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Children learning at Family Cares Day Care

Family Cares Day Care

A Family Built on Love, Learning & Community

At Family Cares Day Care, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and joyful place to grow. Since 2009, we've been that place for hundreds of families across Portland and Gresham — and we're just getting started.

Serving Families Since 2009

Founded by James and Anita Hunter with a clear commitment to warmth, trust, and genuine love for children.

7 Locations Across Portland & Gresham

A growing network of care rooted in family relationships and strong community trust.

Our Story

How It All Began

Family Cares Day Care was founded in September 2009 by James and Anita Hunter — a husband and wife team with a shared dream of creating a childcare experience rooted in warmth, trust, and genuine love for children.

What started as a single in-home childcare program has grown into a network of 7 locations across Portland and Gresham, Oregon. Through every step of that journey, James and Anita have remained deeply connected to the families they serve — building lasting relationships and earning a reputation in the community that they are truly proud of.

From the very beginning, one thing has never changed: every child who walks through our doors is treated like family.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster a love of learning in your little ones — through creative lesson plans, hands-on exploration, and a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

"A creative education has the power to catapult children into a lifetime of curiosity."

Our Values

What We Stand For

Family First

We are a family-owned and operated organization, and that spirit flows into everything we do. Every family that joins us becomes part of our extended family.

Inclusive & Welcoming

We celebrate children and families of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities in inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces where every child belongs.

Every Child, Every Need

We proudly serve children with special needs, behavioral challenges, and high medical needs with trained, attentive educators.

Community Rooted

We've been part of the Portland and Gresham communities for over 15 years, showing up for families, neighborhoods, and children's futures.

Curriculum

How We Teach & Why It Works

At Family Cares Day Care, learning isn't something that happens in a chair — it happens everywhere. Our curriculum is built on the belief that children learn best through play, discovery, and hands-on exploration.

We draw from a rich blend of proven educational philosophies to create an experience that is engaging, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful for every child.

High Scope Curriculum

Our preschool program is grounded in the High Scope curriculum — a research-backed approach that empowers children to plan, do, and reflect on their own learning.

Montessori & Nature-Based Learning

We incorporate Montessori principles and nature-based learning to encourage independence, curiosity, and a deep connection to the world around them.

Culturally Responsive Teaching

We believe every child's background, language, and culture is a gift. Our educators honor identity while building bridges across our diverse community.

Self-Directed Play & Discovery

Our qualified and nurturing staff create engaging environments that encourage children to explore interests while building essential developmental skills.

Our Staff

The People Behind the Care

Our team is our greatest strength. At Family Cares Day Care, we seek out educators who don't just have the right credentials — they have the right heart.

We prioritize hiring highly trained professionals with lived experience as linguistic or ethnic minorities, demonstrated cultural sensitivity, and fluency in high-demand languages. We believe a diverse staff is essential for promoting equity, representation, and belonging in our classrooms.

Our staff participate in ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of early childhood education — because your child deserves nothing less than the very best.

Our low staff-to-student ratios mean every child receives the focused attention, guidance, and care they need to thrive — socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively — at their own individual pace.

A Space Built for Every Child

All of our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to be sensory-friendly — creating calm, welcoming, and soothing environments where every child can feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn. Whether your child has sensory sensitivities, special needs, or simply thrives in a structured environment, we've got a space that's just right for them.

Nourishing Little Bodies & Minds

We take care of the whole child — and that includes what they eat. All Family Cares Day Care locations serve USDA-approved breakfast, snack, and lunch, giving children the nutrition they need to stay energized, focused, and ready to learn throughout the day.

Come See It for Yourself

The best way to experience Family Cares Day Care is to visit us. We'd love to show you around, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect program for your child.

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