Suzanne Carlone Daycare

Berkeley, CA

No longer in business

To see Department of Social Services records on this facility, click on its DSS Facility License # below.

Type:
Home-Based Daycare/Preschool
DSS Facility License #
Owner:
Suzanne Carlone
510.526.8207
suzannecarlone [at] icloud.com
Location:
Berkeley
94707
N. Berkeley
Maximum Capacity:
6
Language(s) Spoken:
English
Ages Served:
12 months - 36 months
Hours
8:00am - 5:30pm
Additional Services & Features:
Year-round,
Lunch provided,
Snacks provided
Editors' Notes:
  • Dec 2017: Suzanne Carlone notified us that she has closed her daycare
About the Program:

Suzanne Carlone Daycare is a home-based practice licensed for up to 6 children, though at most times she cares for 3-4. 

Suzanne's philosophy is to provide a simple, structured, homely environment where little children can flourish. Her clean, uncluttered home contains safe play structures and children take two long walks a day. She provides simple, nutritious lunches and each child naps in a separate room. There are no electronic devices.

Suzanne's is open from 8am until 5:30pm. Minimum hours are 30 hours per week. She is usually able to accommodate occasional extended hours. Daycare normally breaks for a week at year-end and Spring break and for around two weeks in late August.

Please call after 5pm.

Parent Reviews

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We are so grateful to Suzy Carlone for taking such good care to our daughter over the past two years. Suzy has the rare talent of being patient and caring, but also firm and structured. Our daughter learned her manners (please, thank you, you're welcome, wait (be patient) etc.) from Suzy.  Just like other reviewers, we were really attracted to Suzy's calm demeanor, her un-cluttered house, her spotlessly clean house (no shoes allowed), and the absence of a cellphone, TV, or smartphone in her home.  Suzy provides the kind of engagement with the kids that worked for many generations past -- singing, music and dancing, climbing on the indoor play structure, blocks, balls, toy cars, etc. -- all things that require kids to be imaginative and exploratory, rather than passive consumers. I especially loved that when Suzy sings to the kids she helps them learn the lyrics (new words) by pausing to let them fill in the blanks.  That's now a trick I use with our daughter at home.  

During our two years with Suzy, there have been about 1 to 3 other kids (just two other kids for most of that time). We always felt that this was a good balance -- allowing for socialization while still providing an environment where our daughter was getting a lot of focused adult attention.  I have always felt reassured that Suzy has so many years of experience-- she has probably seen every type of child and behavior there is to see.  I know she has the intelligence and experience to capably handle all situations. As noted above, Suzy doesn't have a cell phone, so she's not distracted while she's taking care of your child. She doesn't have a TV, so there are no cartoons babysitting your child.  

Suzy takes the kids on a walk twice a day, weather permitting. Everyone in the neighborhood knows Suzy and her kids - she regularly takes them to the neighborhood market and flower nursery.  We live in the same neighborhood, and I admit that I've watched from our window as Suzy takes the kids for a walk.  She walks them very cautiously, slowly, moving at their pace, and crossing streets safely and observantly. 

Suzy's rate are reasonable and she has always been amazingly flexible and available for us when we had schedule changes, when we went from part time to full time, and on the occasions we were running late. The review provided by kellieliza on Sept. 27, 2015, expresses my sentiments exactly (and more eloquently).  You can call Suzy at (510) 526-8207 to schedule an interview.  Please also feel free to contact me for a reference. I will happily answer any questions you may have.  As of August 2017, Suzy has an opening since today was our last day now that our daughter is starting pre-school. 

Our wonderful daycare in North Berkeley has a opening this fall as our daughter has moved on to preschool. Suzanne Carlone cares for up to four children at her home-based daycare between Solano and Hopkins Street. Her approach - and the space - is calm and minimalist. There are no electronics and most of the toys are made of natural materials. Suzanne is a magical person who deeply understand kids, often noticing the nuances in our child's development before we do. With decades of experience, she is also a source of wise and compassionate advice for us. We'll all miss her greatly.

The simplicity of the space and predictability of her daily routines seem to give the kids room to express themselves and develop freely. Our child has blossomed there and has made an amazingly easy and successful transition to preschool, thanks to Suzanne's excellent preparation.

Suzanne provides simple lunches and snacks and each child naps in a separate room. Our child sleeps longer and more deeply at ''Suzie's house'' then she ever does at home. There's lots of singing and dancing and fun. Except for rainy days, they go on two long walks a day. There are also wooden play structures indoors and in her back yard. Children are accepted once they're starting to walk and most stay until preschool age. Her rates are very reasonable and she is closed for a week in the Spring, a two or three-week break in August, and a week at year end. She is able to accommodate most needs for pick-up and drop-off times.

