About
Olive Children offers STEM-based afterschool learning, advanced STEM programs, and STEM-focused projects and activities that include hands-on projects, guided exploration, play-based exploration, and play-based learning. Children participate in child-led and inquiry-driven projects and build research skills within a Reggio-inspired early childhood community. Programs include infant and toddler care, preschool, TK–K, G1–G5 afterschool, and an Advanced STEM Program for middle and high school students.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Opening hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm
The Infant and Toddler program emphasizes responsive caregiving, secure relationships, and play-based exploration. The preschool program uses Reggio-inspired, play-based learning to support social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The TK–K program uses Reggio-inspired learning and hands-on exploration to support growing independence, confidence, and thinking. The G1–G5 afterschool program offers a STEM-focused learning environment, and the Advanced STEM Program engages middle and high school students in inquiry-driven projects, research skills, and advanced STEM concepts supported by expert mentorship. Seasonal camps include STEM-focused projects and activities that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Olive Children’s educational philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach with a balance between freedom and structure. Teachers observe carefully, listen deeply, and connect daily experiences to developmental milestones, and families are described as valued partners in the learning journey. The environment is considered a child’s third teacher, with classrooms and shared spaces designed to feel calm, welcoming, and inspiring, using natural light, open-ended materials, and organized learning areas.
The mission of Olive Children is to offer Reggio-inspired early childhood programs, STEM-based afterschool learning, and advanced STEM programs that support children’s curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, with a goal of building a learning community that respects childhood and centers early access to quality education irrespective of socioeconomic background. Olive Children Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that collaborates with Berkeley Academy and other affiliated programs to advance shared educational values and educator learning while operating independently in governance, programs, and finances.
The leadership team includes Founder and Executive Director Joni Jen, Director Edward Njoo, and Board Member Tammy Long. Joni Jen is a mother, childhood educator, and entrepreneur who has lived and worked in the Bay Area for over 30 years. Edward Njoo oversees research and development operations at ASDRP and develops several STEM programs at Olive; he received an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Loyola Marymount University, an MS in Science & Religion from Biola University, is a PhD candidate at Stanford University, and has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in organic chemistry, chemical biology, and chemical education/science education. Tammy Long serves as the Executive Pastor of South Bay Community Church in Fremont and holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Cal State East Bay and a Master’s in Christian Formation from North Park Seminary.
Parent feedback includes comments that the teaching philosophy is tailored to individual students’ needs, that the teacher-to-student ratio of one teacher to 4–6 children gives students attention each day, and that Little STEaMers combines the resources and standards of an established childcare facility with the smaller size of a home-care setting, where a child starting at 13 months is described as having thrived with the staff.
Last updated March 19, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Opening hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm
The Infant and Toddler program emphasizes responsive caregiving, secure relationships, and play-based exploration. The preschool program uses Reggio-inspired, play-based learning to support social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The TK–K program uses Reggio-inspired learning and hands-on exploration to support growing independence, confidence, and thinking. The G1–G5 afterschool program offers a STEM-focused learning environment, and the Advanced STEM Program engages middle and high school students in inquiry-driven projects, research skills, and advanced STEM concepts supported by expert mentorship. Seasonal camps include STEM-focused projects and activities that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Olive Children’s educational philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach with a balance between freedom and structure. Teachers observe carefully, listen deeply, and connect daily experiences to developmental milestones, and families are described as valued partners in the learning journey. The environment is considered a child’s third teacher, with classrooms and shared spaces designed to feel calm, welcoming, and inspiring, using natural light, open-ended materials, and organized learning areas.
The mission of Olive Children is to offer Reggio-inspired early childhood programs, STEM-based afterschool learning, and advanced STEM programs that support children’s curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, with a goal of building a learning community that respects childhood and centers early access to quality education irrespective of socioeconomic background. Olive Children Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that collaborates with Berkeley Academy and other affiliated programs to advance shared educational values and educator learning while operating independently in governance, programs, and finances.
The leadership team includes Founder and Executive Director Joni Jen, Director Edward Njoo, and Board Member Tammy Long. Joni Jen is a mother, childhood educator, and entrepreneur who has lived and worked in the Bay Area for over 30 years. Edward Njoo oversees research and development operations at ASDRP and develops several STEM programs at Olive; he received an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Loyola Marymount University, an MS in Science & Religion from Biola University, is a PhD candidate at Stanford University, and has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in organic chemistry, chemical biology, and chemical education/science education. Tammy Long serves as the Executive Pastor of South Bay Community Church in Fremont and holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Cal State East Bay and a Master’s in Christian Formation from North Park Seminary.
Parent feedback includes comments that the teaching philosophy is tailored to individual students’ needs, that the teacher-to-student ratio of one teacher to 4–6 children gives students attention each day, and that Little STEaMers combines the resources and standards of an established childcare facility with the smaller size of a home-care setting, where a child starting at 13 months is described as having thrived with the staff.
Last updated March 19, 2026.
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