Ebenezer Daycare
Berkeley, CA
To see Department of Social Services records on this facility, click on its DSS Facility License # below.
- June 2021: After 22 years, Ebenezer Daycare is closing in September 2021 per the owner Maria Silva.
Ebenezer is a small Daycare. We are open Monday-Wednesday from 8am-5:30. We are located three blocks from Ashby BART station. For more information give us a call (510) 540-6034
This is the MOST AMAZING daycare! Maria and Evelia are extremely caring, devoted, and communicative caregivers. As a new mom, I was so nervous about putting my son into daycare, but Maria and Evelia made me feel at ease. They consistently give me updates on how my son is doing throughout the day and I have watched my son develop a genuine bond with both of them. This daycare is also conveniently located next to a park where my son gets plenty of outside play time. While indoors, they read books, play fun educational games, and sing songs, all of which they do in Spanish. I am also relieved I never have to worry that my son is not receiving optimal nutrition as Maria provides freshly prepared delicious organic foods every day. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, they take COVID-19 precautions very seriously as do me and my household.
My son is currently the only child at the daycare since it has reopened due to COVID. He has been at this daycare since he was 3 months old. They currently have availability for infants/toddlers (2 months-2 years old). The daycare is small which means that all the children get plenty of attention (which was something that was important to me when looking for a daycare). If interested, please contact Maria at 510-540-6034. Again, I HIGHLY recommend this daycare and please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions! I'm happy to chat :).
We are so grateful to Maria and Evelia for the loving care they gave our son. As so many others have written here, Ebenezer is a very small family daycare where your child will get amazing home-cooked food, playtime in the park right next door, and loving care as if their grandparent or auntie were watching them. As a nervous first time mommy, I so appreciated all of Maria's expert guidance and advice as well. Your little one will get lots of attention and playtime, and most importantly, you know Maria takes the utmost care to keep the children safe and well while they are in her care. We miss Ebenezer and recommend it highly!
We HIGHLY recommend Maria and Ebenezer Daycare. Our little one started with her 7 months ago, when he was 5 months old, and we could not be happier. Maria has years of experience and it shows. She's well prepared and organized, flexible, and reliable. She cooks healthy organic meals and helps with introducing solids. She talks, reads, and sings to the children all day and takes them out to the parks nearby. Most importantly, we have never worried about our son and his safety in her care; we have the upmost trust in her. She genuinely cares about the children and it's clear that they adore her as well.
We could not have asked for a more loving environment than Ebenezer Daycare. Our son, Asa, started at the daycare at 4-months old, and it has now been over a year. Maria is an attentive, nurturing, experienced child care provider. She cooks wholesome meals for him, and has helped us navigate new foods and any potential food allergies. In addition to Spanish Asa is learning how to use utensils, cups, and the potty! We have peace of mind knowing that daycare is always available, and that she has his best interests at heart. We jump to recommend Ebenezer Daycare to parents with young children. She's an amazing woman, and we are happy our son has had his first daycare experience with her.
I cannot thank Maria enough for taking such wonderful care of our daughter. Maria is absolutely wonderful with babies and provides an incredibly loving environment. I always felt so lucky to go to work knowing that my daughter was in such good hands. She would practically jump into Maria arms when I dropped her off and would always be smiling and happy when I waved goodbye every morning. Maria provides home cooked food - very vegetable focused- once they little ones are six months and ready to start eating. Her house is right next to a park and I would often arrive for pickup to find everyone playing on the swings. They also do regular day trips (with permission) to the other parks in the area. I feel privileged that we found Maria and would not hesitate to recommend her. Happy to be contacted to talk more about my experience.
