Wabash Avenue
7633 N Wabash Ave Portland Or 97217
(503)477-6905
martha.sanjuan.ev@gmail.com
Infant Toddler Program
Mon to Fri : 8:00am-5:00pm
Preschool for All-Preschool program
Mon to Fri : 7:30am-5:30pm
our Wabash Avenue Location
our Wabash Avenue Location
Close in North Portland just off of N. Lombard, close to Kaiser Permanente on N. Interstate Ave and the Adidas campus. We serve children ages 6 months to 5 years of age.
Take a Peek at Our Space
Infant to Toddler
Wabash Avenue Programs
Infants
Wobblers
Toddlers
Infants
Infants
In our Infant Classes, we understand the unique needs of our youngest learners. Our classroom model is designed to ensure that each infant receives ample individual attention. With small class sizes, two dedicated teachers, and additional support staff, we create a nurturing, home-like environment. Our goal is to meet the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of each infant through a blend of quiet and active exploration spaces. We focus on creating loving and respectful relationships that mirror the care they receive at home, fostering a sense of family and belonging.
What’s included:
- 6 months at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 3 children to 1 adult
Please contact the site director to determine rates or availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class.
5 days
4 days
3 days – mWF
2 days – T, TH
full day
$1,950
$1,750
$1,550
$1,350
half day
$1,650
$1,450
$1,250
$1,050
Wobblers
Wobblers
Our Wobbler Classes cater to children who are just beginning to walk and explore their world more independently. We maintain small class sizes with two teachers and support staff to provide the necessary attention and care. Our environment is designed to support the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of wobblers, offering spaces for both quiet reflection and active play. We emphasize creating strong, loving relationships with each child, aiming to extend the warmth and respect they experience at home. This helps us build a close-knit community where each child feels secure and valued.
What’s included:
- 16 months at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 4 children to 1 adult
- Walking
- One nap a day
Please contact the site director to determine rates/availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class.
5 days
4 days
3 days – mWF
2 days – T, TH
full day
$1,950
$1,750
$1,550
$1,350
half day
$1,650
$1,450
$1,250
$1,050
Toddlers
toddlers
In our Toddler Classes, we recognize the growing independence and curiosity of children aged two to three years. Our small class sizes, with two teachers and additional support, ensure that each toddler’s needs are met in a caring, structured environment. We provide a balance of quiet areas and active play spaces, fostering the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each child. Our approach centers on forming deep, lasting relationships with our toddlers, akin to the love and respect they receive from their families. This nurturing environment helps toddlers thrive and feel like a part of our extended Escuela Viva family.
What’s included:
- 24 months at the start of the school session
- Actively learning preschool skills
- Beginning to work on toileting skills
- Starting to put on shoes/pants/coats independently
- Using words to communicate
- Building relationships, social skills and larger group (community) skills.
- Child to teacher ratio is 5 children to 1 adult
Please contact the site director to determine rates/availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class.
5 days
4 days
3 days – mWF
2 days – T, TH
full day
$1,800
$1,600
$1,400
$1,250
half day
$1,500
$1,300
$1,100
$900
Due to high demand and a robust waitlist, we are not offering tours unless we are able to offer your family a spot in our program. We do send updates to our waitlist several times a month to keep you updated. Additionally, the childcare industry, in general, is struggling with hiring. We are currently putting enrollment on hold while we focus on staff retention and hiring. We appreciate your understanding.
Infant to Toddler
Wabash Avenue Programs
Infants
In our Infant Classes, we understand the unique needs of our youngest learners. Our classroom model is designed to ensure that each infant receives ample individual attention. With small class sizes, two dedicated teachers, and additional support staff, we create a nurturing, home-like environment. Our goal is to meet the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of each infant through a blend of quiet and active exploration spaces. We focus on creating loving and respectful relationships that mirror the care they receive at home, fostering a sense of family and belonging.
