About us
We are here to help parents raise happy and healthy children
We all need support through the most important period of our children: the early years
Big Oaks Learning Center, (formerly known as Ephesian Children’s Center,) is a nonprofit corporation based in the community. It was founded in 1973 to offer affordable, quality full-day and before/after-school care for children in South Berkeley and neighboring communities. A Board of Directors, composed of parents and interested community representatives, governs Big Oaks Learning Center.
Program Director
Position: Executive Director/ Administrator & Program Support/ Consultant
Number of years at Ephesians: 9 years (Since 2010)
Education: Ed.D Educational Leadership, Administration & Policies
High School attended and location: Federal School of Arts & Sciences, Ondo State, Nigeria
College Attended/ Attending: Pepperdine University, Malibu, California
Permit type: Program Director Permit/Montessori-Pre Primary Certificate
Why you chose Ephesian CC: Ephesian CC stands for EQUITY, DIVERSITY, Endless Community Transformational Opportunities and Potentials.
Interest: Family, Community, Equity, Social justice, Traveling, Cooking, Training, Writing, Reading, Social Media, STEAM, Diversity
Dr. Veronica Ufoegbune
“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”
Frederick Douglas
Ms. Joyce Barnes
Food Coordinator/Nutritionist
With years of experience as a site supervisor and food nutritionist, I currently serve as the Food Coordinator and Nutritionist for Big Oaks Learning Center. In this role, I am committed to providing nutritious meals to children. My involvement with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) allows me to develop new menu ideas, create healthy and tasty food combinations, and most importantly, teach children good eating habits.
I am dedicated to offering exceptional care for children. My professional approach emphasizes their safety, well-being, and development. Beyond my primary duties, I enjoy supporting hospitality, music, literature, and community service. I received my education from Berkeley High School, Merritt College, and Contra Costa College in California.
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future. ”
John Kennedy
"Our center's value statements are...."
Child-Centric Excellence:
We prioritize the holistic development of each child, tailoring our programs to meet their individual needs, interests, and aspirations. Our commitment to excellence ensures a high- quality educational experience.
Inclusivity and Diversity:
We embrace and celebrate diversity, creating an environment where every child and family feels valued, respected, and included. Our aim is to model acceptance and understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
Collaboration and Engagement:
We believe that a strong partnership between educators, parents, and the community is essential for a child's success. We encourage active involvement
Lifelong Learning:
We instill a passion for learning and the development of critical thinking skills, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for future academic challenges and personal growth.
Safety and Well-being:
The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We maintain the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and health to create a secure and nurturing environment for every child.
Creativity and Play:
We encourage creative expression and play as vital tools for learning. Through imagination and exploration, children develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Community Impact:
We are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve by providing educational opportunities, support, and resources to children and families in need.
Our Mission and Values:
Our mission and values guide every aspect of our preschool and after-school program, ensuring that every child's potential is nurtured and developed in a caring and inclusive environment.
Our Philosophy
Mission
*Inclusive *Responsible *Respectful* *Collaborative
Meet the teachers
Experts in giving your children best start
I am the preschool/TK co-lead teacher at BOLC. I have been working at BOLC, formerly ECC, for over twenty years. I was raised in Berkeley, having graduated from Berkeley High School. After graduating from Berkeley High, I attended the College of Alameda, graduating with an Associate Degree in General Curriculum. After which, I attended California East Bay, formerly California State University at Hayward, with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I currently hold the permit title of Site Supervisor. Since I was a young girl, I have wanted to be a teacher. After years of working with different age ranges, I settled on my passion, which was working with young children from ages three to five. When I am not at work, you can find me reading a good book downloaded from my Kindle app.
I am Patricia Teresa Zavala Carrera. I have a Doctorate Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on children with exceptionalities. I have a Master's Degree in Child Development and a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology, with over 35 years of experience. I have a caring and nurturing personality, am enthusiastic about teaching children, and am always looking for new and creative ways to teach them. My goal is to inspire the next generation to have confidence, be kind, caring, have compassion, be creative, respectful, and generous.
I am a highly warmth and creative teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow. I am also a toddler mum with over 6 years Early Childhood Education experience within various educational settings. I believe that every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn, and have fun. My teaching approach is centered around play-based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. In my spare time, I love to read, spend time with family and in nature. I am always looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate my hobbies and interests into my teaching. I am constantly seeking out professional development opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge. I am excited to be a part of your child's learning journey and look forward to creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for them to thrive in.
**Teacher Assistant** With over 8 years of experience, I have had the privilege of assisting my mother with caring for children from our church community. Additionally, I was involved in a basketball training program which further enriched my experience with youth development. I attended Mt. Eden High School in Hayward, California, where I found the environment to be incredibly supportive. This setting not only allowed me to grow academically but also provided a fantastic opportunity for personal challenges and development. In my free time, I enjoy engaging in activities such as basketball, watching UFC fights, and immersing myself in great movies. These interests not only keep me active but also enhance my ability to connect with the youth I work with.
I have always loved working with children, and being part of their growth in a safe and nurturing environment is very rewarding. Based in Manila, Philippines. I hold a Bachelor’s in Arts and Sciences and a Master’s in Public Administration. I appreciate the benefits and retirement packages offered by Calpers. I value the chance to positively impact families and their communities. Permit type - Program Director Permit. I enjoy music, hula, Zumba, volunteering, mentoring, coaching, cooking, and shopping at vintage stores.
I’m H. Daniel Mujahid, and I’m a Music Coach focusing on Piano and Songwriting. Experience/Interest in Working with Children: I graduated from Highland Park High School in Highland Park, MI. Other Education: B.S. in Natural Resources Administration from Michigan State University; MBA in Marketing Strategy from the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI). I hold various certifications in Business, Music, and Organizational Development, including workshops and seminars. Permit Type: I have diverse certifications in Quality Engineering, Auditing, and Reliability, as well as in Science and Math. Reason for Choosing to Work at BOLC: Music combines Mathematics, Science, Teamwork, Strategy, and Discipline, which helps develop the heart, mind, and vision. Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy reading, golfing, performing music, and focusing on human development and leadership. I maintain a positive attitude in life. Reason for Choosing to Work at BOLC: I believe children represent the true potential of humanity. The best way to overcome failure is to try again.
With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, I've most recently served as a Site Supervisor and Teacher at the Alameda Child Development Center. My passion lies in creating safe, nurturing environments where children can flourish. I strongly believe in collaborating with families to support their children's learning and development, and I can't wait to get to know all of you and your little ones! --------------------- Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Focused studies in Early Childhood Development at Merritt College and Chabot College ------------------------------ Professional Experience: Kids Care Plus/ Site Director / Lead Teacher February 2001 – February 2008 Led curriculum planning and staff coordination in a supportive after-school environment.-------------------- Booth Child Development Center: Site Supervisor February 2008 – April 2013 Managed daily operations, mentored staff, and coordinated educational programs for young children.------------------------ Alameda Child Development Center Teacher (May 2013 – August 2014) Site Supervisor / Teacher (September 2014 – August 2021) Provided hands-on classroom instruction while overseeing site logistics and supporting team development.---------------------- Alameda Unified School District School Office & Health Assistant / Coordinator August 2021 – June 2025 Streamlined front-office tasks and supported health services to promote student well-being.
Schoolage teacher with great collaboration team
Employment Opportunity
Multiple Positions: We are looking for self-motivated, preschool-experienced teachers for the summer and academic school year.
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