"La Petite Playschool is undoubtedly one of the BEST childcare programs in Corvallis, Or. The owner, Lisa Miller, has put together an incredible program that not only includes structured school activities and free play but also gives the children the extra TLC that they occasionally need when Mom or Dad are not around. Everything about La Petite is focused on the children and their well being, which is why I have never, and will never, take my daughter anywhere else."
Alison, Teagan's mommy (enrolled 9/2009)
"I found La Petite Playschool when my mother (who was my daughter's daycare provider at the time) needed to leave the state to take care of a friend. We were down to very short notice, and had begun to check out daycare facilities in the area. I was extremely paranoid about the idea of having my daughter in daycare with a stranger because she had never been watched by a non-family member before. Issues I had run into while checking out other providers included:
Bad reputations (word of mouth), facilities that allowed non-staff members to hang out with the kids... (read: "You might see Bob drop by, he's not part of our program, but he's harmless..."), home daycare setups where the children were "watched" via one-way radio vs. the daycare host being able to visually see them, large dogs present with lots of kids (I LOVE dogs, but my kid will test her limits, and I can't handle the worry), and daycare setups within the home of children who were having problems sharing their home space/rooms/toys.
The list went on and I was getting more and more disheartened by the idea of finding a good daycare with such a time constraint. Then we were able to get a meeting with Miss Lisa, and I told her about all of the things I had run into, and my concerns. Her home setup is charming! It's not "This is my home, and I happen to have kids running around..." it's the opposite! La Petite is first a playschool (with children, and play equipment, and safety in mind)-- Miss Lisa just happens to live there.
After meeting we were offered the chance to take an afternoon to shadow our daughter (which her dad was able to take Miss Lisa up on), and at the end of the day Maddy was ecstatic! She'd had tons of fun, and her dad had nothing but wonderful things to say about the experience as well.
We chose La Petite because it felt right, and was the only place we had found that made us relax a bit about the idea of having to transition to formal daycare. About a month later, when my mom returned, ready and willing to continue being our daycare provider, Maddy had already grown so much socially-- suddenly having an entire group of new friends, that we (my entire family) decided to keep her in school rather than take her out. She loves it there and thrives in it!"
Amanda, Maddy's mommy (enrolled 7/2010)
"We were very nervous about having to put our son in daycare, but he absolutely loves going to Playschool and actually seems disappointed on the days he "has" to stay home with us. Knowing he is in safe and loving hands puts our minds at ease so we can focus on our work when we have to be away from him. We highly recommend Miss Lisa and her assistants!"
Kara and Michael, Luke's parents (enrolled 3/2011)
"I am so thrilled to have my 4 year old daughter attending La Petite Playschool. The entire staff are energetic, attentive, and all-around-wonderful caregivers. It is so heartwarming how much they care, and what a safe and fun environment they create for the children. I most certainly recommend La Petite Playschool!"
Anjie, Lacy's mommy (enrolled 4/2011)
"Our daughter Maggie has been at La Petite Playschool since June of 2011 and we couldn't be happier with our choice. My husband and I felt that Maggie needed to be near children her own age and that she was ready for a school curriculum. Until Maggie turned 3 she had never been in daycare. She had a hard time adjusting to the change in routine and being away from Mommy and Daddy. Miss Lisa was very supportive and we all worked together to make Maggie's transition a success. I am proud to say that Maggie now looks forward to school everyday and is always excited to see her friends. I was especially grateful for the constant email and photo updates provided by Miss Lisa in Maggie's first few days at school. As all parents know, it was hard to be away from her and the emails made it that much easier. I am also grateful for the daily updates Miss Lisa provides. I know exactly what Maggie had for breakfast, lunch and snack, if she napped and for how long, and how her behavior was that day. Maggie surprises me every day with a new song or story and told me that my "eyes were sparkling because I love her". This was something she had learned to say at school. If that's not proof of a loving supportive environment, I don't know what is."
Tiffany and Eric, Maggie's parents (enrolled 6/2011)
"Is there a way to get on a "wait list" when there is a full time opening? I do want to let you know that we have been making site visits to other daycares and they dont even come close to the amazing experience we had with you. You've definitely spoiled us! Blake asked me last night if he got to go play with "Teacher Lisa"... so cute!
I can't wait until Blake gets to go back to La Petite. Please call as soon as there is an opening!"
