Portland infant care: Best Infant Daycare & Child Care in Portland, OR

Best Infant Daycare & Child Care in Portland, OR

The following Portland, OR daycares have immediate availability for infants. Even if a locations does not have current openings for your infant, you can schedule a tour to join the waiting list. Capacity changes on a daily basis and we’ll let you know when a space becomes available!

90 Infant Daycares in Portland, OR

Carmen’s Daycare

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(971) 290-2554

Hi! We’re Carmen’s Daycare and we’re a home daycare providing childcare to families. Our goal is to ensure children reach their developmenta. .. Read More

$278 / wk

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6:00 am – 6:00 pm

Tiny Humans Playcare

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(971) 999-3296

Hi! We’re Tiny Humans Playcare and we’re a home daycare providing childcare to families. Our goal is to ensure children reach their developm… Read More

$310 / wk

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8:00 am – 5:30 pm

Stieky Lil Fingers Daycare

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(503) 809-5673

Welcome to Stieky Lil Fingers Daycare! We offer children a supportive and friendly environment that’s just like home. At our home daycare, o… Read More

$78 – $413 / wk

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8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Caritas Felices Daycare

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(503) 832-4263

Hi! Caritas Felices Day care is a registered home
where we offer care services from Monday to
Friday from 6(am) to 6(pm).
We have spaces … Read More

$66 – $85 / wk

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8:00 am – 5:00 pm

AS

Alberta’s Daycare

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(503) 662-9319

Welcome to Alberta’s Daycare! We offer childcare for families looking to provide their child with a loving and compassionate environment tha. .. Read More

$269 / wk

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5:00 am – 11:45 pm

Nanny Mo’s Child Care

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(312) 598-1767

Nanny Mo’s Child Care provides childcare for families living in the Portland area. Children engage in play-based, educational activities aim… Read More

Request price

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Request hours

Natalia Koleynik Daycare

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(316) 395-9572

Natalia Koleynik offers safe, loving childcare in the Portland area. Kids learn through curriculum-based, educational activities. The facili… Read More

Request price

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Request hours

Atlas Immersion Academy Daycare

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(405) 374-4917

Atlas Immersion Academy provides childcare for families living in the Portland area. Children engage in play-based, educational activities a… Read More

Request price

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Request hours

Olive Branch School

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(312) 598-1767

Olive Branch School provides childcare for families living in the Portland area. Children engage in play-based, educational activities aimed… Read More

Request price

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Request hours

Pine Village School LLC

Daycare in
Portland, OR

(312) 598-1767

Pine Village School LLC provides childcare for families living in the Portland area. Children engage in play-based, educational activities a… Read More

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Top 10 Infant Child Care in Portland, OR

Recent infant child care reviews in Portland, OR

Keeley N.

We first used Keeley last minute after being recommended to us by a friend. She was first and foremost dependable and punctual but was hands on as soon as she came. Our daughter (16m) loved her and is always happy to see her. We’ll continue to have Keeley over as long as she’ll let us 🙂

– Heather B.

Lhamo C.

Lhamo was a wonderful caretaker to our two young boys, coming 3 days a week for over 3 years. They adore her and her family, and she continues to babysit for us when needed as she is a beloved person in our sons’ lives.
In every manner conceivable Lhamo is an exceptional nanny. She is on time,hard working and was very nurturing to our young children, from infancy to toddler hood and beyond. As our nanny she was committed to the safety of our boys, a cautious and conscientious care taker we always felt our children were given meticulous care and attention.
She is very capable of educating children and for those who want to expose their kids to Mandarin or Tibetan language, she is a willing teacher. When needed she provided wonderful meals, kept our home clean and tidy and prioritized the total well-being of our family well above her own.
She is a great mother to her own three children and this experience, in addition to being a caretaker for others, she is highly qualified….

– Daniel W.

Cynthia W.

Cindy has been our son’s nanny for the last 5 months & is great! She’s incredibly caring with our son & collaborative with us. She’s been flexible with working extra hours/days, and is communicative with things come up. We’ve really appreciated her work.

