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I don't know where to start with how wonderful our son's experience at Pumpkin Seed has been in the 9 months he's been there. We feel like we've really found a hidden gem.
It is a family-run, home-based childcare center, managed by a former OUSD teacher and his wife. Damond and Jen are two of the most organized, kindest and energetic people I've ever met.
As parents of three young children themselves, they are very attuned to the needs of small kids and do so much to ready each child in the small program for kindergarten. Every day they serve a home-cooked, healthy lunch and breakfast (we receive a printed menu every week that makes my mouth water), the kids get interactive circle time, educational opportunities for the basics like counting and letters/words, creative art projects and lots of outside play time/local outings. We parents get tons of hands-on collaboration and feedback on how our kids are doing. In fact, we get a written report every single day about our son's behavior, things he excels at, things to work on, etc. They also maintain a password-protected website where we can see pictures and videos and a description of what activities the kids are doing every day.
As parents of an only child, we used to worry that our son lacked structure or opportunities for socialization, but Pumpkin Seed has completely eliminated those concerns.
We don't know where we'd be without Pumpkin Seed! If your child is 2 or older and you are looking for childcare, definitely check them out. Added bonuses: it's affordable and they will help you with potty training. In fact, they got our son trained in one week! http://pumpkinseedchildcare.com/Home.html jane
Pumpkin Seed!
What an incredible place this has been for our daughter. She has grown tremendously over the years. As her last year comes to an end, we can only hope that the next step will be as rewarding as Pumpkin Seed has been.
Their preschool is well organized, caring, energetic, intelligent and supportive. After experiencing the ''franchise'' type environment where kids are often left to participate as they want or disconnect if convenient, we found the structure and individual focus a refreshing surprise. The recommendation from another parent was the beginning of a great journey for our daughter and our family. - Thanks Pumpkin Seed - Team Surano
Contact info: Damond and Jennifer Moodie, 510-633-2423
Our daughter attended Pumpkin Seed for 2 and 1/2 years. We could not have found a better place for her to grow and thrive. Damond and Jennifer are without a doubt two of the most loving, caring, dedicated, thoughtful, caregivers and we feel truly blessed we found them. Damond's background as a Oakland public school teacher and Jennifer's background as an artist make an unbeatable team. Their philosphy and approach to child care is careful and well thought out intended to introduce and help the young minds they care for explore the many facets of our world. But more importantly, they focus on character and emotional development. We could not recommend them more highly and welcome further conversation with anyone interested in knowing more. Bradley and Madeleine.
I’d love to recommend a true gem to anyone looking for an exceptionally warm, nurturing, engaging, healthy, happy and FUN environment for their toddler the Pumpkin Seed Childcare in Oakland (off Keller Avenue). My daughter has absolutely blossomed there and I attribute her growth to the tireless support of Jennifer and Damond Moodie, the talented, kind, smart and extraordinarily energetic husband and wife team who own and operate the Pumpkin Seed. Damond and Jennifer engage the kids in an appealing variety of creative art projects, music, plenty of outdoor time, dress-up and imaginative play, counting and alphabet games, and story time, while maintaining a comfortable, reassuring routine. Their home is bright, cheerful, clean, and welcoming. I’m so grateful for the recommendation that I received for this wonderful little home-based center, that it’s my pleasure to spread the word to other parents. Contact: Damond and Jennifer Moodie, 510-633-2423
Great Daycare (Oakland, Oakland Hills)
I want to highly recommend my daughter's daycare, Pumpkin
Seed -- a small center run by Jennifer and Damond Moody, two
of the most enthusiastic people I've ever met. Damond is a
musician and Jennifer is an artist, and their program
incorporates art and music every day, as well as inventive
educational games and lots of outdoor time. My daughter,
just over 2, loves it (wakes up on weekends asking to go
there). She has grown tremendously while there, learning
not just abc's and counting, but also important life skills
(she was potty trained two weeks after starting). Whenever
I pick her up, the mood is absolutely infectious fun. If I
were a kid, I'd want to go to Pumpkin Seed. They've
recently moved to a house near Keller and Edwards. Feel
free to email me, or contact Jennifer and Damond directly at
633-2423
Rebekah
Pumpkin Seed Childcare, an art and music pre-school minutes
from Dimond Park has a couple open spots still available for 2-5
year olds. My dear friends, Jen and Damond, have developed a
wonderful art and music program, balanced with opportunities for
learning through free play. They provide healthful meals and
snacks and highly engaging activities for children. They are open
M-F, 7:30-5:30pm. Their program is ideal for children who are
drawn to creative expression, children who may have been in a
nanny share and are looking for opportunities to socialize and
engage in group play, but aren't ready for a large pre-school. They
offer a 3:1 ratio and are highly qualified teachers and caregivers.
Jen worked as a nanny and cared for my own daughter. My
daughter absolutely loves her- her energy and creativity are
infectious. Damond taught in the Oakland public schools for 6
years and is a talented musician.
Brightstar
Contact: Jen and Damond Moodie, 336-7079
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