About
BlueSkies for Children serves about 92 children in six classrooms, where children engage in both nurturing and enriching activities in a homelike setting. The program arranges the day, the staff, and the school with consistent routines and rules so that children know what to expect and how to manage themselves. Yards are full of natural materials and growing things, and classrooms invite exploration appropriate to each child’s level of development.
• Ages: 2 months–5 years old
• Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
BlueSkies for Children is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 program founded in 1983. The program’s mission is to practice and share an optimal approach to education and care of young children based on the interrelated disciplines of human development, supporting children and families and providing an educational center for caregivers and the community. BlueSkies for Children has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 2005 and is the only NAEYC-accredited childcare center in Oakland. The children engage in activities that foster meaningful relationships with educated teachers, and 44.4% of these teachers hold an MA or BA degree.
BlueSkies classrooms are separated into the Hedco Infant Toddler Center (Baby House, Wobbly Walkers, and Todds) and the Ellen Sherwood Nursery School (Playroom, Homeroom, and Schoolroom). The curriculum meets the needs of children from all family backgrounds, offering support for growth in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. As part of its program serving both children and families, BlueSkies for Children provides diapers, assists in toilet training, and provides nutritious meals throughout the day, appropriate to each age group. The program prepares wholesome food on site, helps children get the sleep they need, and offers choices in play to meet each child’s needs.
The Children’s Program is intentionally inclusive of all families and welcomes children and families reflecting a wide variety of people, families, abilities, and life circumstances. BlueSkies for Children offers support and services to parents and caregivers above and beyond child care, including counseling, support, and parenting classes to help families build emotionally secure home environments. The organization supports the broader community by presenting discussions with leading researchers in early childhood education and training teachers in other early childhood programs to provide thoughtful, play-based group care for children.
The history of the organization began when the founder ran a center in East Oakland caring primarily for the children of young teen mothers in residence, serving babies starting life in fragile circumstances and supporting teen mothers seeking parenting skills. BlueSkies for Children continues this community focus through the Liisa Hale Scholarship Program, which offers significant financial support to families who qualify for aid, and through a partnership with Castlemont High School that offers training and course credit for volunteering in the program. The organization also values the efforts, education, and tenure of its staff by providing courses toward their degrees for no or low cost and making this a viable long-term career choice in a field dominated by hardworking women of color.
On average, 81 children are enrolled each month at BlueSkies for Children, with an average of 42.16 hours enrolled per week. The program reports that 15% of families receive reduced tuition, 48% of children are children of color, and 83% of families live in Oakland. BlueSkies for Children has an average of 36 employees, with 39% employed for more than five years, a 22% teacher turnover rate, 80% people of color on staff, and 91% full-time employees. Children leave BlueSkies for Children with the self-esteem and approach to learning that forms a solid foundation for elementary school and life.
Last updated March 24, 2026.
• Ages: 2 months–5 years old
• Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
BlueSkies for Children is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 program founded in 1983. The program’s mission is to practice and share an optimal approach to education and care of young children based on the interrelated disciplines of human development, supporting children and families and providing an educational center for caregivers and the community. BlueSkies for Children has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 2005 and is the only NAEYC-accredited childcare center in Oakland. The children engage in activities that foster meaningful relationships with educated teachers, and 44.4% of these teachers hold an MA or BA degree.
BlueSkies classrooms are separated into the Hedco Infant Toddler Center (Baby House, Wobbly Walkers, and Todds) and the Ellen Sherwood Nursery School (Playroom, Homeroom, and Schoolroom). The curriculum meets the needs of children from all family backgrounds, offering support for growth in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. As part of its program serving both children and families, BlueSkies for Children provides diapers, assists in toilet training, and provides nutritious meals throughout the day, appropriate to each age group. The program prepares wholesome food on site, helps children get the sleep they need, and offers choices in play to meet each child’s needs.
The Children’s Program is intentionally inclusive of all families and welcomes children and families reflecting a wide variety of people, families, abilities, and life circumstances. BlueSkies for Children offers support and services to parents and caregivers above and beyond child care, including counseling, support, and parenting classes to help families build emotionally secure home environments. The organization supports the broader community by presenting discussions with leading researchers in early childhood education and training teachers in other early childhood programs to provide thoughtful, play-based group care for children.
The history of the organization began when the founder ran a center in East Oakland caring primarily for the children of young teen mothers in residence, serving babies starting life in fragile circumstances and supporting teen mothers seeking parenting skills. BlueSkies for Children continues this community focus through the Liisa Hale Scholarship Program, which offers significant financial support to families who qualify for aid, and through a partnership with Castlemont High School that offers training and course credit for volunteering in the program. The organization also values the efforts, education, and tenure of its staff by providing courses toward their degrees for no or low cost and making this a viable long-term career choice in a field dominated by hardworking women of color.
On average, 81 children are enrolled each month at BlueSkies for Children, with an average of 42.16 hours enrolled per week. The program reports that 15% of families receive reduced tuition, 48% of children are children of color, and 83% of families live in Oakland. BlueSkies for Children has an average of 36 employees, with 39% employed for more than five years, a 22% teacher turnover rate, 80% people of color on staff, and 91% full-time employees. Children leave BlueSkies for Children with the self-esteem and approach to learning that forms a solid foundation for elementary school and life.
Last updated March 24, 2026.
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