– Danielle S.

Maija S.

We loved having Maija watch our 11 month old boy, 1 dog, and 2 cats! When first meeting her, we instantly felt comfortable with her bubbly and welcoming personality. While we were away she would text us updates to keep us posted on feeding and naps (which as new parents we were very grateful)! Welook forward to having Maija watch our boy many more times in the future. Highly recommend Maija :-)…

– Jenn D.

Barbara P.

Barbara is extremely reliable and has been an integral part of our family.
She has been our Nanny from 2021-2022 when our son was 4 months old until 15 months. Having her as our nanny brought me comfort and assurance that my son was safe and cared for! She always followed the nap routine and Iknew my son had the best care everyday….

– Mallory E.

Infants child care in Portland, OR

Description:

My name is Akela and I am looking for some extra babysitting jobs! Here’s a little bit about me!
– 25 years old
– 13 years total experience, last 6 years as a part time nanny.
– Excellent references.
-Experience with infants to teenagers, most experience with infants and toddlers.
– Experience caring for multiple children, including twins.
– Experience helping with infant/toddler development, potty training and driving children around.
– Experience helping care for an infant with physical special needs.
– CPR/First Aid Certified
– Fully Covid Vaccinated
I would love to chat and see if I would be a good fit as a babysitter for your child/children!…

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Keeley N. | Portland, OR

$25-31/hr • 4 yrs exp • 24 yrs old

Creative, Enthusiastic And Reliable Nanny

Description:

Hi!
My name is Keeley (Keels). I’ve been a nanny for almost four years with experience as a certified nurses assistant, camp counselor and sitter for over eight years. I’m a full time student as well as a fulltime nanny caring for two infants during the week. I have experience caring for infants to middle school ages with a focus on infant & toddlers over the last two years.
I love being outdoors rain or shine, painting and anything art related, and am a huge soccer fan. I genuinely enjoy immersing myself in kids worlds. I am a go with the flow kind of person but also thrive on routines and structure. I lead with compassionate, respect and kindness and foster a creative and engaging environment. …

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Recent Review:

We first used Keeley last minute after being recommended to us by a friend. She was first and foremost dependable and punctual but was hands on as soon as she came. Our daughter (16m) loved her and is alwayshappy to see her. We’ll continue to have Keeley over as long as she’ll let us :)…

Reviewed by Heather B.

Lhamo C. | Portland, OR

$22-27/hr • 10 yrs exp • 49 yrs old

Part-time/Full-time Babysitter/Nanny And Tutor

Description:

Hi there, my name is Lhamo, and I am a nanny with many years of experience (20+ years) caring for children, especially infants and toddlers, with many references available. I currently live in the Woodstockneighborhood, and I’ve raised three kids on my own (ages 23, 18, and 13 years old). Over the years, I’ve worked with over 10 families with a wide variety of different ages, though I’m especially experienced in working with toddlers and infants.
When working with kids, I love taking them outside to the park and staying active, providing fun activities for them. Furthermore, in addition to working with kids, I am able to help with light cleaning, folding laundry, and cooking. However, with the nature of these set of tasks, my hourly rate will also slightly increase, depending on the given workload….

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Recent Review:

Lhamo was a wonderful caretaker to our two young boys, coming 3 days a week for over 3 years. They adore her and her family, and she continues to babysit for us when needed as she is a beloved person in oursons’ lives.
In every manner conceivable Lhamo is an exceptional nanny. She is on time, hard working and was very nurturing to our young children, from infancy to toddler hood and beyond. As our nanny she was committed to the safety of our boys, a cautious and conscientious care taker we always felt our children were given meticulous care and attention.
She is very capable of educating children and for those who want to expose their kids to Mandarin or Tibetan language, she is a willing teacher. When needed she provided wonderful meals, kept our home clean and tidy and prioritized the total well-being of our family well above her own.
She is a great mother to her own three children and this experience, in addition to being a caretaker for others, she is highly qualified….

Reviewed by Daniel W.

