We highly recommend Higher Reach Learning, a wonderful, small, home-based daycare run by Mama Yung and her daughter Michyl. My daughter was there from 5 months old until she was 3-1/2 yrs old. They cared for our daughter like she was their own (she would come home every day with her hair beautifully braided -- a sign of how much personal care each child receives). We loved the small atmosphere where there was consistent care (there was zero caregiver turnover as this is a family-run daycare). Many of the children are there starting as infants; my daughter started out with two other little girl babies and they grew up there together like sisters. We also loved the structured learning for the toddlers -- my daughter learned her alphabet and how to begin writing there. They also do a lot of beautiful art projects every day (we were constantly amazed -- how do they think up so many wonderful projects?) They also love to sing and dance every day. We felt very lucky to have found Higher Reach. It's a warm, loving environment where children learn and thrive. Contact: Michyl, 510-644-1709

Our son just finished one year at HRLC from the time he was approximately 22 months to 34 months old. We researched many daycares/preschools in the berkeley area and absolutely loved HRLC. Michyl, Mama Yong and Aaron were incredibly caring and loved our son like he were their own. We had complete trust in their care and felt absolutely blessed to have such a loving and secure environment for our son. In addition to being kind people who were innately great with children, HRLC provided structured and age- appropriate classwork (basics of numbers/letters, artwork, concepts like opposites, etc.), weekly gymnastics, and a playgroud-like backyard for daily physical activity which not only helped with socilaizing, but honed our son's motor skills and made him more confident at the playground. We wholeheartedly loved HRLC and will miss them dearly! Contact: Michyl Collins, 510 644-1709

My son was only one when I entrusted ''Mama Yung'' with his care.It should be obvious that she loves children and is devoted to their healthy development.Yungi's daughter,Michyl,shares in the care and affection as well as the responsibilities of the center.She brings a fresh, more progressive style.She implemented structured learning--my son's favorite time of the day, and we later realized gave him the self-confidence that is so important for school.Coming from a small daycare filled with love as well as the social experiences, gave him an advantage in school that his teachers continued to recognize well beyond kindergarten.I couldn't imagine a better environment for young children.This center was one of the best choices we made in my son's life.
Contact: Yungi Carlisle, 644-1709

We highly recommend the home daycare Higher Reach Learning Center in Berkeley. We have had a child with Mama Yung & her daughter Michyl for 5 years; our kids started at 6 months of age and stayed until they were 4. Their home daycare has been a fantastic experience for us. It is a caring, loving environment, & our kids adore it. The day includes classwork (e.g., learning exercises, art projects), reading, singing/dancing, outside play, and free play. Michyl & Mama Yung provide a strong learning environment that is fun. They prepared both our kids for the transition to pre-school, teaching them letters, numbers, colors, days of the week, names of the months, etc. If we have a concern about anything (e.g., child's behavior, method of discipline), Michyl takes the time to talk to us. We feel very lucky that we have had the opportunity to have Michyl & Mama Yung be part of our kid's family. Feel free to contact me. Elizabeth

My son Alex (2 1/2 yrs.) has THRIVED under Mychel and Mama Yungs loving care. The HRLC is intimate (5 - 7 kids) and the children have fun through structured play - art, music, puppets, outdoor gym - under close supervision. They are taught to share, to follow directions, to be responsible to each other and care for their play space. Mychel and Mama Yung are warm, energetic, creative, offer direction and have loads of fun with the kids. As a first time mom, I rely on their 30+ years of professionalism and expertise and have learned about how to set limits in a definitive, yet gentle, respectful and loving way. Turnover is low, most kids are there for 2 - 3 years - which is wonderful for Alex. I couldn't recommend them highly enough and would be happy to talk with anyone considering this facility. Call or email. Suzanne

Has anyone any experience with the Higher Reach Daycare at the corner of Dana and Derby? It's in my neighborhood, but I don't know anyone who knows anything about it--don't see it mentioned in the archives. Jennifer