About Us

Hi, my name is Debra McClaughry. My husband, Robert and I have six children and three grandchildren….so far. We have two more coming in 2012. We have home schooled our children since 1993. Five of them have graduated and gone on to their careers or college. We share our home with our two youngest children and our four-year-old boxer, Caesar.

I’ve been doing childcare in the Salem, Oregon since 1985 and registered the first time in 1987.  Through the years I have cared for children ages six weeks through school age but my specialty is caring for children six weeks to five years old and teaching core subjects and life skills. As a childcare provider, I pride myself in working with parents to create a comforatable experience for them and their children. I'm happy to work with mothers who choose to nurse, cloth diaper, if that is your choice and training to use the toilet in a non-stressful environment. Several of my past clients say that coming to my house was completely worth it for many reasons, including the fact that I was able to help potty train their child before the age of two with absolutely no pressure.

My philosophy is that learning is a life-long journey beginning at birth. As a learning coach, I am here to guide children in finding their strengths and talents and to explore the world around them. This is accomplished by using a balanced approach of planned and child directed activities.  We believe that learning can take place through "children's work" of doing different projects throughout the day that are develpmentally appropriate. Everything from helping to cook, setting the table, pouring out of child sized pitchers, and learning table manners, help to produce a well rounded childhood. This is all done by providing an exceptional environment in which children have a quality, clean, safe and secure family style childcare.

Integration of language skills, reading readiness, music, art, movement, math, science, cooking, dance, literacy, social studies, gardening and other life experiences which happen into our day. We borrow a lot of our teaching/learning style from Montessori. Children are given ample opportunities to learn, grow and even to teach others what they have learned.

Our high standards meet and/or exceed state requirements in our home environment, continuing education and the basics such as; First Aid/CPR certified, food handler’s permit, criminal history registry (background checked) and child abuse training. We are enrolled in the USDA food program and strive to buy organic and/or locally grown foods to ensure that the children receive a healthy, balanced diet.

When I’m not taking care of children I enjoy learning something new myself. Making our family's soaps, makeup and personal care items is one of my many hobbies. I love making chocolate truffles too. My favorite “me time” is racing. I LOVE doing triathlons, 5Ks, 10Ks and hopefully a marathon soon.

Thank you for visiting our site on the web. Please feel free to give us a call if you are interested in having your child experience a different approach to childcare.