Seeking Mandarin Immersion Daycare/Preschool
I've seen a few posts from 2021 and earlier, but wanted to ask this question again to see if there are any new places that should be on my radar.
Any recommendations for a Mandarin immersion daycare for an 18mo, located in Oakland, Emeryville, or Berkeley? I've found a few options, and have Winnie pulled up, but I wanted to hear what daycares you've had great experiences with!
Thanks for your recommendations --
Maya
Jan 18, 2025
Parent Replies
We’ve been at Didici (https://www.didicidaycare.com/) for almost two years now and absolutely love it. We don’t speak Mandarin ar home and our daughter has still learned a ton. Plus, Joy, the owner, is familiar with a lot of other resources for Mandarin for older kids since her son is now 4.5.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Kate
We highly recommend Eveline at Happy Garden if you're willing to travel to El Cerrito. Our daughter attends and is very well cared for and happy there. Many students end up at West County Mandarin. Eveline and all the ayis are very competent, caring and professoinal. https://www.berkeleyparentsnetwork.org/recommend/preschool/happygarden
Hello!
Our kids attend American International Montessori (AIM), which is on the Oakland/Berkeley border. The Infant Community begins at 18mo and is a Japanese and Mandarin immersion program. Once the children turn three, they move into the preschool classroom where they focus on either Mandarin or Japanese as their target language. The teachers are infinitely compassionate and patient, and the students learn how to prepare their own snacks, sweep up, fine motor skills, etc. It's a beautiful school and wonderful parent community, as well. Definitely request a tour!
Hope this helps, and that you find the school that works best for your family.