North Bay Children’s Center Programs

North Bay Children’s Center Programs offer infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age before and after care classrooms, as well as summer programs at some sites. The programs use a curriculum that, according to a parent, incorporates many of the educational approaches of local elementary schools. Children in the after school program spend time playing with friends while also engaging in activities that build academic and social skills, as described in a parent testimonial.

• Ages: 0–10 years old
• Schedule: Full-year options, Monday–Friday, with hours that vary by site (for example, 7:00am–6:00pm, 7:30am–5:30pm, 7:30am–5:00pm, 7:30am–4:30pm, and part-day blocks such as 8:00am–11:00am or 12:00pm–3:00pm)

Since 1988, North Bay Children’s Center programs have served thousands of children and report 38 years of experience preparing children for success. The organization provides child care and early education to more than 600 children and offers high quality, affordable child care and innovative child development programs to over 650 Marin and Sonoma families. It focuses on ensuring that all children, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to early learning experiences that build the foundation for lifelong success.

North Bay Children’s Center is a 501(c)(3) certified organization, and its programs are described as award winning. It operates 14 North Bay locations and provides 4,410 hours of child care annually for single and working parents. The organization also serves 303,000 healthy meals to children across 13 school sites each year.

The leadership team includes Laurel, who leads financial strategy, contract management, budgeting, and planning; Marin Area Director Donje Fields; Area Director Leydis Mata; and Enrollment Manager Irma Mendoza. Site leadership includes Nicole Porter (Al & Lisa Brayton Campus), Jajuan Jaymes (Tinker Way), Laura Avila (Hamilton), Viviana Martinez (Lu Sutton), Christy Chum (Olive), Jessica Fenech (Valley Vista), Kristie Lueza (McDowell), Bobbi Cardenas (El Colegio Early Childhood Center), Margarita Vazquez (James Monroe), Katie Peterson (Steele Lane), Kristen Berg (Pacific Campus), Jamie Howlett (Prestwood), Michelle Johnson (Sassarini), and Joleynn Smith (Fitch Mountain). Board and committee leadership includes Emily, who also contributes pro bono legal services, Beth Wolk, and Jeanne, who serves on the Resource Development Committee of the Board.

Staff experience and education include Laurel’s master’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco and dual bachelor’s degrees in business/accounting and political science from Dominican University of California. Donje Fields has over 7 years of experience in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development. Leydis Mata has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College. Irma Mendoza has over 13 years of experience in early childhood education. Beth Wolk is a retired elementary school administrator and child care center director with over 17 years of leadership experience in education. Jeanne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University and a California Teaching Credential from the University of San Francisco.

Parent testimonials describe the after school program as using a curriculum that aligns with the educational approaches of the local elementary school and note that children both enjoy time with friends and learn academic and social skills. Another parent describes the staff as showing care and concern for both the child and the family and credits the program with providing crucial support during a difficult time.

Last updated May 11, 2026.