My First Steps Daycare

The search for infant care started when I was 7 months pregnant. By San Francisco standards, this was pretty late and I was starting to panic. Until that point, I was more focused on reading every pre-​natal book and taking every pre-​natal class available. It was time to focus on after the baby’s arrival. I had phone screened several places and toured 3 other home daycares that were passable. But once I met Zoila, I immediately knew we found the right place for our daughter. Her home felt like a home-​away-​from-​home and she had a gentle, confident way about her that I felt we would be partnering with a pro. This first foray in trusting maternal instincts was not wrong.
Being a new parent has had its challenges, but having our daughter at Zoila’s has undoubtedly eased the process. Coming into parenthood as what many describe as ‘your most rewarding and most difficult job’ as an absolute amateur with little family around us was daunting. By the time our daughter started at Zoila’s at 5 months old, it felt like the equivalent of having the Michael Jordan of childcare and parenting join our team to guide us and show us the way. She had already gone to the ‘championships’ so many times in successfully raising her own children and taking care of so many other children.
Zoila has been a rock – constant and reliable – for which we are so grateful. As difficult as it was to return to work full-​time, I could trust her implicitly and not have to worry about my daughter being well cared for. She was instrumental in encouraging me to keep pumping during year one. Without her introduction to a wide array of wholesome foods it would have been near impossible for 2 exhausted full-​time working parents to now have an adventurous eater who goes for the vegetables without prompting. Her introduction to the world of puzzles, books, music, outdoor play and potty training has been outstanding. Not to mention her leadership and guidance in cooperation, conflict resolution, rule-​following, etiquette, and encouraging a community among the parents that has been so enriching to our daughter and our lives. We will always look back on these early years and thoughts of Zoila will not be far in how she helped us along the journey.

Our son has been going to «Tia’s house» since he was an infant. She provides homemade bread, fresh organic fruit, and home-​cooked meals for lunch every day. All organic, nothing processed. She believes routines are important for kids, and ensures they follow a steady routine every day, with educational activities, potty training, and plenty of play time. The kids love going there, and we’re extremely grateful for the loving, nurturing environment she provides. She doesn’t provide a daycare, she provides an extended family. Thanks Tia!

I just called… was just greeted with a «hello» and had to make sure this was a daycare. The lady seemed confused as to why I was calling. There’s definitely a communication issue. I tried asking questions but got «thanks for calling.»

Zoila has taken care of our now 2.5 year old daughter since she was six months old and we could not be happier! The kids call Zoila «Tia», which means «aunt» in Spanish. And she really acts like a member of the family. She is warm, loving, attentive, and thoughtful. She prepares homemade, mostly organic meals and snacks. I’m sure our daughter gets a wider variety of healthy foods at Zoila’s house than at home since Zoila is constantly creating new recipes. In addition to taking care of the children, Zoila and her family host birthday parties for all the children each year. Our daughter loves Big Bird, so the theme for her 2^nd birthday party was Sesame Street complete with balloons, huge posters of Sesame Street characters, party hats and plates and a customized cake. Zoila has also been very flexible in terms of our daughter’s schedule to best fit our needs, and certainly goes above and beyond in that regard as well.

Nothing is more precious than our little one, and no one I would trust more to care for my daughter than Zoila & her husband. Deeply caring, clean, healthy & freshly made food are just some of the great things about this daycare. They’re truly a wonderful family that makes kids feel at home. I’ve been to other daycare where I certainly feel that it’s a «business» and therefore somewhat impersonal. With Zoila, you feel like you’re leaving your kid in the hands of your own grandmother — it’s that distinction that makes this daycare special. I’m happy to provide more feedback, please contact Zoila for my contact information.