This is a small home-based toddler program near Cedar and MLK, for children at least 18 months old and not older than 3 years. The incredibly patient, consistent, and loving care provider, Sharyn Peterson, has years of Montessori experience, which is reflected in the toys-on- low-shelves, but it's not a pure Montessori program. She has circle time when she reads to the children and sings with them, and messy crafts. There's a yard with toys, swings and climbing equipment, and water play when the weather is warm. This is a full-day-only program, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, from 2 to 5 days a week-- perfect for parents with parttime work or school schedules. There's a transition week when children start. Sharyn expects children to nap after lunch but will work with kids who have difficulty getting to sleep. She expects to change diapers but also works with kids who want to use the potty. She's especially good at teaching kids positive behaviors and language. Contact: Sharyn Peterson, 510-548-9022

If you're looking for care for your 2 to 2 1/2 year old I would like to highly recommend Wee Two Toddler House. The woman who runs it, Sharyn Peterson, is a longtime teacher and has an instinctive understanding of young children. She is always patient and kind, and is as adept at supporting parents as she is the kids. Her program is rich with age-appropriate toys, art and outside play, and she is particularly good at helping the children learn social skills. I believe she has some openings available, so if this sounds like it might meet your needs, give her a call or email her at SharynLP46[at]cs.com
Contact: Sharyn Peterson, 510 548-9022

Wee Two Toddler House has several openings in September for children between the ages of 2 and 2 1/2 years. The hours are 8:30 to 5:30 and the spaces available are for 3, 4, or 5 days.

Sharyn has been providing care for young children in her North Berkeley home for the past 22 years. (She tells people that she decorates in Early Childhood!)

She was previously a Montesori preschool teacher but this program is very lightly structured and play-based, appropriate to the ages that she works with.Included in the daily routine are lots of large motor activity, music and dance, and opportunities for art as well as toys to foster creative play, small muscle development, and focus. My daughter has been with Sharyn for the past two years and loves her. Each morning when I ask her what she'll do that day, she says ''Be happy!''

To speak with Sharyn and set up a time to visit, please call her at 510-548-9022.

Our wonderful family day-care, Wee Two Toddler House, will have an opening in fall for a two and a half year old girl. The teacher, Sharyn Peterson, has many years of experience with this age group. She was a Montessori teacher before turning her attention to this younger set. She has five children with her each day under her gentle, attentive, extremely knowledgeable care. Wee Two Toddler House is located near Cedar and MLK in Berkeley. For more information call Sharyn Peterson 548-9022. Thanks - Lura

I can't say enough good things about Sharyn, who cares for the children at Wee Two Toddler House. She is so loving, warm, responsible, accessible, reasonable, gentle, caring, nurturing...you get the picture! I am incredibly happy with the care my son is receiving from her, and he had no trouble making the transition to childcare there (unlike previous childcare settings). Every day she tells my son how glad she is to see him and have him visit, and I really feel she is sincere. It is such a relief to know that he is with her while I work. Sima

She insists that she doesn't "teach," but I was always struck by how thoughtfully she organized the children's day, put out just the right art materials, played games, sang songs, told them stories, and helped them to appreciate nature and the outdoors. She's great at conflict resolution--always a challenge with this age--and setting limits. I often turned to Sharyn for advice on childrearing because of her expertise, and because I knew she had deep insights about each child she cared for.

The other wonderful thing about Wee Two, is that it attracts a nice mix of families. I looked forward to picking my daughter up after a long day at work because I knew I would have a chance to chat with other parents who over time had become my friends. It's a tribute to Sharyn that all of us--including our children-- still miss her and often reminisce about our sweet days at Wee Two. Valerie