Parent Testimonials

January 2015

Ms. Alma’s Children’s Garden has 2 spaces available for children (~20 months old) starting in February. Both our daughter and son thrived with Ms. Alma and her wonderful staff, Ms. Mari and Ms. Elvia. Now that our children are in preschool, we miss the nurturing environment of Ms. Alma’s home where the kids are greeted each morning with a warm breakfast, play outside in the amazing garden for much of the day, and bring home daily art and new songs. The best way to contact Alma Romero is by phone 510-648-0603. Alma’s e-mail address is listed on BPN, but she doesn’t check it that regularly.

Laura

August 2014

We had a wonderful experience with Ms. Alma and her staff at Alma’s Children’s Garden. Our son attended Alma’s daycare for close to a year, and we left because we moved away from Oakland. Alma runs a well-oiled machine and keeps the kiddos happy, healthy and stimulated each day. As a parent, I loved dropping my son off in the morning and seeing the amazing meals that Alma and Ms. Mari were preparing for breakfast and lunch. It was equally wonderful to pick up in the afternoon, and spend a few minutes hearing about the day from Ms. Alma and Ms. Elvia, while they were making art, painting faces, having a dance- party or just playing with the kiddos. Alma’s home daycare is a very special place, and Ms. Alma is a loving, nurturing provider who truly cares about the children and their families.

Lea

May 2014

We love Alma’s Children’s Garden, and it will soon have a spot for a child who is ~2yo!! Our two children (3yo daughter and 18mo son) have both thrived under the loving care of Ms. Alma, Ms. Mari, and Ms. Elvia. Our daughter began as a 20-month old, and our son as a 14-month old. Both had been in a part-time nanny share prior to starting at Ms. Alma’s.

Over time, each child has had her/his individual issues (nap refusal, not eating well, etc), and with each issue, Ms. Alma has always taken time to talk with us, give us ideas, and make sure that they at day care are working on things the same way we do at home.Our daughter is always singing new songs and telling us stories that she learned at Ms. Alma’s house. Since starting at Alma’s, our son now cleans up after himself while singing the clean up song as best he can(”nean nup, nean nup”).

Ms. Alma provides home-cooked, delicious breakfasts, lunches and snacks for the kids. The kids start the day by walking directly into Ms. Alma’s kitchen and joining their friends for breakfast. This set-up really helps to ease the morning drop off, as our kids are always eager to share breakfast with their friends.

Finally, Ms. Alma’s outdoor play space is top-notch. She has art areas, birds, fruit trees, tons of plants and sculptures, and many play structures. The kids are happy as can be playing outside most every day.

We can’t say enough about how much we’ve loved Ms. Alma’s!

Happy parents,
Laura

May 2014

I have two children that have attended Alma’s Children’s Garden in North Oakland. My son (now almost 5) attended from age 18 months to 3 years, and my daughter (age 2) started when she was 8 months and will be leaving Alma’s to start preschool in the fall. Overall, we have had a very wonderful experience at Alma’s. Alma and her two staff members are very attentive and loving toward the children. She has a beautiful garden/outdoor space where the children spend much of their time running around, playing in water or in the sandbox. Alma focuses a lot on art and the projects the kids come home with are impressive! The kids receive a homemade breakfast and warm lunch, plus two snacks a day with many organic options. We have always felt good about dropping our kids off in the morning as they walk into her warm kitchen, which often smells incredible. I should also add that my wife and I are a same sex couple and we have never felt anything but acceptance from Alma and her staff. In the nearly 3 years we’ve been at Alma’s, there has always been at least one other LGBT family attending. We love Alma’s Children’s Garden and would definitely recommend it to anyone. She will have openings available for 2 year olds beginning in June. Her number is 510-648-0603.

Margot

May 2014

Our wonderful childcare provider, Alma’s Children’s Garden has a few openings in late Summer / early Fall for toddlers. My daughter has been at there for 1 \xc3\x82\xc2\xbd years since her transition from our nanny-share. I wasn’t sure I’d feel comfortable leaving her anywhere but I completely trust Alma and the other teachers and don’t worry at all now. I highly recommend Alma’s! Although my daughter didn’t start until she was 2, it’s a great place for babies too (she has babies up to preschool).