Our amazing daycare has an opening for a lucky infant as our 2 year old is graduating to spend time with some older kiddos! Maria has earned our complete trust, and gives our son love and delicious food and a stimulating, safe environment. Our little guy started with Maria and Diana when he was 15 months old, and he has truly blossomed under her dedicated care. As first time parents we were really nervous about leaving our child with someone else, but immediately felt at ease knowing he was in Maria's good hands. She is always meeting each child where they are, and gave us a lot of helpful advice based upon her years of experience. We wholeheartedly recommend Ebenezer! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
We had a wonderful experience with Ebenezer Daycare. Maria is a loving caretaker and teacher, not to mention an excellent cook--she makes food for the kids, and our son loved her food. He was there from 5 months to 21 months of age, and we felt that he was in excellent care the entire time. The days there are filled with lots of active play and age-appropriate learning. Since leaving, we have stayed in touch, and continue to warm relationship with Maria and her assistant Diana, who is also an excellent caretaker. We can confidently endorse Ebenezer Daycare.
I can't speak highly enough about Maria and the wonderful care she provides at Ebenezer! Her assistants, first Cynthia and now Diana, are also wonderful with the kids. Our son was under Maria's care from 9-18months of age. We only stopped because we are moving away from Berkeley. I will be so sad to leave such wonderful care! We had been to several daycares, and our son never seemed to be at ease, but upon visiting Ebenezer, he went to Maria easily and continued to do so almost every day after. She creates such a loving and warm atmosphere and the little ones really respond to it! Maria is obviously so knowledgable about children. She offers gentle guidance and support as infants and toddlers move through different developmental stages, had some great suggestions for teething remedies, and was totally unruffled by our son's grouchier teething days.
As other parents have mentioned, Maria feeds the little ones organic home-made meals and milk. The kids spend a good part of each day outside playing, and indoor time is filled with songs and games.
I highly recommend Maria and Ebenezer Day Care!
Our daughter started Ebenezer at 4 months of age. We quickly felt relaxed and relieved to have her in a safe and loving environment during our workdays. In addition to her love and care, Maria offers homemade organic meals and milk (a plus for busy parents!) and speaks to the children in Spanish—an awesome extra for those wanting to stimulate their children’s language skills. Also, like some other parents have mentioned, potty training can start early if you want it to. Maria asks that you mirror the training at home. A final note, this is a wonderful spot for babies and children under two as it is a cozy setting. We kept our daughter there till 2.5 years and she was definitely ready to spread her wings in a larger facility with some toddlers closer to her own age.
My little son has been in the warm loving hands with Maria and Cynthia since he was 5 months old (now 19 months old). Looking for a daycare provider can be a little nerve wrecking and going back to work you want the best for your little baby. I could not be happier sending my first born child to Maria's daycare. The first day we introduced our little precious baby, Maria has been very attentive to our child's needs. She makes organic meals for the little ones for breakfast and lunch and has plenty of toys for infant and toddlers to play with. Also during the day she takes him to the park that is literally across her door step for them to play. What makes this very special is that she speaks Spanish and our little guy and learned new words, teaching him to be bilingual baby. I am so proud. Also our toddler gained knowledge of how to feed himself with the baby fork and spoon and now potty training (Huge Plus). Also Maria and Cynthia reads books in a circle making learning fun. Our son picks his baby books to read to him and watching him develop intelligence from her care is just amazing. He’s learning his ABC’s and numbers. The neighborhood is excellent with families living nearby and a block away from the Elementary school. I highly recommend her for anyone who is looking for a loving warm home based daycare. Maria does have 5 openings for infants/toddlers don’t hesitate to call her at 510-540-6034. Berkeley, CA 94703. Chris and Sierra.
We are very sad to be leaving Maria and Cynthia. We’re only moving on because we knew that we needed to find new care once our son turns 2 (he’s 20 months now), and we found a place right away, so are having to leave a little bit earlier than planned.
I think Maria’s trick is that she realizes that babies are capable of so much more that we might expect (especially we first timers). She started Sam off with using utensils long before I would have thought possible. She also happily facilitates potty-training, again earlier than I would have thought possible.
We started daycare with Maria when our son was 6 months old. At that point he had only been in our care, and we were so nervous about leaving him with somebody else. Since the beginning, Sam has always been happy to see Maria and Cynthia and adjusted to the new environment well with their help. They are both so clearly happy to see him every morning. They have helped us work through his hitting phase, and are always happy to answer questions about what’s going on.
