Lost Sierra Kids | Community Learning Center Initiative in Graeagle, CA

Our Story & Mission

“ 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 such as educational learning toys for fine motor development; puppets, wooden trains, and imagination tents for creative play; toddler climbing equipment, stepping stones and balance toys for gross motor development, and so much more. 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, and welcome 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.

Our Vision for Care & Community

Free Weekly Community Playgroup

Babies through age five (and siblings close in age) gather weekly for music, art, and connection.
Caregivers join led music instruction that teaches the fundamentals of music, including beat, tempo, and dynamics, using various child-appropriate instruments such as bells, rhythm sticks, blocks, and shakers.
Hands-on art stations centered around our weekly theme, using various mediums, including watercolor, paint, clay, and nature sculptures.
Led nature study science, including: hands-on mushroom observation and dissection, vegetable study, and a themed educational story time.
Rotational setups at the Mohawk Resource Center and Graeagle Soccer Field keep play fresh with new play items and layouts.

Phase 1 Center Build-Out

Building out our full-time early childhood learning center to include our main classroom space, administration office, kitchen, and storage, and outdoor play yard and Community Garden next to the Graeagle Emporium and across from the Graeagle Frosty in the heart of Downtown Graeagle.
Targeting ages 2–6 for full and part-time care, as well as up to 14+ for hourly drop-offs during summer, allows the widest possible age range to accommodate as many families as possible. We aim to offer learning and care to not only the residents of Plumas County but also have room to support our visitors to Plumas County as well, with a dedicated playspace and community family classes throughout the year.
Initial capacity for up to 27 school-aged children (as young as 2 years old) with an opening goal of Summer 2026.
Hourly options will also be available during peak tourist months so visiting families can freely explore the Lost Sierra.

Community Hub

Phase 2: Addition of a dedicated community space for classes and shared programming.
Plans for holiday celebrations and performances, a student-based community garden, and communal mixed-aged learning. We truly believe that we can all learn something from one another, so what better way to bring back the traditional Schoolhouse feel than with a one-room, multi-age learning facility dedicated to each child's growth and development.
Regular community offerings such as older-kid creation labs, Yoga for families, parenting workshops, lactation support and learning, Parent-and-me art classes led by community artists, and so much more.
We believe in giving back to this community that has already given us so much, therefore we aim to be the go-to for all things Kids and Family. You can also find us each year at the Graeagle Fourth of July Celebration, Calpine Marketplace, as well as other community events.

Leadership & Staffing

Stephanie McCoy

Center Administrator

Stephanie founded Lost Sierra Kids in January 2024 after the First 5 Plumas playgroups were no longer able to continue. She has not only taught music, theater, and early childhood education across Northern Nevada since 2003, but also has 12+ years of Non-Profit and organizational leadership and management experience. She now channels that knowledge and experience into building a learning center that is rooted in the beloved Lost Sierra. Stephanie oversees the remodel, program development, and day-to-day care, ensuring every child and caregiver feels welcomed and supported. Stephanie will also teach our music, dramatic arts, and age appropriate kitchen learning on a weekly basis.

Mahala Disney

Center Director

Experienced early childhood educator with 16 years of experience working with children in settings ranging from home childcare and private nannying to the Head Start program. Passionate about providing novel, nature-based childcare that nurtures independence, curiosity, and confidence. Dedicated to creating structured yet playful environments where children learn through hands-on exploration, outdoor play, and child-led discovery. Committed to fostering a lifelong love of learning, creativity, and connection through nature, cooking, and meaningful daily rhythms.

Educator Team & Partners

Local Expertise

Lost Sierra Kids will employ local educators and assistant teachers from Plumas County. All educators and aids will be fully licensed and accredited, upholding our high level of education standards for this area. Lost Sierra Kids will assist all educators and aids to ensure their certifications. Every staff member will be able to pass a fingerprinting and background check, not only for state guidelines, but to ensure the safety of all the children that visit Lost Sierra Kids. We currently are partners with First 5 Plumas and Plumas STARS, connecting us to additional county agencies and community resources. We also will bring in experts around Plumas County to lead our community classes (watercolor artists, yoga instructors, wood building and workshoping, acrylic artists, and so many others). We aim to be a staple in our heartfelt community as well as a focal point for all things Children and Family in Plumas County. It takes a village to raise kind, creative, and educated children; therefore, we plan to showcase those in our community with so much to give.

Commitment to Quality Care

We will uphold the highest state and county standards for our staff, curriculum, and teaching methods. Our goal is to provide a safe place where parents can leave their children knowing they will be well cared for and encouraged to learn and grow. By investing in training and partnerships now, we are laying the groundwork for a trusted learning center that reflects the true heart of the Lost Sierra and the loving community that surrounds it.

Phased Facility Plan

Funding & Timeline

Phase	Details
Phase 1	Build out and open the main room of our full-time early childhood learning center (next to the Graeagle Emporium) with an opening target of Summer 2026.
Phase 2	Renovate our Community Classroom to allow more partnerships, older learning, and family resources.

Your investment in Phase 1 moves us from planning to welcoming children into a safe, licensed space.

Initial Enrollment Plan

Primary focus on ages 2–6 allows the widest age range possible for joint learning and licensing.
Space for up to 27 school-aged children in our multi age classroom once licensing is granted.
Flexible care options for local families balancing work schedules and commutes.
Drop-in care for tourists during peak months so families can enjoy the Lost Sierra with peace of mind.

How Support Helps

Accelerates construction and licensing so families spend less time driving long distances for care.
Equips the classroom with quality materials that mirror our playgroup experiences.
Creates jobs for local educators and pathways for assistants to earn childcare certifications.
Establishes a foundation for future community classes, parent resources, and cross-program events.

Adventure Photo Parade

Snapshots from our community playgroups and team leading the learning center remodel.

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Rooted in Community

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. A dedicated space will let us tailor gatherings to different ages while offering cross-class programming such as holiday celebrations, performances, a community garden, and collaborative learning opportunities.

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. Because every family deserves support.

Follow on Facebook: @lostsierrakids

Classes on the Horizon

Creative labs for older kids— watercolor and acrylic art, woodworking and building, and other hands-on projects.
Parenting classes and resources in partnership with First 5 Plumas and Plumas STARS.
Lactation support groups and classes for new parents with Nourishing Newborns.
Workshops led by local educators and experts who call the Lost Sierra home, held at the Historic White Sulfur Springs Ranch. Allows for historical learning as well as connection.

Connect with Lost Sierra Kids

We'd Love to Hear From You

Connect with us to discuss funding partnerships, learn more about our phased plan, or share how child care access impacts your family. We’re ready to collaborate.

Email: Lostsierrakids@gmail.com

Phone:

coming soon

Address:

Graeagle, California • Serving families across the Lost Sierra

Building a Community Learning Center for Plumas County Families

Community Snapshot