Alma and the other 2 teachers are wonderful with the kids, giving them support and routine but room to play where they are interested and find their own way. The lush backyard garden where the kids spend time in the morning and afternoon is so sweet with a variety of toys, from a sandbox to various bike-like toys to pretend structures like a kitchen, tunnels, and tomato house. They serve healthful breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon snacks. Sitting down at the kids table for breakfast with her friends as they arrive has been a great transition into the day. I think all the kids treasure it.

March 2014

Our three year old daughter spent 1.5 years with Alma at Alma’s Children’s Garden in North Oakland, and she loves Alma and her home daycare’s environment. Our daughter has moved on to preschool, but she still asks if she can go to Alma’s. Alma provides a very caring, Spanish-English bilingual environment for little kids. She has a very large backyard dedicated to the daycare as well as inside space. The backyard is like an oasis in the neighborhood. It’s beautiful with trees and plants as well as the kids play equipment. Alma provides home cooked meals and snacks too. I highly recommend you check out Alma’s for a clean, caring home day care environment, and I’m happy to answer questions too.

Kristi

September 2013

My daughter attended Alma’s Children’s Garden for a year and we loved it. It was the ideal setting and environment for her first daycare experience. Alma is nurturing and truly cares about the children in her care. With a beautiful garden, sandbox, chickens, home-cooked breakfast, lunch and nutritious snacks provided, a spanish speaking home, water play, art projects, lots of outdoor play, who could ask for more. We leave with many great and fond memories. I highly recommend Alma’s for your little one – Ages infant to 4 years old. Contact: Alma, almarosa510@gmail.com.

almarosa510@gmail.com

November 2012

There are spaces available in our amazing daycare. I can not say enough great things about Alma’s Children’s Garden. Between the AMAZING outdoor area, caring staff, and skills being taught our children have never been happier. Alma provides:

– School hours: Mon – Fri 8am – 5:30pm
– Full day & part time programs
– Eight months to four years old
– Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks (They even have their own chickens the kids get to feed)
– Learning about life
– Math games
– Bilingual (Spanish & English)
– Pre-literacy play
– Science
– Creative art
– Gardening
– Dramatic play
– Outdoor play
– Music

Right now she has spaces for ages over 22months. Feel free to check out her website,contact her directly, or contact me. This really is a great opportunity since she normally never has spaces.

helcat8

October 2012

My son has been attending Alma’s Children’s Garden for over a year and we love it. It is a very caring, nurturing environment and I believe they currently have an opening for a 2 year old. Alma’s garden is lovely and full of beautiful plants, trees, lady bugs and of course toys! The children spend a lot of time outside which we love. Alma serves breakfast and a warm, healthy lunch plus 2 snacks. The daycare is very clean and we’ve not had to deal with the typical runny noses and chronic sickness that I hear about from other parents. The children also have organized times for book reading, learning numbers, colors etc… there is organized art and the staff is bilingual. Our son now speaks fluent english and spanish. I highly recommend Alma’s if you are looking for a daycare in the north / west oakland area.

September 2012

My son has been attending Alma’s Children’s Garden for over a year now and both he and we love it. I believe there is currently space at Alma’s for 1 or 2 new toddlers (between 20 and 40 months old). Alma and her assistants are very nurturing and kind, the house and garden are always clean and neat, and the atmosphere is one of joy, good health and safety. Alma provides a delicious warm breakfast and home made lunch in addition to 2 snacks a day. The children mostly play in the lovely garden, washing trees with water, learning about fruits and flowers, painting, playing ball, riding little cars and playing in the sand box. There are many outdoor social activities that help the children develop their gross motor skills and their ability to share and play together. There are also coordinated indoor activities that include reading, art and learning about colors, letters and numbers. The daycare is also bilingual and our son now understands and speaks both English and Spanish. I highly recommendAlma’s Children’s Garden if you are looking for a daycare in the Oakland / Berkeley area.

September 2012

My daughter just loves going to Alma’s. Alma’s has been my daughter’s home away from home since she was 8 months old and they have really supported her as she has grown. My daughter appreciates the art, books and play while I appreciate the wide variety of food she is exposed to and all the Spanish she has learned. Alma and her other supporting caregivers are easy to work with and accommodating.