Description:

Hi! I truly enjoy children and would like to help you out with childcare.
My current nanny position (for an infant under 1) will be ending mid December so I’m looking to start a new position after theholidays. However I can be flexible if you need me to start sooner.
I have recent nanny experience with newborns, infants, toddlers, preschool and grade school age children.
I love to swim and am very comfortable watching your kids in the pool. I have been a nanny and have watched children since I was a teen.
I can be flexible to fit with your needs.
I have my degree in Elementary Education. I have prior work experience as a Mom, a nanny and a preschool teacher.
Fully vaccinated. Just got my updated booster.
I test weekly for Covid.
Non smoker.
I have my own vehicle.
Adult and child first aid and CPR Certified…

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Recent Review:

Cindy has been our son’s nanny for the last 5 months & is great! She’s incredibly caring with our son & collaborative with us. She’s been flexible with working extra hours/days, and is communicative with thingscome up. We’ve really appreciated her work….

Reviewed by Danielle S.

Maija S. | Portland, OR

$18-30/hr • 6 yrs exp • 23 yrs old

Part Time Babysitter, Pet Caregiver

Description:

I have been babysitting and nannying for 6 years. I also worked for a year in a gym childcare facility where I was in charge of up to 10 children at a time. I graduated with a degree in human physiology and amnow working as a medical assistant before going to graduate school. I am certified in adult, pediatric, and infant CPR/BLS. I am available for weekends and evenings as I work 8-5 from home during the week!. ..

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Recent Review:

We loved having Maija watch our 11 month old boy, 1 dog, and 2 cats! When first meeting her, we instantly felt comfortable with her bubbly and welcoming personality. While we were away she would text us updatesto keep us posted on feeding and naps (which as new parents we were very grateful)! We look forward to having Maija watch our boy many more times in the future. Highly recommend Maija :-)…

Reviewed by Jenn D.

Description:

Specifically looking for a family in need of infant care, ideally looking for a long term position. 10 years experience as a nanny. 34 credits in early childhood development. Physically fit lap swimmerdedicated to health and well being. Youthful appearance with up-beat and warm personality. Organizational and cooking skills. Maintained loving, fun and safe environment. Create art and craft activities. Encourages cognitive and motor skill development. Promotes educational and creative levels of child development. Partner with parents to reinforce family core values. Trusting and lasting relationships with the families. Most of all love children and adding much to their happiness and well-being….

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Recent Review:

Barbara is extremely reliable and has been an integral part of our family.
She has been our Nanny from 2021-2022 when our son was 4 months old until 15 months. Having her as our nanny brought me comfort andassurance that my son was safe and cared for! She always followed the nap routine and I knew my son had the best care everyday….

Reviewed by Mallory E.

Description:

Hi! I am a very reliable, patient, and creative person who has experience caring for children, from infants to early teenagers. With me, your children will receive appropriate care, and I’m willing to doadditional tasks if requested. Personally, I’m an organizer, planner, and multitasker, so minimum supervision is required. With all my skills and experience, I’m able to provide a supervised, safe, and stable environment for your little ones.
Facts about me:
I play soccer at the collegiate level
I play for a semi-professional soccer team in Salem, Or
I coach U8-U9 for United PDX
I am currently on my last year of my bachelors degree in psychology…

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Recent Review:

Val has been great! She has babysat for our kids regularly.

Reviewed by Hetal C.

Lily C. | Portland, OR

$26-30/hr • 10 yrs exp • 43 yrs old

Present, Professional, And Loving!

Description:

Hi my name is Lily. I am in my early forties, originally from Houston and now living in Portland with my amazing 4yo son. I am a warm, present and patient infant and toddler caregiver with a lifetime ofexperience with all ages. I pride myself in being creative, emotionally nurturing and ready to dive into the child’s world.
My philosophy is heavily influenced by respectful parenting, child-led learning and play. I am also very skilled at helping young children find the daily rhythms that aid in them feeling supported and loved.
I believe that as a professional nanny of 10 years and, as a mother myself, I bring a valuable and holistic perspective, relating not only on a professional level but through a collaborative path in the parenthood journey as well. I believe children are such lights in this world. Each one deserves the best care, respect and love….

