• Owner: Thea Raymond
• Phone: (510) 938-6666
• Email: thea@akidemia.net
• Neighborhood: Gilman
• Zip: 94706
• License #: 013421292
• Capacity: 12
• Website: http://akidemiachildcare.com/
• Bilingual:
• Ages: 1 - 5 years

We highly recommend Thea Raymond's wonderful aKIDemia. Our newly adopted daughter was behind academically and there wasn't a lot of time before kindergarten. Over some months Thea got her on track with great letter and sound pre-reading and writing work, while keeping the day fun and playful for our daughter and all the kids. The program is varied, has plenty of arts and stimulating and fun stuff. Our daughter loved the school, and is so much better prepared for kindergarten than she would have been. Thea was a great find, reasonably priced, and has openings for fall! We highly recommend her.
David

Akidemia has been a wonderful childcare and preschool experience for our family. We are so grateful that we found Thea and her program. The school has a creative, engaging learning program balanced by art activities, outside play, and even cooking. The environment is nurturing and supportive while also emphasizing manners and etiquette. We have 3 children now ages 5, 3, and 16 months. Our oldest son has learned to read after a few months in Thea's program, and we are confident he is extremely well prepared for kindergarten this fall. Thea's program and curriculum are thoughtful and diverse, as well as phonetics and basic literacy skills the kids have learned about geography, music, art, and science in a comfortable environment that also encourages play and friendship. Thea has been a great resource to our family in terms of basic childcare issues. Highly recommended! Kristina Y.

aKIDemia is a wonderful daycare! I feel confident recommending aKIDemia and Thea Raymond to any family with young children. Thea is genuinely interested in the cognitive development, emotional growth and overall well being of each child. She is patient, kind, understanding and supportive. Her program has the perfect balance of structure and freedom. The children thrive in the daily routine, art projects, seasonal activities and general playful spirit that Thea exudes. It is such a relief to know that my children are cared for while I'm away. I can be assured that they are well fed, had good naps and experienced something new each day. When I pick them up, the first thing my 2 1/2 year says is ''Mom, I had fun today!'' What more could a parent ask for?
- Kristen (mother of 2 1/2 and 4 year old boys)

I highly recommend aKIDemia because Thea is fantastic! She is what you want out of someone who is taking care of your most precious thing; your child. Thea is loving, patient, firm and has an enthusiasm about teaching. I went to work at ease knowing Jer was in great hands. He attended Thea's place from Nov2010 to May2011, stopping only because of relocation. Otherwise, Jer would still be there. Jer learned manners, sharing and to be creative. Her rates are reasonable & she keeps the kids busy with adventure, play, outings, art projects, etc. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Nela

aKIDemia is a gem of a pre-school/childcare program. My son has been enrolled for over four months, and he continues to thrive each week. We delight in seeing his weekly art project, look forward to participating in his lesson plans, and cherish the detailed daily reports we receive about his activities, behavior, and progress.

Thea Raymond is an amazing educator and childcare provider- -kind, sensitive, creative, well-educated, patient, and caring.

Whether she is planning the weekly trip to a neighborhood park, creating delicious, home-cooked meals for lunch, or guiding him through his first lessons in the alphabet, Thea provides a safe, nurturing environment for my son. As a working mom, it's such a relief to know he is so well taken care of when I'm working!

Please take a look at the website: akidemiachildcare.com or call Thea 510-234-1192 for more information. Thea's rates are amazingly affordable, and she has a few openings right now.
Jenni