• Children Bloom when Nurtured with Care.

    Growing Tree is proud to report that we have received a 4-Star Quality Program rating. That means we exceed essential evaluation standards that support quality early learning for all children in the areas of: Learning and Development, Health and Safety, Personnel Qualifications, Family Partnerships, and Administration and Business Practices.

  • Children Learn Through Play

    Researchers have found that young children in high quality early childhood care and education settings have better development of language skills, cognitive functioning, social skills, and emotional well being.

  • Play, Learn, Grow

    Brain research shows that high quality early child care experiences expand your child's capacity to learn. Responsive and sensitive caregiving actually helps a child's brain grow and develop.

  • It's Fun to be Young

    Healthy child development depends on warm, nurturing caregiver-child relationships, a supportive environment, and appropriate activities which are found in high quality care and education settings.

  • A Foundation for the Future

    Children in high quality care have higher levels of success when they enter school. continue to do well in school, and have higher earning potentials as adults.

  • Imagination is More Important than Knowledge

    Current research shows that a child's self regulation skills are a significant indicator of later school success and overall healthy development. High quality early childhood programs foster self regulation.

  • What We Learn Becomes a Part of Who We Are

    Studies have shown that investing in high quality early childhood care and education pays multiple dollars for each dollar invested. Communities who invest in high quality care save money on remedial education, incarceration, and drug and alcohol treatment.

The Growing Tree Children's Center

A Bend Oregon preschool where it is fun to be young.

Growing Tree Children’s Center was established in 1979 as a not-for-profit early childhood education center serving children ages 6 weeks through Pre-Kindergarten.  We are dedicated to providing affordable, high quality developmental programs for all children. We welcome all families without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

In 2013 Growing Tree received an Oregon Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)  4 Star rating. This quality rating means we meet essential evaluation standards that support quality learning for all children. We are committed to quality care and learning for all children, and know the first years of life  build the foundation for lifelong learning and success. That's why we were among the first programs in the state to participate and receive a QRIS rating.

This rating indicates that our program has a written philosophy that defines its values, beliefs, and goals as well as sustainable business practices that support quality care. The program uses a curriculum to guide activities. The children are with a consistent care provider for the majority of the day who use a set of guidelines for positive adult-child interactions. The program encourages basic hygiene, healthy eating and fitness, including limiting screen time. The staff has specific training and education requirements and their professional development is supported. Families are engaged and indicate a high level of satisfaction with our program.

The Center is certified by the Office of Childcare (OCC). A yearly review is conducted, including an on-site visit. Growing Tree Children’s Center is in full compliance with the laws of the State of Oregon and applicable administrative rules.

The Growing Tree Children’s Center was specifically designed and built in 1987 as a childcare facility. Each classroom provides a wide range of activities and is furnished with age appropriate equipment and furnishings. Special features include observation windows in each classroom to watch your child in action, well-fenced playgrounds, a van equipped with car seats for field trips, onsite laundry, separate staff lounge and a reception area for daily greetings and communication.


Our Mission

  • We believe young children need understanding and consistent relationships with adults to foster positive self-images.
  • Programs must be flexible and responsive to children’s needs.
  • We provide a clean, reliable, safe, and healthy environment for children, full of opportunity for social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth.
  • We believe children benefit from challenges, guidance, and the opportunity to develop at their own pace.
  • Our programs strengthen family and community needs.

Donate to Our School

Hours of operation

7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday.

We are closed on the following Holidays:


  • New Year’s Day,
  • President’s Day,
  • April Conferences (date to be determined)*
  • Memorial Day
  •  Fourth of July
  • Thursday and Friday before Labor Day*
  • Labor Day 
  • Veteran’s Day
  • Thanksgiving (Thurs. & Fri.)
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day

Note: The center is closed on the Thursday?Friday before Labor Day, Presidents Day, April Conferences and Veteran’s day for staff in-service training and conferences.

Note: * denotes non-holiday closures


When I think of our time at Growing Tree the phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" immediately comes to mind. Our children have been here since they were infants and it's amazingly well run. The teachers are so kind and loving and our children truly feel at home at Growing Tree.  So happy GT is a part of our village.
- Laura Breit

Children Learn Through Play

We believe each child has a unique and individual potential and deserves the opportunity to develop this potential. The Growing Tree Children’s Center helps children of all abilities experience childhood as it is meant to be; in a loving, safe and nurturing environment, with joy and discovery intact.