How does eating work at Little Innovators?

Parents provide nut-free meals and snacks for their child when they come to the care space. Our caregivers do not cook food, but will gladly heat up any food if needed, and we have a microwave and fridge in our facility.

What about allergies?

Our care space is fully nut-free. All caregivers will check any food in the space to ensure compliance. Parents are asked to disclose any additional allergies when enrolling their child, and our team will make further accommodations as needed.

Does Little Innovators accept children who are not toilet-trained?

Children can be at any stage of their toileting journey - whether in diapers / pull-ups, still training, or fully toilet-trained. You will let us know about your child’s toileting needs during the enrollment process, and our care team will confirm any special instructions before your first day of care.

Can my child sleep or nap while at Little Innovators?

Yes, our care space is outfitted with a separate sleeping space for nighttime care, as well as childcare cots for any child that wishes to sleep or nap during quiet time. You will be asked about your child’s sleeping / napping preferences during enrollment and any special instructions will be reviewed by our care team before your first day of care.

How will I know how my child is doing when they are at Little Innovators?

All parents will receive regular text-based updates on their child throughout their stay at Little Innovators. Given restrictions for some employees, we will ask whether you prefer to receive care updates on your work or personal phone number. Our care team is available by phone or by text at all times when your child is in our care in case you have any questions.

Can I visit my child?

We welcome your visits! We ask that you notify our care team ahead of your arrival so that we can prepare. Once you arrive, you'll be able to have a 1:1 visit with your child. For longer visits, you may be asked to check out your child to minimize disruptions for the rest of the classroom.

Who can use the Little Innovators program?

We are aligned with the eligibility criteria set forth by Intel for all of its childcare programs. In general, we can provide care for any dependent of an employee (including a dependent for whom the employee has temporary / permanent legal custody). For more detailed information, please refer to the Patch Oregon resource page.

My child has special needs / developmental delays. Can they use the Little Innovators program?

Yes, we accept all children in the Little Innovators program, including children with developmental delays or special needs or assistance. If your child requires specific accommodation, please let us know during enrollment and a member of our care team will reach out to review any questions with you before your first day of care.

My child is under 2 years old. Can I still enroll?

We suggest enrolling in our program if this is the case! We will add you to a waitlist and notify you when your child becomes eligible.

What are your hours of operation?

We are open Sunday-Friday, 6:30am-8:30pm.

I know I have a disruption coming up. Can I book care in advance?

We expect most parents to use Little Innovators to help with last-minute disruptions. However, if you already know you will need care, you are able to book up to 4 weeks in advance.

How do I cancel my booking?

You can cancel using the button at the bottom of your Acuity booking confirmation email. Having trouble? Just send us a text message and we can support.

Is there a limit on how often I can use Little Innovators? Can I use Little Innovators as my full-time daycare?

As an employee at Intel, you receive 15 days of backup childcare per child per year, up to three children. Little Innovators is designed for backup care usage during working hours and is not intended to replace your full-time childcare arrangement. For more information on what is considered eligible use, visit the backup childcare program page.

There aren't enough spots for me to book. Can I still request support?

Send us a text message at (503) 382-8663 if there are no spots available on the booking calendar. We will let you know if there is availability based on your desired drop-off and pick-up time. If not, we will place you on a waitlist and inform you if there are any openings.

What is the curriculum like at Little Innovators?

Little Innovators provides quality backup childcare in a multi-age classroom. Because parents use our program as a supplement to their normal childcare, our care program has been designed to help children feel engaged, comfortable, and safe in a new setting.

Our primary goal is to engage children through mentally and socially-stimulating activities. Due to the temporary nature of the care provided, we follow a play-based curriculum designed to encourage interaction across ages, rather than a continuous curriculum.

What does a typical day look like at Little Innovators?

A typical day will include age-appropriate crafts, movement-based play and gross-motor skill building. These activities will be centered around a monthly theme. During each day, children will eat meals and snacks (parents are asked to provide nut-free food for their children) and will be given a chance to nap or relax during planned quiet time. We will keep you informed throughout your shift! You can expect updates with photos every ~2 hours.