What’s Included:
- 6 months at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 3 children to 1 adult
Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class.
full day
half day
$1,950
5 days
$1,650
5 days
$1,750
4 days
$1,450
4 days
$1,550
3 days – MWF
$1,250
3 days – MWF
$1,350
2 days – T, TH
$1,050
2 days – T, TH
Wobblers
Our Wobbler Classes cater to children who are just beginning to walk and explore their world more independently. We maintain small class sizes with two teachers and support staff to provide the necessary attention and care. Our environment is designed to support the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of wobblers, offering spaces for both quiet reflection and active play. We emphasize creating strong, loving relationships with each child, aiming to extend the warmth and respect they experience at home. This helps us build a close-knit community where each child feels secure and valued.
What’s Included:
- 16 months at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 4 children to 1 adult
- Walking
- One nap a day
Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class.
full day
half day
$1,950
5 days
$1,650
5 days
$1,750
4 days
$1,450
4 days
$1,550
3 days – MWF
$1,250
3 days – MWF
$1,350
2 days – T, TH
$1,050
2 days – T, TH
Toddlers
In our Toddler Classes, we recognize the growing independence and curiosity of children aged two to three years. Our small class sizes, with two teachers and additional support, ensure that each toddler’s needs are met in a caring, structured environment. We provide a balance of quiet areas and active play spaces, fostering the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each child. Our approach centers on forming deep, lasting relationships with our toddlers, akin to the love and respect they receive from their families. This nurturing environment helps toddlers thrive and feel like a part of our extended Escuela Viva family.
What’s Included:
- 24 months at the start of the school session
- Actively learning preschool skills
- Beginning to work on toileting skills
- Starting to put on shoes/pants/coats independently
- Using words to communicate
- Building relationships, social skills and larger group (community) skills.
- Child to teacher ratio is 5 children to 1 adult
Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class.
full day
half day
$1,800
5 days
$1,500
5 days
$1,600
4 days
$1,300
4 days
$1,400
3 days – MWF
$1,100
3 days – MWF
$1,250
2 days – T, TH
$900
2 days – T, TH
Due to high demand and a robust waitlist, we are not offering tours unless we are able to offer your family a spot in our program. We do send updates to our waitlist several times a month to keep you updated. Additionally, the childcare industry, in general, is struggling with hiring. We are currently putting enrollment on hold while we focus on staff retention and hiring. We appreciate your understanding.
Early Preschool to Pre-Kindergarten
Wabash Avenue Programs
Early Preschool
Preschool
Pre-Kindergarten
Early Preschool
Early Preschool
Our Early Preschool classes are designed to support children as they transition into more structured learning environments. We provide a nurturing space where young learners can explore, grow, and develop essential skills. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, we ensure each child receives the attention and support they need.
What’s included:
- 30 months or older at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 5 children to 1 adult (group size 10)
This group is actively working on:
- Toileting Skills
- Actively practicing self dressing skills (put on shoes/pants/coats independently)
- Using words to communicate and express feelings
- Building relationships, social skills and larger group (community) skills.
Please contact the site director to determine rates or availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age instead of the name of the class.
5 days
4 days
3 days – mWF
2 days – T, TH
full day
$1,800
$1,600
$1,400
$1,250
half day
$1,500
$1,300
$1,100
$900
Preschool
Preschool
Our Preschool classes are tailored for children who have mastered foundational preschool skills and are ready for more advanced learning. We focus on fostering independence, confidence, and community involvement in a supportive and stimulating environment.
What’s included:
- 36 months or older at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 10 children to 1 adult
Preschool For All enrollment only.
Please contact the site director to determine availability for adding half or full days.
5 days
4 days
3 days – mWF
2 days – T, TH
full day
PFA
PFA
PFA
PFA
half day
PFA
PFA
PFA
PFA
Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten classes are designed to prepare children for the transition to kindergarten. We focus on developing academic readiness, social skills, and emotional resilience in a structured and engaging environment. Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that each child receives the support and attention needed for success.
What’s Included:
- 48 months or older at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 10 children to 1 teacher
Preschool For All Enrollment Only.
Please contact the site director to determine availability for adding half or full days.