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Recent Review:

Lily is wonderful! She cared for our son from around 19 months-23 months, and I trust her completely. (Because of the pandemic we had not sought out normal daycare options until vaccinations for little oneswere available.) She is thoughtful in the activities she preps and very caring. Our son is very fond of her! She was great about not only healthy meals during the day, but also made things we could use through the evenings and weekends. We got daily recap on what he was eating and when, so it was easy to balance out meals and stay coordinated. Love the photo updates, too.
Lily has been an amazing addition to our lives. Her presence made the transition for our son into daycare seamless (only kid not crying on day one), and we are continuing our relationship beyond the term of employment. Highly recommend….

Reviewed by Lexi H.

Description:

Hi, I’m Rachel! I am the oldest of 7 children, and I helped raise my little siblings, the youngest of whom just turned 10. I have had two years of experience being a nanny for 3 awesome kids, ages 4, 2, and aninfant. I have also helped a disabled mother with housekeeping and also babysitting her 4 special needs kids for a year. I have completed 2 years in a college elementary education program, and I love teaching and working with kids. I also love to cook, I’m tidy and organized, and can multitask well. I play the piano and the violin and sing, I love jigsaw puzzles and reading, and exploring the great outdoors. I’m sure your children and I will be able to find something in common and have a lot of fun :)…

Background Check

Description:

Hi there! I am a nanny working in the Beaverton/Portland area. I have been working as a childcare provider since 2012 with little ones ranging anywhere from 4 months to 12 years of age. I am CPR, First Aid, andAED certified for adults, infants, and children and have experience working with type 1 diabetic children as well as children with autism. I am also a recent college graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice from Western Oregon University. On top of all that boring stuff, I have also been told that I am a top-notch fort builder, a master of all crafts involving glitter, and perhaps most importantly, a chicken nugget artisan. I am always excited to meet new families so please don’t hesitate to reach out any time. Hope to hear from you!…

Background Check

Description:

I have worked with a wide range of homes, families, cultures, and animals through volunteering, housekeeping, teaching, a nanny, and Au pair. As a nanny and teacher I am a support to my families accomplishingall the responsibilities concerning the children and home. In partnership with the parents to work together wanting to give the very best to the children. I Implement my 10+ years of experience with developmental growth and challenges from infant to teenager. I follow the child with observation, non-bias and understanding. I believe that there is always a reason for behaviors. I give a foundation of independence in all areas using observation, consistency, patience, and empathy. I am a mentally healthy pillar and guide bringing into my personal life health care professionals while growing my knowledge base researching psychology and the latest in child development. You are never too old enough to grow and learn. Nature is a strong passion growing up on a self-sustaining farm….

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Recent Review:

I am so happy my husband and I decided to welcome Faith in to our home to care for our baby girl part time. While I didn’t get time to directly observe, my husband said Faith was so engaging with our little oneand patient with her. Faith went the extra mile and did laundry, cleaned and tidied. I look forward to hiring Faith in the future for date nights or other care needs as they come up!…

Reviewed by Ellen C.

Jamie P. | Portland, OR

$26-32/hr • 10 yrs exp • 41 yrs old

Dependable, Patient, Loving, Homeschool Mom

Description:

I’d describe my personality as reliable, patient, and heart-centered.
I enjoy working with kids because they’re joyful, creative, and loving. They promise to keep the day interesting and playful, with justenough challenge.
I’m looking for loving families that enjoy the outdoors, walks, making crafts, playing games, reading, and value kindness.
In my spare time, I spend as much time with my teens as they’ll give me. I walk my dog a lot. I love to read and be outdoors.
I will respect family rules and expectations. I will arrive on time, stay engaged, & keep your kids safe! I’m cheerful, flexible, and resourceful. I can be firm and set boundaries. I can prepare kids’ food, help kids clean up our messes, and settle for naps.
I work with infants, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
I am a homeschool Mom who can support littles in all their developmental needs, including reading, writing, math, and science. I’m great at creating STEAM and sensory-centered activities….

