Little Joey's is an intentionally small, in-home program for children 8 months and older. Our program is built around a profound passion for nurturing young minds through play. We prepare infants and toddlers for preschool with a focus on social and emotional development.
where early attachments are formed
one table, three sets of hands
dress-up, decorating our bodies
rose petals in ice, melting slowly
tending plants builds empathy
tea lights, soft focus, big wonder
morning circle, close enough to be known
hand in hand through Berkeley
practicing gentleness
the backyard, ready by 8:30
morning light on the rug
scooping, pouring, small hands at work
a first brushstroke
practicing mark-making
JoJo spent over 16 years in early childhood education. Her practice traces back to a Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired classroom. She carried that lens into work with Head Start families while earning her degree in Early Childhood Education, and later, as a classroom teacher at Duck's Nest preschool where she deepened her interest in play-based curriculum.
Her days are built around slowing down enough to notice: the way a child studies a leaf, the small negotiation over a toy truck, the first time a toddler comforts a friend. She believes that children learn best when they feel truly seen, and that trust is built in the ordinary moments — greeting, diapering, snack time, walking to the park.
"I believe in giving kids room to make mistakes safely — that's where real confidence comes from."
Every child deserves to feel loved, seen, heard, honored, and protected, every single day. We call this "The Joey Approach". These values form the basis for our program, translated from our research on early childhood development.
We don't measure your child against a checklist of milestones. Instead, we watch for the pieces that make up who they are: what makes them curious, what makes them cautious, what makes them laugh? No two children are the same story, and it is our job to understand the puzzle that makes your child unique.
Children need to see themselves in the space around them — in the books on the shelf and the art on the wall. We want to show our children that human variation is the norm. We pay close attention to how a child sees themselves, so children do not receive a generic version of childhood.
Secure attachment starts early, and the research is clear: when a child builds strong, dependable bonds early on it shapes how they relate to others down the line, and how they see themselves. We want to build on these skills in partnership with you and share what we notice so your child has a secure foundation to grow from.
It's okay to cry. It's okay to need something. It's okay to have a bad day. We're careful and consistent with our language and tone, because we're shaping how a child understands themselves and their feelings. When we make mistakes ourselves, we model trying again, so children learn that mistakes are part of being human.
I've always wanted to create a space where I encourage softness, consideration, and tons of empathy.— Jo, Founder
Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
the morning's provocation, waiting to be noticedChildren ease in and the morning's provocation is waiting for them — art, texture, a small investigation, so the day starts with an invitation to be curious. These are designed based on the group's interests and readiness, intended to encourage fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and cognitive growth. We then close the morning with a homemade snack and book reading.
we like to get messyMiddays involve dance and movement, with dedicated outdoor time to move our bodies and use our muscles, followed by a group gathering around lunch. We take our naps very seriously and ensure every child has time to rest. Our small group size means nobody is waiting long for anything.
celebrating our bodiesTeaching is integrated into every moment of the day. You'll find us counting from 1-20 to wash our hands, or discussing the textures of the foods we eat during afternoon snack time. Our afternoons are filled with open-ended play and a roster of rotating books and songs as we round out the day.
Twice a year, every family will receive a detailed, written narrative of their child's development. Parents then meet with Jo to discuss her observations in detail — organized around the specific needs of their little. Every family's write-up is written for their child alone, and shared only with them. The categories below show you a general shape of what to expect.
Little Joey's is currently enrolling. If we are at capacity, we welcome you to join our waitlist. We keep the group intentionally small so every child is met with a high standard of care.
Complete our short inquiry form so we can learn about your family and what you're looking for.
Visit Little Joey’s for a private tour and bring your kiddo to meet Jo and see the space together.
If a spot is open, we move forward with enrollment. If we're full, you're welcome to join the waiting list.
Excerpts from reviews written by Little Joey's families.
"After touring more than 10 East Bay daycares — and even trying one that didn't work out — we know this place is a rare gem."
"Our son started at 14 months and in just a few months, his language, motor, and problem-solving skills have blossomed."
"I almost cried tears of joy watching him almost immediately take to Jo and the new environment as this NEVER happens!"
"She reorients the room daily so it feels 'new' for the kids. Her dedication is bar none."
"Our child hardly bats an eye when we leave, which is a very rare occurrence and I believe says a lot. The space Jo has created is inviting, engaging, and warm."
"Every day, we get thoughtful updates with photos and notes on what our son is learning and how he's growing."
"The small size allowed my tiny 2 year old to play, learn, grow, and socialize safely. We truly felt as if we had found a gem. It's a special place."
"Communication was flawless, cost is very reasonable, and I felt good every day at drop off and pickup."
Yes. Little Joey's is a fully licensed in-home childcare provider (License #013424008) and operates in compliance with all California state childcare regulations.
Little Joey's is a licensed in-home daycare near the Malcolm X Elementary School in Berkeley, California. We have easy access to local parks and walking paths for our daily outdoor time, and can be found on adventures at Prince Street Park, San Pablo Park, or the Berkeley Public Library.
Yes. All providers maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications at all times.
To protect all families, children experiencing contagious symptoms must remain home. Clear illness guidelines are shared with every family at enrollment.
Children receive two healthy snacks each day, all prepared in-home with fresh, wholesome ingredients, balanced nutrition, and child-friendly portions. We request parents to send a packed lunch and bottled formula or milk for their child.
Little Joey's maintains a small, intentional group with a 1 educator to 4 children ratio that is built for individual attention, relationship-building, and close supervision.
Potty training is child-led and readiness-based. We partner closely with families to keep things consistent between home and daycare, and diapers and wipes are included in tuition so the transition stays low-stress.
We use Brightwheel to share daily updates with ample photos, notes on what your child ate, how they napped, and when we did their diaper changes. Families also receive regular newsletters on classroom themes and group interests. Lastly, every family will receive a detailed written narrative of their child's development twice a year, followed by a one-on-one meeting with Jo to discuss progress and goals.
Little Joey's is a full-time program only, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. This consistency helps children build security, strong routines, and deep relationships with their caregivers and peers.