5 days
4 days
3 days – MWF
2 days – T, TH
Full Day
PFA
PFA
PFA
PFA
Half Day
PFA
PFA
PFA
PFA
preschool
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Whats included
- 48 months at the start of the school session
- Pre-k student to teacher ratio is 10 students to 1 teacher.
- All of our programs are located at 1111 SE Pine Street!
- We offer half day (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and full day programs (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Preschool-Pre-K
Preschool For All Enrollment Only (36 months or older at the start of the school session)
Ratio 10 children to 1 adult
5 days
4 days
3 days – mWF
2 days – TTH
full day
PFA
PFA
PFA
PFA
half day
PFA
PFA
PFA
PFA
Early Preschool to Pre-Kindergarten
Wabash Avenue Programs
Early Preschool
Our Early Preschool classes are designed to support children as they transition into more structured learning environments. We provide a nurturing space where young learners can explore, grow, and develop essential skills. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, we ensure each child receives the attention and support they need.
What’s Included:
- 30 months or older at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio 5 children to 1 adult (group size 10)
This group is actively working on:
- Toileting Skills
- Actively practicing self dressing skills (put on shoes/pants/coats independently)
- Using words to communicate and express feelings
- Building relationships, social skills and larger group (community) skills.
Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.
Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class.
full day
half day
$1,800
5 days
$1,500
5 days
$1,600
4 days
$1,300
4 days
$1,400
3 days – MWF
$1,100
3 days – MWF
$1,250
2 days – T, TH
$900
2 days – T, TH
Preschool
Our Preschool classes are tailored for children who have mastered foundational preschool skills and are ready for more advanced learning. We focus on fostering independence, confidence, and community involvement in a supportive and stimulating environment.
What’s Included:
- 36 months or older at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 10 children to 1 adult
Preschool For All Enrollment Only.
Please contact the site director to determine availability for adding half or full days.
full day
half day
PFA
5 days
PFA
5 days
PFA
4 days
PFA
4 days
PFA
3 days – MWF
PFA
3 days – MWF
PFA
2 days – T, TH
PFA
2 days – T, TH
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten classes are designed to prepare children for the transition to kindergarten. We focus on developing academic readiness, social skills, and emotional resilience in a structured and engaging environment. Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that each child receives the support and attention needed for success.
What’s Included:
- 48 months or older at the start of the school session
- Child to teacher ratio is 10 children to 1 teacher
Preschool For All Enrollment Only.
Please contact the site director to determine availability for adding half or full days.
full day
half day
PFA
5 days
PFA
5 days
PFA
4 days
PFA
4 days
PFA
3 days – MWF
PFA
3 days – MWF
PFA
2 days – T, TH
PFA
2 days – T, TH
Our Wabash Avenue Teachers
Our Wabash Avenue Staff
Martha Sanjuan
Site Director- Martha was born in Oaxaca Mexico in a small village where she was raised with four sisters and a brother. In 2000, she moved to the US with her two year old son. She gave birth to a girl at the end of 2000 in Portland Oregon where she resided for several years. In 2007, she felt the need to learn English to support her two children with homework and all kinds of life encounters. Furthermore, she earned a certificate in Early Child Education in 2016 from Mount Hood Community College. Working at Escuela Viva since 2012, has given her enough years of experience to support children’s healthy growth and development. Her children have achieved their college degrees, which makes her very proud. Martha lives in Ridgefield WA, likes reading, writing, and enjoys nature exploration with family and friends.
Nani Nauta
Nani is a flagship member of the Escuela Viva team and has over 30 years of experience with children 2-6 years old. She earned her A.A. in Early Childhood Education in 1994 and B.S. in Early Childhood and Outdoor Learning in 2008. Nani is trained in the Reggio Emilia Approach (the philosophy that EV is founded on), Positive Behavior Intervention Supports and Anti-Bias Curriculum. She can do some sign language, enjoys reading, gardening, and plays guitar. In Nani's words, "I believe we are all lifelong learners."