Background Check

Recent Review:

Jamie was our nanny for several months in 2022. She cared for our child who was 6-12 months old. Jamie is an exceptional caretaker and she goes above and beyond to be attentive, compassionate, and helpful! Yourchild(ren) will be engaged in games, learning, and fun! Also she is a cheerful person and a total ray of sunshine to invite into your family life. I recommend Jamie without reservation!…

Reviewed by Alana P.

Lulu R. | Portland, OR

$25-30/hr • 10 yrs exp • 65 yrs old

Nanny Extraordinaire! To Be Cliche – I Have Been Called Mary Poppins By A Couple Moms.

Description:

I have been a professional, career Nanny for 15 years! I am committed to treating kids with respect and keeping them safe in a nurturing, creative, loving manner. I’m extremely reliable, kind, stable,consistent, honest and trustworthy. I have experience with all ages. I’m fully vaccinated & boosted. I’m K12 Online school skilled. I’m energetic and love outdoor walks, games, cards, crafts, reading and singing with kids. In my time off I’m an avid kayaker. I am mature, which provides a lot of life content, that results in a patient, calm, can-do attitude. I have current CPR training & first aid training for infants and adults. I am happy to prepare healthy meals and consider myself a pretty good cook. I have a reliable car and a clean background check. I’m looking for approximately 25 hours per week, working no more than four days a week. I charge a minimum of $25 per hour. I’m looking for consistent work with a great family. Please read my profile and excellent references. Thanks….

Background Check

Recent Review:

LuLu is a dream nanny! We are so lucky to have had her to support our family these last few months. She joined us when our youngest was just three months and we said goodbye when he started daycare at 9. Icannot imagine a more reliable, trustworthy, or qualified person to entrust the care of your children. I work from home and enjoyed every second of having her here. LuLu is a wonderful communicator and just incredible with kids. I cannot recommend her highly enough….

Reviewed by Lindsay C.

Description:

I am a full-time Nanny specializing in infant care. I have over 15 years of experience providing exceptional care to children ages two weeks – 14 years. My Child/Infant CPR and First Aide certifications arecurrent. I also have Postpartum Doula training, and I am very comfortable with animals. Excellent references provided….

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Description:

I have worked professionally as a nanny for over 15 years. I am Infant and Adult CPR and First Aid/AED certified. I have a lot of experience with first time parents, infants, toddlers, multiples, and I alsohave experience with developmentally challenged kiddos (Autism spectrum and epilepsy). I love the outdoors, fort building, park Olympics, reading books, laughing, staying as organized as possible, creating a nurturing environment, and in general just being a supportive part of the team. Can’t wait to meet you!…

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Emme F. | Portland, OR

$25-25/hr • 6 yrs exp • 28 yrs old

Full-Time/Part-Time Babysitter/Nanny Available

Description:

Hello, my name is Emme, and I am currently looking for a full-time (around 30 hours a week) childcare position.
I have been a nanny here in Portland for the past five years, my last role ending in 2021 workingfull-time doing infant care along with various household upkeep. I am currently in school pursuing a degree in Pre-Education from Portland State.
I absolutely love children, and find them to be my true calling. I specialize in infants and toddlers, and at some point was a lead toddler teacher at an accredited school. Additionally, I have experience with early and late elementary aged children. I consider myself to be very responsible, punctual, and have a love for my field. I am also CPR certified for infants and children, adults and even pets.
Although I don’t have many references listed here, I have 10 years of experience (6 in paid positions and 4 unpaid work hours in a licensed care facility). I can provide to you when the time comes….

