C.
I signed up for this Mamasource service hoping to find info about local preschools/childcare as well. We send our 4-year old to Mudpies & Lullabies. She loves it, but they do not take kids who are under 3 1/2 and not potty trained. That's a big downfall because we also have a 2 year old. If that doesn't matter to you, though, the teachers are great and it is reasonably priced. I think there is supposed to be a big preschool fair in the last weekend of February. I can't remember where, but I saw it in the "Central Oregon Family News". It is a free paper you can find in a lot of places around town, like the library & grocery stores. As far as pediatricians, we go to Caroline Gutmann at Central Oregon Pediatrics on the westside. I don't particularly like the office. It's busy and full of sick kids, but Dr. Gutmann herself is great: respectful and good-humored. She is also from Portland, I believe.
I came here from Portland about 10 years ago myself, and still have most of my family there. It took me several years to "get used to" Bend. There are definitely not as many options and resources as in the city, but I think that is changing with the rapid population growth. Who knows-- maybe we'll see a Craigslist here soon.
Good luck finding a babysitter. I am shocked at what a pain in the %^& that has been.
