Harbor Bay KinderCare
Patti Ballance, Center Director
2155 North Loop Rd., Alameda, CA 94502
- Ph: (510) 521-3227
- Open: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, M-F
- Fax: (510) 521-0618
- Ages: 6 Weeks to 6 YEAR-OLDS
Teachers & Staff
Patti Ballance, Center Director
Bio:
Patti has been in the industry for 30 years and continually educates herself in the field. Patti has worked in a variety of child care programs and brings valuable knowledge to center.
Previous Experience:
Patti spent 12 years as a Director in Corporate Care.
Quote:
"Educating children is what I was meant to do!"
LaTrina Gibson, Assistant Director
Bio:
Trina as she in known around the center, has been with KinderCare since October of 2011. She is very excited to be presented with the opportunity to be Assistant Director after many years of being in the classroom as a head teacher. Being an Assistant Director gives her the perfect balance of still being the class, but also doing administrative duties to assist the director, staff members, and our families to the best of her ability.
Previous Experience:
LaTrina was the Co-Owner of a Home Child Care Center, Head Teacher at two Infant and Toddler Child Development Center.
Quote:
I believe in the Nigerian proverb that states "It takes a village to raise a child." I believe that everyone should help in anyway that they can in nurturing and educating our children. We are all full of resources from within that are unique and wonderful that our children can learn from.
Ms. Cindy, Infant Classroom
Bio:
Ms. Cindy, a KinderCare teacher for the past twelve years, loves teaching infants. She is a very patient, nurturing, loving, caregiver and provides a safe environment for babies. Ms. Cindy makes each of the families feel welcomed and comfortable to ensure the best possible customer service, a strong partnership with both parents and staff. Ms. Cindy will be dedicated to help develop your child's full potential and sensitive to your child's individual needs.
Quote:
"I enjoy seeing all the babies and sharing stories with parents about what they did special that day. Having each day to learn and grow as they explore and play in their environment. To work with teachers who are supportive in what we love and enjoy doing taking care of these babies each day. I love this age group all the hugs and smiles I get every morning makes my day so special.
- Year Started: 1/1/2000
- Tenure: 13 Years
- Years in ECE Industry: 20 years
Ms. Sahar, Infant Classroom
Bio:
Ms. Sahar is here to help children grow and to share her experience with children and families. Ms. Sahar feels that working with children makes her very important and responsible. Ms. Sahar has been working at KinderCare since 2007, she has working with a multiple age groups, but working with the infants makes her the happiest teacher in the world.
Quote:
"I enjoy working with kids because the energy is great, and makes me happy. I believe that only where children gather is there any real chance of fun."
- Year Started: 1/1/2007
- Tenure: 6 Years
- Years in ECE Industry: 10 years
- Other Languages Spoken:
Farsi
Ms. Anne, Toddler Classroom
Bio:
Ms. Anne has been working at KinderCare since 2012. She is a native of California, and she earned an Associate's Degree in Social Sciences and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. Anne interacts with the children in a positive and fun manner and she adds her delightful sense of humo to the class! She is adding her organizaional skills to the toddler classes to optimize meaningful teacher and child interaction.
Previous Experience:
Ms. Anne worked at Sacramento City Park and Recreation for 14 years.
Ms. Mary, Toddler Classroom
Bio:
Ms. Mary is a talented teacher who has 12 years of early childhood education experience. Mary is currently pursing an Associate of Arts Degree with in Early Childhood Education Development and Children with Disabilities. She is a creative teacher who loves arts and crafts, engaging and dancing with the children.
Previous Experience:
Ms. Mary has previous experience with Family ChildCare Center, Child Development Center, Educational Consulting.
Quote:
"I love the smiles I see on the children's faces as they get excited about learning."
Ms. Ritje, Preschool Classroom
Bio:
Ms. Ritje has been working for a little over four years at KinderCare. She grew up in Indonesia, where she taught Kindergarten and had a ministry for the children at her church. Ms. Ritje has volunteered at her son's schools for several years, before beginning her early childhood education career at KinderCare. Ms. Ritje is currently continuing her education in the early childhood education field to enhance her teaching skills. Ms. Ritje has a very unique sense of humor that comes through to the children. Ms. Ritje has the ability to inspire the children and she loves to help the children. She has an easy going personality that the children and families like and find comfort in. Her easy going personality allows the children to gain confidence and to try new challenges and to overcome hardships. Ms. Ritje plans out her days in advance to help coordinate with other teachers and their similar plans.
Previous Experience:
Ms. Ritje was a Kindergarten teacher in Indonesia and volunteered in preschool and elementary school classes.
Quote:
"I enjoy working with children and watching them grow."
- Year Started: 12/1/2009
- Tenure: 3 Years
- Years in ECE Industry: 4 years
- Other Languages Spoken:
Indonesian
Ms. Amy, Prekindergarten Classroom
Previous Experience:
Ms. Amy worked as a nanny and at a Montessori center.
Quote:
"My favorite part about this classroom is it gives me an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a young individual. I love to watch them grow and mature over the year."
- Year Started: 8/1/2005
- Tenure: 7 Years
- Years in ECE Industry: 13 years
Ms. Kendra, Kindergarten, Toddler and Learning Adventures Classrooms
Bio:
Ms. Kendra has been with KinderCare for six years. She loves to make sure all the children are happy in her class, while still guiding them on the right path for future success.
Previous Experience:
Ms. Kendra has experience in her Church Nursery, and babysitting.
Quote:
"I am passionate about making sure the children are in a loving environment."
Ms. Mau, Support Staff
Bio:
Ms. Mau is currently in school working to further her education. Ms. Mau is CPR/Health and Safety cerftified. Ms. Mau enjoys and loves to work with children of all ages. Ms. Mau has been working with children for 10 years.
Previous Experience:
Ms. Mau worked at other Child Development Centers.
Quote:
"I love to teach the children new things and help them succeed in life."
- Year Started: 7/13/2004
- Tenure: 8 Years
- Years in ECE Industry: 9 years
- Other Languages Spoken:
Vietnamese