Little Star Preschool

12/18/2025

Some recent photos:

We've been exploring different sensory materials; rice, kinetic sand, bells, and play dough. The magnet tiles and bells is a current favorite amongst the children.

We are also slowly working on filling in our yard with different experiences. Next on the list is a sandbox!

12/14/2025

When children feel safe, seen and understood, their nervous system settles.
And when the nervous system settles, behaviour often follows.

Control might get short-term compliance.
Connection builds long-term regulation, trust and cooperation.

Before consequences, try curiosity.
Before power struggles, try presence.
Before control, try connection.

For practical, therapist-informed strategies to build connection and support behaviour, my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent is available here:
👉 www.thetherapistparent.com
👉 Amazon (search Guidance from The Therapist Parent)

12/09/2025

This was meant to be "Christmas" colored sensory rice. Since we use natural food coloring (not artificial food dye) the color is not as strong, one older child commented that it looked like "Wicked" colored rice! The kids loved it either way and spent the whole morning pouring, scooping, and dumping!

11/19/2025

Maribel Lopez has been separated from her children since early September, detained and deported to Guatemala, leaving behind her 2-year-old son. She has a pending asylum case on appeal after fleeing years of abuse in her home country.

This isn’t just a news story. It’s a reminder: separation from a primary caregiver isn’t something a baby “gets over.” It’s trauma. And for babies and toddlers, that trauma shows up in ways many adults don’t recognize. Trouble sleeping. Clinginess. Aggression. Silence. Confusion. Deep sadness. It can leave lasting scars.

Professionals working with immigrant families often ask: “How can I help this child? What do I say to the caregiver left behind? How do I even begin to make this okay?”

Access our resource for professionals who work with families affected by deportation, detention and forced separation: https://bit.ly/4dZLgMf

It’s trauma-informed, culturally-responsive and built for home visitors, caseworkers, therapists, early childhood educators, community leaders and others who are walking into these situations and trying to carry some of the weight.

11/12/2025

ERDC Approved Childcare

We only have a few enrollment spots left for ages 2 and up, we may have one spot for a child under the age of 2 but at least one year old. Our program is a Certified Family Home located in NW Corvallis.

-After School Care Care available

-We are open Monday through Friday and occasional Saturdays.

-General hours are 8:00am-4:30pm, with some flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

-We accept ERDC.

-Diapers and Wipes Provided.

-Snacks and Lunch Provided, Dinner and Breakfast provided for extended hours.

-We do not use plastics for eating and drinking.

-Reggio Emilia Inspired, Play Based and Child Led. We heavily believe in the importance of PLAY!

You can message our page, email, or text for more information. Space is very limited at this time!

-Holland
503.819.6319
homepreschool.littlestar@gmail.com

10/15/2025

We are starting our pumpkin decorating with acrylics. I wonder what they will add next? 👀

10/15/2025

Babies feel what we feel.
Even before they have the words, they sense tension, worry and change.

That’s why supporting caregivers is supporting babies.
Because when you’re well, they’re better too.

09/24/2025

Blackberry Academy has opened under a new state licensing program.

09/03/2025

We only have two enrollment spots left for ages 2 and up, children under 2 are welcome to join our waitlist. Our program is a Certified Family Home located in NW Corvallis.

-After School Care for Leticia Carson Elementary School or Garfield

-We are open Monday through Friday and occasional Saturdays.

-General hours are 8:00am-4:30pm, with some flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

-We accept ERDC.

-Diapers and Wipes Provided.

-Snacks and Lunch Provided.

-We do not use plastics for eating and drinking.

-Reggio Emilia Inspired, Play Based and Child Led

You can message our page, email, or text for more information. Space is very limited at this time!

-Holland
503.819.6319
homepreschool.littlestar@gmail.com

Located in NW Corvallis Oregon

08/20/2025

One million neural connections every second happens in a baby’s brain during the first three years.

This is the main event. The way we show up with emotionally nourishing, supportive relationships shapes lifelong health and well-being.

Let’s treat it like it matters. Because it does.