When Sue Stendahl opened the Cottage in 1978, she wanted her city to have a daycare with an environment as good as its values. Now, 38 years later, that mission is strong as ever. The Cottage is a daycare for kids from two-and-a-half to eight years old, with activities and lessons designed to keep them learning and having fun. Within the walls of the Cottage kids learn about art, history, American Sign Language and Spanish. Regular field trips keep them engaged with what's beyond those walls.
The Cottage exists for kids as well as for the next generation. Stendahl was only 20 when she started the business, but now her two daughters help her run the business, keeping the cause alive with a passion for the families of Central Oregon.
"The most rewarding thing is that there are all these second-generation families here now," Stendahl says. She sees people who were children, who played and learned with her decades ago, return to make sure their own kids benefit from the same genuine care that they did. The Cottage crew takes pride in their kids, and their kids have grown up to take pride in them too.
1415 NE Williamson Blvd., Bend
541-389-7380