Vicky Velarde de Daniels
My name is Virginia! I was born in Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico. I grew up there until I moved to El Paso Texas where I went to high school and took two years of community college. I was so lucky to marry my husband and became the mom of a beautiful girl. Since 2007, I have been working with children in both an in-home and daycare centers. In 2013, I moved to Portland working with a couple childcare centers before Escuela Viva invited me to join their team. Since 2016, I’ve been enjoying and learning everyday of the week. My goal is to go back to school to start my Associate’s Degree. Working with preschoolers and teenagers is my passion and the joy and adventures of my life!
Giselle Varcenas
Hi all! I’m Giselle and have been working with children since high school! I took early childhood development classes and got to practice as I learned with the preschool class attached to the high school. I also was an aide for one of the special education classes. After that, I started working at an in-home center until I went to college. During college I worked at a Sun Program after school with elementary students. After college, I became a lead teacher at a spanish immersion program for 3 and ½ years working with 5, 4, and one year olds throughout the years. This year I will be in the Zorritos class! Working with children has always made my heart happy and I’ve created many memories and relationships that I’ll cherish forever. In my down time I enjoy spending time with my husband, dog, cats and my very large family.
Edith Shamrell
My name is Edith Shamrell. I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, but studied and lived in France, before moving to the USA. I started my childhood education career 20 years ago while working as a Cultural and Art Counselor for French Public Schools. Since then I have worked in different language immersion preschools over the years.
Amanda Lynch
Amanda was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended UC Berkeley with a major in Post-Modern Literature and a minor in Race and Performance. She has worked for two decades with children of all ages in a variety of capacities, loves the work, and is very excited to be working at Escuela Viva in the Mapache class. Amanda has lived in both Guatemala and Mexico and enjoys travel above all other things (aside possibly from cheese and books) She lives in The Cully Neighborhood of Portland with her partner Kale and two small ridiculous dogs, Pickle and Olive.
Cristal Flores-Cruz
I was born and raised in Portland with hispanic heritage. I have always been drawn working with kids and have been doing it since high school. I have experience caring for all ages; from infants and toddlers to adolescents while volunteering at the D.L. Juvenile Detention Center in Portland. I have always had a passion and love to learn as much as I can to continue to help kids thrive in life. I have been married for almost three years to my husband Juan and come from a big family with two sisters and two brothers. My hobbies include playing drums in my family band and babysitting on my weekends. I am big on spending time with my family and exploring new foods 🙂
Marika Siebertova
Hola! My name is Marika. I was born in the former Czechoslovakia, now Slovakia. I had a very happy childhood with my parent and two younger siblings. I came to Portland in 1997 to learn English and began working with young children. Before I came to America, I was an elementary school teacher for thirteen years. I graduated with an emphasis on Pedagogical Faculty at Constantine the Philosopher University with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree of Education. In Portland, I began working with and am still a part of the Morison Child and Family services. I have worked in preschool classrooms in both Peninsula Children’s Learning Center for thirteen years and Discovery Garden Family childcare for almost four years. I love working with children; watching them grow, teaching them life skills, developing knowledge, and becoming happy individuals. I am married to my husband Geoge who’s from Prague. I like to read books, travel, knit, spend time on the beach, and meet with friends outside for coffee.
Lizette Diaz
I was born and raised in Oregon and spent the majority of my life living in Portland. I began working with kids my sophomore year of high school in our student led preschool. I have continued to work with kids throughout the years and have worked with age groups ranging from toddlers to elementary age. I am currently working on getting my Bachelors of Science for Psychology. I plan on using my degree to continue working with kids or focus on some type of developmental therapy. My hobbies include traveling, spending time outdoors and music. I enjoy going on hikes and to the coast.
Logan Morris
Hey! I’m new to childcare but have always loved kids. I spent years in the service industry and was ready for a change that felt meaningful. Helping children to better understand the world around them and navigate new things is fun and rewarding. I grew up in Oregon and traveled a bit throughout my twenties, but Portland has been my homebase for several years. When I have free time you’re most likely to find me curled up with my dog and a book. Otherwise I like cooking, getting out to the beach, and going for long walks around the city.
