IT TAKES A VILLAGE: EAST OAKLAND FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS RECEIVE A HELPING HAND

Councilperson Brooks recently presented a group of Licensed Family Childcare Centers with over 200 educational books, games and art supplies.

Brooks said, "I admire Mrs. Sterling and the other Licensed Family Child Care Center Directors because they have dedicated so many years towards the development of our children.

Many of these providers pay for the children's supplemental games and supplies out of their own pockets; this is my small way to assist their wonderful efforts".

Selecting a child care provider can be a daunting task. However, for many east Oakland working parents, the neighborhood licensed family child care centers are the preferred choice.

These Centers play a major role in providing an educational foundation for many neighborhood children. Many of these Centers are run by caring Directors who offer a wonderful mix of educational skills building along with old school home training. Several of the Centers have had multiple generations of family members as attendees. There are more than 100 Licensed Family Childcare facilities in Oakland.

"Daily we're pressed to provide the best learning environment for our children," states Mrs. Muriel Sterling, owner of Sterling Family Child Care Home and President of East Oakland Licensed Family Childcare Association (EOLCCA). "Family child care operators don't have enormous budgets and we are constantly struggling to make ends meet.

Unfortunately, we don't always have the ability to pay for supplemental educational materials that's why we are sincerely grateful for Councilperson Brooks' donation" she continued.

The east Oakland family child care providers who received donations from Councilmember Brooks include: Alpha Family Child Care, Heaven Here On Earth Family Child Care, Auntie Bee's Family Child Care, Marcia's Family Child Care, Halls Family Child Care, Ingram's Family Child Care, JoAnn`s Family Child Care, Bartell`s Learning Center, Auntie Zetta`s Family Child Care, Loretta's Family Child Care, Kids Inc. Family Child Care, Wilson's Tiny Tots Family Child Care, Hamilton's Family Child Care and Sterling's Family Child Care.

To reach Councilperson Desley Brooks, call 510.238.7006 or email her at dbrooks@oaklandnet.com.

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