Linda - Blakes, mommy (enrolled 6/2011 and re-enrolled in late 2011)
We have been part of the La Petite Family for almost two years now and I know we will be a part for years to come! I constantly remind the director, Miss Lisa, that we should have started with La Petite Playschool from the beginning! (at 3 months old / after my maternity leave)
The La Petite family is absolutely the BEST daycare for every child! I describe La Petite as a family because that's how comfortable you feel here. The staff, the other children and the other parents are so caring, thoughtful and generous. This is the only childcare where I've felt completely at ease and trusted that my child would be safe, properly cared for, and LOVED.
Just a few of my favorite things about La Petite Playschool are:
- Education: they use great educational tools and techniques such as Zoo Phonics. Miss Lisa surprised us one day at pick-up, with my 2 year old reciting animal mnemonics linked to alphabet letter sounds. I hadn't realized how MUCH and how QUICKLY he learned things! He also came home one day singing the alphabet (after learning it at school,) even though we had been trying to teach it to him at home for many months before.
- Plethora of Activities: from indoor crafts to the indoor play gym (which my son calls "the castle"), from the gymnastics/dance classes twice a week to the outdoor playground, this place has it ALL. The custom-made play area in the back is especially awesome! A continuous lap track for hardcore wheelers (like my son) and a safe rock climbing apparatus are just a couple of activities enough to keep all of the little ones occupied and active!
- Facebook connection: Some days photos are (securely) posted of all the fun things the babies and the kids get to do. Also this is a great connection for the parents to communicate with one another! I love logging on everyday to read updates or see what the kids are doing for the day!
- Parent Letters: I haven't found ANY daycare or educational provider that takes the time OR effort to write daily summaries of EACH child in their care. These Parent Letters inform me of how my child ate, slept, behaved and what he did that day! Every time I read one, it can feel like I've shared in a part of my child's day! I LOVE these Parent Letters!
Miss Lisa and ALL of the wonderful teachers at La Petite put so much time and energy into caring for each individual child. You can tell that every single teacher genuinely LOVES their job and loves each child. My son, Ryder wakes up every morning asking if he is going to "school" today and gleams with joy when I say yes. He gives me a cute, but very disappointing "awwwwww" if I tell him that its the weekend and there isn't school that day. My only regret about La Petite is that I didn't enroll Ryder earlier!"
Cheri, Ryder's mommy (enrolled 7/2011)
"I can't say enough about La Petite Playschool except that we are so lucky to have Mallory getting care there. There is nothing more important than where your children are when they aren't with you and we had such a tough time with finding a place we were comfortable with. We were brand new to Corvallis in July of 2011 and our baby was 6 months old. Child number #1 so we are new to it all and naive and anxious I guess. The amount of burden that Miss Lisa and her excellent staff took out of the stressors of both mommy and daddy moving to a brand new area and with 2 brand new jobs is immeasurable. We just wish Mallory was able to go full time because we know she misses it on the days she is not there. We have had an excellent time and look forward to being there where she can grow and be part of the excellent toddler/preschool portion of the program. I think we and all the other fabulous kids and staff are lucky to be part of the family that is La Petite Playschool!!"
Kim and Duncan, Mallory's parents (enrolled 7/2011) and Cameron (enrolled November 2012)The La Petite family is absolutely the BEST daycare for every child! I describe La Petite as a family because that's how comfortable you feel here. The staff, the other children and the other parents are so caring, thoughtful and generous. This is the only childcare where I've felt completely at ease and trusted that my child would be safe, properly cared for, and LOVED.
Just a few of my favorite things about La Petite Playschool are:
- Education: they use great educational tools and techniques such as Zoo Phonics. Miss Lisa surprised us one day at pick-up, with my 2 year old reciting animal mnemonics linked to alphabet letter sounds. I hadn't realized how MUCH and how QUICKLY he learned things! He also came home one day singing the alphabet (after learning it at school,) even though we had been trying to teach it to him at home for many months before.
- Plethora of Activities: from indoor crafts to the indoor play gym (which my son calls "the castle"), from the gymnastics/dance classes twice a week to the outdoor playground, this place has it ALL. The custom-made play area in the back is especially awesome! A continuous lap track for hardcore wheelers (like my son) and a safe rock climbing apparatus are just a couple of activities enough to keep all of the little ones occupied and active!