Patricia

September 2012

We would like to recommend our home-based childcare provider who currently has openings for toddlers. Our son loves going to Alma’s Children’s Garden and talks enthusiastically about all the activities there – reading books, daily art projects, music and lots of playing outside in the garden. Alma’s Children’s Garden is open from 8:00 until 5:30 and provides home- cooked breakfast, snacks and lunch. It is a calm environment where the children are able to have both self-directed play and some structured time. They are exposed to many learning opportunities including Spanish, numbers and letters, colors, etc. Most days our son wants to stay and play longer when we arrive to pick him up!

September 2012

There are spaces available in our amazing daycare. I can not say enough great things about Alma’s Children’s Garden. Between the AMAZING outdoor area, caring staff, and skills being taught our children have never been happier. Alma provides
– School hours: Mon – Fri 8am – 5:30pm
– Full day & part time programs
– Eight months to four years old
– Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks
– Learning about life
– Math games
– Bilingual (Spanish & English)
– Pre-literacy play
– Science
– Creative art
– Gardening
– Dramatic play
– Outdoor play
– Music

Right now she has spaces for ages over 22months and possibly an infant 10months+. Feel free to check out her website, contact her directly, or contact me for further information. This really is a great opportunity since she normally never has spaces.
helcat8

August 2012

I’m a parent of a current toddler who will be transitioning to pre-school. My daughter has been w/ Alma since she was 10 months old and now is 3 years old and loves it there. She currently has a number of openings for infants and toddlers since a lot of the older children are leaving for pre-school.

Alma’s takes children from 8 mo. to 5 yrs. Hours are 8am-5:30pm She has 2 assistants with her. She provides home cooked meals: breakfast, lunch and snacks, unless your child has allergies. Parents need to provide diapers, wipes, and sunblock.

The kids have indoor and outdoor play, usually outdoors unless it’s raining. There is some structured time such as art projects. Her outdoor garden is beautiful and has shady areas and extra shade if needed. Here is a link so you can have a visual: http://www.almaschildrengarden.com/

Alma doesn’t check e-mail,so I wouldn’t e-mail her at the address on the website. It’s best to call her and speak to her directly or leave a message. She sometimes won’t pick up since she’s taking care of the children, but she’ll definitely get back to you.

July 2012

I am writing to recommend my son’s daycare, Alma’s Children’s Garden. My son has been with Alma since he was nine months old, and will be leaving in a few weeks (at age 3-1/2) to start preschool. We could not be happier with the care he has received at Alma’s. The playrooms are full of toys and books, the backyard is a beautiful oasis, and we love the smell of the home-cooked meals she’s preparing every morning at drop-off time. The best part is that Alma and the women who work with her truly enjoy and love the children in their care. Her hours are 8a-5:30p, and she provides food — breakfast, lunch, and snacks– for children over a year old. . (BTW — I can’t stress enough how great it is to have a daycare that provides food — no rushed breakfast in the morning, and no making lunch every day!).

Lisa

September 2009

I am writing to recommendAlma’s Children’s Garden Daycare. We will be moving away from the area November 1st. After waiting for months for an opening, our son Theo started there at 8 months and we have been so happy. I can’t say enough good things about Alma’s. The atmosphere is so calm and loving without being too precious. She has made a beautiful garden where the children play every day. Alma cooks them healthy nourishing food and she and her helpers have the most wonderful loving personalities. From our first day, our son has loved going there. I am so sad to be leaving but I hope another family will take our spot when we go. IF we could, we would still bring Theo there when we move but Santa Rosa is just a little too far away.

Tara

September 2009

I just love my daughter’s daycare! By a lucky fluke (for you!)Alma’s Children’s Garden has openings. She accepts kids from 4 months-3.5 years. She is so incredibly warm and sweet, and her facilities are so beautiful, that I wish I could spend my days there! She is incredibly organized and seems to have thought of everything; she even has emergency bags for all the kids! She makes wonderful meals, thinks of stimulating projects for the kids, and the kids in her care are calm, happy, and clearly enjoying themselves! I only hope she has an opening when my next child is ready for her care. Call Alma for a tour, you will be so impressed! 510-655 5909. Please feel free to contact me as a reference.

