Phuntsokling Child Care
El Cerrito, CA
From the day I met Dolma, I knew that she was the person I wanted to entrust my daughter with once I returned to work full-time. Even though my daughter was under 6 months old, Dolma could make her smile and knew how to communicate with her in a way I was still learning how to. During those very early days and months, Dolma kept detailed notes of my daughter's naptimes, milk bottles, and diapers. She took meticulous care of my daughter, from keeping her nails trimmed to baby massage and brushing her hair into the cutest ponytails. Later on, she helped my daughter learn the alphabet, counting, and nursery rhymes. Dolma enriched her days through playing music and encouraging the toddlers to dance, too. Through her care and attention and time spent with our daughter, Dolma could hear her first words and taught us to hear them, too. I remember Dolma telling me June could say "up above the" from Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and not being able to fully believe it until I heard it. When I did, I was amazed -- before then, I had only heard my baby saying gibberish: "ubbabova." Dolma also taught our daughter important social skills, such as how to share, play with other children in a kind way, and make amends after hurting someone. Even after moving to preschool, our daughter has retained these skills that she learned first from daycare under Dolma's care and supervision. Dolma is an incredible teacher and I credit her for helping shape my daughter in her earliest years. Dolma currently cares for my younger daughter as well, and I can see her learning from Dolma just the way her older sister did.
I couldn't recommend Dolma more highly for infant care. We started our son at her daycare in 2014, when he was 6 months old, and it's the best decision we ever made. Dolma and her assistant truly care for our son like he's their very own. The attention to detail (from nail clipping, to groomed hair) and nutritious, organic meals are just bonuses on top of world class childcare at an affordable rate. Our next child is already on the wait list!
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Jan 2014
We wanted to update the review for our older daughter's day care since the last entry was in 2011. Our daughter has attended Phuntsokling Day Care since June 2012. After looking at many home-based day care places, several characteristics led us to choose Phuntsokling. The most significant is the owner, Dolma Chozom. She is patient, and peaceful. She's one of those people you feel comfortable around. They say go off your gut instincts when choosing a daycare. My gut told me Dolma was the one. Our daughter has really come to love Dolma and looks forward to going to daycare every day. Dolma accepts infants, which are her specialty. The adult to child ratio is low. There are 3-5 kids at any time, with Dolma and an assistant to watch the children. Phuntsokling is a five minute walk from El Cerrito Del Norte BART. All food is included in the monthly fee. Hours are flexible and convenient - 7:30-6pm. Our second daughter will attend Phuntsokling as I wouldn't consider anything else.
She has a good physical environment. There's a large sunroom dedicated to the daycare, small and quiet sleeping rooms. The backyard is relatively large and dedicated play area that's safe and partially shaded.
If you need someone who is loving and will care for your children like you would, call Dolma.
March 2011
The fantastic home daycare near Keystone Montessori has an opening since our daughter has graduated to preschool. We could not recommend Dolma Chozom more highly. With a nursing and nanny background, she engages babies and toddlers who love her and are reluctant to leave at the end of their day. The location is ideal - near the Keystone Montessori Preschool, Windrush School and Del Norte BART in El Cerrito. The kids have ample opportunity to play in the enclosed courtyard attached to the play area, and go on frequent trips to Castro Park and the El Cerrito library. What is unusual is that the playroom is mostly windows, so even when the weather is terrible, the kids feel like theyC",E!re getting to play outside. Dolma makes nutritious meals, and offers organic milk, vegetables and fruit. She is very supportive of nursing moms. We encourage you to call Dolma to arrange a visit. b
Nov 2010
The fantastic home daycare where our daughter is will have an opening starting in January as she goes off to preschool. We could not recommend Dolma Chozom more highly. With a nursing and nanny background, she engages babies and toddlers who love her and are reluctant to leave at the end of their day. The location is ideal - near the Keystone Montessori Pre-school, Windrush School and Del Norte BART in El Cerrito. The kids have ample opportunity to play in the enclosed courtyard attached to the play area, and go on frequent trips to Castro Park and the El Cerrito library. What is unusual is that the playroom is mostly windows, so even when the weather is terrible, the kids feel like theyC",E!re getting to play outside. Dolma makes nutritious meals, and offers organic milk and fruit. She is very supportive of nursing moms.
Aug 2010
There are openings available at Phuntsokling Child Care where our daughter attends day care and is reluctant to leave at the end of the day. This is a wonderful licensed family-style daycare near the Keystone Montessori Pre-school, Windrush School and Del Norte BART. Dolma Chozom has both nursing and nanny experience, and offers a nurturing environment, sunny play area, and quiet nap room. The kids have ample opportunity to play in the enclosed courtyard attached to the play area, and go on frequent trips to Castro Park and the El Cerrito library. Rates are competitive, and there is attractive discounted monthly pricing. You may contact Dolma at 510-965-1420 or dolmachozom12 [at] yahoo.com.
Leslay
Aug 2010
Dolma is an experienced nanny with a beautiful daycare space for your child. We have had our daughter with Dolma for over a year now.
Dolma has an amazing ability to read into the baby's mood, and she knows what she wants and needs. She makes the children feel safe and loved. Dolma is very active with the children. They frequently go to the playground and the library near her home. At the daycare she does dancing, singing, massage and reading time. She will be closer and more attentive to your baby if she/he needs more attention that day. She provides meals, supervised by a nutritionist. She has Infant and Toddler CPR and first aid certification.
A year ago, I was nervous about letting my 3 month old baby with anybody and I interviewed many small daycares. I felt the peaceful and fun environment and supportive spirit of Dolma as I walked through her door. My daughter is always very happy to see her, always brings back home a big smile of satisfaction. I have learned a lot from Dolma. Give me a call for more information about Dolma, or give her a call to visit her place. (Dolma:510-9651420)
Laura
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