Background Check

Description:

Hello all,
Natalie here, Ideally looking to care for another infant or toddler. Available five days a week 9-3 p.m.
I live in Ne Portland with my husband and two daughters. We love the outdoors, playingmusic, swimming, reading all of the books, zoo visits and our Shiba Inu.
Eight years of montessori teaching, Infant and adult CPR certified, preventing abuse and neglect trained.
I am comfortable and experienced in caring for newborn-13years.
I am punctual, a great communicator, open and honest, flexible, supportive of parents/child’s needs, experienced with breast-milk/formula prep, cloth diapering, potty training, non smoker, active, positive with reliable transportation.
Look forward to hearing from you! 🙂 -references available upon request. Fully vaccinated!…

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Description:

I have been babysitting kids since I was 14 years old, and I have continued you my experience to this day. I have babysat a 2-week-old infant to 13-year-old teenager. I love to get creative and outside tofoster a healthy lifestyle….

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Recent Review:

I can’t say enough how wonderful it has been to have Kennedy come and help with our daughter. Our daughter has so much fun with her and Kennedy finds new ways to play – I’ve learned a lot! She’s never missed ashift or been late, great communicator and it keeps us in alignment. She’s been a delight and I hope to have her help out in the future :-)…

Reviewed by Sonya W.

Cassidy N. | Portland, OR

$23-30/hr • 4 yrs exp • 24 yrs old

Very Experienced And Enthusiastic Childcare Worker.

Description:

I’ve worked teaching preschool and toddlers in schools and as a private nanny for several families with infants. I have a recent CPR certification and have taken courses in professional childcare. I am fluentin Spanish and have taught bilingual children as well. Excited to meet you and your kids !. ..

Background Check

Description:

Hello! I’m Sylvia, I’m teacher qualified, most of my experience is with infants, todlers and preschoolers, but I’ve worked with older kids as well.
I worked at a day care for two years, and became a full-timenanny when COVID hit. I’m looking for new families to help and learn from.
Fully COVID vaccinated and boosted…

Background Check

Showing 1 – 20 of 227

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**Get an H-1 visa and work up to 25 hours a week in South Korea** Hello!! My name is Lisa and I have a lot of experience working with children of all age groups. I have 2 years experience in kindergarten as well as looking after children aged…

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Aisha A.
I have a lot of experience taking care of children.

Hello families! I am a level headed worker who gets along well with children of all ages. I have extensive experience caring for children aged 3 to 15, both on a paid and volunteer basis. Looking for opportunities…
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Last visited 6 days ago

Available Sep 22 – May 23 for 3-9 months.

See Au Pair 3233875

Seeking Full or Part Time, Live-In or Live-Out

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Caprice S.

+3 years experience as a youth support nanny

Hello! I am Caprice. I am a college student looking for a job while I study Spanish for 7 months in Spain. I have over 3 years experience in both long term and short term care. I also have experience of volunteering when I cheer for my school youth…
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Christina H.
Need an extra pair of hands around the house?

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Last login 19 days ago

Available Nov 22 – Nov 22 for 3-9 months

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Erica L.
Professional, positive, caring and sincere

Conscious parenting is not a set of rules for parents to follow, but a set of beliefs that children need to develop and thrive. Through my experience as a nanny, I have developed a practice based on sensitive observation. ..
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Portland Small Business Utility Bill Assistance Program (SPUR)

Updated August 10, 2020

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Any questions?

Program details are described below. Please read before calling. Waiting for a conversation can be long. Customers can call for help on tel. 503-823-7770 or email [email protected].

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What is the Small Business Utility Bill Assistance (SPUR) Program?

By resolution passed unanimously on June 3, 2020, the Portland City Council directed the Portland Water Authority and the Environmental Services Administration to develop a program to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Small Business Utility Bill Assistance Program (SPUR) offered one-time credits to eligible businesses to pay their sewer/stormwater/water bills. The $1.6 million program was funded by the Portland Water Authority and the Environmental Services Administration. Applications were open from 8 to 22 July 2020. Information was available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Russian. More than 500 companies received promissory notes under this program.

The SPUR program was modeled after and promoted by the Prosper Portland Small Business Relief Fund (Prosperous Portland), which provided money to small businesses impacted by the 2020 economic and health emergency.

