Part of the work we do at BANANAS involves coaching early childhood educators to improve the quality of child care programs. Our Quality Improvement Coaches spend time at licensed child care centers and family child care homes to discuss ways to improve and support implementation of health and safety, engage … Read More
Community Care Licensing: Child Safety
As child care providers and parents, we all want to keep children safe and to ensure their environments are set up to prevent accidents. The California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division is responsible for promoting the health, safety, and quality of life of each person in community care … Read More
It’s Week of the Young Child!
Welcome to Week of the Young Child! Today is the beginning of a week-long celebration of children, teachers, families, and early learning started by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Each day has its own theme to inspire learning through a range of fun, educational activities. At … Read More
Tips for Parenting Children with Dangerous Food Allergies
By Guest Blogger Dolores “Dolly” Santos of DollyMath.com Being a parent is challenging enough. You are constantly dealing with schedules, babysitters, and mealtimes. When you add a dangerous food allergy into the equation, suddenly you find that even the tasks that should be simple, like dropping your child off at … Read More
Five Simple DIY Projects To Make Your Home More Accommodating For a Child with Special Needs
By Paul Denikin, Guest Blogger from DadKnowsDIY Having a child with special needs can be one of the most amazing, eye-opening, and frustrating experiences a parent can have. The amazing part comes daily; the frustration comes when it’s time to find the best ways to comfort, teach, and love our children … Read More
Overnight, Weekend, and Evening Child Care from Gma Village!
In today’s society, many low-income parents work unpredictable schedules and demanding hours. For low-wage workers, the challenge of finding and paying for child care during weekends, evenings, or overnight can be overwhelming and seemingly impossible. Traditional day cares typically operate during daytime hours, leaving parents with non-traditional work schedules unsure where to … Read More
Post-Election Tips for Domestic Employers
Now that the election is over and a new administration is preparing to take office, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future. At BANANAS, we work closely with families who employ in-home caregivers—nannies and babysitters—and with the loving community of people who provide in-home care. We know there is … Read More
Talk, Read, Sing, & Play at Oakland’s New Literacy Playground!
EXCITING NEWS! We just learned that former Golden State Warriors player and current Warriors Community Ambassador, Adonal Foyle, will be at this event! Calling all children, parents, child care providers, grandparents, aunts, siblings, and friends who care for little ones! September 20th marks the debut of Oakland’s newest literacy playground. As … Read More
Resource & Referral Counselors: Connecting Families with Child Care
Every day, BANANAS’ team of resource & referral counselors are helping to make the community stronger. Clients visit our office for numerous reasons, whether they are looking for a child care provider, assistance paying for care, educational resources, or items in the free children’s boutique. We consider it a privilege … Read More
CCIP Appreciation Brunch!
We’re all about appreciation! On Saturday, May 21, CCIP staff members Eva Chou, Soyla Madrigal, and Yu Fong Wang put together an amazing event for our hard-working CCIP providers. The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) gives individuals the professional training and support needed to open a successful family child care business. It is … Read More