First Place Kids Center
On-Site Preschool
Become a fan on our Kids Center Facebook page
Stay up to date with our Kids Center Blog
KVAL Channel 13 News features
St. Vincent de Paul Preschool for Homeless Children
View story and video here
View just the video here.
Our state certified Preschool; First Place Kids Center is a one-of-a-kind therapeutically oriented preschool for families and children at risk. With specially trained staff, community volunteers, Head Start, EC CARES, and students from the University of Oregon all working together we help children from 3 to 6 years old develop strong self-management, self-care skills, and strong social skills. Children are empowered to find their own solutions to conflicts or problems, and to share their feeling with adults and peers. First Place Kids Center is a place where children at risk can learn, grow, and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our mission, through partnerships with Head Start, EC CARES, and the University of Oregon, is to provide effective, supportive, and quality education to families and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in a therapeutically-oriented preschool environment through:
- Consistent Routines (Meals, circle, table time, body rest, outside, and free play)
- Structured Activities (Table time, circle, dance/movement)
- Social Interactions (turn taking, sharing, problem solving, super friends)
- Development of Problem Solving Skills (Solutions, empowerment, choices)
- Development of Self Care Skills (break, hand washing, toileting, "feelings")
- Development of Imaginary Play Skills (dress-up, free play, explore identity)
We utilize the principles of positive behavioral supports (PBS). In this, we choose to focus on positive behaviors of children. Through praise and recognition we want to teach children that following rules, listening to teachers, and making good choices is fun, healthy, and the right thing to do.
Our center is a place where children at risk can learn, grow, and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.
First Place Kids Center Staff:
Jake Spavins, Director
Master of Science in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education from University of Oregon; Licensed teacher in the state of Oregon for Birth through 4th grade.
Rhea Cramer, Master of Science, Teacher
Alice Johnston, Master of Science, Teacher
Jordan Baran, Aide