- Facebook connection: Some days photos are (securely) posted of all the fun things the babies and the kids get to do. Also this is a great connection for the parents to communicate with one another! I love logging on everyday to read updates or see what the kids are doing for the day!
- Parent Letters: I haven't found ANY daycare or educational provider that takes the time OR effort to write daily summaries of EACH child in their care. These Parent Letters inform me of how my child ate, slept, behaved and what he did that day! Every time I read one, it can feel like I've shared in a part of my child's day! I LOVE these Parent Letters!
Miss Lisa and ALL of the wonderful teachers at La Petite put so much time and energy into caring for each individual child. You can tell that every single teacher genuinely LOVES their job and loves each child. My son, Ryder wakes up every morning asking if he is going to "school" today and gleams with joy when I say yes. He gives me a cute, but very disappointing "awwwwww" if I tell him that its the weekend and there isn't school that day. My only regret about La Petite is that I didn't enroll Ryder earlier!"
Cheri, Ryder's mommy (enrolled 7/2011)
"I can't say enough about La Petite Playschool except that we are so lucky to have Mallory getting care there. There is nothing more important than where your children are when they aren't with you and we had such a tough time with finding a place we were comfortable with. We were brand new to Corvallis in July of 2011 and our baby was 6 months old. Child number #1 so we are new to it all and naive and anxious I guess. The amount of burden that Miss Lisa and her excellent staff took out of the stressors of both mommy and daddy moving to a brand new area and with 2 brand new jobs is immeasurable. We just wish Mallory was able to go full time because we know she misses it on the days she is not there. We have had an excellent time and look forward to being there where she can grow and be part of the excellent toddler/preschool portion of the program. I think we and all the other fabulous kids and staff are lucky to be part of the family that is La Petite Playschool!!"
"A co-worker recommended La Petite Playschool to us when we were looking for day care for our 7 month old baby. We are more then pleased with all the loving care our child receives at Playschool. We love the daily summaries that detail feedings, naps and all the fun activities and interactions with the other kids. Some of the activities have included baby sign, story time, listening and dancing to music, making music, and many more fun and stimulating activities. Our child is always happy when we drop him off and I am very comforted knowing that he is going to have a fun day with Miss Lisa and her loving staff. Miss Lisa has created a wonderful, cozy, and stimulating environment that is well organized and clean. We are very happy to have found La Petite Playschool as it has surpassed our expectations."
Erin and Kraig, Aspen's parents (enrolled 8/2011)
"Our daughter started at La Petite playschool when she was 13 months old. It was her first experience in a real daycare environment and we were nervous that she may have a hard time transitioning. The loving and patient staff immediately embraced our daughter and made every effort to make her feel comfortable. It took a few weeks for the adjustment, but once she got in the routine, she looked forward to going to La Petite. She even had a few special staff members that she bonded with right away and would ask for by name. It has been almost two years since she has attended La Petite, and in that time our child has thrived and excelled at a rapid rate. Every day she has learned something new or experienced a fun activity. The staff makes sure to cater to each child's needs and different comforting or learning techniques, which is often hard to come by in public daycare. We can truly say it is her home away from home and are so thankful that we came across this gem of a daycare and all the jewels (staff members) that make it the special place it is."
Emily and Alex, Sophie's parents (enrolled 9/2011)
"After having Max I was able to enjoy staying home with him for the first three months before having to return to work. Knowing that I would be leaving my new little baby in the hands of others while I and my husband worked full time felt intimidating and sad at first. But after Max's first few days at La Petite Playschool I new we had found a wonderful place for Max to learn and grow. The assistants and Miss Lisa are so caring and wonderful and Max has really flourished under their care. He loves going to Playschool to play with his friends and has so much fun with everyone there. It really feels like a second little family for Max!"
Jenny, Max's mommy (enrolled 10/2011)
"Going off to work every day and leaving your precious little one with someone else all day can be stressful. However, knowing that my son is with the best caregivers that I could have ever asked for allows me to go to work and not worry about him. The atmosphere at La Petite is playful but safe and the kids have a great time. My son loves to go to Playschool and misses his friends when he is home on the weekend. Miss Lisa and the staff take care of these kids like they were their own. One of my favorite aspects of the La Petite program is the daily reports they send home with your child. The little notes about things that go on during the day help me feel like I am not missing so much. They put so much effort into making sure that the kids are happy, well-fed, active and continually promote their growth and development with educational playtime activities."
