Escuela Viva - Where the Main Ingredient is Love.

our Pine Street
location

our Pine Street Location

In the heart of the Central Eastside, this location is just blocks from Buckman School. In operation at this location since 2010, we serve children ages 6 months to 5 years.

Pine Street

1111 SE Pine Street, Portland, OR 97214

(503)282-2091

laralei.vanderputtenkane.ev@gmail.com

Mon to Fri : 8:00am-5:30pm

Take a Peek at Our Space

Take a Peek at Our Space

Infant to Toddler

Pine Street Programs

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

Pine Street 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:

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:

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:

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
Pine Street Programs

Early Preschool to Pre-Kindergarten
Pine Street 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:

This group is actively working  on:

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:

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:

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 Pine Street Staff

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Laralei Vander Putten-Kane

Site Director - Laralei has been with the Escuala Viva family almost since its inception. First as a parent, then a volunteer, a teacher and finally as a director. Her experience in all aspects of the school has given her a great opportunity to experience the ins and outs of being part of a loving community. Both her children, son Oliver and daughter Logan began their experience back in 2004 with Escuela Viva and are now both living and working here in Portland where they continue to share stories of the fun they had and the things they learned. Laralei enjoys the current role she plays in the Escuela Viva community as the director, and auxiliary support for the teachers and children. She has been a long time resident of the Cathedral Park neighborhood where she shares a home with her husband Kevin and their numerous small creatures. She loves to go on adventures, spend time with friends and family, dance, dine out and play. She enjoys every minute - rain or shine.

Lexie

Lexie Gordon

I am so excited to join the Escuela Viva community at the SE location. I grew up in Portland and pursued an education at the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Educational Foundations. While attending school, I was also a student teacher at the child development center on campus, where I worked with children ages six months to 6 years old and quickly fell in love with Early Childhood Education.

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Maria Ramirez-Campos

I grew up on the edge of a redwood forest in Santa Cruz, CA. I have a passion for nature, and enjoy backpacking, trail running, and exploring different natural landscapes. I have a degree in ceramic sculpture and I maintain an art practice in my personal studio in the industrial district of Northwest Portland. I have been working in child care facilities for the last 9 years ranging through a variety of educational approaches.

Tammy

Tammy Hamamoto

My name is Tammy (they/them), and I am excited to be a part of the Escuela Viva community. After a childhood spent in Los Angeles, I moved to San Francisco for school where I studied Child and Adolescent Development, as well as Art and Gender Studies. I got my first job in preschool at 18 years old, and after over a decade later, I still cannot think of a better place to be! I love sharing space with young people, and learning (and unlearning) alongside them. Community is very important to me, and I dedicate a lot of my energy towards building an intentional community filled with warmth, authenticity, and respect. When not working, I organize with the Portland Childcare Collective, as well as local groups supporting Reproductive Justice . I also love to spend time creating art, harvesting food at the coast with my partner, cooking for friends, and growing food in my garden.

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Isaac Mendoza

Hello, my name is Isaac Mendoza and my cultural background is Latino. I lived in New Mexico with my mom and dad who are bilingual. I wanted to work with children ever since I realized how much fun it was when I was helping my high school soccer coach in his special education classroom.

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Jasmin Castro

Hi, my name is Jasmin. I’m from Portland and live with my sister helping her raise my nephew. In my free time, I like to spend time with my nephew and dog (Luna) and we go on walks. I enjoy meeting new people and having good conversations. I also really enjoy eating out and Latin music. I speak both Spanish and English. I went to school in Mexico when I was younger and I visit there often.

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Mayah Garcia

Hello! My name is Mayah and I am a substitute here at Escuela Viva. I have been volunteering at Escuela Viva since I was 14 years old and attended here as a child. I have been surrounded by Spanish since I was a baby, Escuela Viva was a large part of that. I took Spanish beginning in middle school and high school.

