About Pinecone

Our Mission

At Pinecone Childcare, we are committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child. Our mission is to provide a safe, engaging, and enriching environment that supports holistic child development, while empowering families to balance their professional and personal lives.

Who We Are

Pinecone Childcare is a certified family home childcare center located in Lake Oswego, dedicated to offering exceptional care and education. Nestled in a beautifully maintained 6,000 square-foot heritage home on a half-acre of lush green space, we combine the warmth and personal touch of home-based care with the quality and resources of a larger center.

Meet Shazia Abdulla, Pinecone’s Childcare Director

With over two decades of experience in Montessori education, Shazia Abdulla has dedicated her career to both working in and leading Montessori schools. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to lead teams, support staff and students, and connect parents to the profound value of Montessori and Early Childhood Education. Before stepping into leadership roles eight years ago, Shazia gained hands-on experience by studying and teaching across three levels of Montessori education—toddler, primary, and elementary—across three continents.

Her diverse background, with roots in South Africa, Pakistan, and the United States, provides her with a unique global perspective. She is passionate about bridging diverse perspectives and stories while remaining deeply committed to holistic child development. Shazia's focus is on fostering acceptance, belonging, and nurturing socially responsible global citizens.

Our Promise

We promise to:

  • fill your child’s days with joy and wonder, engaging their hearts and minds with experiences that make them light up with happiness;

  • nurture them with love, sharing in their giggles, joining in their play, and offering gentle comfort whenever they need it;

  • stay connected with you, celebrating their milestones, joys, and challenges, and being your partner in this beautiful journey;

  • make a lasting impression on your child’s life, helping them grow with confidence, curiosity, and kindness.

At Pinecone, our promise is a commitment to your child’s happiness and growth. We are honored to be part of your family’s journey and can’t wait to watch your little one thrive in our care.

The Pinecone Pillars

The Pinecone Pillars, or the Four Ps of the Pinecones Model (program, providers, parents, and the little pinecones), are the foundation of our unique childcare program, designed to create a nurturing and collaborative environment where providers, parents, and children thrive together. These pillars represent our holistic care model, emphasizing a strong partnership between parents, caregivers, educators, and children. Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of a child’s development is supported and enriched, creating a seamless and consistent experience both at home and within our care facility.

Our Philosophy

We believe that every child is unique and deserves a personalized approach to learning. At Pinecone, we draw from Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia educational philosophies to create a nurturing environment where children can explore, create, and grow at their own pace. Our holistic approach emphasizes cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development, fostering well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in all aspects of life.

Why Choose Pinecone?

Pinecone’s most defining characteristics are its passionate educators and its extraordinary environment, which offers an unparalleled childcare experience. Nestled on a half-acre of meticulously landscaped grounds, Pinecone combines the beauty of its 6,000 square foot heritage home with expansive outdoor spaces designed for learning, play, and exploration. This thoughtfully curated environment, along with our team of highly qualified educators, ensures that Pinecone nurtures creativity, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging in every child.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pinecone Child Care currently serves children aged 1 to 6 years old.

  • Pinecone Child Care is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. We provide flexible scheduling options to accommodate the diverse needs of working parents.

  • At Pinecone, we offer two programs:

    • Toddler Community (12 to 30 months): A nurturing environment that fosters independence and self-confidence as toddlers explore and develop at their own pace.

    • Primary Community (30 months to 5 years): A vibrant, multi-age space where children engage in self-directed activities, building essential skills in a collaborative and supportive setting.

  • Pinecone Child Care integrates the best elements from several educational philosophies, including Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. Our child-centered and flexible approach is designed to foster creativity, encourage exploration, and build a deep connection with the world around each child.

  • At Pinecone, we are dedicated to attracting and retaining top-quality educators by offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and continuous professional development opportunities. This commitment ensures that our teachers are well-supported, highly skilled, and consistently growing in their roles, providing the best care and education for your child.

  • Safety is our top priority. Our facilities are equipped with controlled access systems to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter. We follow strict protocols for child pick-up and drop-off, and all staff members are thoroughly trained in emergency procedures to ensure a safe environment for every child.

  • We believe in maintaining open and consistent communication with parents. You will receive regular updates on your child’s progress through daily reports, newsletters, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings. We also encourage parents to reach out with any questions or concerns to ensure a strong partnership in your child’s development.

Plan your visit

Connect with our educators to see how we can make your child's transition from home to Pinecone smooth and joyful. Reach out to schedule a personal tour of our Lake Oswego location.