Dulcy, Kyle's mommy (enrolled 11/2011)
Ashly started attending La Petite Playschool (LPP) in March of 2012. We chose LPP for the academic
structure it would bring Ashly and preparing her for kindergarten someday. When we interviewed with Miss Lisa, she met us on a weekend because of our busy schedule and we appreciated her willingness to meet so quickly and on her day off. I knew we were destined for this Playschool when she and my husband were both wearing OSU shirts. J
We are truly amazed at how much Ashly learns in a day/week/month. On our commute home she always sings a new song, practices phonics, tells me a cute story, etc. The first time I saw her do Zoo Phonics from A to Z I was impressed! The teachers and Miss Lisa at LPP are truly amazing and we cannot thank them enough for all their time, patience, and knowledge.
We look forward to the daily report cards. It is amazing that with all the kids they put so much detail in a report (such as what she ate/how she ate/potty/boos/lessons/comments/time outs, etc. ). My favorite part is the “cute saying” that my daughter says throughout the day. I save the report cards and someday I’m going to scrapbook some of those sayings.
Ashly socially has impressed me. She loves LPP and all her friends there and when we have to stay home for illness/vacation/weekend I can tell she misses it. I’m glad LPP has a Facebook page and Miss Lisa always does such a good job with notifications and posting pictures from special events.
~ Michael and Christine Terpack, parents of Ashly (enrolled 3/2012)
"We are very appreciative of the high quality care and experiences that our boys are receiving at La Petite Playschool. The staff is very attentive and caring, and our boys both love interacting with the other children and the school's teachers. We are very happy with our decision to enroll our children at La Petite."
Mark and Stephanie, Rohan and Donnan's parents (enrolled 7/2012)
Past families:
"When my daughter Hallie went to La Petite Playschool, she learned so much. I am fully confident that she is prepared for kindergarten this year due to the time La Petite spent with her. The learning, structure, and loving atmosphere of La Petite has gone well over my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe, structured, learning experience for their child. Miss Lisa is a wonderful person as well as all of the La Petite staff. This isn’t just your average playschool, there is a lot of over and beyond activities that the playschool does that makes it such a wonderful, fun place!"
Jennie, Hallie's mommy (Hallie left to attend kindergarten)
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for making La Petite a special, fun, caring, safe place for all kids. Too bad we didn't find you earlier. You, your staff, and the children that go there gave Edgar so much happiness! He loved it there sooo much that even on weekends he wanted to go there! Thank you for putting your heart into what you do. I will tell everyone I know that La Petite is the best preschool."
Kirey, Edgar's mommy (Edgar left to attend kindergarten)
"When Ivie attended La Petite Playschool, she came home everyday with stories of all the fun things they did that day. She was always engaged and excited to be there! Miss Lisa and her staff did a wonderful job keeping Ivie happy and learning, which made my life easier as well! We will miss everyone next year with Ivie going to kindergarten!"
Jessica, Ivie's mommy (Ivie left to attend kindergarten)
"LaPetite Playschool is awesome! At first, like many first time parents, I was very aprehensive about putting our 1 and half year old in daycare. She had been taken care of by family in the past but that wasn't working out anymore. Lisa and her Staff welcomed Stella like she was their own. I hadn't intented for Stella to partake in preschool but she definetly benefitted from that experience as well. Stella, even though she has been home with me for the past 4 months, still talks about the yellow school and Miss Lisa. If in the future we need childcare again, I sure hope they have opennings for us."
Robyn, Stella's mommy (Stella left Playschool to stay home with her mommy and baby sister)
"Lisa Miller is such an important part of my life and the lives of my children. She provided care for all four of my children, mostly my youngest three for over 2 1/2 years.. She is amazing and loves each and every child that comes to La Petite. My children felt safe, loved, nurtured and secure when they were with Miss Lisa and her staff. I personally wouldn't have made it the last two and a half years working full time and trying to raise four children alone if it wasn't for Miss Lisa. She is a part of our family and will always be. When I was searching for daycare facilities it was my goal to find a center that provided two aspects of care. 1. Providing an at-home atmosphere. 2. Providing structure and learning. Lisa provides both to all of her children. It has been a great pleasure of mine to watch La Petite grow into the facility it is today. So many adorable children and great parents! I was grateful to be a part of the La Petite family."