Maria makes all of the delicious food she serves to the kids. Sam happily eats everything she serves. Maria started him with purees and moved him on to more solid foods as he was ready.
This is a homebased daycare. Maria’s two sons (early 20s) live with her and speak fluent English. Maria speaks some English, and her assistant Cynthia also speaks fluent English. The apartment is a little small, but they have really made the most of the space. They also spend tons of time outdoors. There’s a mini park right next door and they go on lots of walks to other parks. Maria’s prices are reasonable (currently 9.50/hr, I imagine may go up in the new year), and seem to be on par with other homebased daycares I’ve researched. She is also very flexible with scheduling. We have 2 half days and 2 full days, and I know other families have similar arrangements. Maria takes off all the standard federal holidays, as well as the first 2 weeks of January.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I think Maria will have at least this one spot open come mid January.
Jen
Our daycare has an opening for an infant/baby. The daycare provider, Maria Silva, is extremely loving and warm. My son lights up when he sees her in the mornings! He has been there almost one year, and he is thriving. Maria only speaks Spanish to the children, which I value greatly. Maria's two sons speak English if you don't know any Spanish and have trouble communicating with her. She also has a helper, Cynthia, who is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Maria runs her daycare from her apartment, which is next door to a park. The children get lots of time outdoors on walks and at the playground. Maria feeds the children homemade organic food that is delicious.
Maria's prices are very reasonable, and she offers flexible schedules (full or partial days, and 1-5 days a week). She is located just a couple blocks from the Ashby Bart station. She is only closed during the major holidays, and 2 week during the year. She will take babies as young a 2 months old. Our son started there when he was 3 months.
Maria goes out of her way to create a familial environment, by doing things such as hosting all the families for a holiday lunch and other special events.
While my husband and I were initially apprehensive about a home based daycare, we are very happy with our decision. We feel that our son is in a safe and stimulating environment while he is with Maria. We highly recommend her!!
Archived Q&A and Reviews
July 2014
Our daughter's daycare provider, Ebenezer Daycare, has a new opening for a child over two months old. Ebenezer is a small daycare of up to a half dozen children run by Maria Silva and her assistants.
Maria has been an absolute pleasure. Our daughter adores her and it's clear from their joyous interactions that the affection is reciprocated. She never cries when she's dropped off or when she's picked up.
Based on her development, Maria clearly gives her the personalized attention we were hoping for in a small daycare.
Maria only speaks Spanish to the children (though her sons are fluent in English), and our daughter (now almost eighteen months) understands Spanish better than she does English.
The kids go outside every day and the daycare is right next to a small park/playground. Maria is flexible with her hours and has accommodated our last-minute changes numerous times.
Maria cooks delicious organic food for the children every day, and even accommodates our vegetarian requests. Our daughter consistently eats more at daycare than she does at home. She's also turned out to be a delightful, inquisitive, and well-mannered kid, and we definitely have Maria to thank for much of that.
She's graduating now and thus Maria will have an open spot. We envy whoever gets to take it!
Feb 2013
Our daughter has grown out of her sweet, fun, homey small day care, where we have brought her nearly every day since she was 5 months old.
Maria Silva's Ebenezer day care, run out of her apartment in South Berkeley, has two openings--one for a 2-year-old and one for a baby.
Maria speaks Spanish to the kids, and our daughter has learned Spanish right along with English. Her rates are very reasonable and her schedule is flexible.
Maria makes the kids home-cooked lunches and lots of fruits and veggies for snacks, teaches the babies how to get along with gentleness and wisdom, visits the park every day, and has seemingly boundless energy for playtime, songs, hugs, and books.
Can you tell we will miss her? If you are looking for a place for your baby or young toddler I can't think of a better one.
Maria can be reached at 510-540-6034.
