Wasco County

Free Preschools

Mid-Columbia Children’s Council (MCCC)

  • Location: Wasco, Hood River, Klickitat Counties

  • Ages: 3-5yrs

  • Language: Bilingual (Eng/Spn)

  • Setting Type: Center Based

  • Head Start Programs: Yes

  • Preschool Promise Site: No

Oregon Child Development Coalition   

  • Location: The Dalles, Oregon

  • Ages: 3-5yrs

  • Language: Bilingual (Eng/Sp)

  • Setting Type: Center Based

  • Head Start Programs: Yes

  • Preschool Promise Site: Yes

Playful Learning

  • Location: The Dalles, Oregon

  • Ages: 2-5yrs

  • Language: English

  • Setting Type: Home Based

  • Head Start Programs: No

  • Preschool Promise Site: Yes

Rivera’s Bilingual Preschool and Child Care 

  • Location: The Dalles, Oregon

  • Ages: 2-5yrs

  • Language: Spanish & English

  • Setting Type: Center Based

  • Head Start Programs: No

  • Preschool Promise Site: Yes

Maupin Grade School, South Wasco D1 Little Minnows

  • Location: Maupin, Oregon

  • Ages: 3-5yrs

  • Language: Bilingual (Eng/Sp)

  • Setting Type: Center Based

  • Head Start Programs: No

  • Preschool Promise Site: Yes

Dufur Sprouts Preschool

  • Location: Wasco

  • Ages: 3-5yrs

  • Language: English

  • Setting Type: School Based

  • Head Start Programs: No

  • Preschool Promise Site: Yes

Sunshine Kids Preschool

  • Location: Multiple Locations The Dalles, Oregon

  • Ages: 3-4yrs

  • Language: English & Dual Immersion Options

  • Setting Type: Center Based

  • Head Start Programs: No

  • Preschool Promise Site: Yes

To find more preschools in your area, check out Find Childcare Oregon - by 211

Join a Play Group

Wasco County Library Playgroup
Fridays, 11am-12:30pm (year-round) This group meets directly following Toddler Story Time at the library, providing opportunities for your child to socialize and help build your support network.

Mom’s Morning Out
MMO is a Life Group for mothers of young children Calvary Baptist Church, 3350 Columbia View Dr., The Dalles. There is no charge, and childcare is provided.
For more information, call Anne Cooper: (541) 296-2711

Calvary MOPS
First and Third Tuesday, 9:15-11:15 am. (September through June) MOPS is a group of women (Mothers of Preschoolers) who get together for honest conversation about the joys and frustrations of motherhood.
For more information, call Alena Palmer: (541) 296-2711


Library Story Times

The Dalles Library:

Baby Story Time
Wednesdays, from 10:30 to 11:00 am (Starts in October) Ages 0 – 18 months Songs, finger plays, laps sits and stories

Toddler Time
Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:00 am. For 12 months through age 3, with stories, songs, puppets, rhymes

Preschool Story Time
Fridays, 10:30 - 11:00 am. For ages 3–6, with stories, songs, puppets and crafts Baby, Toddler and Preschooler parenting educational bags can be checked out! Pocket Full of Feelings kits available to check out.

Fun Fridays
Every Friday afternoon from 3:30 to 5:00 pm (first Friday of October through end of May) For ages 5-11 Various games will be featured each month; second Friday is Lego Day; third Friday is STEM story time; and the fourth Friday will be Crafts. Though these programs are intended for elementary school age, we welcome anyone to join us, no matter what their age. Snacks will be available, while supplies last.

Family Story Time
First Saturday of the month, from 10:30 – 11:30 am, (starts in October.) All ages welcome, there will be stories, rhymes, songs, dance; followed by a simple craft project and healthy snack.

Sensory Story Time
Third Saturday of the month, from 9:30 – 10:30 am (starts before Library is open, contact us for entrance instructions) This story time is perfect for those that need a quieter setting. Stories, rhymes and songs, followed by a simple craft project and healthy snack.

Bedtime math
Their charitable mission is to help kids love numbers so they can handle the math in real life. Available in all formats: Apps for iPhone, android, etc. as well as a web page.

Website: http://bedtimemath.org/bedtime-math-for-libraries/


Child Directed Playgroups

Play Groups: Child-directed playgroups, Kids of all ages are welcome to bring their adults to our child-directed play, free and open play-groups in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam & Wheeler - Play and Learn at Home

Schools

Reach for the Stars Discovery School - (541) 965-1632

Head Start - (541) 298-8801

Start Smart Pre-School - (541) 993-4488

Oregon Child Development - (541) 296-0100

Dufur School- 802 NE 5th St, Dufur, OR 97021(541) 467-2509

Mosier Community School- 1204 1st Ave, Mosier, OR 97040 (541) 478-3321

St Mary's Academy- 1112 Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 296-6004

Chenowith Elementary School- 922 Chenowith Loop Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 506-3350

Colonel Wright Elementary School- 610 W 14th St, The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 506-3360

Dry Hollow Elementary School- 1314 E 19th St, The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 506-3370

The Dalles Middle School- 1100 E 12th St, The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 506-3380


Family and Community Development

Child Care Partners - (541) 506-6131


Activities

NWPRD(Parks & Rec)
602 W. 2nd Street
The Dalles, OR 97058
Call: (541) 296-9533
Website: http://www.nwprd.org/

Northern Wasco County Aquatic Center
602 W. 2nd Street
The Dalles, OR 97058
Call: (541) 296-9533
Website: http://www.nwprd.org/nwcaquatics/

Sorosis Park
300 E. Scenic Drive
The Dalles, OR 97058
Call: (541) 296-9533
Website: http://www.nwprd.org/

Wonderworks Children’s Museum
Call: (541) 980-5922
Website: http://wonderworkschildrensmuseum.org/wp/