If I could give 10 stars I would! I'm a first time Mama, and luckily I got to stay home with my son til he was 2. Then it was time for me to find child care for my precious boy. I was straight up nervous and didn't think I could hand over the well being of my baby to a stranger. We looked at several daycare/preschool places and nothing compared to Cuddletime. Not only did my son not want to leave at the first visit, but neither did I. Cheryl, the owner has created this amazing environment for her "kids". Inside she has about 5 different areas that are all different and have been transformed into a young child's dream! And her backyard is incredible!! With a koi pond, sand pit, bike trail, wooden play fort, and arts and crafts area. Her learning agenda is always changing an they kids are always doing new things and developing everyday. The staff, including Cheryl, the owner, Cindy, and Sara are THE BEST!! They make me feel like my little one is in well educated, and capable hands. My son Looooooves Sara. From the bunnies, koi fish, balanced meals, picture texts, daily report card, take home art projects, outside school events, to the best staff, I wouldn't trust anyone else with my most beloved boy! We've been using Cuddletime for 1 year, and will use them til he graduates into Kindergarden. read more

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My letter to Cuddle Time: First let me say that I am extremely disappointed in your sudden decision that our son is not a good fit for your group. I understand that as his father I have a biased opinion, but I do not believe he is outside the norm for most 2 year old boys. Yes, he has a lot of energy, is inquisitive, loves to climb and explore. No, he does not currently take naps as he sleeps 12 hours at night. I understand that it would take some adjustment for him as well as for you and your group due to this, but forgive me if I'm wrong, isn't that part of the learning and growing process? Aren't children constantly forced to adapt and grow into new surroundings? Isn't your program designed to help them with their first school experience? From my understanding, it sounds as if you want a child that is already pre-programmed to fit in. We are happy to work with Owen at home in order to have him be more receptive to naps. We were hoping that you would also be willing to work with him as well. However, you state that he would need too much attention and one on one interaction. Once again, I thought that this would probably be a normal situation whenever a new child his age comes into your fold. However, beyond my frustration with your view that he would not initially fit in with your strict and ridged guidelines (which I am not judging as I do believe routine and rules are important to establish for children) is the fact that you had already accepted us into the school. Due to this, I have changed my work hours and my wife has altered her work schedule so that Owen could attend your pre-school. Yet only a few days before his first day, we are informed that you don't think this will work, hence leaving us high and dry for options? And the reason is that our son would require too much one on one attention initially? I will say that this is extremely unprofessional. When we initially met we explicitly told you that Owen did not take naps. You were able to observe him during the 1 1/2 hours we spent at your facility. Yet there was no mention that these issues would be cause for him not working out. It is somewhat interesting that when I last spoke to you, it was mentioned that you had almost given our spot to some of your current students / parents that were looking to take up those vacancies. I have to wonder if your decision is based off of the fact that you would prefer to have a child that is already familiar with your guidelines, which would make your job easier. Obviously I am hurt that you don't think my son is a perfect fit for your school. That comes from being a parent, who loves and wants nothing but the best for his son. However I am also extremely frustrated that he wasn't given a chance and that you weren't willing to provide him with some extra attention and effort during this transition. I guess this is how things work. Children often get left behind and in this day and age are not afforded an opportunity. It is upsetting that at the age of 2 he is already experiencing this from you and your facility. It is not like he is a special needs child. He is a typical, rambunctious 2 year old that just needs a little more attention initially. He is an extremely intelligent child and picks up on things quickly. He isn't even 2 1/2 yet, so many of the rules and guidelines (not walking on the grass if it is wet, not swinging on the indoor swing, not dumping out toys in order to play with them, laying down to nap for 2 hours) are still foreign concepts to him. It isn't that he would be unwilling to adapt, he is just unfamiliar with these ideas. Yet after our initial meeting, I had honestly thought that these new concepts were things you would be working with him on. I had thought that this was something he would have been provided at your preschool. That there would be nurturing and teaching. To be honest, we were extremely impressed by your facility which may have caused us to overlook other concerns regarding your demands on the children. However, as new parents we are realizing that we need to trust our instincts and should have realized earlier that it might not be a good fit for us. I am relieved to know how your operation works from the get go and that I will not be investing my time, money, or hopes for my son with you. I will certainly reflect my disappointment in my online reviews of your establishment: this is not a threat, just the reality of business in today's online world. It is important that other parents be made aware of your strict policies, your unwillingness to provide extra time and attention to those who need it, and expectations that children be pre-programmed to fit in with your rules. I will also say that you will be the ones that will be missing out, as Owen is an amazing child. He is filled with compassion, wonderment and intelligence. He is truly a loving and caring little person and deserve to be in a situation where he is wanted. read more

