Our Program Philosophy
At Kindred, all programs are grounded in relationships, inclusivity, and the belief that children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and valued. We view learning as a process—one shaped by curiosity, effort, and meaningful experiences—where mistakes are embraced as opportunities for growth and development is celebrated in all its forms.
Across every age group, learning is individualized to honor each child’s unique strengths, needs, and pace. Educators build strong partnerships with families and thoughtfully support children as they grow, ensuring continuity, consistency, and a sense of belonging throughout their time at Kindred. While our programs are organized by age, children move between them based on developmental readiness rather than rigid timelines, allowing each child to grow with confidence and support.
Sprouts | Infant Program
Ages: 6 weeks – 18 months
Our Sprouts program is a nurturing, relationship-centered environment where infants are welcomed into a responsive community that honors who they are and who they are becoming. We believe learning begins with trust, consistency, and deep connection, and our caregivers prioritize secure attachments through attentive, individualized care.
Each infant’s daily routine is thoughtfully tailored to their unique needs, rhythms, and developmental stage. Feeding, sleeping, and play are guided by close collaboration with families and ongoing observation, ensuring continuity between home and school. Through gentle exploration, sensory experiences, and responsive interactions, infants are encouraged to discover their world at their own pace.
While Sprouts generally serves children from 6 weeks to 18 months, transitions to the next group are not determined by age alone. Movement between groups is based on each child’s developmental readiness, social-emotional growth, and comfort level, with family input as a key part of the process. Every moment—whether joyful or challenging—is viewed as meaningful, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Bloomers | Toddler Program
Ages: 19 months – 30 months
The Bloomers program embraces the curiosity, determination, and big emotions that define the toddler years. Our classrooms are designed to support growing independence while remaining grounded in strong, supportive relationships that help children feel safe to explore, experiment, and take risks.
Toddlers are active participants in their learning, engaging in hands-on experiences that support language development, motor skills, social understanding, and early problem-solving. Educators intentionally individualize learning experiences and guidance, meeting each child where they are developmentally and emotionally.
Although Bloomers typically serves children between 19 and 30 months, transitions are flexible and guided by readiness rather than a strict age cutoff. We recognize that children develop at different rates, and we work closely with families to ensure each transition is thoughtful, supportive, and aligned with the child’s confidence and growth.
Starlings | Preschool Program
Ages: 31 months – School Age
In Starlings, preschoolers shine as capable, curious learners who are actively constructing their understanding of the world. This program balances intentional structure with flexibility, offering rich learning experiences rooted in play, inquiry, and meaningful relationships.
Learning is individualized and informed by observation, assessment, and children’s interests. Educators support children in developing early academic skills, social-emotional competence, self-regulation, and problem-solving, while encouraging persistence and reflection. Mistakes are welcomed as opportunities for learning, and effort is celebrated as part of the growth process.
While Starlings generally serves children from 31 months through school age, placement and progression are guided by developmental readiness rather than age alone. Children move forward when they are socially, emotionally, and developmentally prepared, ensuring that learning remains supportive, affirming, and appropriately challenging.
Wayfinders | School-Age Program
Ages: School Age
The Wayfinders program supports school-age children as they navigate increasing independence, responsibility, and self-discovery. We offer a flexible, relationship-driven model designed to meet the varied needs of school-age families while providing a consistent, supportive community for children.
Wayfinders includes before-school and after-school care, transportation to select local schools, and full-day care on non-school days, including school breaks and in-service days. Our environment balances structure with choice, allowing children time to unwind, connect with peers, and engage in meaningful learning experiences beyond the school day.
This program also includes an on-site hub class in partnership with Oregon Charter Academy for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. The hub class provides daily academic support, guidance, and supervision for virtual learners, while still offering opportunities for social connection, enrichment, and hands-on learning throughout the day.
Educators collaborate with children to support homework completion, goal-setting, and project-based exploration aligned with individual interests and learning needs. Children are encouraged to problem-solve, reflect on challenges, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth within a respectful, inclusive community.
Kindred Connect | Before & After School Program
Kindred Connect extends our relationship-centered approach beyond our center through school-based programs developed in partnership with local schools. These programs provide children with consistent, engaging care before and after the school day while supporting strong connections between families, schools, and the Kindred team.
Kindred Connect at Eagle Charter School
Kindred Connect at Eagle Charter School is a licensed, on-site school-age child care program serving Eagle students. Our program provides before- and after-school care in a familiar school environment, with a focus on belonging, positive relationships, enrichment, and opportunities to relax, play, and connect outside of the academic day.
Like all Kindred programs, Kindred Connect is designed to be inclusive and responsive to the individual needs of the children we serve.
Interested in Kindred Connect at Eagle?
Complete our application to tell us more about your family's care needs and begin the enrollment process.
For schools interested in partnership opportunities, please contact us here.
