From: Lisa
Subject: Childcare Recommendation

I would like to recommend the WEE CARE day care to anyone looking for
childcare for children between 3 mo. and 2 years of age.  Our son has
attended WEE CARE for the past year. He was 13 months old when we moved to
Berkeley and is now "graduating" to a program for 2-year olds.

WEE CARE is a family day care that is run by Barri Clark and Lisa Swanson.
It is located on Ward St. near the Berkeley Bowl (a 15 min. walk from
campus). They only take four children, so the kids get LOTS of attention.
Barri is also a former chef, so she makes sure that the meals are well
balanced and nutritious. They spend a lot of time holding the babies and
reading to all the children. Our son was the oldest child there for the
past year, and as his activity level increased, they initiated regular
trips to the playground, basketball "games", dancing to his favorite songs,
etc. They are also very careful about keeping everything clean, so we have
had minimal problems with colds and fevers this past year.

We have been especially pleased by the flexibility and security of the
program. The children are allowed to follow their own eating and sleeping
schedules, and each has his/her own crib. We also feel that having two
adults is important since one person is always able to watch the children
while meals are prepared or diapers are changed, and of course, in case of
emergencies. But most of all, we like the affection that both women have
for the children, and I know that there will be tears all around when our
son "graduates".

The phone number for WEE CARE is 
644-1104.

A year ago around now, we read a recommendation on your website for a family day care called Wee Care, and based on that and our visit, we sent our daughter. We are extremely satisfied. So I wonder if you would add our comments to the older one there:

Based on Lisa's recommendation on this website, we phoned WEE CARE last year and enrolled our 4 month daughter Mira, and we second her recommendation. Mira has been there full-time for almost a year. Lisa and Barri have supported my decision to maintain breast milk by storing, defrosting and providing the pumped milk. Now that Mira's eating regular food, they serve up diverse, healthy, fun toddler fare. They really keep in mind Mira's developmental needs, and are always aware of when Mira is ready for a new toy or a new challenge. They talk to and read to the children (Mira's first word after Mama and Dada was "book."). They are watchful for any medical needs - let us know if she is getting rashy or teething. I like the way they gently manage the inevitable 2 year old willfulness and conflicts by promoting sharing and through calm, respectful discipline.

I'm glad we chose out-of-home-care. Mira is really interested in the other kids. We also really like the idea of two caregivers for four children. Not only is it a great ratio for attending to the children, but we think it's important for adults taking care of under 2's to not be isolated, and to be a source of support and respite on stressful days. They take children from age 3 months to 2 years, for 1-5 full days a week, although the 2 year olds have been allowed to stay on until their new preschool arrangements begin in next autumn (no one wants to leave!). You are welcome to contact me for more info on our experience. They can be contacted at 644-1104. Diane