Step By Step Child Care

Specialties

Step By Step is a Certified In-​Home Childcare Community that has been enriching the lives of children and their families for over twenty five years. We offer care for children from 3 months old, through 3 years old. We are located in the Alameda neighborhood of NE portland. Please feel free to contact us for more information or to set up a tour.

The philosophy we follow at Step by Step is one of allowing the children to explore and learn from their surroundings, in a loving and relaxed atmosphere. The children are able to choose from an array of activities that encourage the natural development of coordination, social skills, problem solving, and language. These areas of development are represented by such activities as puzzles, climbing structures, dress-​up, art and books.

History

Established in 1987.

Step by Step was started over 25 years ago by Leslie Watson. Leslie had a gift for creating a nurturing and respectful environment for young children. Step by Step is now run by Leslie’s Son, Sam Watson, along with Director/​Co-​Head Guide, Rachel Reed, and Co-​Head Guide, Sarah Herbelin.

Meet the Manager

Rachel R.

Manager

I grew up in Sonoma County, California. Some of my interests include gardening, sewing, camping, and living as earth-​friendly as I can. I have been working with young children for over 10 years. I started in High School at my local YMCA. In college, I worked as a nanny and at a ‘Reggio Emilia’ preschool. After college I moved to Portland and worked as a Lead Teacher in a toddler classroom. In 2009 I moved to Chicago where I was in charge of a Montessori preschool after-​school program. My exposure to many different types of Early Childhood Education has allowed me to see what works best.