Heather - Kaleb, Kennedy, Elijah, and Austin's mommy (Elijah left to attend kindergarten)
"After looking at numerous daycares for our infant daughter, we chose La Petite Playschool and couldn’t be happier. She receives lots of love and one-on-one attention, and we are happy that the staff also focuses on learning. Even the infants sing songs, learn new words and play outside. It’s obvious our daughter is very happy and comfortable at her home away from home. We couldn’t be more confident with our decision to have our daughter at La Petite."
Carl and Laura, Laura's parents (Laura left to attend daycare in Salem)
"It is hard being a working mom and having to leave your child all day, every day of the week. I take comfort in knowing that when I drop Corbin off at La Petite Playschool I know that he is safe, very well loved, and learning all day long. Though he can't say it in words (yet), I know Corbin love it here. I can see it in his face that his is genuinely happy to be there."
Kate, Corbin's momm (Corbin attended Playschool about 18 months and left to attend a child care center that could accomodate both him and his new baby sister which we unfortunately didn't have a spot for)
"My son started attending La Petite Playschool when he was 10 months old. Although I had been lucky enough to take my classes online and stay home to take care of my son after he was born, I needed to return to taking classes on campus, and needed to find a trustworthy childcare provider. Maybe it’s just because he is my first and only child, but even just the thought of trusting a stranger to take care of my son was overwhelming. I was so grateful to find Lisa and the staff at La Petite, who took amazing care of my son. Handing off a crying 10 month old to someone you’ve only met once and hearing them say ‘don’t worry he’ll be fine’ makes a person a bit incredulous, but Lisa was right, and my son has been fine there for over two years! As much as I miss him during the day, its nice to find a place that he loves so much he doesn’t want to leave at the end of the day."
Erica, Isaiah's mommy (Isaiah attended Playschool 3 years and left to move to Hawaii)
"La Petite is far more than a daycare for my son, it is a second home. When we first began looking for childcare, we visited 4 different places in the area but after visiting La Petite and meeting Miss Lisa, Miss Danielle, Miss Lolly and Miss Barbara, we knew there was no better place for Zack. He was 1 when he began at La Petite and he is now 5. He loves getting up and going to Playschool every morning. I cant imagine our lives without these amazing women. From structured school time to play time and adorable arts and crafts. Miss Lisa has transformed her home into the ultimate playschool. There is no one better to care for your children. Her daily letters let you in on every part of their day. We love you La Petite!"
Chelsea, Zack's mommy (Zack attended Playschool 4 years and left to attend kindergarten)
"My daughter has been attending LaPetite since May 2011. In just a short time she has grown so much both socially and academically. The structure and ciriculum are outstanding, Miss Lisa and her assistants are wonderful and the food program is excellent. I plan on keeping Lila there until she starts kindergarten."
Katie, Lila's mommy (Lila attended Playschool almost 2 years and left to attend preschool in Alsea)
"As a first time parent, I was very apprehensive about putting my baby in child care when I had to return to work full time. With luck, I found La Petite Playschool and felt immediately at home. After touring many different child care centers, I had become so discouraged. None of them even came close to meeting my standards for the quality of loving care and attention I wanted for my 6 month old. I knew the moment I stepped foot into La Petite that we had found the place for my daughter. My first interaction with Miss Lisa and her staff was so encouraging. I could immediately tell that my baby would be in a safe and loving environment. Her facility is warm, inviting, and extremely kid-friendly. The baby room play area is developmentally appropriate and is filled with safe, fun and engaging toys for the babies. The nap areas are soothing, quiet, and dark, making it easier for my baby to sleep (which is so important to me and something I have not found at many places!). They provide me with a detailed summary of my daughter's day which is so fun to read. I feel like I'm included in her day when I can't physically be there with her. My daughter absolutely loves being with Miss Lisa and her staff, and I feel they love her as well. Children are so hoest, and you can tell immediately that all of the kids that attend La Petite enjoy being there. That is something I could not ignore. Trusting someone else with the well-being, education, and care of my baby is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Lisa and her staff made this easy for me, and I am so thankful we found them!"
Amy, Alli's mommy (Alli attended Playschool over a year and left to attend daycare in Eugene)
