Brentwood Press - Index

Brentwood Press - OakleyPress_07.18.08 - Index

JULY 18, 2008 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 11A
Oakley aims high with new on-site child care
by Ruth Roberts
Staff Writer
When Jean Thomas learned she
would be moving her school-age children
from Pioneer Elementary School
in Brentwood to Oakley’s Iron House
Elementary in the fall, the working mom
worried about fi nding new child care for
her two young girls. The 5- and 9-yearolds
had been previously enrolled in
Pioneer’s private, on-site, nonprofi t Aim
High Child Care program. It looked like
Thomas’ search for quality, reliable care
would begin anew.
“I was so nervous about having
to fi nd new care once the girls moved
schools,” said the Oakley resident, who
was forced by residential zoning to make
the school switch. “I’ve been in the daycare
system for 22 years, and I have some
pretty strong opinions about what is acceptable
and what is not. I was not looking
forward to a new provider.”
But in a cosmic alignment of the day
care stars, Thomas’ search ended before
it began. She learned that the Aim High
Child Care program would be launching
a new satellite program at Iron House in
the fall.
“I am thrilled; I’m so relaxed. It’s a
huge load off my mind,” said Thomas.
“I absolutely love the program. There
couldn’t be a better solution.”
Aim High Child Care Center has
been serving the residents of Brentwood
– at six school locations – since 1997. Providing
before-and-after school care and
summertime care for children in grades
K-5, Aim High offers a variety of enrichment
and general curriculum programs
designed, says Aim High Area Supervisor
Lori Castillo, to make learning fun.
“When you’re talking about how big
a dinosaur is, you’re talking about feet
and inches, and of course, that’s math,”
said Castillo. “That kind of approach is
what makes it all so much fun.”
In addition to its fun-fi lled approach
to learning, Aim High provides enrichment
programs such as science, cooking
and sports – and healthy snacks. The
summertime programs also offer an assortment
of fi eld trips and themed days
for activities such as movies, swimming,
barbecues and games. The family atmosphere
makes for a cohesive environment
for both the students and their families.
“Kids like structure; they like a cadence
to their days; they like to know
what’s going on and what to expect,”
said Castillo. “We also have all creden-
FREE PRE-SCHOOL NOW.
ESCUELA PRE ESCOLAR GRATIS AHORA.
Based on family size and income.
Basado en el numero de hijos y en el ingreso familar.
Children 3-4 years old. Niños de 3 a 4 años de edad.
Kids’ Club - 800 Gary Ave., Ste. C, Antioch
Students like
these cute kitty
cats will soon be
enjoying the Aim
High Child Care
in Oakley. The
before-and-after
school program
will be opening
at Iron House
Elementary
School in the fall.
Photo courtesy of Aim High
Child Care Center
tialed teachers running the programs,
and that’s important to parents. We’re
not just your average babysitter down
the street.”
Oakley School Superintendent Rick
Rogers said negotiations to bring an onsite
provider to the Iron House campus
has been in the works for some time.
“We’ve been having conversations about
day care at Iron House for quite a while,”
said Rogers. “We were thrilled and very
pleased when Aim High came on board.
see Child care page 23A
Facility #073404768
(925) 706-1669
Birthday
Bowling Parties!
We do all the work!
You have all the fun!
Save 10% off one of
our Birthday Packages!
www.harvestparkbowl.com
5000 Balfour Road • Brentwood
Call for more information
(925) 516-1221