My son has been at Cuddle Time for two years and he has really thrived there. When he first started it was a tough transition for him as he had never experienced any kind of daycare previously but the staff really connected with him-Miss Sarah in particular-and he quickly grew to love it. They teach the kiddos so many great skills, I'm often amazed by the things my son comes home and tells me about. Plus their outdoor play area is THE BEST...lots of plants and animals and just so many great little play nooks. I definitely recommend Cuddle Time. read more

Cuddle Time has been a wonderful place for our son, and our next child will be enrolling as well once he is old enough. My favorite things: - a really wonderful outdoor play area (awesome toys, covered area when it's raining, animals to learn from, and open areas for the children to run and play - Wonderful staff that genuinely care about the children - Updates throughout the day via app on how your kiddo's day is going, with pictures of what they're up to and what they've had to eat - A good location tucked away from the street and secure access Thank you Ms Cheryl for all you've done for us! read more

We loved being a part of the Cuddletime family for the last couple years. My daughter was super attached to me and thankfully it wasn't a rough transition in the beginning. The staff there is fantastic and they do fun activities with the kids. I love the good communication and feeling like my daughter was with family more than just a place that was watching her. We love and will miss Cuddletime! read more

My daughter has been in Cuddle Time for the past three years. She will be leaving to start kindergarten in the fall and I'm heartbroken. The amount of trust and confidence I have in Cuddle Time is unmeasurable. Each day that I drop my daughter off I know she is in the care of people that love and care for her. As a parent that has to work, knowing there is a place like Cuddle Time and my kiddo has been able to attend has been wonderful. I love the ever active environment that the Cuddle Time kiddos get. My daughters cubby always has art work from the last couple of days and shes always teaching me a new song she learned there. I'll miss standing around when I pick her up chatting with the teachers and other parents. I'm truly going to miss the warm and friendly environment that makes Cuddle Time the amazing place it is. read more

I'm sorry for the other reviewer's experience, but wanted to add my own two cents. My child is "graduating" after two and a half years. We had a great experience with Cheryl, Cindi, and Rose, the primary care providers. We enjoyed the songs we learned at home from our child, the special events, and the opportunity to have a "date night" when they kept the kids late, the numerous animals on the premises, as well as the varied daily activities and regular routines. My advice is to go check it out. For us, it's been wonderful. I imagine we'll be back for some of the events when "alumni" are invited. Best sign, I think, my child wants to go there in the morning and doesn't want to leave! read more

My experience has been just the opposite of the previous post. Cuddle Time is flexible, loving, creative, and fun. My kids love it. My fist daughter started at 20 months, is now 4-1/2, and my second daughter started at around 18 months. The caregivers have a lot of experience with children and know what kids need. My daughters are part of a loving community that has enriched their lives - and made a working family's work week as easy as possible. They serve food! Cuddle TIme is also 5 minutes away from SE Portland, Woodstock or Sellwood, which is very convenient. The facility is also pretty impressive - a year round outdoor deck, several rooms inside with everything you would want in an early childhood development center and several outdoor play areas, and chickens, guinea pigs and rabbits! read more

Our two and half year old son has now been at Cuddle Time for over a year and I can't say enough good things about it. He has grown and developed so much in this time, both socially and academically. He is adored by his teachers and I am just amazed by how much they've invested in him. When I pick him up at the end of the day he never wants to leave and to me that's the best thing I could ask for as a parent using a child care provider. read more

