Berkeley Parents Network: Association of Children's Services (AOCS)

Berkeley Parents Network

Association of Children's Services (AOCS)

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Association of Children's Services (AOCS)

Re: Preschool in Alameda or Downtown Oakland (Sept 2004)
You might check out AOCS. It's right off Fruitvale, near 580, so pretty accessible to both Alameda and downtown Oakland. (There are several Alameda families who attend.) It's a very well-thought out, play-based preschool that focuses on social development. There's no 'circle time' or 'lessons', just lots of age-appropriate activities for the children to choose from (with careful assistance/direction from great teachers). It's a full- time daycare center, so geared toward working families. But, most kids start there as infants, so it can be tough to get in as an older child. There are a few openings each year, though, so it would be worth contacting them. 261-1076

August 2003

Re: Best Daycare Centers for Infants

I highly recommend AOCS in Oakland. It is an incredible child care facility. Both of my children started there around 3 months of age. They received (and continue to receive) loving, respectful care in a wonderful setting. Several of the caregivers in the ''baby house'' have been there for 10+ years. AOCS offers a supportive environment for both kids and working parents. They have a long waiting list, and it's expensive, but worth it. I'd recommend you sign up for a tour. Even if AOCS doesn't work for you, seeing it will let you know what to look for in other infant/childcare centers. worry-free working mom

July 2003

Re: Preschool for 4-year-old who needs lots of support
Have you looked at Association for Children's Services on Brookdale in Oakland? I am not sure if they have room for a child in that age group as there is usually a waiting list, but the directors are very helpful and may be able to discuss options/ideas of what to do with you. The school itself is terrific.
A special needs parent

March 2003

I highly recommend AOCS (Assoc. of Children Services) 510/261-1076 or aocsweb.org. We have 2 children there & love it; both kids started in the ''Baby House'' at 8 mos. Classrooms are designed by age. AOCS has been in existance for over 20 yrs., and is a ''model'' day care center, meaning AOCS trains caregivers thru a program at Cal State Hayward. Students & parents can observe kids thru one-way mirrors (so as not to disrupt children & caregivers). Caregiver turnover is extremely low. Directors have masters degrees. AOCS supplies meals & kids spend lots of time outside (no TVs). Caregivers don't discuss kids in front of the them. Get on the waiting list and check back frequently. The more flexible you can be with your start date the better chance you probably have of getting in, but really it is sort of a lottery--selection is based on birth date and what the school needs at any particular point in time. Anon

February 2003

Re: Preschools run by Mills College Grads
The Association of Children's Services (AOCS) in Oakland is a wonderful preschool and daycare co-run by a Mills grad and founded by one of the people who taught child development at Mills. They provide full-time care for children from infancy until they are ready to go to kindergarten. They can be reached at 261-1077.
Parent of 2 AOCS graduates

2001

Association Of Children Services (AOCS) is a nice preschool, particularly for the younger children. It's near Fruitvale south-west of 580. They don't stress `academics', and certainly don't use workbooks or flashcards, but they have very skilled management and know what they're doing. The son of a good friend attends it, and we almost sent our daughter there ourselves (she ended up at Lakeview Preschool, near the Grand Lake Theater). Luigi

2000

I highly recommend: AOCS (Association of Children's Services) 3021 Brookdale Avenue Oakland, CA 94602 261-1076 ask for Lisa Hale My daughter, Charlotte, is two and a half, has been at AOCS since September, and we love it.

Sept. 1998

My son's childcare center, Association of Children's Services (AOCS) is having their annual Open House on Sunday Sept 27th 2-5pm on its campus at 3021 Brookdale Ave. at Coolidge in Oakland. The public is invited to attend, enjoy a potluck meal, meet AOCS families and learn about this wonderful childcare center. My son Keith 18mo. has been attending AOCS since he was 4 months old and I can highly recommend them. Keith has thrived at AOCS, I can't say enough wonderful things about the care he has received. The staff is wonderful and loving and treat the children with respect and warmth. AOCS is nonprofit and I believe pay their staff a livable wage and provide health benefits so they have a very low turn over in staff which I feel is important to good childcare. On the flip side I believe we pay a little more than at most centers but I've always felt the security of knowing Keith is getting the best care is worth it. If you are looking at childcare options in Oakland I would highly recommend AOCS. Their phone number is 261-1076. I would also be happy to speak directly with anyone interested. Shoshana

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