Zebra Stripes Preschool

Our Teachers

Hello! My name is Cat. I previously ran my own home-based child care in Alameda for 6 years. During that time, I formed close relationships with wonderful families and looked forward to every day I got to spend with their children creating, exploring, laughing, and learning.

Before that, I worked as a Behavioral Tutor and Facilitator for children on the Autism Spectrum. I was also a Paralegal for several years before deciding to follow my passion of caring for children in their earliest years. My mother ran a daycare in our home when I was growing up, and growing up in a home that felt like a second home for other children in my community inspired me to offer the same.

I earned a B.S. in Speech Pathology & Audiology and I have completed coursework in Early Childhood Education.

I’m a proud mother to an amazing son who is now a young adult. A nurturer to my core, I am thrilled to offer a mixed-age, play-based, family home child care and preschool to Oakland. I look forward to meeting you and your family!

Testimonials

Zebra Stripes is a nurturing daycare and Cat cares for each child as if they were her own. She has a ton of experience and provides healthy meals, plenty of outdoor time, and an indoor play space perfect for kids to explore with their imagination and creativity. We are so lucky to be part of the Zebra Stripes family!

Philosophy

“Play is the highest form of research” -Albert Einstein

My philosophy of early learning and development comes from a child’s natural inclination to explore and play. I believe that through play, children develop every part of their mind, body, and soul. Social, emotional, and cognitive growth flourish freely in an environment that embraces play, exploration, and expression.

I am dedicated to creating rich learning possibilities in a play-based, child-directed environment. Through play, children show us who they are, what they are interested in, and how they are learning. By being both engaged and observant, I am present to each child’s individuality to inspire their creativity and exploration.

I believe that a home environment and the feeling of family and community are crucial in the first years of life. When your children come into my home, they are family and are loved and cared for like my own.

I am passionate about seeing every child as capable, competent, creative, responsible, resilient, and resourceful. Just as we grow and change, my philosophy shall continuously evolve to support and reflect the needs of the children, families, and community.

Location

Zebra Stripes is located in a beautiful home in Oakland near the Oakland Zoo. We are close to 580 and in between the Grass Valley and Sequoyah neighborhoods.

The program takes place in a spacious area with many toys and materials for children to play with, including a mini castle for dramatic play. We have a sunny outdoor space where children can “stretch their wings” and practice their gross motor skills.

Admissions

Join the Zebra Stripes Child Care and Preschool 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 school

Come see what makes Zebra Stripes Child Care and Preschool 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 school.

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.