Check out her top-trusted child care facilities for working parents in Portland, Oregon.

As a single parent herself, VIDA Coworking founder Melanie Marconi understands the demands of working parents—especially in a pandemic. Items need to be checked off the to-do list and Zoom meetings require your attendance. While you complete those tasks, you’re tending to your child(ren) to ensure they’re happy, healthy and focused on virtual schoolwork. That’s why she created a coworking space fused with child care and virtual learning coaches. 

Melanie believes daycares and preschools are important assets to help juggle the daily demands that come with marrying work and parenthood. However, so many parents find it to be a hurdle to choose from the many early childhood and infant daycares in Portland. If you’re having trouble deciding which Portland preschool to send your child(ren) to, we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing Melanie’s top three most-trusted and top-rated Portland daycares, infant care centers and preschools.

Pipster Prep
Locations:
NW: 920 NW 25th Ave., Portland, OR, 97210
NE: 3515 NE Killingsworth St., Portland, OR, 97211
SW: 8565 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR, 97225
Hillside: 653 NW Culpepper Terrace, Portland, OR, 97210

Age Range: 2-8 years old
Description: Active early learning school Pipster Prep believes in child-centered learning, meaning it focuses on every students’ unique needs, learning styles and interests. To target every age group, Pipster Prep has three distinct programs: Preschool classes for potty-trained students, Mini Pipster classes for two-year-olds and Friday Night Pajama Parties for ages 3 to 8. 
Ratings/Accolades: Pipster Prep has been voted Best Preschool in Portland for three years in a row (2018, 2019, and 2020) by Willamette Week readers. 

Hancock Street Preschool
Location: 1624 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR, 97211

Age Range: 3-4 years old
Description: This Portland, Oregon, preschool emphasizes play-based learning to support every child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Accredited by the Oregon Department of Education, Hancock Street Preschool accepts children with special needs and embraces an anti-bias curriculum. Children are taught to collaborate with others, pay attention to others’ feelings and ideas, speak out against unfairness and take responsibility for their actions. Unlike the other two care facilities listed, Hancock Street Preschool is a nonprofit cooperative run by community parents.
Ratings/Accolades: Hancock Street Preschool has been named an Eco-Healthy Child Care Provider by the Oregon Environmental Council for its ability to reduce children’s exposure to toxins and environmental health hazards. 

Small Wonders School
Locations: 
Grant Park: 2728 NE 34th Ave., Portland, OR, 97212
Hollywood: 3634 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR, 97232

Age Range: 2-5 years
Description: This care facility is a learning community for both children and their families. Through regular schooling and family events like playdates, community gatherings, meet-ups and more, Small Wonders School proves it’s more than your everyday preschool. It provides the connections and skills every preschooler needs. Plus, Small Wonders School has a Reggio-inspired design, diverse activities and follows multiple teaching methods, including Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory and the Reggio Emilia Philosophy.
Ratings/Accolades: In 2016, Small Wonders School was awarded a 5-star designation by QRIS (now SPARK) for its excellence in curriculum, business practices, and teacher education and training.
Also check out VIDA school and camp, which provide the necessary care and learning support for children, all while you enjoy a designated coworking space.