About us
We are here to help parents raise happy and healthy children
Big Oaks Learning Center, Inc. is a community-based, non-profit corporation. It was established in 1973 to provide low-cost, quality full-day and before/after-school care for children in South Berkeley and surrounding communities. A Board of Directors, consisting of parents and interested community representatives, governs the Big Oaks Learning Center.
Our Mission
The mission of Big Oaks Learning Center Inc., formally Ephesian Children’s Center, is to make a difference in the lives of the families, children, and community that we serve by:Providing quality childcare and development services to our clients
Supporting the improvement of the general community by providing leadership and advocacy for the provision of
Services that will improve the lives of our clients
Provide employment and leadership opportunities for workers in the field of childcare and related areas.
We welcome you to the Big Oaks Learning Center (BOLC). It is our desire to fill your child's day with a variety of educational and social experiences that will foster positive growth and development. We offer High-Quality Academic Activities, Remote Interactive Classrooms, and Valuable Resources to our children and families. Need subsidized early learning and care?
Raising a child involves more than just the child’s parents. The community of support around the child is important for the child’s development.
We are now accepting school-aged (TK and K-5) applications for the 2024-25 school year
ALL ENROLLMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ONLINE
To begin the enrollment process for preschool:
1. Click on the link below.
2. Once your application and ALL initially required documentation have been submitted, our office will contact you via email to continue with the eligibility and enrollment process. The review process may take 1-2 weeks.
PRESCHOOL Options
Age-specific support for every stage
PRESCHOOL STUDENTS
Free for qualifying families. Subsidized payment option, based on the total family size and income. in line with CDE, CDSS, and City of Berkeley guidelines.
Our BOLC Preschool Learning Foundations describe important skills and knowledge for young children to develop through effective interactions, instruction, and environments. They cover social-emotional development, language and literacy, English-language development, and math. This helps teachers, parents, and others understand what preschoolers usually learn in these areas.
Our preschool program provides children ages 2.6 to 5 years old with high-quality services designed to foster healthy development. This comprehensive child development program provides health, nutritional, educational, social, and emotional support. We work closely with children and their families to promote school readiness and self-sufficiency.
TK STUDENTS
Free for qualifying families. Subsidized payment option, based on the total family size and income. in line with CDE, CDSS, and City of Berkeley guidelines. BOLC State Preschool programs are partial days with morning and afternoon classes. The instructional program is based on the California Preschool Learning Foundations. The program is developmentally based and emphasizes social/emotional, physical, and language development, as well as literacy and numeracy skills. Class size is based on state licensing requirements and does not exceed an 8:1 adult/child ratio.
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program designed to bridge preschool and kindergarten. It gives young learners a head start while providing them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is created to meet their developmental, emotional, academic, and social needs.
TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN
Free for qualifying families. Subsidized payment option, based on the total family size and income. in line with CDE, CDSS, and City of Berkeley guidelines. Full day program following the calendar and schedule of the elementary school. Students attend TK at their home elementary school. The instructional program is based on the California Preschool Learning Foundations and the California State Standards for Kindergarten. Students will take part in elementary school activities including but not limited to; academics, technology, music and art, school-sponsored assemblies, activities, and field trips. With lower student-to-adult ratios, each class is taught by a credentialed teacher and supported by an instructional assistant.
We use Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), Ages and Stages (ASQ) instruments to better support the children’s development, for both preschool and school-age.
Program Schedule
01
Full-Preschool Program
We provide full-day care for children aged 2.6 years through 5 years, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for their growth and development.
02
Full-Time School Program
Our full-time school program is available during school holidays, summer, and spring breaks, offering a structured educational experience to support ongoing learning and homework assistance when applicable.
03
Part-Time School Program and After School Program
We offer both part-time school programs and an enriching after-school program with homework assistance. Transportation services are available for children enrolled in our after-school program.
Emergency Care: In cases of unforeseen circumstances, we provide emergency child care services to assist families in need.
We welcome kids into our TK program based on their birth year.
Why us
The best early learning experience
Teachers help students develop social-emotional skills through activities that build confidence and communication. They provide a child-friendly environment with routines that are appropriate for the learning needs of the students. Through structured play, hands-on experiences, role-playing, and strong language development, students will be introduced to the following subjects:
- S - Science
- T - Technology
- E - Engineering
- A - Art
- M - Math
- Reading
- Writing
- Physical Education
Kindness
We help to create a culture of kindness in the classroom that is inclusive, encouraging children to become courageous advocates for positive change. We provide children with the skills and knowledge to create a safe environment for all.
Creativity
We value creativity, which is valuable in education because it builds cognitive complexity. The world of education is now committed to creativity.
Emotional
We help children build on their positive learning emotions, which include interest, curiosity, wonder, passion, creativity, engagement, and joy.
Innovation
We embrace innovation in education, which promotes critical thinking, a sense of adventure, and an openness to adapt to serve our students in the classroom.
Daily activities
Designed to help children realize their potential
Morning Huddles
Social and emotional development shapes how your child interacts with the world.
The Basics
During the first few years of life, children’s brains grow and develop at an astonishing pace. This growth period also includes physical development and coordination, during which young children are learning how to move and use their bodies – otherwise known as motor development.
Play Stations
Children learn through playing, making it both a fun and critical part of their development.
Learning Lab
Math is not just a subject we learn in school. It is all around us, and children begin learning the basics as early as infancy. Building these important life skills from an early age is easier than you might think.
Superfoods
Establishing and continuously reinforcing healthy eating habits right from the start of life is essential for maintaining good health throughout one's lifetime. By incorporating healthy food choices and mindful eating practices early on, our children will establish a foundation of positive habits that can benefit their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in the long run.
Outdoor Play
There is more to playing than fun and games. Play is actually a powerful, brain-building activity that supports all areas of your child’s development.
Meet the STAFF
Experts in giving your children best start
I am a Nigerian American educator with many years of experience as an early childhood educator. I stand as a strong advocate for equality, diversity, and endless community transformational opportunities for all.
I'm the current the executive director of BOLC. I have previously directed many other centers in the Bay Area, including Alameda Unified School District, CSU East Bay, the Alameda County Early Care-Education Planning Council, and Anioma USA Tribal Inc., - National Chair of its Youth Group.
I hold a BA degree from Nigeria, an MA from Mills College in Oakland, and a Doctor of Education from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, in educational leadership, administration, and policies.
Our dedicated staff goes through comprehensive training to ensure the best quality care for your child. We offer a range of training programs, which include Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), Health and Safety, Early Child Education, and Ages and Stages (ASQ). Our commitment to continuous learning ensures that we stay up-to-date with the latest research and practices in early childhood education and development.
With years of dedicated experience as a site supervisor, and food nutritionist, I am committed to providing top-quality care for children with a professional approach. My strong focus is on ensuring children's safety, well-being, and development while also enjoying supporting hospitality, music, literature, and community service. I attended Berkeley High School and received additional education from Merritt College and Contra Costa College, California.
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