About
Juniper Berry Playgarden is an Waldorf inspired, outdoor-focused, parent participation community preschool. We offer two classroom programs: Sunflowers (ages 3.5-5) and Sweet Peas (ages 12 months-3).
Our play based program is designed with the whole child in mind. We know that during the preschool years a child is not only laying the groundwork for academic performance, but also for social/emotional skills, connection to nature, and appreciation of art and music. Set in a nurturing and inclusive environment, our daily rhythm supports children with the foundational skills and confidence that will serve them in kindergarten and beyond. Our parent participation hours give family members opportunities to form bonds and bring additional offerings to the children.
For 7-8 months out of the year between April and the end of November our program is entirely outside. When the weather is too cold for a full morning outside we move to our indoor morning program. From December through March or April we spend 3-4 hours indoors each morning and 1-2 hours outside. Being indoors lets us focus on baking, table activities, indoor imaginative play, handwork and fine motor skills. Having time indoors helps the children moving on to kindergarten practice the skills they will need.
JBP offers a once-monthly hike or field trip on Fridays. Our proximity to both Leach Botanical Gardens (just around the block) and Zenger Farm (across the street) lets the children experience nature and farm life beyond our back yard.
What makes JBP unique is our commitment to building sustainable communities for Portland’s urban families. Our teachers and staff are experienced community leaders who go the extra mile to create experiences involving the whole family. Festivals, crafts, live music, and family fun are some of the events we offer throughout the year. These events create a bridge between family and school.
Our teachers are Waldorf trained or receive training from Lifeways, which is a great resource for Waldorf Educators. To learn more about our teacher’s training and education, visit the following links:
ERDC
Juniper Berry Playgarden is proud to accept ERDC for low and moderate income families. To learn more and apply for ERDC go to https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/pages/ERDC.aspx.
Enrollment
We are currently enrolling ages 1-5 for the 2024-25 school year! Head to PDX Waitlist to schedule a tour to begin the application process. We have openings for ERDC and private pay clients. Our Sweet Peas class for 1 -3 year olds has several openings for Tu/Th, M/W/F mornings as well as full time slots.
Juniper Berry Playgarden is an inclusive environment and we welcome all families to join. We encourage LGBTQ, BIPOC and AAPI to apply. We welcome children with special needs, and are committed to building a community of inclusivity and diversity.
We request a limited amount of information regarding child and family before scheduling a tour. On the tour you may have a quick tour of our indoor space and a longer look at our spacious and magical outdoor space. We will give you the application at the end of your tour.
Hours & Location
12026 SE Foster Rd Portland, OR 97266
Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 12:45 pm
Afternoon care is available Monday - Thursday, 12:45 - 4 p.m.