To harried, worried, over-extended and over-worked parents looking for a safe, warm and loving place to trust with what is most precious in their lives- their children, do yourselves a favor and take the complaints listed here not with a grain of salt- but the whole salt shaker. Please keep in mind that anyone who takes this kind of time to rant and rake someone over the coals with the end game of ruining their reputation and livelihood has an ax to grind and the need to hold court from a soapbox. It is not about saving you or your child from a horrendous situation, it is about them, and their need to be right, be justified and teach someone not to cross them or there will be hell to pay. I am a Gramma to a wonderful 21 month all who is the light of our lives and joy in our hearts and choosing Cuddletime and Miss Cheryl has been nothing but positive and rewarding. A very bad experience at a center with several locations in the greater PDX area left us desperate to give this child a better experience, but petrified of where to go next. A friend's referral led us to Cuddletime- her child had been there a few years- and she has nothing but positive tings to say. We all loved Cheryl right away, including our sweet girl. This little peanut went from being very sad on the drive to the Center to joy and singing in excitement on her way to see Miss Cheryl, Miss Sarah and Miss Cindy- and Buddy the dog, the kitty cats, birdies, guinea pigs, bunnies, chickens and fishes. In fact, going to Cuddletime to see Miss Cheryl is what gets her motivated in the morning. She is thriving. Cheryl and her team are developmentally appropriate, encouraging, warm and loving and creative. They foster friendships, assist in navigating the trouble spots of being a kiddo, offer guidance and are tolerant of individual choices. There are daily art projects, story times, gross and fine motor play, and daily take home sheets of what your child did, what they ate, and cute anecdotes. Indoor and outdoor play areas have to be seen to be appreciated- they are a child's imagination come to be. If these things sound appealing- give Cheryl a call and see for yourself. If not- that's ok- not everyone is a good fit- and that's just fine- that's how life is. Please know that I was motivated to write this because I think Cheryl got a bad rap by some folks who just needed a better fit. I appreciate that she pays attention to that- and I bet most people would, as well. I want you to know our experience is completely different- as is that of all the other families whose little munchkins get to enjoy their days at Cuddletime. I don't even know if she has any openings.... but if she does- you owe it to yourself and your munchkin to check it out! Sent from my iPad read more

I absolutely do not agree with that bad review! For one thing I have a little boy who is always on the go (the go go boy) and can be a little bit of a trouble maker at times but he is still there and loves it. It took us and him some time to get adjusted but I dont think the care giver should be the ones at fault! Sometimes the parents need to adjust their schedules to help with their childs success and that is exactly what we did and I am glad we did and stayed there! The kids are never bored they are always doing and learning something new. All the teachers there are very kind and loving women and I am very proud to have my son in there care. I know he is being well taken care of. read more

Why is this place so wonderful!? Let's start with "Miss Cheryl", the owner & head care giver... She is truly passionate about creating a memorable experience for her pint-sized clients. Quite simply, she loves kids, will love yours, and has a natural talent for it. Her home and yard is completely converted & dedicated to a highly functional and creative environment for children 2-5 yrs old to thrive. There are tons of well organized toys, books and art supplies, fun critters to pet and learn from, thoughtful indoor & outdoor spaces for the little ones to tuck away and explore their imagination, as well as a superb support team (yay for Miss Cindy!). Besides all the fun the kids have, there is also a nice balance of educational elements interspersed throughout their day... I get personalized daily feedback, and usually get sent home with some form of artwork as well. It's surely a great sign that when ever I go to pick up my son, he, & all the other kids, don't ever seem like they're quite yet ready to leave. Finally, it's very affordable, convenient, safe, clean & full of new surprises! Your child will undoubtably create some magical life-long memories at Cuddle Time. I highly recommend checking them out! :) read more

I cannot say enough about Cheryl and Cuddle Time Preschool. My son was there from 2-4 yrs and, as a nervous first time, full time single mother, I could not have picked a better place. I looked at 5 other pre schools before easily deciding on CuddleTime. I was never worried and knew my son was safe and well cared for. He always wanted to go and just loved his teachers and friends. The environment was so perfect for learning, playing and growing. Cheryl and her staff always kept in touch and were there for me with any questions, concerns or needs regarding my little guy. My son still asks about Cheryl and the folks at his school. We have relocated but we will definitely stay in touch and visit! Cuddle Time was nothing less than amazing for my son and me. Thanks so much to Cuddle Time for all their love and care!!!! read more

