Little Explorers Early Education
Welcome to
Little Explorers
Preschool
Our Roots
Little Explorers (LE) is a certified in-home preschool founded by Aarin Langford, an experienced elementary school educator with a master’s in Elementary Education and a bachelor’s in Psychology. Aarin began LE because she was passionate about creating a space that truly nurtures each child, while allowing authentic self-expression. The intentionally small ratios ensure each child receives the attention they deserve.
At LE, children are encouraged to explore as individuals to develop their own interests, gain autonomy, and establish a lasting love for learning and discovery. All activities are thoughtfully designed to nurture the emotional, intellectual and physical growth of our kids. The curriculum at LE enables children to learn and explore at their own pace. Each child is offered group, partner, or independent educational opportunities based on developmental level and desires. Each day involves self-guided, immersive, and engaging activities such as imaginative play, song and dance, outdoor exploration, and literacy and numerical content.
Our Mission
Nurture the Individual
At Little Explorers, we believe that every child is a natural adventurer driven by innate curiosity. Founded with a passion for fostering that curiosity and instilling autonomy, we create an environment where young minds can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Our commitment to nurturing each child's unique potential shines through in our dedicated team, ensuring that every Little Explorer feels valued and inspired. Together, we embark on a journey of exploration that lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Our Facility
Home Away from Home
Little Explorers is run out of our North Portland residential home in the University Park neighborhood. The main floor and outdoor space are dedicated to our preschool, each thoughtfully utilized with children in mind. The playroom is a versatile, open space with bright windows for natural light. It has a reading nook, an arts-and-crafts corner, a table for lunch and activities, a climbing structure, tumble mats for more active play, and two rotating activity shelves featuring many Montessori lessons. The restroom features child appropriate hygiene care and easy access step stools. The kitchen is utilized for helping prepare meals and snacks, and for weekly baking lessons - a favorite activity among the children. The nap room offers a quiet rest space to wind-down for nap and story time, and includes a dollhouse, baby dolls, dress-up items, and imaginative blocks for play beyond nap time. The den is a calm room where children can read stories, do puzzles, or regulate their emotions. Outdoors is thoughtfully designed and always evolving to meet the needs of the children. We began remodeling efforts in Feb. 2026. Currently, our outdoor space offers a mud kitchen, pirate ship, dig pit, saucer swings, garden beds, walking logs, and a play house.
Contact Us
Tours are scheduled when spaces are available.
971-331-4711
6805 N Monteith Ave, Portland, OR 97203