Live, Laugh, Learn Daycare and Preschool reopens in Cashmere

CASHMERE – Live, Laugh, Learn Daycare and Preschool reopened its doors on Oct. 15, expanding childcare options in the valley.

“There's a lot of steps through the state, because I am state licensed, that you have to do…So there [were] a few challenges. It costs a lot to open up a daycare and preschool as well, you know, but we got her done, and I'm excited to open,” said Jones.

The daycare is operated by Jodi Jones, who ran her facility for over 15 years before closing in 2021. Over the last few years, Jones remodeled her home, and eventually added a brand new childcare space.

“For a while, I wasn't sure if I was going to reopen, but then I decided I missed it…I miss being around the children, the kids, teaching them, watching them grow,” said Jones.

Jones is able to host eight children from birth to school age. Her daycare is located on a 34-acre pear orchard with chickens and a play yard. She offers a preschool curriculum Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Jones typically lets the kids settle back in after the weekend with walks on Mondays, and has “Fun Fridays” with art and music.

“It’s not just book work, you know? We learn a lot through play and being outside. We do a lot of outside time as long as the weather permits,” said Jones.

Jones’s favorite part of her work is getting her preschoolers ready for school and watching them succeed once they’re there. Many of her past students are now in middle and high school, with one even training to be a firefighter. Now, as Jones reopens, she will be meeting a new generation of students.

“[I’m] excited to just start working with them and getting to know them…When I was open before, I never had turnover, so I would have the kiddos from the time they came till they went to school. So, these are all going to be new kiddos to me, and so we're going to have to get to know each other, and it'll be fun,” said Jones.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media