Lost Sierra Kids is a local nonprofit in California working to open a full-time early childhood learning center that keeps families close to home. We host free weekly playgroups for babies through age five and their caregivers across Plumas County.
Support our campaign and help us open the doors to the Lost Sierra Kids Learning Center.
Donate to the Campaign"We believe that family comes first, and our families of Plumas County are so treasured. Therefore, we never charge for our playgroup meetups as we feel they bring such enrichment and connection to the families of Plumas County."
Lost Sierra Kids is a local nonprofit in California seeking funding and material donations to open a learning center facility in Graeagle, CA. Each week, we welcome babies through age five (and siblings close in age) and their caregivers free of charge to our community playgroup filled with led music instruction, hands-on nature-based art instruction, and lots of social interaction. Depending on the season, we set up the Mohawk Resource Center in Blairsden or the Graeagle Soccer Field in Graeagle with various children's equipment. Each week our theme and curriculum is different to allow maximum learning and fun. Some weekly themes have included "Can You Find Them?: All About Mushrooms", "Harvest Day: Veggie Exploration" and "Feathered Friends: All About Birds".
Founded in January 2024 by Stephanie McCoy after the First 5 Plumas playgroups were unable to continue. Lost Sierra Kids currently connects with dozens of families from all over Plumas County including Portola, Quincy, Clio, Blairsden, Beckwourth, and beyond. On average we host 20-30 children and 10-15 caregivers every week, and we have already served more than 60 families across Plumas County, welcoming new families each week.
After nearly two years of listening to our community, we realize there is a desperate need for additional accessible childcare in Plumas County. Families routinely face tiring commutes, long waitlists, and construction delays just to reach care. Opening a learning center in Graeagle will let parents work closer to home and keep their young children rooted in the beauty of the Lost Sierra.
Music, art, and nature-based learning for babies through age five, hosted weekly at no cost to families.
Opening August 2026 with space for 24 children ages 2-6 in our licensed two-room facility at the Historic Graeagle Schoolhouse.
Expanding to include drop-in care for visitors, community classes, and family resources in partnership with local organizations.
Stephanie founded Lost Sierra Kids in January 2024 after the First 5 Plumas playgroups were no longer able to continue. She has taught music, theater, and early childhood education across Northern Nevada since 2003, and has 12+ years of nonprofit and organizational leadership experience. She now channels that knowledge into building a learning center rooted in the beloved Lost Sierra.
Rhiannon has been working with children since 2019 and has over seven years of experience in early childhood education. She grew up in the Lost Sierra and has a deep love for the area. Rhiannon holds an A.A. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, and is preparing for her M.A. in Curriculum Development and Instruction.
Mahala is an experienced early childhood educator with over 16 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. As Creative & Operations Director, she leads the organizational and creative foundation of the learning center, guiding its day-to-day systems, social media and visual storytelling, community engagement, and long-term planning, while supporting funding and grant development to ensure thoughtful, sustainable growth.
Lost Sierra Kids employs fully licensed and accredited local educators from Plumas County. In partnership with First 5 Plumas and Plumas STARS, we bring in community experts to lead specialized classes. We uphold the highest state and county standards for staff, curriculum, and teaching methods to ensure every child receives quality care in a safe, nurturing environment.
Snapshots from our community playgroups and learning center progress.
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Once the learning center is open, our free community playgroup will continue weekly as the cornerstone of Lost Sierra Kids. We believe in the power of play and community, and will always welcome you each week to come play, learn, and grow with us.
We aim to be a hub for all things family in Plumas County. By inviting educators and experts from within our community, we can expand resources for locals and visitors alike and ensure every family has access to enriching, affordable support.
Connect with us to discuss funding partnerships, learn more about our phased plan, or share how child care access impacts your family.
This is our future learning center location, not yet an active mailing address. Please contact us via email.