A Little Dreamer’s Child Care Center

As an experienced Head Start preschool teacher, I’m selective about where I place my child. Initially, this daycare impressed me with quick, responsive communication and a friendly tour. The facility is inviting, has a spacious playground, a secure check-in system, and uses the Brightwheel app, which I appreciate for parent-teacher communication. However, our experience over a few short weeks became discouraging. Despite openly communicating my desire to work as a team and support my son’s transition into daycare, the feedback I received was almost entirely negative. My 2.5-year-old son, with no prior daycare experience, was repeatedly flagged for behaviors that are developmentally typical at his age-struggles with transitions, group play, and naptime. I was told the classroom lacked qualified teachers and that pre-teaching strategies hadn’t been implemented, which deeply concerns me. Instead of supporting skill-building through patience and redirection, the focus seemed to be on what my son was doing wrong. One example cited as a concern was him pretending to make a “gun” out of Magnetiles(a common and developmentally appropriate form of imaginative play that could’ve been easily redirected.) I offered to volunteer to better understand and support the classroom dynamics but was declined. Repeated mentions of staffing shortages and the inability to effectively redirect or support a child who needs help suggest deeper systemic issues. Ultimately, I made the hard decision to remove my son before he internalized these negative experiences. At just 2.5 years old, he began calling himself “bad” and “not a good listener.” No child should feel labeled at this age, especially for behaviors that are part of normal development. This daycare may be a good fit for easygoing children who require little support, but for any child still developing emotional regulation and social skills, which is most toddlers, it may not be the supportive environment parents expect.

I’ve always been an over protective mom. I chose being a stay at home mom so I wouldn’t have to have people watch my children. At one point my child’s dad expressed he really wanted our daughter to get some more socialization. I agreed it could only be beneficial for our daughter. Next came the hard part, finding people to trust with my baby! He had a friend who’s child had come to Little Day dreamers so I agreed to check it out. Coincidentally a close friend of mines child was enrolled there too! We decided to give it a shot. I never once had to question weather my daughter was safe at this facility. Each staff member was friendly and engaging with me when I came to pick up or drop off. Communication was always easy, profesional and consistent. Sometimes I swear these girls knew my daughter better than me. My daughter was able to come home and tell me she had a good day 99.99% of the time. And that .01% was never any staffs fault. There were times my communication lacked and someone always reached out to make sure my daughter was well. I really appreciated how active they kept the kids. They spend as much time as possible outside. Another thing we really enjoyed was being sent pictures through the parent app. And how cute the building is always decorated. Never missing a chance to have a theme week or class party for holidays. I trusted little day dreamers with my daughter and I never had to question weather I was doing the right thing or weather my daughter was safe. If you’re considering any of their locations, do it! They’ve won best in the willamette in multiple categories for multiple years in a row for a reason.

I'm a first time mom and was pretty nervous about starting daycare with my baby, but they are so communicative and understanding of each kiddo's unique needs. I feel great dropping my daughter off and knowing she's with a team that cares about her and treats her like family.

My two children attend A Little Dreamer’s Keizer location. Both my two year old and my four year old look forward to going every day. The teachers are great and I enjoy getting photos of them during the day. The owner, Amy, is wonderful and has been easy to work with. We absolutely love it and recommend it to anyone who needs childcare.

Amy & the team at A Little Dreamer’s Child Care are FANTASTIC. They have a great staff, incredibly accommodating & we feel more than safe trusting them with our children. Thank you so much!