For us, Suzanne's daycare has been the best possible place for our little one, and we'll always be grateful for her influence on our child at this most important age. Call Suzanne after 6pm or at the weekend on (510) 526 8207. Please also feel free to contact me for a reference. Kellie

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Oct 2013

There is an opening for a walking child at our daughter's daycare in North Berkeley. Suzanne has more than 30 years of experience and does not take more than 4 kids. She prepares food for them and every child naps in its own room in her beautiful and clean house close to Solano. She goes out for two walks a day and does not have electric toys or TV. She truly cares about the children and we are so lucky we found her. Her minimum are 30 hours/week.
Katja


 


July 2013

We would like to announce two openings for September in our daughter's family daycare in North Berkeley close to Solano. When looking for a daycare provider for our child around 1.5 years ago (she was 15 months at that time), we were visiting a variety of places, many of which actually made a good impression on us. However, in the end we decided in favor of Suzanne's daycare for a number of reasons: Her home is beautiful, super clean and entirely set up for the kids she takes care of. Suzanne has more than 30 years of experience, which becomes apparent instantly when you watch her interacting with the kids. She is very affectionate with them, but also sticks to basic rules and a clear daily routine. Suzanne takes her kids for two walks every day. She has an awesome indoor play structure, great non-electronic toys, puzzles etc. and she sings songs and dances with the kids. We could not think of a better place for our daughter and it is so good to know she is in a safe place that is all about the kids for the time they spend there. Suzanne is licensed for 6, but usually does not take more than 4 children. She has a minimum of 30 hours a week. She has lots of good references. You can call her (510 526 8207) or email us with questions.
Katja


May 2010

Re: looking for childcare
If you are in the Berkeley area, try Suzanne Carlone - she is a wonderful woman who took care of our son for 2 years out of her home in Berkeley near Solano (please see her reviews on BPN) and always returns calls. 510.526.8207. If you have any questions about her, please feel free to give me a call. Jua


Oct 2009

Suzanne Carlone runs a small daycare out of her beautiful home in N. Berkeley (near Solano) and currently has an opening. Suzanne has cared for our now pre-schooler since he was 8 months old. She uses her entire home for the children, including all of her 3 bedrooms where each child gets their own room for napping. She keeps things simple with only non- electronic toys (dramtatic play, puzzles, trains, indoor climbing structures) and takes the kids on daily walks to the nursery, and provides nutritous, wholesome foods. You have to visit her to see it, but her environment is one of warmth, calm and order. Contact: Suzanne Carlone, 510.526.8207
Jua


July 2008

Suzanne Carlone has been caring for our 2 yr old son since he was an infant. I had visited many small day care providers and was continuing my search, but the minute I walked into Suzy's home I just knew that this was a place where I knew my son would be cared for and loved. Suzy is in a quiet neighborhood near solano and uses her entire 3 bdr home to care for about 3-4 children at a time. She's licensed for up to 6, but likes to keep the numbers low for personal attention. She doesn't allow TV - only simple toys, books, puzzles, and has wonderful wooden play equipment. Each child has their own room and crib for taking naps. She takes them on walks and plays with them in her gorgeous backyard. She feeds them wholesome food and is incredibly nurturing. Suzy is not only our day care provider, but has become a life long friend. We are moving to Palo Alto in Aug. and are heartbroken that we can't take her with us, but this opens up a spot for another very fortunate family. Please email me if you have any questions, but you can also call her directly at 510.526.8207.
Jua


Oct 2006

Our wonderful childcare provider, Suzanne Carlone, may have one or two openings. Suzanne has over thirty years of experience, and takes no more than four children. This low provider-child ratio means she can devote a lot of time to the particular developmental needs of each child. She is excellent at fostering social skills, language development, and creative play. No TV or electronic toys - just classic children - toys and play structures. There are large spaces indoors and out for children to play, and each child naps in a separate room. Our son transitioned easily into her care, even after a cross-country move, and now doesn't want to leave in the afternoon. Past BPN reviews offer high praise as well, and feel free to contact us for more information Suzanne's number is 526-8207
Nheller


Nov 2003

There are openings in an intimate family daycare. Suzanne has more than 30 years experience and is calm, loving, and trustworthy. She keeps the days simple and fun, engaging kids wonderfully - playing, singing, taking them on walks to the local nursery (where the staff know the kids by name).

We looked for 2 mos. for the right situation and knew within 5 min. of watching our 16 mo. old light up with her that she was it. When we switched from our nanny share there were no transition issues. Our daughter starts shouting "Suzie! Suzie!" as I put on her jacket in the morning.

Suzanne is licensed for 6, but keeps it closer to 3-4. She's very knowledgeable about child development and our daughter has blossomed in her care. Her home and yard are incredible, with wooden play equipment both inside and out. Each child has a nap room.

Her references are superb. If you have any questions please call me, or call Suzanne directly 526-8207.

Bill


Oct. 2003

A wonderful (very small and intimate) family day care center in North Berkeley has openings for children around 1-2 years old, for about 30 hours a week. Suzanne has over 30 years experience and is very calm and loving with our daughter. She likes to keep things ''real simple'' and not overwhelm the kids. She has great wooden equipment in her house and in her backyard. Her house and yard is unbelievably clean and well cared for and has great light. Every child has their own room to sleep in for naps. It is a superb environment for children. Our daughter started a couple weeks ago and had no problems transitioning to her care. Her references are outstanding. If you have any questions please feel free to call me, Ramsey, or call Suzanne directly. Contact: Suzanne Carlone, 526-8207