Lil Roo's Playhouse

Hello, and thank you for your interest. My name is Teacher Kristen, and I am the owner and provider of Lil Roo’s Playhouse, which I have proudly operated since 1997 in the St. Johns neighborhood.
My program was inspired by my daughter, whose nickname is “Roo.” I opened my childcare when she was three years old after struggling to find a program that met my expectations. That experience shaped my commitment to creating a high-quality, nurturing environment for children and families.
Lil Roo’s Playhouse is a small, home-based program with a maximum group size of six children. I take great pride in fostering a “home away from home” atmosphere where children feel safe, supported, and valued. The close-knit nature of my program allows children to build meaningful relationships not only during their time in care, but also beyond, through playdates, birthday celebrations, and lasting friendships.
In addition to our play-based approach, I incorporate a structured preschool curriculum during the school year (September through June) using the Experience Early Learning program. During the summer months, we focus on outdoor exploration and hands-on learning experiences as much as possible.
I am fully licensed through the State of Oregon (License ) and have maintained a record free of complaints throughout my 29 years in operation. I participate in the USDA Food Program, maintain current First Aid and CPR certification, and have completed extensive training in early childhood education to meet and exceed state requirements.
I strongly believe that a successful childcare experience is built on partnership. As your child’s parent, you are their primary teacher and advocate. My role is to support you by providing a safe, enriching environment where your child can grow, learn, and thrive as they prepare for the next stage of life.

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Affordable In-Home Daycare and Preschool

At our program, we embrace the philosophy that “it takes a village to raise a child.” In addition to parents, a childcare provider plays a vital role in a child’s early development. Choosing the right provider is a deeply personal and important decision, and we are committed to creating a nurturing, trustworthy environment where both children and families feel supported.
Conveniently located in the Cathedral Park neighborhood of St. Johns, our program operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With over 29 years of professional childcare experience, I bring a strong foundation of knowledge, consistency, and dedication to each family I serve.
Our program is state licensed, CPR and First Aid certified, and participates in the USDA Food Program. I have also completed extensive community-based training over the years to continually enhance the quality of care provided.
We offer a structured preschool program from September through June, maintain low child-to-provider ratios, and pride ourselves on creating a warm, “home away from home” environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

We may have openings this Fall due to some leaving for PFA. Currently I am not allowed to participate in PFA due to being a solo provider. They have changed the rules and I will be applying to be a site for the 27-28 school year. Starting a waitlist for September enrollment soon, small group of 6 maximum.

We are at capacity for the 2025-2026 school year. If interested in being placed on the waitlist for an opening, please message.

❤️💪❤️ I wouldn’t change a thing.

We are more of a play based childcare, I believe children learn best through hands on experience. Our most important goal is teaching social and emotional skills, that your child will need for life. However September-June I do offer a Preschool program that prepares them for a successful Kindergarten transition as well. This is a very small part of our day, but very valuable as well.

Preschool Curriculum for 2 to 5 year olds - Experience Early Learning Save time with a complete preschool curriculum kit delivered to you every month, packed with over 100 prepped materials for preschools and homeschooling.

They are always watching and learning. Make sure they are with someone you want them learning from. ❤️

We will have openings coming up in my affordable in-home daycare. I believe in the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”, besides the parents, one of the most influential people in your child’s life is their daycare provider. Finding someone you are comfortable with to put in that position is a very personal decision and one of the most important as a parent you will make. Here at Lil Roo’s Playhouse we are looking for that special child, age 20 months-kindergarten entrance (may consider slightly younger), to join our group. We are located in the beautiful Cathedral Park neighborhood in St. Johns and open 7:00am to 5:00pm Mon-Fri. I have been providing childcare professionally for over 28 years. I am on the USDA Food program, CPR/First Aide Certified, State Registered, Insured, Step 7 on the Oregon Child Care Registry and I offer a small group size of 6. A day in my daycare consists of a balance of free and structured time, with as much outside time as weather permits. I also offer Experience Early Learning preschool program Sept-June, where every month we explore a new theme, however I am open year round. If you're interested in more information, feel free to message.

NOTE: I am not a Preschool For All site, though highly qualified they at this time do not allow solo providers to participate, no matter their experience or qualifications, we are fighting for a change to this rule.

We will have one spot, possibly two, open come September. If looking for care please message.

It's hard to believe but waitlist is opening for Summer and Fall spots. I have three off to Kindergarten this year. First spot opens end of June.

We are currently at capacity. Message for waitlist information. Thank you.