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Logan Borg

Hola, gansos tontos! It is my honor to introduce myself to you all. I was born in Portland, OR, and I enjoy doing art and writing. I love doing crafts and listening to music with the kids, and it has truly been one of my biggest joys and privileges over time to see so many young superheroes grow older and wiser. I am so excited to continue my journey here with you all. I have been with Escuela Viva as an employee since I was 14, along with my mother Laralei. I am also a former student of the school. I have the utmost faith in this community and its founder, along with the many supportive people who helped create where we stand today. I have been working with kids since I was in middle school, and it is absolutely a joy to continue doing so. I look forward to meeting you all. <3

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Sierra Boyne

Hello! My name is Sierra Boyne and I have worked with children since I was in high school, totaling 8 years so far. I value play based learning and giving children a strong sense of autonomy. In my free time I love gardening, biking, fish keeping, and reading! I can’t wait to get to know you and your kiddos!

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Sofia Hopkins

Sophia was raised in Oregon. She has wanted to work with children ever since her junior year in high school. Through volunteer work with kindergarteners and babysitting for neighbors, she realized that she wanted to spend her life helping children grow into their best selves. Sophia is currently in college studying for her degree in early childhood education. This has furthered her experience and broadened her knowledge of not only the minds and will of young children but also the safety and caretaking necessary for raising them. Her goal is to become a teacher someday and to have a classroom of her own. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, forest viewpoints and picnics. She has grown up in southeast Portland her entire life and she now resides there in an apartment with her bunny and two geckos.

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Alesa Pritchett

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Ashley Santos

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Carter Gubbins

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DerlinBriseno

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Hannah Crenshaw

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Jennica Onstot

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Lyndsay Fuller

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Maria del Carmen Mandujano Torrez

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Lupe Arroyo

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Maria Gutierrez

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Mirian Carrera-Ventura

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Olivia McNorton

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Paige Chew

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Samantha Alvarez

Hello! My name is Samantha (she/her). I am the head teacher for the Cachorros and Sapitos classrooms. I have a little over nine years of experience working in both home daycares and centers, with the majority of my work being with infants and toddlers. I spent a lot of time volunteering in classrooms/centers as a teen, which sparked my love for teaching. I love working with infants because there is so much growth in such a short time, and every day holds so much joy. I graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor's in psychology and a minor in child/family studies. I am excited to provide a safe space to encourage all areas of development in each child. I am originally from Southern California, but have called Portland my home since I was eight years old. Outside of work, I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

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Teresa Sanchez

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Ronnie Lazaro

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Wendy Kurinzi

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Yajaira Norato Orozco

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Angie Garcia, MSW

Hola, my name is Angie Garcia and I am the owner of Escuela Viva. I was born and raised in Oregon and I am the proud granddaughter of migrant workers from Fabens, Texas. My grandparents instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of getting an education - which is how I landed here!

Other locations

“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

7633 N Wabash Ave, Portland, OR 97217

23345 SE Stark St. Gresham, OR 97030

1715 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR 97212

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Lexie Gordon

I am so excited to join the Escuela Viva community at the SE location. I grew up in Portland and pursued an education at the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Educational Foundations. While attending school, I was also a student teacher at the child development center on campus, where I worked with children ages six months to 6 years old and quickly fell in love with Early Childhood Education.

Vanessa Vizcaino

Hello Escuela Viva families. My name is Vanessa Vizcaino. I am 23 years old; I grew up in southern Oregon and spent a lot of my summers in Mexico immersing myself in the culture, traditions and language. I relocated to Portland in 2020. I have worked in early childhood since I was 18 and I have 5 years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age in Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and Montessori centers.I was exposed to childcare at a young age because my mom worked in the field for 18 years.

