Chickadee Ridge Early Learning Center| Estacada Nature-Based Preschool

Play. explore. learn.

A safe and joyful place for your lovely children

Helping Children Learn and Grow with Joy and Purpose
Learning happens everywhere—in the classroom, at home, and in the world. My goal is to support children and their families with developmentally appropriate tools, strategies, and activities.

(503) 683-1096
About us

We are here to help parents raise happy and healthy children

At Chickadee Ridge Early Learning Center, we believe that childhood is a time to explore, create, and grow with joy. Our nature-based program nurtures the whole child—emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually—through play, nature, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Founded and led by Susie, a passionate early childhood educator, Chickadee Ridge provides a warm, engaging environment where children are supported in becoming confident, curious, and kind learners.

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We believe that every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. At Chickadee Ridge, we care for the whole child—nurturing not only learning, but relationships, resilience, and joy.

Susan Alban
Founder & Head of School

Childcare Options

Age-specific support for every stage

Infant

A warm, safe, and nurturing environment for your baby to grow and thrive. We focus on responsive care, comfort, and early sensory experiences.

Toddlers

Active and curious, toddlers learn best through play! We encourage independence, social skills, and language development in a safe, engaging setting.

Preschool

Our preschool program emphasizes school readiness through hands-on learning, creativity, and structured play. Perfect for curious minds preparing for kindergarten!

Why us

The best early learning experience

We believe every child deserves a nurturing environment that inspires growth, curiosity, and confidence. Our approach focuses on the values that matter most to families and children alike.

Holistic approach
Passionate teachers
Safe & Caring Supervision
Kindness

We foster a culture of respect and empathy, teaching children to care for themselves, others, and their community through positive interactions.

Emotional

Our supportive environment helps children build resilience, self-confidence, and the ability to manage emotions in healthy ways.

Creativity

Through art, music, and imaginative play, we encourage self-expression and problem-solving, sparking a lifelong love of learning.

Innovation

We integrate modern teaching strategies and engaging materials to make learning both effective and exciting for every child.

Daily Activities

Designed to help children realize their potential

Morning Huddles

Start the day with a warm welcome, sharing time, and songs to build community and confidence.

The Basics

We reinforce age-appropriate skills like letters, numbers, and self-help habits for lifelong learning.

Play Stations

Creative play areas encourage imagination, problem-solving, and social skills in a safe environment.

Learning Lab

Focused activities that spark curiosity and early academic skills through hands-on exploration.

Superfoods

Nutritious meals and snacks to fuel healthy minds and growing bodies, with a focus on balanced choices.

Outdoor Play

Fresh air, movement, and nature-based play for physical development and a love of the outdoors.

More than just a joyful place

We’re dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive every day.