Welcome to Lucy Bird Early Learning 

Where Children Grow, Families Belong, and Curiosity takes flight 

Lucy Bird Early Learning is a comprehensive community childcare that seeks to provide quality early education. We have served the community since 1999, and provide meaningful learning and care programs for children ages 6 weeks to 8 years.

At Lucy Bird Early Education, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, belonging, and joyful discovery. We create a warm, nurturing space where children feel safe to explore, confident to express themselves, and excited to learn each day.

For over 25 years, our established site in North Portland has been a cornerstone of the community. As we transition this location  and expand our programs under Lucy Bird Early Education LLC, we remain deeply committed to serving our community and evolving our services to meet the growing needs of families throughout the greater metro area.

Programming and Services

  • We Care.
    Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. We honor each child’s culture, abilities, and unique personality while nurturing a strong sense of self and confidence. Our caring educators build trusting relationships that help children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

    We Share.
     We believe families are a child’s first and most important teachers. That’s why we partner closely with you—sharing milestones, celebrating growth, and working together to support your child’s development. At Lucy Bird, you’re not just enrolled in a program—you’re part of a community.

    We Prepare.
    Through play-based, developmentally appropriate learning, we prepare children for school and for life. We focus on building strong social skills, emotional regulation, independence, curiosity, and a love of learning that lasts well beyond the early years.

    A Foundation for Positive Behavior 

    At our preschool, we guide behavior through three simple expectations: Be Kind, Be Safe, and Be a Worker.

    These 3 B’s give children clear, consistent language to understand how to care for others, make safe choices, and take responsibility for their learning. Instead of focusing on punishment, we use the 3 B’s to teach reflection, problem-solving, and self-control.



  • Learning Through Joyful Exploration

    Children at Lucy Bird explore, experiment, move, create, and discover in a safe and stimulating environment. Our curriculum blends:

    • Creative Curriculum® & Teaching Strategies GOLD®

      • Social and Emotional Learning 

      • Physical Education 

      • Language 

      • Cognitive

      • Literacy 

      • Mathematics

      • Science and Technology 

      • Social Studies 

      • The Arts 

      • English Language Acquisition

    • Play-based and project-based learning

    • Social-emotional development through PBIS practices

    • SPARK Early Childhood fitness

    • Healthy eating and active living experiences

  • A Place Where Every Child Belongs

    Lucy Bird Early Education proudly welcomes families of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and identities. Our classrooms reflect the diverse world around us, and children learn alongside peers and educators who model respect, kindness, and inclusion every day.

    We incorporate multicultural and anti-bias learning experiences so children grow up appreciating differences, building empathy, and understanding their place in a larger community.


  • Ages we serve 

    • Infants: 6 wks - 1yr 

    • Toddlers: 1-2  

    • Preschool : 3- 5

  • Lucy Bird Early Education is proud to offer Preschool for All (PFA) seats for the upcoming school year!

    What is Preschool for All?

    Preschool for All is a publicly funded program designed to ensure all children have access to high-quality preschool experiences. Through this partnership, eligible families may receive tuition-free preschool at Lucy Bird Early Education.

    Why Choose Lucy Bird for Preschool for All?

    Experienced & Trusted
    Serving children and families in our community for more than two decades.

    Inclusive & Welcoming
    We proudly welcome families of all cultures, languages, identities, and abilities. Every child belongs here.

    Whole-Child Focused
    We nurture social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play-based, developmentally appropriate learning.

    Strong Family Partnerships
    We believe families are essential partners. We work alongside you to support your child’s growth and success.

    School Readiness & Beyond
    Our program prepares children not just for kindergarten—but for confident, lifelong learning.

Classrooms

At Lucy Bird Early Learning, children explore, create, and learn in a safe, nurturing, and culturally responsive environment. We incorporate multicultural, anti-bias experiences that celebrate diversity and build respect for others.

Our program is guided by The Creative Curriculum®, using developmentally appropriate and project-based learning that balances children’s interests with intentional instruction.

We enhance our program with SPARK Early Childhood Fitness, promoting active, socially engaging movement, and the Good For Me! curriculum, which supports healthy eating and wellness through hands-on experiences.

Developmental screenings (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE) and ongoing assessment through Teaching Strategies GOLD® help us tailor learning to meet each child’s unique needs and growth.

Infants 6 weeks to 1 year

Toddler

Building of self-esteem through nurturing personal care

  • Interaction with groups to spark curiosity and socialization

  • Focus on cognitive and motor skills through playtime and activities

  • Development through age-appropriate materials and toys

  • Balance of nurturing, playtime and learning throughout the day

  • Units that provide a variety of daily activities and experiences

  • Development of confidence, self-esteem and a love of learning

  • Learning areas focused on dramatic play, creative arts, language and sensory exploration

  • Regular communication between teachers and parents to keep you informed about your child’s day

Preschool

Daily small-group and individual instruction which promotes skill development

  • The perfect balance of nurturing, learning and playtime

  • An environment focused on the development of the whole child

  • A variety of activities that support learning concepts for this age group

  • Encouragement and support that lead to confidence, self-esteem and a love of learning

  • Regular communication between teachers and parents to keep you informed about your child’s day

Lucy Bird Preschool Schedule

Early Care starts at 7:30am Preschool starts at 8:30am

  • Classroom is open at 7:30 . Children are picked up from early care

  • Children and Staff sit for snack. Staff encourage children to engage in conversation. (hands are washed before and after eating).

