsidies from the Oregon State Department of Human Services (DHS) and other agencies. Please call for details.
Hours and Procedures
- Hours of operation: Each location is open 6:30 a.m. -6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday (except for holidays and in-service days; closure dates provided upon enrollment).
- Meals: We serve breakfast and an afternoon snack at all locations. Lunch is provided only at our main site for the Infant-Toddler and Preschool Programs.
- Procedures: Children may be dropped off as early as 6:30 a.m. and must be at the center by 9 a.m. each day. Children must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. Children must be signed in and out each day by a parent, guardian, or other authorized person.
For enrollment information contact Enrollment Manager Lynnelle Evelyn: (503) 280-0534; hlynnelle@penchild.org
Peninsula’s Teachers & Curriculum
Each classroom is led by a Head Teacher who has been certified as a Child Development Associate (CDA), has a relevant degree, and/or meets the Oregon State Child Care Division’s criteria for a Head Teacher. All teaching staff meet State criteria for the positions they hold; they are required to participate in a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education annually in the child development field.
The Head Teacher develops the classroom curriculum under the guidance of a team of early childhood specialists, led by Executive Director Deborah Murray, who has an MA in early childhood education.
At Peninsula, we believe that all children deserve and require a stable environment in which they can build trusting relationships with a supportive adult. As children grow older and progress from one classroom to the next, we take the time to “transition” them between rooms and teachers so that they can better adjust to the new environment. During transitions, a child visits the new classroom accompanied by a teacher he already knows and trusts until he feels comfortable with his new teacher and classmates. This process can take one to three weeks and is tailored to each child’s pace and comfort level.
Curriculum focuses on developing the life skills and attitudes that children need to succeed as individuals and as group members in a variety of social situations. These skills and attitudes include self-control, respect for others, curiosity, exploration and problem-solving, and early literacy. Children are encouraged to express themselves through language, creative play, and the arts. During the summer we like to take advantage of the sunny weather, moving many elements of the program outdoors. There are places for active and quiet play as well as opportunities for going on neighborhood walks, field trips, and working in our garden.