Family and Friends Daycare

We feel so lucky to have found Family and Friends Daycare with Maria Costa and Eliane Pires DeSilva. Our 19 month old has been with them since he was 5 months old and absolutely loves it. He eats and sleeps and plays so well there (Maria is an amazing cook who always prepares delicious, healthy food for the kids with lots of fruits and vegetables). I visited other places when we were looking around and it just felt good - vibrant, fun, organized, and full of love. Maria and Eliane are so calm and patient and most important, they plainly delight in the kids. You will think your kid is their favorite :)

Both Maria and Eliane have also babysat at our house for our son on weekends, and even though he is very attached to us right now, he was so happy and excited the last time that he jumped out of my arms and didn't even cry when we left. We trust and rely on Maria and Eliane so much to be the nurturing, loving presence in our son's life while we are at work. They have availability for kids 2 years old and up now. I'm happy to talk more about our experience with anyone interested.

I highly recommend Friends and Family Daycare, run by Maria Costa and Nani. My first son started here at 4 months and being a new parent, I was very nervous to leave him all day when I returned to work.  Maria and Elaine (Nani) are the most loving and competent caregivers I have experienced. While researching daycare options I received only glowing reviews of Maria and Nani.  They helped teach my son to sleep, offer delicious and healthy meals and snacks, and even bag my son's compostable diapers every day.  They speak English and Portuguese. I am often amazed that my son speaks so well at age 2 and knows a lot of words and phrases in Portuguese. My son loves going to daycare and runs in with a big smile and hugs every morning. I cannot say enough great things about Friends and Family daycare, we even decided to postpone preschool a year so that he could stay at Maria's longer. As soon as I found out we were having another baby, I reserved a spot for my second son. It is a great relief to know that he too will be well cared for.  Maria currently has openings for kids 2 years or older. Maria's number is 510-926-0204. If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact me.

Hi, 
If you are looking for a the most Loving, Clean, Safe and Playful Day Care you should consider sending your child to Family and Friends Day Care. Maria Costa is the owner of this in home day care. Maria and Nani are like family to us and to all those who have been lucky to send their little ones there. There are currently openings for 2 year olds and older. 
Maria is a fabulous cook and feeds the children home cooked delicious healthy meals. There is an outdoor patio with play structures and  a large internal space. They speak in English and Portuguese , so your child will be exposed to two languages! I currently have my daughter there and had my older son there too. 
It is on Colusa Ave, right at the border of Berkeley in El Cerrito. Super close to El Cerrito Plaza Bart on the same street as Fat Apples. 
Maria's  number: 510-926-0204
Feel free to contact me for more info

Maria Costa and Eliane Pires DeSilva (Family and Friends DayCare) are hands down the most loving and skillful pair of caregivers I’ve ever seen…and what’s equally amazing is the price ($1200/month from 8am to 6pm).  My older son often resisted going to prior daycares, but with Maria and Eliane, both of my boys immediately felt happy to be there, and I, as a working mom, felt completely at peace having them in such loving care. Maria is down to earth, caring, capable.  Eliane is playful, fun, and used to run a daycare of her own. Together they partner seamlessly to create a loving play environment. They feel like family! They cook delicious healthy meals daily.  They speak Portuguese and English, and I absolutely love the language exposure for our kids. They are right behind El Cerrito High School and would be worth a drive from any nearby city.  They currently have space for kids 2 and older, since the older kids just transitioned to preschool. Maria: (510) 524-3329.  Please message me if you have further questions.