Brenda Ferrusca
Hi! My name is Brenda. I was born and raised here in Portland Oregon. Ever since I was young, I have always loved being around children and volunteering. One day I applied to a daycare and ever since then I have stayed in the child care field. I have had the privilege of working with many different age groups and I really enjoy them all. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors whether it’s a walk, camping road-trips or just staying at home with my family.
Janet Rodriguez
Hello my name is Janet, I was born in Portland and raised in Vancouver Washington. One of my favorite ways to express myself is through art. I love showing friends and family how to express themselves in different ways. As a kid, many of my teachers encouraged me to express myself through art. I have a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Environmental Science. I spend my free time painting, drawing, and out in nature. I believe these are essential parts of a child’s development and it is a privilege to be able to encourage the children to learn about these activities as well.
Lena Childress
Hola! My name is Lena and I am the Mapache teacher at Escuela Viva. I grew up in NE Portland and after graduating from high school I moved to Buffalo, New York to attend Canisius College where I studied psychology and got my TESOL certification. Upon completing my degree I moved to Monterrey, Mexico to be closer to my (now) husband, Juan. I taught English for three years at Universidad Autonomia de Nuevo León, before moving to teach kindergarteners after the pandemic started. I have always loved working with young children and have found early childhood education to be an incredibly rewarding and fun environment! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping with my dog, and making salsa with my husband!
Donna Politi-Meeks
Hello. I am new to Escuela Viva. I am looking forward to working with children and being part of a dynamic collaborative team with the same goals. I am a Native Northern Californian who has lived and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have worked as an Occupational Therapist for 30+ years in California and Oregon. I worked in Medical and educational settings, was an adjunct University Professor in Early Childhood Education, consultant, and am published. I worked in grant funded research and development of functional adaptive tools (at Childrens Hospital at Stanford); that could assist people of all ages to adjust to challenges in their functional and independence skills in their Activities of Daily Living. As a Child Development specialist, Expressive Art Therapist, Mixed Media Artist, Mask maker, and Teacher; I have utilized nature and sacred geometry to provide experiences for exploring and connecting to others and being stewards of Planet Earth. Sensory Motor Integration activities assist children with emotional self regulation. I enjoy working with children and guiding them using creative modalities that bring out joy in learning, positive growth, connection to others, health, feeling good in their bodies, mind, spirit and the natural world.
Grace McHugh
Hola Escuela Viva! My name is Grace McHugh, and my background is in early childhood education and process based / expressive fine arts. There’s a unique mix of imagination, curiosity, and creativity that exists in early childhood that becomes more difficult to access the further we progress into adulthood- and it’s a joy to nurture it every day. Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching both in schools and in community spaces across the PNW, leading community based art projects and murals along the way. I’m deeply passionate about blending my love for early childhood education with my love for art and nature, and Reggio-inspired environments feel like the perfect home for that work. I’m thrilled to be at Escuela Viva and to continue fostering spaces where children can explore, express themselves, get a little weird, and always feel seen. To me, preschool is the first step between home and school—it’s where learning styles and interests begin to take shape. I believe in learning through play, curiosity, and a deep connection to the natural world. I can’t wait to grow alongside your magical little humans throughout the seasons 🙂
Brooklyn Varnon
Working with children is my passion and I’m so grateful to be part of this community! Guiding and nurturing little ones feels deeply rewarding because in caring for them we are shaping a more harmonious and compassionate world. For over 10 years I’ve worked with children through nannying, after-school care at YMCA and Art4Life – each experience deepening my belief in the beauty of growth, play and imagination. I am an artist, certified yoga teacher and a seasoned soul. Inspired by the ever-changing rhythms of nature, the shifting colors of autumn, the quiet stillness of winter, the bloom of spring and the warmth of summer all find their way into my creativity and my work with children. I love to spend time outdoors hiking, camping and adventuring with my three cats who join me on the trails. In everything I do I carry a sense of wonder, creativity and connection, hoping to share that spark with the children I care for and the community around me.
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Teacher's Name
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Teacher's Name
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“To make a lovable school, industrious, inventive, liveable, documentable and communicable, a place of research, learning, re-cognition and reflection, where children, teachers and families feel well – is our point of arrival.” – Loris Malaguzzi