Kristie
Feb 2013
Our daughter's daycare provider, Ebenezer Daycare, has new openings for an infant and a two year old. Ebenezer is a small daycare of up to a half dozen children run by Maria Silva and her assistants.
Maria has been an absolute pleasure. Our daughter adores her and it's clear from their joyous interactions that the affection is reciprocated. She never cries when she's dropped off or when she's picked up.
Based on her development, Maria clearly gives her the personalized attention we were hoping for in a small daycare.
Maria only speaks Spanish to the children (though her sons are fluent in English), and our daughter (now almost eighteen months) understands Spanish better than she does English.
The kids go outside every day and the daycare is right next to a small park/playground. Maria is flexible with her hours and has accommodated our last-minute changes numerous times.
Maria cooks delicious organic food for the children every day, and even accommodates our vegetarian requests. Our daughter consistently eats more at daycare than she does at home. She's also turned out to be a delightful, inquisitive, and well-mannered kid, and we definitely have Maria to thank for much of that.
July 2013
I am writing this review because our 2.5 year old son has been with Maria since he was about 7 months old and will be graduating to preschool soon (sniff).
Maria runs a very sweet, warm small home based day care. She cooks the children delicious varied organic meals from scratch every day. She has a remarkable way with babies, you can see that she truly loves and enjoys them and that the children are comfortable and relaxed with her. My son races up to knock on the door every morning.
Her place is small, but directly next door to a tot park, and the children spend lots of time outside every day. She also takes them around to different parks and on walks. She sings songs and plays games with them and our son can speak and understand spanish. She also starts potty training young, which was a huge bonus for us.
I think she is looking for both a very small baby and another slightly older baby starting over the next couple of months (she likes to have a close-ish age match for the children). It has been a lovely couple of years and our son will miss her.
You can reach her at 510-540-6034 (She pretty much only speaks spanish but if you dont, her very sweet sons- who my son is pretty much in love with- will return the call and translate) -feel free to email me with questions.
Juliana
Nov 2012
I would like to recommend Maria Silva's Ebenezer Day Care, located near the Ashby BART station. My daughter has spent her days with Maria for the past 8 months, since she was 4 months old, and I wouldn't dream of taking her anywhere else. Maria makes all the kids' organic food from scratch, travels to parks in the neighborhood almost daily, and is a kind, loving, and generous caregiver for her charges. Maria and her wonderful helper Carmen speak Spanish to the kids exclusively; the kids learn songs and games, and play, play, play! Maria has many years experience working with children and frequently takes child care and development continuing education courses. Ebenezer currently has space for an infant. You can reach them by phone at 510- 540-6034.
Kristi
May 2012
I am writing to recommend the daycare my son attends. Maria Silva has been a wonderful caregiver to my now 15 month old.
She cooks fresh organic meals for the children each day and gives them plenty of love. She is warm, attentive, and nurturing. The apartment is clean and comfortable. She also will potty train young, which is a huge bonus for me.
My little guy started at a difficult age for his separation anxiety (8months) and was quickly straining out of my arms to knock at her door in the morning.
She runs the daycare out of her small apartment near Ashby Bart, which is located directly next door to a tot park. She speaks to the children in Spanish and when necessary her (incredibly sweet) sons are excellent translators.
There are openings because two of the children are leaving for pre-school and she can do full or part time. Her rates are extremely reasonable.
