First Choice Licensed Daycare & Wonderschool

Our Teachers

My name is Katrina Ellingberg and I am an experienced provider with 21 years of child care experience. I am CPR certified, have extensive training in work with child trauma, and have taken various child development workshops and trainings. My first job at 13 years old was at a daycare, and I have carried that experience into the space I have at First Choice. I started this program in order to support my own daughter, but am now proud to help children in my community grow.

I strive to create an environment in which children feel safe and loved. I combine that with supporting children to learn at their own pace in order to help children be prepared for school socially, emotionally, and academically.

Testimonials

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“We are so blessed to have found First Choice Licensed daycare. Katrina Ellingberg has a beautiful heart for children. She creates a thoughtful, educational program and creates a respectful space for the children. Her communications with parents are great and responds quickly to inquiries during care time, as needed. Our son Owen has been with her since 5 months and loves her. Thank you Katrina!” — Doris Chen

“My daughter has been with First Choice Licensed Daycare since she was 4 months and is now 2, she loves Mrs. Katrina and loves going to school. As a parent it’s a wonderful feeling to know that your child is safe and being well taken care of.” — Ebony Cross

“My son started going here at about 6 months and is doing great! I was scared to start him in daycare before age 1 but have no regrets. I’m so glad we found First Choice!” — Brandi FlyTy Narcisse

“My baby comes home singing songs and humming, just started saying “Thank You” when she gives and receives. Learned to love books, eat real food, play nice, and share at only 15 months old, First Choice Licensed Daycare has been a true blessing for my Maliya. Thank you so much for taking care and helping raise my big bebe!!” — Synta Bogan – 5 stars

“Katrina, the owner of First Choice Daycare is truly a Godsend. My family and I are so thankful for her. She came highly recommended by my church family and for the past 2 years we have watched my daughter flourish under her care. She is patient, trustworthy, and my daughter loves her. As a new parent I was very nervous about my baby girl going to daycare, but Katrina helped alleviate my concerns and I have peace of mind knowing that while I’m at work, my daughter is in good hands.” — Britney Denise Freeman – 5 stars

“My daughter Isabella has been with Miss Katrina since she was 5 ½ months old and is now nearly 3. Isabella adores Katrina and her beautiful family. We are truly blessed to have a second home for Isabella in First Choice Licensed Daycare. We are excited to have our second child join the rest of the kids in a few months!” — Michelle De Sousa Moore – 5 stars

Philosophy

At First Choice, we believe that childcare in a home-like setting is the best alternative there is for working parents or those who want to provide their child with the opportunity to develop alongside others. We provide a small, secure environment for children during the most important time of their development. First Choice Licensed Daycare offers a home away from home, providing children with siblings of all ages: to play, to socialize, and to learn from.

We believe that communication is key for a successful child care arrangement to work. The parent and provider need to have a good working relationship, so they can communicate and work in sync with one another to support the little ones. Parent and provider should consistently exchange pertinent information in the child’s life such as routine, special events, or activities to best support that child in their growth. When parents and provider have a strong partnership, the children benefit most!

Location

Our program is located in a single-family home with a large, fenced-in backyard in the Maxwell Park District of Oakland. Street parking for pick-up and drop-off are easy, and our home is adjacent to 580, Hwy 13, and easily accessible for folks working at or near Mills College and Highland or Kaiser hospitals.

About our program

At First Choice Licensed Daycare & Wonderschool, we sincerely believe that each child is unique - and make sure that we meet their individual needs every day as we work with them. We strive to meet children where they are at developmentally and then support them on their own path. To do this, we get to know each child on a deep level so that their interests and preferences guide everything from the activities we choose to the materials that are put out during free play time.

We believe in providing an environment that is consistent and loving, where children obtain the right balance needed to prepare them to develop socially and academically. Children here are able to build foundational skills like the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors, but what we hold most dear is our ability to see their values flourish. We support students in the values of being: honest, respect, self-reliance, self-discipline, and moderation as well as the values of giving: kindness, sensitivity, dependability, love, friendliness, and fairness.

From the meals that we cook each day to the consistent communication with parents, the bedrock of our program is unconditional love. It emanates from the moment your child joins us in the morning to the end of the day when they depart, and we hope it continues to grow as your child flourishes here!

Check us out on Yelp and Facebook to learn more!

Admissions

Join the First Choice Licensed Daycare & Wonderschool community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes First Choice Licensed Daycare & Wonderschool unique. Please schedule a tour or attend an Open House event.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application. Please note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.