May 2007

We Love Country Care (Oakland Zoo/Keller)a Thinking about child care I has always made me nervous. For many reasons, I thought I would never leave my kids at a ''home'' daycare. I found some large childcare centers, and began to audit. I was very unhappy with the lack of attention given the children and decided I needed to find a better situation. Luckily, I found Country Care. From the first moment we visited I knew that we had found the right blend of loving, homey environment combined with experience (30+ years), reputation and professionalism. Miss Edna and Noni(Rose Ann) are both treasures and my children's lives will be enriched having had a chance to attend Country Care. What was going to be a very difficult year for me emotionally became one of relief. Their philosophy is simple, give the kids a lot of love and attention, let them play, and they will thrive. So, do yourself a favor if you're looking for ''daycare'' and give Rose Ann a call. Good luck and I hope you find a place that fits as well for you as we have at Country Care. Contact: Rose Ann Smith, rosesnjune[at]sbcglobal.net or 510-635-5488 Maryshannon

Both of our sons have attended Country Care and we are grateful for their wonderful preschool and attentive care. Our 6 year old still enjoys days there when he has days off from his 1st grade class. I also believe that Country Care's teachings are the reason that he has excelled in K and 1st grade. The environment is warm and homey. The days are well-structureed and organized with fun activities, play, lessons and rest. Our boys have learned so much in the way of manners, discipline, respect and beginning education. The group is small and the care is personalized. As working parents, we could not have hoped for a better situation for our children Ann

For the past 15 months, our daughter has been going to Country Care Preschool in Oakland not far from the Leone Quarry development project up on Mountain Blvd.

It is small preschool (8-12 kids) where everyone gets lots of individual attention. the program focuses not only on art and creativity, but on science and math as well. Age range is about 2-5. We are extremely pleased with the way Maya is growing and all she is learning. Sometimes she has been a little sad on the weekend because she wasn't at her preschool.

Country Care is keen on siblings and that adds a unique family-like dynamic. It's also not unusual for alumni to drop by for a visit, which of course, can be good for everyone. For more information, interested parents should contact the director, Roseann Smith at 510-635-5488
Jim