Feel free to contact me for a reference. Or call her directly at 510-540-6034 (If you do not speak Spanish, one of her boy's will return the call.) Contact: Juliana
March 2010
Maria Silva, of Ebenezer Daycare in South Berkeley (close to Malcolm X School) has an opening for a 3-4 month-old infant. Maria has been caring for our son since he was 4 months old and we cannot recommend her highly enough. Maria is a licensed childcare provider who offers delicious, nutritious, home-cooked snacks and meals that are nearly all organic. Our son loves her cooking and Maria often gets him to eat things that he won't eat at home. Maria is loving and nurturing and our son has blossomed in her care. She is a Spanish speaker and her teenage sons are excellent translators, whenever needed. We have appreciated the opportunity for our son to be exposed to two languages at such an early age. Maria's rates are very reasonable ($7/hour, meals and snacks included). Her hours are usually 8-5:00, though she is flexible, as needed. Maria's daycare is located in her first-floor apartment, adjacent to a small park. The children spend time outdoors everyday, at various local parks. Maria cares for a small group of children at a time. Contact: Maria Silva, 510-540-6034
Dec 2009
Maria Silva, of Ebenezer Daycare in South Berkeley (close to Malcolm X School) has an opening for a 3-4 month-old infant. Maria has been caring for our son since he was 4 months old and we cannot recommend her highly enough. Maria is a licensed childcare provider who offers delicious, nutritious, home-cooked snacks and meals that are nearly all organic. Our son loves her cooking and Maria often gets him to eat things that he won't eat at home. Maria is loving and nurturing and our son has blossomed in her care. She is a Spanish speaker and her teenage sons are excellent translators, whenever needed. We have appreciated the opportunity for our son to be exposed to two languages at such an early age. Maria's rates are very reasonable ($7/hour, meals and snacks included). Her hours are usually 8-5:00, though she is flexible, as needed. Maria's daycare is located in her first-floor apartment, adjacent to a small park. The children spend time outdoors everyday, at various local parks. Maria cares for a small group of children at a time. Right now there are two toddlers in her care. Contact: Maria Silva, 510-540-6034
August 2008
We've had our children with Maria Silva of Ebenezer Day Care for the last 4 years, and our youngest just graduated to preschool. Maria provides a stable and supportive environment for infants to pre-school age kids, usually four or fewer children at a time. She speaks only Spanish but seems to do okay with parents who only speak English, makes healthy meals and snacks for the children and is especially good with babies. Also, her prices are lower than average, about $6-7 per hour. Her phone number is (510) 540-6034 and you can also email me with questions. Her hours are 8:00-5:30, but she is able to make other arrangments at times.
Julia
August 2008
I'm excited to share the best childcare I've had thus far for my 2 year old son. It is run by Maria Silva who provides daily activities, organic lunches and snacks, and a huge helping of warmth and care. She speaks Spanish with the children, exposing them daily to the language. She is extremely skilled with infants and toddlers and is a licensed child care provider. Her group size ranges from 6-8. I can be reached anytime to talk more about her child care expertise and style, as well as share her contact information.
Ellen
March 2008
Maria Silva provides a daycare in her 1st floor apartment located next door to a playground/lawn/and picnic area. She cares for 2-4 children a day varying with some children's part-time schedules. She cooks organic, healthy breakfast and lunches and provides fruit for snacks. She takes the children on field trips with parent permissions to local parks. She provides the best care for our 17 months daughter and is always pleasant to talk with. She has had her daycare license for over 14 years and is experienced with two teenage sons of her own. Maria speaks mostly Spanish with some English. Her sons translate for us and we have no problem communicating with her. Two children are leaving her daycare so she has 2 full-time openings for toddlers 2 years or older. Please contact me for more information and contact detail for Maria Silva at Ebinezar Daycare.
