WARM & NURTURING
IN-HOME CHILDCARE
IN TROUTDALE, OREGON
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
- FRED ROGERS
Welcome to Mountain Laurel PlayCare, a cozy, loving, and safe space for little kids to play and thrive in Troutdale, Oregon.
Inspired by the Waldorf practice of learning through play and art, and the Montessori principle of respect for the child's independence and interests, our days follow a gentle rhythm of play and creativity to spark imagination, build confidence, and nurture growing hearts and minds.
WELCOME
I am a career nanny and mother of two young boys. I recently had my second child and, after a decade of working in nanny shares in other family's homes, started Mountain Laurel PlayCare here in Troutdale to create the kind of playful, cozy space and nanny share that I would want to send my own kids to.
Childcare for young kids is some of the earliest exposure they have to the world outside of home, and I'm dedicated to making that transition a positive and enjoyable experience for your whole family.
Hi! I'm laurel
- Small, mixed-age group of kiddos (maximum of 5 children, including my own)
- We have a 5 year old golden retriever who is extremely friendly and good with kids - he has spent his entire life surrounded by small children
- Loving, experienced, and attentive caregiver
- Beautiful, well-equipped, and safe play spaces, both indoors and outdoors
- Private nap spaces (pack & plays provided) with video monitoring
- Nourishing snacks provided
- Monthly professional portraits of your child
Mountain Laurel PlayCare is a very small cohort of kiddos who gather at Laurel's home in Troutdale 3 days a week to play, socialize, and explore.
More like a nanny share than a traditional daycare, the small group size allows me to really be present with each child throughout the day, and provides the opportunity for children's relationships with each other to develop into deep friendships.
playcare details
hours & cost
- Up to 3 days per week
- Flexible hours between 7am and 6pm
- $18 per hour, which includes diapers, wipes, snacks, and materials for all crafts and activities
- The primary difference between Mountain Laurel PlayCare and a standard nanny share is that here, you do not have to pay employer taxes or deal with payroll services. You get to leave the taxes and paperwork to me, and also rest easy knowing that your child is getting the same level of care as they would in a nanny share. It's a win-win!
Laurel has cared for our daughter and another toddler as part of a nanny share since our daughter was 13 months old [until age 5, with their second child joining the mix 2 years in]. Laurel has been a true gift to our family. Our daughter absolutely adores her. She is not only highly responsible, reliable, and trustworthy, but does so much to nurture the development of both kiddos. Laurel makes it a priority to get outside and explore nature with the kids. She is extremely warm, kind, and patient. Her breadth of experience and thoughtfulness make her a master at managing even the most challenging toddler behaviors with respect and love. Nothing seems to rattle her. We recommend Laurel most highly. - C.I.
Laurel is amazing! She’s watched my youngest for two years as part of a nanny share. Additionally, she’s watched both of my boys for date nights, etc. She is calming, fun, interactive, creative and very easy to work with. I strongly recommend her! - C.P.
Laurel cared for our daughter from age 9mo – 2.5yrs, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! She very kind, reliable, thoughtful and responsible. - A.G.
testimonials
I am happy to share references upon request.
Our kiddo flourished under Laurel’s calming care! She instilled a sense of adventure, routine, and daily outdoor activities from a young age that we are very grateful for. We could always go to Laurel for reliable parenting advice and never had to worry about our child while he was under her care. - S.G.
Laurel is simply the BEST. She cared for our kids as part of a few different nanny shares and I cannot recommend her enough. She is a lovely person who has such a calm, nurturing and creative presence. - H.B.
- Reading, reading, reading! As a group, one-on-one, and solo. The bookshelf is well-stocked and rotated seasonally.
- Arts and crafts: painting, drawing, homemade play dough, nature-inspired crafts, seasonal crafts.
- Baking: breads, muffins, seasonal treats. Allowing kids to participate in the daily work of home life is a joy for everyone!
- Outdoor play - The large, fully-fenced yard has plenty of room for kids to run and explore. Digging in the garden, playing with the water table, stomping in puddles, playing ball, walks to the playground, you name it. If the weather is safe to go outside, we'll be spending some time outside.
- Music and dance: with a variety of instruments available to the kiddos at all times, musical exploration and expression is highly encouraged!
- Free imaginative play: there is a wide and rotating variety of toys available for kids to play with. From a play kitchen and dress up to Mega Blocks and trains, trucks, and cars galore, children are encouraged to use their imaginations and play.
activities
