Choosing the right child care for your child or children can be a confusing process. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Little Vikings Childcare at PSU. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we always look forward to hearing from you! Email or Call (503) 725-8800
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you an Accredited Childcare Provider?
Little Vikings/Baby Vikings is an Oregon certified Childcare center. Our staff follows all procedures and practices outlined by the State of Oregon. We are certified to care for a total of 15 children, including up to 8 infants at a time. Our childcare license number is CC502824.
What are Your Policies?
You can find our updated policy handbook HERE and the Immunization Chart HERE
What Training Do Your Staff Have?
Little Vikings Childcare staff meet all Oregon Certified Childcare standards for training and background checks. Many of Little Vikings staff are students here at Portland State University. Staff are required to have training in First Aid & CPR, Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse, and all other state of Oregon required training. Children must be kept within strict adult to child ratios, this is why we love it when you reserve care ahead of time.
Do Your Hire Students?
Yes! Are you a student at PSU who loves kids? We may be hiring! Give us a call, we would love to talk to you.
Do you provide meals?
Baby Vikings does not provide formula, baby food, or lunches. Baby Vikings does have applesauce, milk, crackers and cheese available for snacks if parents do not provide them or forget to bring snacks. Little Vikings requires that you bring any meals or snacks your child might need. Many children have allergies to nuts, for that reason, we are a nut-free facility. Please make sure any food you bring for your child is clearly marked with their name. Any items you bring for your children must be nut-free. We have a refrigerator to store food and a microwave to heat meals, but the food must already be prepared and ready to be heated.
Do you take sick children
NO, sick children are not allowed in care. For the health and safety of children and staff, Little Vikings cannot accept any children with the following conditions or symptoms: Fever over 100 degrees; diarrhea; vomiting; nausea; severe cough; lice; unusual yellow color to skin or eyes; skin or eye lesions or rashes that are severe, weeping or pus-filled; stiff neck and headache with one of more the of the above-listed symptoms; difficulty breathing or abnormal wheezing, or complaints of severe pain. Children must be fever-free without medication and symptom-free for at least 24 hours before visiting Little Vikings. A child who shows signs of illness after admission shall be isolated from the other children. The child’s parent will be notified and asked to pick up the child immediately.
What are your ratios?
In general, our ratio is 1 adult for every 4 children. On day camp days, when all the children are school age, our ratio may be slightly higher. The ratio for Baby Vikings is 1:4.
What do they do all day?
Little Vikings has activities for all ages of kids. We have a climbing structure, play kitchen, dress-up, sensory table, all kinds of art activities, toys, manipulatives and a limited use video game system. We gear activities to each child’s age and interests, to make sure your child has a great time. Weather permitting Baby Vikings will go outside.
What should we bring?
Please bring a diaper bag if your child is still in diapers, and a change of clothing if they might have an accident. Please do not bring electronics or personal items such as toys. We have a storage area for these items if you need it. If you think your child will need a snack, meal or bottle, please bring these items. We have a refrigerator to store food if needed. Please make sure you label anything you bring with your child’s name. For Baby Vikings, Please bring diapers, wipes, extra clothing and food. Please also bring anything that you think will make your child’s day easier (i.e., a pacifier, favorite blanket or stuffed toy)
What is your electronics policy?
We do not allow the children to use personal electronics such as cell phones, i-pods or handheld devices during their stay at Little Vikings. They can be stored while your child is at Little Vikings. We do have a limited use video game system and games appropriate for all ages. Parents can indicate whether or not they want their children to use the video games. Occasionally we may show a movie or short video based on our theme or activities.
Do I have to make a reservation?
No, for Little Vikings reservations are not required but reserving care in advance will help ensure a spot is available for you.
How many children does Little Vikings hold?
Little Vikings has space for 15 children, including up to 8 infants under 36 months of age. Our age range is 6 weeks to 12 years. Baby Vikings has 8 slots available, for children ages 6 weeks to 2 and one half years old.
Do you have sibling rates?
No, we do not offer sibling rates
Do you go outside?
We try to go outside at least twice a day, weather and staffing permitting. We use the nearby grassy lawn, the Stott Center, and the Community Garden across the street as places for the children to get outside and play.
When we go outside we keep at least 1:4 ratio and always have two staff members with the children. Children play in a designated area and must be able to understand the rules in order to play outside. Children are not allowed to leave the designated area, or pet animals while outside with Little Vikings. Staff members carry a first aid kit and a phone.
Should I bring my child’s immunization records?
Immunization records are not required until the 5th visit. If you think you will only use Little Vikings a few times, you won’t need to submit immunizations. However, if you plan to use it frequently and your child is not enrolled in a school or center, it’s a good idea to submit them when you register your child.
What is the Jim Sells Subsidy and can I use it to help pay for Childcare at Little Vikings?
The Jim Sells Child Care Assistance Program provides childcare assistance in the form of a subsidy to eligible student families who could not otherwise afford the full cost of child care while attending Portland State University. Students with dependent children who are carrying 8 or more undergraduate or 5 or more graduate/postbac credits are eligible to apply. The program can pay up to 50% of the cost of child care, depending on the student’s financial need.This program is open to students with children enrolled in either on or off campus childcare, so you may use it to help pay for care at Little Vikings. For more info, Click Here.
How Do I Change My Information?
To update your personal information or check your bill, log in to MyProCare.
How do I contact the State Licensing agency for this center?
Website for Early Learning Division: https://oregonearlylearning.com/
Childcare Safety Portal: https://oregonearlylearning.com/parents-families/childcare-safetyportal
Do you have a question you would like added to this FAQ? Please contact us and we’ll do our best to answer it!