2.5 to 5 years old

At Casa Feliz Play School, early childhood education should be joyful and enriching, nurturing the whole child. Our curriculum, designed for children aged 31 months to 5 years, integrates elements from the Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori approaches, emphasizing respect, cultural immersion, and play-based learning.

Curriculum

Play-Based
Learning &
Exploration

We prioritize child-led and guided play to foster creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful relationships. Activities include dramatic play, constructive play with open-ended materials, sensory experiences, outdoor exploration, and Montessori practical life exercises

Social-Emotional
Development
& Respectful
Relationships

Our educators build secure, trusting relationships with children, guiding them in emotional awareness, conflict resolution, empathy, and inclusion. Predictable daily routines, inspired by Waldorf education, provide a sense of security and flow.

Language,
Literacy,
and Cultural
Immersion

Immersion in Portuguese, with exposure to Spanish and English, creates a language-rich environment. Daily storytelling, songs, and cultural music enhance vocabulary and cultural appreciation, while artistic expression and respectful dialogue encourage early literacy and communication skills.

Mathematics,
Science &
Nature-Based
Learning

Children explore early math and science concepts through hands-on activities. Counting, sorting, nature walks, cooking projects, and simple experiments encourage curiosity and discovery. Montessori sensorial materials further refine observation and categorization skills.

Physical
Development
& Autonomy

We support the development of gross and fine motor skills through outdoor play, self-care routines, and activities promoting hand-eye coordination. Mealtime rituals introduce children to diverse foods, including traditional Brazilian cuisine, fostering healthy living habits.
Our holistic, play-based, and culturally rich curriculum aims to prepare children for future learning while honoring their unique personalities and developmental rhythms. We strive to create an environment where children feel secure, respected, and deeply connected to their community and culture.ss.

7:30 AM

8:20 AM

Morning Arrival & Settling In

  • Warm welcomes in Portuguese, encouraging connection.

  • Free play with open-ended toys (e.g., wooden blocks, scarves, sensory bins)

  • Caregivers provide unhurried drop-off support.

8:30 AM

9:00 AM

Breakfast & Snack

  • Children sit together at a low table, practicing self-feeding and social interaction.


  • Language-rich environment: caregivers describe foods and model simple conversations (e.g., “Obrigado” and “Por favor”).

9:10 AM

10:00 AM

Outdoor Exploration & Movement Play

  • Gross motor activities: climbing, balancing, running, and cooperative games.

  • Nature-based play: gardening, sand, and water play, collecting leaves and rocks.

  • Sensory walks: observing plants, animals, and environmental changes.

10:10 AM

10:50 AM

Morning Learning Block

  • Thematic Play; Learning Stations:

  • Early literacy: reading Portuguese and bilingual books, storytelling, and letter recognition.

  • Math concepts: counting, sorting, simple puzzles.

  • Science exploration: observing nature, simple experiments, sensory discovery.

  • Art & Creativity: painting, sculpting, dramatic play.

  • Music & Movement: singing Brazilian songs, dancing, playing instruments.

11:00 AM

11:45 AM

Lunch & Rest Preparation

  • Independence at mealtime: self-serving, using utensils, and pouring water.

  • Calm transitions to nap/rest: dim lights, soothing music, gentle stretching.

12:00 PM

2:45 PM

Nap/Quiet Time

  • A restful environment with cozy bedding and a calming ambiance

  • Children who do not nap engage in quiet activities such as looking at books or drawing.

3:00 PM

3:30 PM

Afternoon Wake-Up & Snack

  • A restful environment with cozy bedding and a calming ambiance

  • Children who do not nap engage in quiet activities such as looking at books or drawing.

3:40 PM

4:30 PM

Afternoon Play & Enrichment

  • Art & Sensory Activities:

  • Finger painting with natural dyes.

  • Playdough exploration.

  • Water play (pouring, splashing).

  • Storytelling & Puppet Play.

4:40 PM

5:30 PM

Closing Play & Parent Pick-Up

We help children gather their shoes and backpacks and prepare for pick-up. If the weather is nice, we spend this time outside to ease the transition and welcome families calmly and connectedly.
  • Capacity: Designed for children from 2.5 to 5 years old.

  • Focus: Building language, cooperation, independence, and problem-solving skills.

  • Respect for Readiness: Activities and transitions are adapted to each child’s pace, ensuring they are prepared for their next stage.

By the time children complete their journey at Casa Feliz, they leave feeling secure, confident, and deeply connected to their caregivers, peers, and the world around them.

Location 

Older Toddler House

Monday – Friday 7:30am-5:00pm.

In September, the opening hours changed to: 
Monday – Friday 7:30am-5:30pm.


Why Casa Arara Azul?

Located at our 83rd Avenue site, Casa Arara Azul is named after the remarkable little blue macaw, a native bird of Brazil’s arid Northeast. Once extinct in the wild due to habitat destruction, this resilient species has made a hopeful return, thanks to decades of conservation work.

The name Casa Arara Azul reflects our commitment to integrating Brazilian culture and wildlife into the children’s daily experience. We connect the children with meaningful symbols of nature, heritage, and care through names, stories, and activities.

For families looking to share in the magic, we recommend the animated film Rio, which beautifully celebrates the blue macaw and offers a playful, educational glimpse into this unique part of Brazil’s natural world.

We invite you to bring this name into your home vocabulary and to reach out with any questions about the animals, our inspiration, or the cultural elements we celebrate at Casa Feliz.

At Casa Feliz, every name tells a story. Welcome to Casa Arara Azul.

Our Casas

Infant daycare curriculum Portland childcare

Infant House
Children aged 3 to 15 months

Toddler House
Children aged 15 to 30 months

Casa Feliz Childcare – Bilingual Culture Immersion Child Care in Portland, Oregon

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