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How many companies have applied for the SPUR program and how many will receive the loan?

We have received over 2000 applications. Initially, the SPUR program was allocated $1 million and was expected to fund 200 to 300 businesses. In response to the overwhelming need for businesses to help, the SPUR Selection Committee, along with Commissioner Fritz and Mayor Wheeler, provided an additional $600,000. With a total available amount of $1.6 million, loans have been offered to more than 500 companies, about 25 percent of the total number of applicants.

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Who got the loans?

The list of companies that received loans will be posted on 19 August.

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How was the loan amount calculated?

The loan amount was calculated by analyzing the costs of enterprises for city sewerage, storm sewerage and water supply services for the period from March 2019 to March 2020, one year before the start of the coronavirus pandemic (data available in the billing system of utilities). The businesses were then divided into the following categories based on their past spending.

Expenses for sewerage, storm sewerage and water supply in 2019	Loan amount
Less than $2500	$ 1,000. 00
$2,500 – $5,000	$ 2,500.00
$5,000 – $10,000	$ 5,000.00
$10,000 – $20,000	$ 7,500.00
$20,000 or more	$ 10,000.00

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Who determined the priorities on the issue of who will receive loans?

Prior to the start of the application process, the utilities invited a group of representatives from the business community to guide the selection process for this program. Members of the business community were not eligible to apply for loans under the SPUR program. The SPUR Selection Committee used the eligibility criteria and equity and vulnerability priorities set by the City Council and developed additional criteria to prioritize applications. The commission included representatives:

• Council for Economic and Racial Equality
• Portland Public Services Board
• Oregon Native American Chamber

Oregon Filipino American Chamber of Commerce

• Black American Chambers

Oregon Hispanic Council

• American Chamber of Commerce Asia and Pacific Islanders

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How were applications evaluated?

First, the SPUR Selection Committee applied programmatic priorities set by the City Council, which included Black, Indigenous, and Colored (BIPOC), women-owned, childcare, and Phase 1 businesses. The committee then took into account the size of the business, the type of business, how long it has been in operation, geographic location, and the communities it serves.

The need for support far exceeds the funds available under the program, and 75 percent of enterprises did not receive credit. In the process of considering applications, the impact of historical injustice was taken into account. The selection process was based on a clear recognition that Black, Indigenous and Colored Communities (BIPOC) were disproportionately affected by this crisis.

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I didn’t get a loan. Are there other resources that can help my business?

Yes. Here are some other small business resources:

Utility bill support

• Contact [email protected] or call 503-823-7770 to sign up for monthly billing or set up a payment plan.
• Get a free consultation on water efficiency or order free water saving devices. Contact [email protected] or call 503-823-4527.
• If you safely dispose of your property’s stormwater, you can sign up for Clean River Rewards.
• Residential customers may qualify for the Bill Discount Program. Contact [email protected] or call 503-823-7770

Prosper Portland Foundation Support

• The City Council recently allocated $15 million in federal funds under the Coronavirus Pandemic Relief, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Ordinance to support small businesses. Prosper Portland will open the application process for this support at the end of August. Recognizing that businesses have already invested time and resources in applying for the SPUR program, Prosper Portland is currently exploring the possibility of automatically enrolling all applicants who apply for the SPUR program in the application pool for a new form of funding from the CARES Fund . Prosper Portland will migrate the information from your SPUR application to provide you with a faster “automated” application form for new grants. Businesses will have to check the details and complete the application. This will save time and effort. The Prosper Portland Foundation will provide additional information by the end of August.

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If the pandemic continues, will the city hold such an action again?

There is no answer to this question yet. The Portland Water Authority and Environmental Services are discussing how utilities can best support Portlanders during the pandemic, recognizing that additional spending on grant programs/debt cancellations will increase the rate for all customers.

To stay informed, businesses can sign up to receive notifications from the Prosper Portland Foundation.

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How do I know that my application has been approved?