Dani

August 2009

My son’s daycare – Alma’s Children’s Garden Garden – has immediate openings for children 1 -3 years old. My younger son has been there for over a year, and before that my older son was there for two years; they both loved it. It’s not hard for me to see why: Alma and her two assistants genuinely care about the kids, the house and backyard are a children’s wonderland, the kitchen smells wonderful every morning with the lunch that’s cooking, and the kids are busy every day with music and art and running around outside. I couldn’t be happier with the experience we’ve had there. Contact: Alma Romero, 510-648-0603.

June 2009

Alma’s Children’s Garden on the North Oakland/Emeryville border is a wonderful small family-based childcare center that I could not recommend more highly. Our daughter has thoroughly thrived under Alma, who, along with her staff, is full of warmth, caring and patience. Our daughter loves going to Alma’s so much that there have been times on Saturday morning where she has cried when we haven’t taken her there! We really appreciate the home cooked meals Alma provides for breakfast, lunch and snacks, and how much the children get to play outside. The garden is truly a paradise. They even eat outside when it is nice. Alma is an expert with the little ones, and provides a fun and loving atmosphere where creativity, respect, curiosity and learning are nurtured. We feel incredibly fortunate that our daughter has spent her early years under Alma’s care. Contact: Alma Romero, 510-648-0603.

Sara

June 2009

My wonderful child care provider has an opening or two beginning in July. Alma’s Children’s Garden, a home daycare, is a gem and my daughter has loved it there. The kids are happy, Alma prepares delicious food, the backyard is beautiful and fun, and best of all Alma and her helpers are great and nurturing with the kids. Her # is 510-648-0603. Located on the border of Emeryville/Oakland. Email me with any questions!

Elizabeth

April 2009

We would like to recommend our daughter’s daycare Alma’s Children’s Garden. We have been more then pleased with the care she has received. Alma and her staff are very organized and offer a calm, warm, loving environment. The home cooked meals are delicious, we love the Spanish exposure, and are very impressed with how Alma and her staff manage to maintain a clean and tidy place. The garden is truly a magical wonderland, we wish we could stay and play with the children! There are a few slots available – pls contact Alma directly. Contact: Alma Romero, 510-648-0603.

Elaine

March 2009

I highly recommend Alma’s Children’s Garden in North Oakland. We have had two children there and I have my not- yet-born third child on the wait list for next year. Alma continues to provide such a wonderful place for children. It is a safe, very clean, and warm environment. She offers breakfast and a completely home cooked, warm lunch every day. The garden/yard is enclosed and completely caters to children. There is a wide variety of toys to play with, all well maintained and clean. She and her two assistants are patient, kind and very loving to the children. I visited many, many daycares before seeing Alma’s and I will never look back. Nothing compares to her! Feel free to email me with questions or call Alma at 510-648-0603 home.

Lisette

Oct 2008

Our son recently graduated from Alma’s and we wanted to share our wonderful experience with her daycare. We were so sad to leave, it was a truly great place for our son to go every day. Alma and her staff take such warm, kind care of all the kids, and provide an amazing, calm, enriching environment in which they learn, grow and happily thrive. Her outdoor garden is a fantastic place to spend the day, her home-cooked meals are top-notch, and the kids get to enjoy art, dancing, playing and learning Spanish. We’d be happy to answer any questions and cannot recommend her highly enough.

Sarah

Nov 2007

I am writing to whole-heartedly recommend our son’s current home-based daycare, Alma’s Children’s Garden on the North Oakland / Emeryville border. Our son, who recently turned 2, has been attending since April, but we are moving to Georgia mid-December, creating at least one opening for a child between 1.5 and 2 years old. We know our son will very much miss Alma’s. The place is perfect for toddlers. The large backyard is paradise for their age — beautifully landscaped and filled with fun toys. Alma Romero and her staff strike a great balance between providing well-structured group activities and free play time. The healthy breakfasts and lunches always smell great and my son seems to love them. And Alma sincerely cares for every child and puts a tremendous amount of thought and love into the place. Our good friends’ daughter also has attended for the past the year and they likewise have had a great experience. Please feel free to email me with any questions. Contact: Alma Romero, 510-648-0603.