  • Circe time includes: Welcome songs, intro to new activities, plan for the day. Large group work, introducing and review of classroom expectations.

  • Children choose different interest areas including: writing, blocks, sensory, science, dramatic play, math, manipulatives and art. Engaging with peers to develop language and social skills. Children participate in in SPARK activities two times per week.

  • Children review activities from the morning.

    Children play instruments, listen to a variety of music. (singing and dancing is encouraged)

  • Outside playground

    Neighborhood walks

    Indoor gross motor room

  • Children and staff sit down for lunch. Staff encourage children to engage in conversation of interest. Manners and healthy food choices are discussed. (hands washed before and after). Children sit with a staff member while brushing their teeth and tongue. Dental hygiene is discussed.

  • Children rest on their mats while listening to a teacher read story.

  • Children resting and quiet. Quiet activities are offered to children who are not sleep after 40 minutes.

  • Put away blankets and use the restroom, wash hands.

  • Children and Staff sit for snack. Staff encourage children to engage in conversation. (hands are washed before and after eating).

  • Preschool ends at 3:00pm Aftercare starts at 3:30

  • Outside (gross motor/large motor development)

  • Music/Books and songs/Felt board/puppets

  • Board games

    Large Group Art

    Building

    Writing Center

  • Classroom closed for the day

A Staff That Cares

Every child at Lucy Bird Early Learning is supported by a Primary Teacher. This ensures that each child has a consistent, caring adult who truly knows them and that each family has a clear, trusted point of contact.

Your child’s Primary Teacher (either the Lead or Assistant Teacher) builds a nurturing, responsive relationship and becomes the “expert” on your child’s unique rhythms, developmental milestones, interests, and individual needs.

By building a secure, nurturing relationship, our Primary Teachers give children the confidence to explore, learn, and grow — knowing they are supported every step of the way.

Lucy Bird Early Learning Rates

Effective 2025

Monthly rates are for set weekly schedules and are contracted quarterly. Tuition payments are paid monthly due by the 3rd of each month. Late fees apply.

    • 5 days 2050.00

    • 3 days 1550.00


    • 5 days 1550.00

    • 3 days 1185.00


  • Enrollment / registration: 100.00

    Yearly re-enrollment: 75.00

    Late payment:

    • 20.00- if payment is not received within 2 days of the due date

    • (1st of the month)

    • 75.00- if payment has not been received within 4 days of the

    • due date (1st of the month)

    • Returned check: 60.00

    • Late pickups: 10.00 charge for up to 10 minutes late- 3.00 per minute thereafter.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We provide care and early learning for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. Our programs are designed to support each stage of development and help children grow with confidence. 


  • Each day includes a balance of structured learning, play, outdoor time, meals, and rest. Activities like circle time, small groups, and free choice help children build skills while staying engaged and active. 


    .

  • Our approach is built around Care, Share, and Prepare. We create a nurturing environment, partner with families, and focus on developing the skills children need for school and life. 

  • We use research-based programs like Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, SPARK, and Good For Me! to support learning through play, movement, and hands-on experiences. 


  • We maintain secure check-in/out procedures, constant supervision, daily cleaning routines, and emergency preparedness plans. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified.

  • We follow state guidelines to ensure quality care:

    • Infants: 1:4

    • Toddlers: 1:4–1:5

    • Preschool: 1:10

      These ratios allow for strong relationships and individualized attention.

  • We use a positive, teaching-based approach built around:

    Be Kind. Be Safe. Be a Worker.

    Children are guided through redirection, problem-solving, and learning appropriate behaviors.


  • We provide daily updates, photos, and messages through Procare, along with regular conversations at drop-off and pick-up. Families are always welcome with our open-door policy.

  • Item description

  • Start by scheduling a tour, then complete enrollment forms and submit your registration fee and tuition. Enrollment is based on availability, so we recommend reaching out early.

  • We focus on meaningful learning experiences, strong family partnerships, and whole-child development. Our program blends academics, play, and movement to prepare children for lifelong success.

  • Contact us or schedule a tour, or attend open house! We would love to connect with you.

Reserve your spot

Join Us For an Open House!

We invite you to visit Lucy Bird Early Learning and experience our program first hand.

Join us for an upcoming open house or schedule a tour to explore our classrooms, meet our team, and learn more about our approach to early learning.

Contact Us

Phone: (503) 490-4046

Email: info@lucybirdearlylearning.com

Address: 3508 N Michigan