jaebird
Jan 2008
If you are looking for a daycare, may I recommend mine. Ebenezer Daycare in Berkeley has 2 openings right now for either part time or full time kids. Maria Silva runs this very small daycare from her living room, 2 blocks from the Ashby Bart. Maria and her helper take the kids to the park almost every day, weather permitting, never watch television, and speak only Spanish to the kids (my daughter's first word was ''agua''). Maria prepares two homecooked meals for the kids every day, using organic produce as much as possible and making sure they get a good variety of fruits and vegetables. Maria really loves her work and is especially good with younger kids (all the current kids are 3 or younger) and was very helpful to me as a new mom. Her rates are very reasonable for the amount of attention the kids get! Please feel free to call my husband or me if you want more information (540-9793), or you can contact her directly. Contact: Maria Silva, 510-540-6034
Sept 2007
I'm writing to share my joy about finding Maria Silva. She runs Ebinezer Daycare, a home-based daycare she runs from her apartment in Berkeley. Maria is licensed, and she keeps her education in child development current. My daughter was a 1 1/2 pound premature baby, and had lung issues. Maria took care of my friend's son, & my friend raved about Maria. Years later, I remembered my friend's ravings & was lucky to find a spot for my daughter in Maria's home. Maria cooks organic meals for the children every day. She knows about nutrition & she dealt beautifully with my daughter's finicky eating habits. Maria speaks Spanish and English to her kids, teaches them about letters, numbers, colors, dance, & how to relate to each other even in tough situations. Maria is conscientious, kind & patient. She keeps a balance between maintaining a predictable daily routine and exposing kids to new experiences. She gets them outside, & remembers to bring the H20 & sunscreen. Contact: Maria Silva, (510) 540-6034
Nov 2006
My sons' daycare has an opening for a 2-4 year old. Maria runs this daycare out of her home. Her place is small, but it's located directly next door to a nice little park with grass, swings, and a play structure. The kids go outside to play every day, either at the park next door or on a field trip to other parks. She cooks great food, all organic and my kids love her cooking. She speaks Spanish to the kids. it's been neat to see my 2 year old picking up the language... he now asks me for agua, counts in Spanish and says ''de nada, mommy''. Maria rarely has the TV on, there isn't one in the main play room. She helped potty train my son. she is very careful (washing hands, using sunscreen, etc) and attentive. she's also the most affordable daycare around and she's very flexible with scheduling. Maria's number is: 510-540-6034, leave a message and she'll call you back (her son may call because his English is better).
Tracy
Sept 2006
Maria Silva runs a small (4-5 kids) daycare out of her apartment in west Berkeley. She is looking for 2-year-olds and 4-year-olds to fill some empty spaces. Maria is a FABULOUS care provider. She cooks organic meals from scratch for the kids EVERY day. She is kind, loving, consistant and conscientious. She gets the kids outside a lot during the warm months. She teaches the kids in English and Spanish. She is licensed and she continues her education constantly. I can't say enough good things about Maria. Please contact her directly at the phone number above, or if you have questions, feel free to email me at: angie
Contact: Maria Silva, (510) 540-6034
April 2006
Maria Silva runs Ebinezer Daycare from here apartment on Prince street in Southwest Berkeley. She is the best day care provider I've seen in my 16 1/2 years of parenting. She cooks organic meals for the kids daily, teaches them the alphabet, and music/dance, etc. in both Spanish and English. She constantly takes courses to improve her caregiving abilities. Her daycare is state licensed. On top of everything, she charges very little-- 4-5 dollars an hour depending on the age of the child and other factors. My daughter has been going there for two years. I found Maria through a friend who RAVED about her. Maria is looking for some two-year-olds to round out her current group. She ususally takes 4-5 children at a time. Give her a call, and go by to see for yourself. Contact: Maria Silva, 510-540-6034
Angie D
March 2006
ebinezer daycare is a small, home-based daycare run by maria silva. maria is the best caregiveri've seen in the 16 1/2 years i've been parenting. my four- year-old has been going there for two years, now. maria cooks organic meals from scratch for the kids daily! she is state licensed and she constantly goes to school to learn more about child development. you have to see this to believe it. she also teaches the kids. my child knows the alphabet in spanish and english, and can count to twenty in both languages. ok. enough raving. give her a call!
Contact: maria silva, 540-6034
March 2006
My daughter has attended Ebinezer daycare, a state licensed home-based daycare for almost two years. Maria keeps 3-4 kids in her home, gives them lots of loving attention, cooks organic foods from scratch for them every day, and teaches them Spanish, too. SHe keeps up on her early childhood development classes. This lady is the best I've seen in my 16 years of parenting. She charges only $5.hr, and less for older kids. Questions? Feel free to email me, or call Maria directly at the number listed above. Contact: Maria, 540-6034
Angie
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