Mderocher

August 2006

I am writing to recommend our son’s former daycare, Alma’s Children’s Garden in Emeryville. I will be home with him now, so we recently ended our time there. Although we are excited about our new arrangement, we were so sad to say good-bye to Alma and her beautiful home and great care! We have loved all of it – the garden, the house, the delicious food, the exposure to Spanish, and, most of all, Alma and her staff (three others who work part-time). It was a perfect match for us and imagine it would be for most families!

Kathleen

April 2006

Alma’s Children’s Playground is a wonderful place to take one’s child. Our twenty-three month old son is very happy in Alma Romero’s care. She is very organized, orderly and obviously puts so much into her business. Alma provides the daily menu and individual daily reports consistently. Quite frankly, I wish I could stay for lunch and play in the yard. It is a hidden Shrangri-la with a fountain, flowers, a swing-set and a sandbox. When we went for our first visit, we immediately noticed how calm the children were. There was a pervasive sense of calm that we seldom experience in our home with only one child playing. Everyday we ask our boy if he wants to go to Alma’s and everyday we are answered in a spirited affirmative. Alma Romero is a professional who clearly nurtures our son. We unequivocally recommend her services. Her phone number is 510-648-0603.
Lisette
Lisette

September 2005

Our son has spent the last year at Alma’s Children’s Garden. He has loved it as have we. The small setting was a perfect step before pre-school. The staff welcomes us and our now 2 and a half year old with open arms. The warm lunch is a bonus. Alma’s flexibility has been a BIG plus as well. Her home offers the children a large backyard where they can play in the open air with water, sand and swings. This is a lot more than we can offer him in our backyard. We thank Alma for all that she has offered Zevin and highly recommned her home and garden for you and your growing family. Contact: Alma, 510-648-0603.

Regards,
Natasha

September 2005

I want to recommend Alma’s Children’s Garden. My daughter, Olivia was attending full time since she was 4 months old (now 2). She would still be there if we hadn’t moved out of state. The daycare is located at Alma’s home. I feel fortunate to have found such a loving, nurturung and secure place. In addition, Alma has two wonderful people to assist her. Having looked at many childcare places for my daughter and for my son a few years earlier, I found Alma to be incredibly organized and her home beautifully maintained inside and out. She also provides meals for the children. Everyday there are fun and creative things going on as well as stories and music. Her outside play area is paradise for kids. My daughter loved being there and still asks to go back. Everyone at Alma’s felt like family to us. If you are interested and would like to know more please just ask.
Contact: Alma Romero, 510-648-0603.

June 2005

For a loving, warm, safe, clean daycare that also provides a good bilingual experience, I highly recommend Alma’s Children’s Garden. After visiting numerous daycares and interviewing for nannies for our 2-yr-old son, I was thankful to find Alma’s. Alma’s is everything you could possibly want! The entrance is through this magical garden that is filled with fruit trees, fountains, and welcoming play areas. Inside, the playroom is colorful and full of activities. Alma and her staff keep the child-to-teacher ratio low so your child gets plenty of attention. The children are so happy there! Healthy meals are provided (my son loves the food!). Alma is very professional. She provides daily written reports about your child’s day, keeps you informed of any concerns, and she and her staff continue to build on their early-childhood education. I can be reached by e-mail if you have any questions or call Alma Romero, 510-648-0603.

Erin

May 2004

I would like to recommend Alma’s Children’s Garden to anyone with an infant or young toddler. I have had a wonderful experience at the center. The facility is wonderful and the yard is beautiful and serene. There are trees, plants and water fountains. It looks almost magical. The meals are delicious(the family used to be in the restaurant business) and the children love the food. The children are very diverse(as are the families) but everyone communicates. The program is Spanish bilingual which I find to be fantastic. My 3 year old son has been there for 2 years and he can speak and understand Spanish very well. By the way we do not speak Spanish at home. I stayed at home for 1 year after my son was born before returning to work, I felt comfortable leaving him with Alma. The phone is 510-648-0603 and the home is on Aileen Street if you want to drive by and take a look at the neighborhood before calling for an appt. The neighborhood is nice. Contact: Alma Romero, 510-648-0603.