There is a lot of good to say about CuddleTime and also some bad. My child has been enrolled there for about one year, from age 2 to age 3. Let me say, my kid loves it and has a good time and that's what is most important. The other kids there are good to be around. If you are comparing Cuddle Time to many other preschools CuddleTime is great. But the criticisms of some other reviewers are real. This place has a few problems, and if you feel like you have a lot of choices over where to send your kid, you should know what the drawbacks are. I will try to give an unbiased view of the pros and cons. My overall sentiment is pretty positive, but I wish it was easier to address the challenges. PROS: - The physical plant is amazing. There is so much thought put into the aesthetics of every room, and there are a lot of rooms. There is something stimulating and entertaining everywhere you look. I've looked at maybe 20 preschools overall and this one has more rooms, more toys, more cool stuff and more cool things to interact with than any of them. Cheryl, the director, has an amazing sense of how to put together great spaces for kids. - tons of art projects, activities, story books - Sarah and Cindy are great staff. They are fabulous with kids and are loving and caring. Cheryl has loyal teachers who have stayed with her for many years. All of the teachers have a lot of experience. At Cuddle Time they really do have a strong sense of what they are doing. - early drop off* (This is a double-edged sword: you can drop your kid off as early as 7am, but be aware that means the first hour of your kid's day will be watching TV) - interaction with living things: dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, chickens... Koi! - The daily "report card" is wonderful. It really shows that they pay attention to what kind of day your kid has had. At other schools where they don't do this, you have to wonder if they have really paid individual attention to your child. CONS: - not the best food choices. Kids get lots of sugar, and otherwise basically the very cheapest milk, the very cheapest white bread, never ever a trace of anything organic, sugary popsicles... - Basically not eco-friendly. Bleach spray will be used on the tables while kids are still sitting at them. If you want a school that cares about environmentally conscious choices, this ain't it. - Maybe just a few too many animals? There are seven cats that run all over the place. People who are around cats all the time can't smell the effect, but boy do you have to love cats. - Cheryl, the director, does not handle some things very well. It's hard to make suggestions without getting a defensive stance. If you suggest less sugar, for instance, you become her enemy. If you want to be an involved parent who wants what's best for you kid, she'll basically tell you she's been doing this for 22 years and she knows best. She is forgetful at times and unprofessional at times. She is capable of some really bad stuff like attempting "splitting" (where she talks to one parent about how bad the other parent is, trying to drive a wedge into a family). She cares a lot about her work but also has the kind of personality that will never apologize, may try to make someone else the enemy, and will bully over suggestions she doesn't like. Also she is not great about returning phone calls or even acknowledging communication. Hey, nobody's perfect. She has a lot of strengths as an educator, but she could be a lot better about working with people who have suggestions. ( Also: How to you feel about "god talk"? Some Christians may not mind the occasional Lord or bible or church reference in the classroom setting. But the presence of this kind of talk is not disclosed up front, and if you don't think religious stuff is appropriate, well... When she lets the kids watch TV, it doesn't occur to her that some programming is actually religious cartoons. ) Four stars. They do a lot of the essential things right and your kid will be safe and well cared for, and have fun in a great physical environment (with a lot of cats). But if you are particular or have a strong sense of what kinds of things you want or don't want to influence your child (sugar, toxic cleaning agents, bible-talk, etc..), you can't really complain or suggest changes, because Cheryl isn't the best listener. --------- UPDATE: Some of the things I originally wrote in this review were not as fair as I thought. I've spoken with Cheryl since and she actually is capable of listening and apologizing. She is very passionate about doing something great with her school, and she cares a great deal about her work. I guess yelp reviews can actually do some good because it initiated some good communication that might not have been there otherwise. ---------- Hey YELP: Why is this not a "recommended" review? Let readers decide if it's helpful or not. read more