For Families / FAQ’s

At Tiny Smiles, we know that choosing childcare is not just about schedules or availability. It’s about trust. It’s about finding a place where your child feels safe, loved, understood, and truly seen.
We believe the first five years of a child’s life are foundational. These early years shape confidence, emotional security, curiosity, and how children see themselves in the world. Our role is to support each child during this critical time while partnering closely with families every step of the way.
When you join Tiny Smiles, you’re not just enrolling in a program, you’re becoming part of a village that values connection, communication, and intentional care.


Our Philosophy

Children learn best when they feel emotionally safe. At Tiny Smiles, we focus on building strong relationships, consistent routines, and nurturing environments where children can explore, make mistakes, and grow with confidence.
We honor each child as an individual, recognizing that development looks different for every family and every child. Our classrooms are designed to encourage independence, social-emotional growth, and a genuine love for learning through play and connection.


A Day at Tiny Smiles

Each day at Tiny Smiles is thoughtfully structured to provide balance. Between learning and play, movement and rest, independence and guidance.

Our days include hands on activities, creative exploration, outdoor play, group learning, and quiet moments to reset. Most importantly, children are met with warmth, patience, and consistency so they feel secure and confident throughout their day.


Your Questions, Answered

  • Tiny Smiles is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
    Our program operates year-round, with planned closures for federal holidays and seasonal breaks.

    Center hours will vary.

  • Yes. Tiny Smiles operates year-round.
    We observe scheduled closures for federal holidays, teacher workday and professional development days, as well as winter break, spring break, and summer break, which are communicated to families in advance.

  • We serve children ages 24 months through 5 years old, depending on the program and location.

    • Toddlers: 24–36 months Preschool: 3–5 years old

    Availability varies by location and program.

  • Preschool for All (PFA) is a Multnomah County program that offers free preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children. The program is designed to make high-quality early education accessible to all families, regardless of income.

    Tiny Smiles Childcare & Preschool participates in the Preschool for All program.

  • Our in-home locations are currently at capacity due to PFA enrollment.
    We do have or anticipate availability at our Troutdale location (September 1, 2026) and Tiny Smiles Academy (Coming Soon).

    Availability is subject to change.

  • Enrollment begins through our website inquiry form.

    • Families interested in PFA must also complete the Preschool for All enrollment process

    • Placement is based on availability, eligibility, and program fit

    Our team will guide you through next steps once your inquiry is received.

  • uition at Tiny Smiles depends on the program and funding source.

    We currently accept:

    • Preschool for All (PFA)

    • ERDC

    • Private tuition

    Private tuition for full-time care starts at $1,300 per month.

    Because availability and funding vary by program and location, we encourage families to contact us directly for current rates and openings.

  • A typical day includes a balance of structure, play, and care:

    • Breakfast

    • Preschool learning & center-based activities

    • Circle time

    • Outdoor play

    • Lunch

    • Nap / rest time

    • Afternoon activities and play

    Our schedule is designed to support development, routine, and social-emotional growth.

  • Yes. Spanish is naturally integrated into our classrooms through songs, conversations, routines, and cultural experiences.

    While Tiny Smiles is not a dual-language immersion program, children are exposed to Spanish in a developmentally appropriate and meaningful way.

  • No. Children do not need to be potty trained to enroll.

    When children begin showing readiness cues, our teachers will partner with families to support the potty-training process in a consistent and respectful way.

  • Yes. Tiny Smiles participates in the USDA Food Program through Northwest Nutrition.

    We provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet USDA guidelines.

  • Yes. Outdoor play is an important part of our program.
    Weather permitting, children go outside daily for movement, exploration, and play.

  • Yes, limited transportation is available.

    Transportation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a waitlist may apply. Availability depends on location, route capacity, and staffing.

  • Teacher placement depends on the location and program your child is enrolled in.

    All Tiny Smiles teachers are trained, supported, and aligned with our program values and expectations.

  • At Tiny Smiles, we use a relationship-based and developmentally appropriate approach to behavior guidance. Our goal is to help children learn social-emotional skills, self-regulation, and problem-solving in a supportive and respectful environment.

    Teachers focus on understanding the why behind behaviors, setting clear and consistent expectations, and guiding children through emotions using calm redirection, modeling, and positive reinforcement. We work closely with families to ensure consistency between home and school.

  • Yes. During a child’s first 30–45 days, our team takes time to observe, get to know each child, and understand their individual strengths and needs. This observation period helps us ensure children are supported appropriately in the classroom.

    If we notice a child may benefit from additional support, we partner with families to explore next steps. Tiny Smiles works collaboratively with MECP (Multnomah Early Childhood Program) and other community support services when appropriate, always with family involvement and consent.

    Our goal is to support children early, positively, and thoughtfully — not to label or exclude.

  • At Tiny Smiles Childcare & Preschool, clear and consistent communication is very important to us. We use Brightwheel as our primary and preferred method of communication for all families.

    Communication may include:

    • In-person conversations at drop-off and pick-up

    • Digital updates, messages, announcements, and reminders through Brightwheel (as applicable by location)

    • Photos, daily updates, and activity highlights

    • Billing statements, invoices, and important documents

    • Scheduled conferences or check-ins as needed

    While we value in-person connection, all official communication, updates, and notices are shared through Brightwheel to ensure information is organized, consistent, and accessible to all families.

    Our goal is to partner with families and ensure everyone feels informed, supported, and connected.

  • Tiny Smiles observes all federal holidays and scheduled seasonal breaks, including:

    • Winter break

    • Spring break

    • Summer break

    Families receive a calendar with closure dates in advance and prior to start date.