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Programs
Squishtivities
Join Brior at 4:15pm on the third Wednesday of the month at the Santiam Canyon Early Learning Center, 233 SW 3rd Ave., Mill City, for Squishtivities! Drop in – or stay awhile! FREE, snack provided.
Create, play, and learn with sensory play, exploration & crafts. This program promotes the parent-child relationships and results in growth in creativity, individuality, cooperative play, problem solving and more! For parents and/or caregivers and children of any age, adults are require to attend with children.
Wednesday, October 21 – Foil Leaves
An exploration of the senses! Collect different sizes and colors of fall leaves. Create an impression on foil and mount it on colored paper. Take home artwork!
Wednesday, November 18– Sensory Dough
Sensory doughs are a great way to learn, play, and explore. Get creative and squeeze and play with this fall scented dough.
Wednesday, December 16– Winter Wonderland Ornament
Kids create their own beautiful hanging ornament. Using plastic cups and winter toys, kids can set their own scene and have it forever.
Brought to you by Strengthening Rural Families in collaboration with the Santiam Canyon School District, with funding provided by United Way and LBCC – Parenting Success Network.
Join us for free, one-time workshops that focus on different topics each time. Facilitated by a skilled and trained community or agency partner or an LBCC Parent Educator. These workshops are intended to educate community parents/caregivers on the focused topic. Have a great idea of a workshop that may be helpful? Contact Brior to let him know! Email at brior.srf@ruralfamilies.org.
COOK, LEARN, EAT!
Free cooking class and dinner, childcare available. Held Tuesday, September 29 from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Mill City Presbyterian Church, 236 SW Broadway. Join Diego Nieto, Linn County Health Dept. Foods Systems Coordinator, to make and eat gourmet BLT's. Using local produce sponsored by Baumann's and H & K Meats. Please pre-register by scanning the QR code on the flyer, or emailing Brior directly at brior.srf@ruralfamilies.org.
The Parent Cafe is an informal, cozy discussion group facilitated by an LBCC Parent Educator that builds community support and protective factors for parents and caregivers. The topics are always different and discussions are focused that broaden your perspective of parenting and build your personal tool kit. Share and receive new insights about the highs and lows of parenting, all from a group in the same stage of life as yourself – and go home feeling uplifted, empowered, and supported. Join in one or both.
TBD. Held at the Santiam Canyon Early Learning Center, 233 SW 3rd Ave, Mill City. Free, with dinner and childcare provided. Register by contacting Brior, brior.srf@ruralfamilies.org or at (503) 897-0987.
Questions about Santiam Canyon programs?
Reach out directly to our Santiam Canyon Community Coordinator, Brior, brior.srf@ruralfamilies.org or at (503) 897-0987.
Questions about Santiam Canyon Preschool?
Reach out directly to Kaytlyn Courtney at the preschool: (503) 897-0987.
Santiam Canyon Preschool
Do you live in the Santiam Canyon School District and have a 4 or 5 year old child who is ready to take the next step from preschool, but is not old enough for kindergarten? We are pre-registering for the 2026-27 school year. Children must be born between 9/1/21 & 8/31/22.
The Santiam Canyon School District, in partnership with Strengthening Rural Families, is excited to offer Santiam Canyon Preschool. Classes will be held at the Santiam Canyon Early Learning Center, 233 SW 3rd Avenue, Mill City, OR 97360
MONDAY – THURSDAY (on the school calendar) September 14, 2026 – June 12, 2027
You choose EITHER: Morning session: 8:15am-11:15am OR Afternoon session: 12:15pm-3:15pm
This preschool is FREE and for students not yet eligible for Kindergarten who will be attending school in the Santiam Canyon School District next year (school year 2026-27). YOU MUST LIVE IN THE SANTIAM CANYON SCHOOL DISTRICT, or have an active district transfer.
You will need a copy of your child’s birth certificate, and current immunization records before you register, so please be prepared. (We can take a copy of the birth certificate here.) If you do not have your child’s birth certificate, please order one now.
Program funding provided by generous donations from:
John & Ginger Niemeyer Foundation
Doris J. Wipper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation
