Pumpkin Seed Childcare

Pumpkin Seed Childcare is a home-based childcare program in Oakland that takes children starting at age 2 and prepares them for kindergarten at 5. The program uses a play-based approach, mixing free play indoors and outdoors with structured music, art, science and other learning activities. Daily neighborhood walks, a front-yard garden, singing, puppet shows and lots of painting and drawing are part of the routine.

Home-prepared healthy meals and snacks are served daily, and the program also helps with potty training. The owners are a husband and wife team, and the program is run from their home at 7817 Greenly Drive. The site notes that graduates go on to several Oakland schools, including Redwood Heights, Cleveland, Sequoia and Chabot. Currently there is one three-day-a-week space open, and tours are arranged by phone or email.