Our Approach
About BlueSkies for Children
NAEYC accreditation also helps families recognize quality early learning programs, and to feel comfortable knowing that their children are receiving a high-quality, research-based education that will prepare them for future success. NAEYC accreditation offers programs access to continuous quality-improvement, the latest research on best practices, training, technical assistance, and visibility on family-focused search engines.
BlueSkies for Children has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 2005.
We serve about 74 children from 2 months to 5 years of age in six classrooms, in hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Our Children’s Programs are intentionally inclusive of all families. BlueSkies for Children provides a unique program that serves both working parents and supports the growth of children through play. BlueSkies classrooms are separated into the Hedco Infant Toddler Center (Baby House, Wobbly Walkers, and Todds) and the Ellen Sherwood Nursery School (Playroom, Homeroom, and Schoolroom). As part of its program serving both children and families, BlueSkies provides diapers, assists in toilet training, and provides nutritious meals throughout the day, appropriate to each age group.
BlueSkies is committed to providing high-quality support to children and their families, ensuring that parents can focus on their jobs knowing that their children are experiencing healthy days of balanced play, nurturing, and learning.
BlueSkies, a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 program founded in 1983, is the only NAEYC-accredited childcare center in Oakland. The National Association for the Education of Young Children has been a national program for the accreditation of Early Education programs for 30 years.
There is a direct correlation between high-quality early learning and children’s positive long-term outcomes in life, including increased educational attainment, healthier lifestyles, and more successful careers. NAEYC accreditation helps teachers and other staff in early learning programs develop a shared understanding of and commitment to quality. The accreditation process leads to increased staff morale, greater staff retention, and a more positive, energetic work atmosphere overall—enabling centers to provide a solid foundation for all children’s success in life.
The Children’s Program views childcare as both a service for working parents and an opportunity to create a wonderful life for young children. The children engage in both nurturing and enriching activities in a homelike setting that fosters meaningful relationships with educated teachers. The curriculum meets the needs of children from all family backgrounds, offering support for growth in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Children leave BlueSkies with the self-esteem and approach to learning that forms a solid foundation for elementary school and life. BlueSkies also helps families build emotionally secure home environments, promoting the optimal development of young children by providing their families with counseling, support, and parenting classes. Furthermore, we support the broader community by mentoring and honoring our staff, presenting discussions with leading researchers in early childhood education, and training teachers in other early childhood programs to provide thoughtful, play-based group care for children.
Philosophy in Action
We Believe children should expect the world to be a beautiful and interesting place
So We create yards full of natural materials and growing things, and classrooms that invite exploration appropriate to the children’s level of development.
We Believe people want to be friendly and kind
So We speak to children and each other in a kind and respectful manner.
We Believe all children want to please the people they live and work with
So We help children know that when something goes wrong it is a mistake, and the teacher will help them learn to do better next time.
We Believe learning and growth occur in calm, pleasant surroundings
So We arrange the day, the staff and the school with consistent routines and rules so that children know what to expect and how to manage themselves, gaining security and freedom through predictability and continuity.
We Believe all children deserve thoughtful, respectful care
So We welcome all children and families reflecting the world we live in, building open, loving hearts and minds through growing alongside a wide variety of people, families, abilities, and life circumstances.
We Believe development naturally unfolds when given a nurturing, supportive, interesting environment
So We accept each child as a human being with unique strengths and needs, and plan a curriculum that supports growth in all areas of development.
We Believe it is an honor and a responsibility to be part of the formation of a young family
So We offer support and services to parents and caregivers above and beyond child care, nurturing the adults so they can be their best for the children.
We Believe healthy meals, peaceful naps, vigorous play, and time for quiet contribute to the wholeness in a child’s development
So We prepare wholesome food on site, appropriate to each age, help children get the sleep they need, and offer choices in their play to meet each child’s needs.
Fast Facts
Children and Families
15%
Families w/ Reduced Tuition
48%
Children of Color
Families Living in Oakland
83%
81
Average number of children enrolled each month
42.16
Average number of hours enrolled per week