Childhood Education Program in Washington County

Supporting Families in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Throughout Washington County

Setting the Stage for Lifelong Learning

Finding the right childhood education program takes time and thought — and it's not always easy while managing everything else life throws your way. If you're searching for a trustworthy childhood education program in Washington County, Safari Kid of Tigard is here to help your family take that next step with confidence.

Our approach is built on whole-child development, blending cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language growth into every part of the day. Between nature-inspired classrooms and educators who genuinely know each child, we create an environment where kids feel safe enough to take risks and curious enough to keep learning.

Contact us online or call (503) 676-3873 to connect with our team and plan your Childhood Education Program visit in Washington County.

Why Washington County Families Keep Choosing Us:

• Easy access for families throughout Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Washington County
• A curriculum built around the whole child — not just academics
• No need to change schools as your child grows — we cover infancy through elementary
• Personalized attention thanks to intentionally small class sizes

What Makes Safari Kid Different

Families touring our center tell us the same thing again and again: they want more than a place to drop their child off. They're looking for genuine learning, meaningful play, and a nurturing environment their child can grow within — and that's exactly the standard our program is held to.

• Whole Child Focus: Development across academic, social, emotional, and physical domains
• Balanced Learning: Structured instruction paired with hands-on exploration
• Engaging Classrooms: Purpose-built centers for art, STEM, and creativity
• Continuity of Care: A single program from infancy through elementary years
• Supportive Community: Real relationships between families, children, and staff

Our curriculum reaches beyond early academics into literacy, math, science, and creative expression, all wrapped in a social environment where friendships and self-expression naturally take root. Classrooms shift easily between guided lessons and interest-driven learning stations.

For Washington County families comparing programs, what often stands out is our consistency. Because we serve multiple age groups under one roof, your child can grow through every stage without ever needing to switch schools — staying within an environment, and a team, they already trust.

The Thinking Behind Our Curriculum

Names like Montessori and Reggio Emilia come up often in early education conversations, and parents naturally want to know what they mean day-to-day. At Safari Kid of Tigard, we take inspiration from both philosophies and combine them with current child-development research to shape our own proprietary curriculum.

From Montessori, we borrow a respect for independence, self-directed work, and carefully prepared spaces. From Reggio Emilia, we take the belief that children are capable and curious by nature, deserving of real opportunities to express themselves through art, movement, and collaboration.

What Our Educational Approach Includes:

• Activities built around choice, independence, and responsibility
• Small-group settings that build language, cooperation, and problem-solving
• Play-based lessons supporting literacy, math, and science foundations
• Projects shaped by each child's own interests and curiosity
• Continuous observation to guide each child's next steps

The goal isn't just academic readiness — it's raising children who are adaptable, resilient, and ready for whatever comes after their time with us.

Inside a Day at Safari Kid

While each age group keeps its own schedule, every classroom follows a rhythm built on structure and flexibility working together.

The day starts with a warm, personal welcome — teachers greeting children by name and giving families a quick moment to check in before drop-off. Circle time often comes next, with songs, sharing, and a look ahead at the day's plans.

From there, children move into hands-on learning centers suited to their age — sensory play and pretend corners for younger children, literacy and science stations or creative art tables for older preschoolers and early elementary students. Teachers stay nearby, prompting curiosity through open-ended questions rather than direct answers.

Outdoor time happens daily, without exception. Our nature-inspired play areas give kids room to move, build strength, and practice social skills through running, climbing, and cooperative games — activities we treat with the same importance as indoor learning.

A Sampling of What Your Child Might Experience:

• A story that builds language skills and early literacy
• Simple science exploration, like observing plants or water play
• Art projects using varied materials to build fine motor skills
• Music and movement activities that build coordination and joy
• Shared mealtimes that reinforce healthy social habits

Throughout the day, teachers guide transitions with visual cues and gentle, consistent reminders — support that matters most for young children still learning to manage new expectations.

Working Alongside Washington County Families

We know children thrive when families and educators are on the same page. Parents throughout Washington County often tell us how much they value staying connected to their child's day-to-day experience, even while they're apart — so clear, ongoing communication is central to how we operate.

Using tools like Procare, we share photos, updates, and daily highlights that make it easy to keep the conversation going at home. We also share classroom projects and school events on social media when it fits.

Assessments happen naturally, woven into everyday moments. Teachers observe children as they explore and play, collect samples of their growth, and share insights during scheduled conferences and casual conversations alike — always in partnership with your goals for your child.

Family events, classroom celebrations, and workshops help build a real sense of community, giving children a chance to show off their school and giving parents a chance to connect with each other.

Taking the Next Step Toward Enrollment

If you're exploring a childhood education program in Washington County, touring our Hayward center is a great place to begin. Seeing our classrooms in action — and watching how children and teachers interact — often makes all the difference in deciding if we're the right fit.

During your tour, we'll walk through our learning spaces, both indoor and outdoor, and share details on daily routines for your child's age group. We'll also take time to learn about your child's personality and any specific needs, so we can speak directly to how our program supports them.

From there, enrollment includes registration paperwork, a review of health and care information, and a conversation about start dates. We'll help plan a smooth transition — shorter first days, a comfort item from home — and our team stays available as your child settles in.

Safari Kid of Tigard combines a globally-minded educational philosophy with a warm, local team dedicated to families across Washington County,

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my child kept safe throughout the day?

Safety guides everything we do — secure facilities, consistent routines, and close supervision from trained educators. Our spaces are designed specifically for young children, supported by health and care practices that protect both physical and emotional well-being.

What age groups do you serve?

We support children from infancy through elementary school, with classrooms matched to each developmental stage as they grow. That means Washington County families can stay within one community the whole way through — something many parents find reassuring.

How will I know what's happening with my child each day?

We stay in touch through tools like Procare, in-person conversations, and scheduled conferences — giving you regular insight into your child's day, progress, and milestones. Your questions are always welcome, too.

What's a typical day like for my child?
Expect warm welcomes, group time, hands-on learning centers, outdoor play, meals, and rest, adjusted by age. Structure and flexibility work together so children can explore comfortably within a predictable routine.

Do you accommodate different learning styles?

Absolutely. Our teachers observe and assess each child individually, adjusting activities and support as needed. Our research-driven, child-centered curriculum gives us the flexibility to respond to different learning styles while partnering closely with families.

How does a childhood education program differ from daycare?

Daycare typically focuses on supervision and basic care. A childhood education program like ours is intentionally structured around learning outcomes — cognitive, social, emotional, and physical — while still delivering safe, attentive care throughout the day.

What age should my child be to start?

Some families start as early as infancy, while others wait until closer to preschool age (around 2–3 years old). Since our programs run from infancy through elementary school, there's room to choose the entry point that fits your child best.

Can you explain play-based learning?

It's a teaching approach where children build skills through guided and open-ended play rather than direct instruction alone — letting them explore math, science, and language at their own pace while sharpening problem-solving and social abilities.

Is your program Montessori or Reggio Emilia based?

We draw from both without strictly following either. Montessori shapes our focus on independence and self-directed work, while Reggio Emilia informs our creative, project-based approach — together forming our own proprietary curriculum.

Contact us online or call (503) 676-3873 to connect with our team and plan your Childhood Education Program visit in Washington County.