Belicia Cervantes

Hello, my name is Belicia Cervantes, and I’m so excited to join the Escuela Viva community. I am 23 years old and grew up in a small town called Alturas, California. I then received my bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in applied psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Joshua Hamilton

I grew up on the edge of a redwood forest in Santa Cruz, CA. I have a passion for nature and enjoy backpacking, trail running, and exploring different natural landscapes. I have a degree in ceramic sculpture and I maintain an art practice in my personal studio in the industrial district of Northwest Portland. I have been working in child care facilities for the last 9 years ranging through a variety of educational approaches. After several extended trips to South America with a dear friend from Colombia, I have developed a love for both the language and many cultures spanning the continent. While I am still learning the language, I have built a foundation in Spanish to jump off of and engage further with the children. I enjoy helping children to find their passions and explore the world with a touch of creativity and curiosity. I am excited to teach with Escuela Viva and also learn along with a new group of children.Using my life to be of service to others, is at the heart of all I do.

Isaac Mendoza

Hello, my name is Isaac Mendoza I am 21 years old, and my cultural background is Latino. I lived in New Mexico for 21 years, with my mom and dad who are bilingual. I have always wanted to work with children once I realized how much fun it was when I was helping my High School soccer coach in his special education classroom.

Nico Barrera

Hola, my name is Nico! I was raised in a small town in Southern California by my two parents, who were born and raised in Mexico, so we held a Spanish-only speaking home. I later moved to San Francisco to pursue a degree in psychology with a focus on child development.

Julian Syga

Hello! My name is Julian Syga. I am 30 and moved to Portland, Oregon, about two years ago from Southern California. I graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a Human Development degree and a Child Development minor.

Maria Ramirez

Hola! My Name is Maria & I have worked at Escuela Viva since 2019. I started as a substitute at Escuela Viva and sub at other schools in the Portland area, like Wild Lilac & In a Child’s Path. By 2020 I started co-teaching the Sapitos classroom (1-2 y/o), and by 2022, I moved into the Tortuguitas classroom.

Edie Mahle

Howdy! My name is Edie Mahle, and I am so excited to begin working here at Escuela Viva as a teacher's aide. Since 2017, I have been actively learning how to curate a space for children to explore their creative needs through various positions.

Monique Cornejo

 I grew up in Southern California and lived there until August 2021, when I moved to Portland. When I was younger, I spent my summers going on road trips through California or playing "summer school" with my family. Growing up raised by educators, I also spent a lot of my free time volunteering in classrooms--whether it was decorating or helping with lesson plans. During my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, and cooking. Someday, I'd like to travel abroad with my husband and sister to Japan to see the cherry blossoms bloom. 

Tammy Hamamoto

My name is Tammy (they/them), and I am so excited to join the Escuela Viva community. After a childhood spent in Los Angeles, I moved to San Francisco for school where I studied Child and Adolescent Development, as well as Art and Gender Studies. I got my first job in preschool at 18 years old, and after over a decade later,

Jasmin Castro

Hi, my name is Jasmin. I’m from Portland and live with my sister helping her raise my nephew.

Mayah Garcia

Hello! My name is Mayah and I am a substitute here at Escuela Viva. I have been volunteering at Escuela Viva since I was 14 years old and attended here as a child. I have been surrounded by Spanish since I was a baby, Escuela Viva was a large part of that. I took Spanish beginning in middle school and high school.

Angie Garcia, MSW

A native Oregonian and proud granddaughter of migrant workers from Fabens Texas, I have long valued hardwork and the importance of getting an education. I graduated from Portland State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts and in 1997 with a Masters of Social Work. I worked in the field of Domestic Violence at Programa Hispano and Lifeworks NW. In all of my work I have had the honor of working with an array of vulnerable populations, children, domestic violence survivors, the aging, and those in recovery. I have worked for Multnomah County managing Child Abuse Prevention contracts, the State of Oregon as a permancy worker and have been the owner and director of Escuela Viva since 2004, a bilingual Early Childhood program in Portland Oregon. Escuela Viva, where the main ingredient is love!