Lost Sierra Kids
Lost Sierra Kids is a local nonprofit in California working to remodel the Historic Graeagle School House and open a daycare that keeps families close to home. While we raise funds, we continue offering a free weekly playgroup for babies through age five and their caregivers across Plumas County.
“We never charge for our playgroup meetups, as we feel they bring such enrichment to the families of Plumas County.”
Lost Sierra Kids is a local nonprofit in California seeking funding to open a daycare facility in Graeagle. Each week, we welcome babies through age five and their caregivers to a free playgroup filled with led music time, hands-on crafts, and lots of social interaction. Depending on the season, we set up the Mohawk Resource Center in Blairsden or the Graeagle Soccer Field with baby toys, wooden trains, imagination tents, puppets, and more. Please see Attachment A for photos of our indoor and outdoor setups.
Founded in January 2024 by Stephanie McCoy after the First 5 Plumas playgroups were unable to continue, Lost Sierra Kids now connects with dozens of families from Portola, Quincy, Clio, Blairsden, Beckwourth, and beyond. On average we host 12–24 children and 10–12 caregivers every week, and we have already served more than 50 families across Plumas County.
After nearly two years of listening to our community, we know there is a desperate need for accessible childcare. Families routinely face long commutes, waitlists, and construction delays just to reach care. Opening a daycare in Graeagle will let parents work closer to home and keep their young children rooted in the Lost Sierra.
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 she now channels that experience into building a daycare that is rooted in the Lost Sierra. Stephanie oversees the remodel, program development, and day-to-day care, ensuring every child and caregiver feels welcomed and supported.
Lost Sierra Kids will employ licensed educators from Plumas County and hire assistants who we will support in obtaining childcare certifications. Every staff member will complete fingerprinting and background checks per state guidelines. We are grateful to partner with First 5 Plumas and Plumas STARS, connecting us to additional county agencies and community resources.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Remodel and open the main room of the Historic Graeagle School House (next to the Graeagle Emporium) with an opening target of Winter 2025/26. |
| Phase 2 | Renovate the back space to increase classroom count from one to three and expand enrollment capacity. |
| Phase 3 | Add a dedicated community space that hosts classes, gatherings, and shared resources for families. |
Your investment in Phase 1 moves us from planning to welcoming children into a safe, licensed space.
Once the daycare is open, our free community playgroup will continue as the cornerstone of Lost Sierra Kids. 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.
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.
Graeagle, California • Serving families across the Lost Sierra