You should have received a confirmation email immediately after submitting your application. On July 27, you should also have received a second email thanking the applicants for their participation and details of the review schedule. In addition, on August 5, all applicants were to receive a third email telling them if they received a loan.

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Who was eligible to qualify for funds?

Enterprises must meet all of the following criteria to participate:

• Getting sewer, storm drain, and water service from the City of Portland.
• Loss of income as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Annual gross income of $2 million or less (in 2019).
• Number of employees – 50 or less.
• Conducting business and meeting Oregon registration requirements on or before July 1, 2019. (Sole proprietors acting on behalf of the owner are not required to register with the State of Oregon, so they satisfy this requirement.)

All applications were reviewed through the lens of racial equality and vulnerability. Public Utilities are committed to achieving racial equity in the response to the pandemic.

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How long did the application process take?

The online application process started from 09:00 on 8 July to 17:00 on 22 July.

Applications were available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Russian.

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What were the deadlines for applying for the program and receiving funds?

• Wednesday 8 July 2020: Applications open (9.00)
• Wednesday 22 July 2020: Deadline for applications (17.00)
• Wednesday 5 August 2020: Announcement of Loan Allocation Results and Notice to Applicants
• Wednesday, August 19, 2020: receipt of loans to accounts

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How did the companies get the money?

Selected applicants will receive funding in the form of a one-time loan to their sewer/stormwater/water bills.

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What if my small business doesn’t get a direct sewer/stormwater/water bill?

Not all small businesses receive utility bills directly from the City; some pay for these services through rent. These businesses were encouraged to contact the owner of the utility account during the application process and arrange to split the credit to the account.

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What if my small business operates from my home?

The SPUR application was available for home businesses.

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What if my business has multiple public service bills?

Each enterprise was allowed to submit only one application. Our task is to support as many enterprises as possible within the framework of this program.

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Why were nonprofits not eligible?

Non-profit organizations providing childcare services were eligible for the program. Unfortunately, everyone else was not allowed to participate. The SPUR program provided limited funding to support small businesses and was guided by the principles of equity in prioritizing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Colored) owned businesses.

Nonprofits are also struggling and doing important work for our community. Below are some of the ways nonprofits can use to manage their accounts and some links to resources for nonprofits.

• Sign up for a monthly fee or negotiate payment terms with the Portland Water Authority at 503-823-7770 or [email protected].
• Get a free water efficiency consultation or order free water saving devices at [email protected] or call 503-823-4527.
• If you safely dispose of your property’s storm water, sign up for Clean River Rewards.

Additional resources

• The Oregon Association of Nonprofits provides COVID-19 economic and financial assistance information and other resources for employers at nonprofitoregon. org/news/covid-19-resources.
• Grant organizations in Oregon and southwest Washington have a list of grants and other financial assistance available to local NGOs at gosw.org/covid19/.

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What do I do with my business accounts while I wait to see if my business will receive a SPUR loan?

Continue paying utility bills. If you find it difficult to pay, contact the Water Authority and agree on a payment schedule. The Water Authority is currently not shutting off water for non-payment.

If your business is approved for this program, the Water Authority will credit your checking account for sewer/stormwater/water services. However, you are responsible for the remaining charges on the account and you will still be able to negotiate payment terms.

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Where does the money come from? Will this program lead to higher tariffs?

This program provides assistance in the form of a credit on the account, not cash payments from the public utilities. Management expects a general decline in revenue due to the pandemic, and the SPUR program is part of the expected decline. This program is not tied to tariff increases.

This is a wise business decision for public utilities and the right thing to do in the current environment. Public Utilities are investing in small businesses now so that they will continue to invest in sewer/stormwater/water infrastructure for many years to come. The departments are supporting businesses now so they can stay afloat, recover and continue to serve the community.

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Why is the city doing this?

Commissioner Amanda Fritz met with members of the business community, in particular people of color, women and other groups with historically challenged access to capital, and found that the financial burden caused by the pandemic is becoming unbearable. Commissioner Fritz and Mayor Ted Wheeler have asked public utilities to work with community partners to find ways to support small businesses.