Parent testimonials As both a Registered Nurse and first-time mother, I tend to be overprotective. So I became very anxious about finding trusting and loving child-care for my infant son. After months of researching and visiting various child-care facilities; I started to come to the conclusion that I would have to "settle" for a child-care provider because each facility left me with doubts.....it wasn't clean enough, too many children under one's care, or the provider wasn't educated enough. My husband and I became quite discouraged until we found Simona. Not only does she have the education in child development, but she's also a Mom herself and that's something that can't be taught. Once we met Simona and her family we knew our son had found a piece of "home" with the Jackson's as well. There were no lingering doubts. She is truly in a league of her own and we have the utmost respect and trust in her. It seems our son teaches us something new each week and is always with a smile on his face when in her care. If he's happy, we're happy and that makes all our days more enjoyable.
Keith & Kellie Moreman
Dublin, CA As a first time mother, I dreaded the day I had to return to work and leave my infant in childcare. After much research and visits with over a dozen family care providers I was considering not returning to work because every provider left me with some sort of doubt. As soon as I met Simona I knew she was the perfect person to care for my daughter Emily. She is very kind and loving towards all of the children, her home is impeccably clean, and she has many activities/toys to accommodate infants through preschoolers. Simona began caring for Emily at 5 months of age and she is now a rambunctious 2 year old. It amazing all of the things my daughter has learned while in Simona’s care over the last year and a half including new words, new songs, reciting her ABC’s, and being able to count to 10. I know I have made the right choice every day I drop Emily off for childcare. She is thrilled to see her “Nona” and can’t wait to go back again after we leave. I could not be happier to have Simona as a part of my daughter’s life and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for childcare. Melissa Couch Tracy, CA I can whole-heartedly recommend Simona at Rising Stars. My 20 month old daughter goes there 3 days a week and has been in her care since she was 7 months old. We love her... she's patient, kind, fun, down to earth and genuinely loves what she does. My daughter adores her sons and little buddies and has learned so much in her care. She's always content when we drop her off and pick her up. It brings me peace of mind as a first-time mom, working full time. Simona provides a daily report (diapers, food, activities) so you feel connected and can track your child's routine and she plans fun crafts and parties for the kids and parents around special holidays. It's such a cool "family" away from home, I truly couldn't be happier! Christine Weldon Livermore, CA Our daughter Morgan has been attending Rising Stars Family Daycare since the age of 11 months. She is now 2 ½ years old and we love the care she receives from Simona. At first meeting Simona welcomed us into her home and my husband and I immediately felt the warmth and comfort of her home as being a safe, nurturing environment for Morgan to grow up in. She often comes home singing new songs, showing off her art projects, and speaking new words. Simona is great about keeping us updated through her newsletters and the pictures she takes of the kids playing and learning together. It’s comforting to know that Morgan is being taken care of by a trusted provider while we are at work and that her development needs are stimulated in Rising Stars Family Daycare.
Nicole and Mark Pickett Livermore, CA
Rising Stars Daycare has a very nurturing and stimulating environment. Both of my sons have felt comfortable there from day one. I can especially see a difference in our two year old son, Justin. He has learned many songs, letters and numbers. It's such a thrill to be reading books with him and he points out different letters. I really like that they learn through play, which I think is perfect for their age group. Kelly Hessler Livermore, CA If you need care - whether it be PT, FT, or Drop-in - I absolutely recommend
Simona & Rising Stars Child Center. I spoke with numerous home day-cares and every single center in town that accepts under 24 month olds. Every place we went and everyone we talked to would leave us with a doubt or two. The process of finding care was not easy for us due to Meadow's peanut allergy, specific hours needed, and our specific financials. However, once we met Simona there were no lingering doubts. She listened to my rambling concerns about Meadow's diet, her house is clean, there is a big backyard to play in, plenty of kid activities, very relaxed environment, she serves healthy foods, and the kids are alert, interactive, & attentive.
Meadow (20 months) gets excited each morning to go to 'school'. On the way
home she tells us all about her day and then repeats it to the other parent or
older sisters when she gets home. Within her first few days she was doing & saying
new things, which we thought was fantastic for only being there a few days.
I have friend whose daughter went to Rising Stars since she was an infant for 2+ years and recently transitioned into preschool. She says they both miss going there & that Simona is one of the best 'things' that ever happened to her daughter. She
could not rave enough about Simona and her care for the children. I can only hope there is a spot for my next baby when it is time for her to go to daycare.
Lisa Castaneda Livermore, CA
As a first time mother, it was really hard for me to leave my son with anyone, but the moment I walked into Simona’s house, I knew that he would thrive under her care. I have known her for many years and know how terrific she is with kids of all ages. She was so loving and caring with my son that it eased my mind, knowing he was being so well taken care of. She had so many activities for both the infants and toddlers that he didn’t want to come home he was having such a great time! Any child would benefit under her care and I would very highly recommend her. We are just so sad to see her leave Santa Barbara but know there are some very lucky children who will love her just as much as my son does in Livermore. Dina Meisel Ventura, CA My now seven-year-old son spent a year with "Teacher Simona" in the Bay Area when he was two years old. We are now temporarily living abroad. After having raised him for seven years and having lived in two different countries, I know what a special and caring person Simona is. She really brought out all the positive qualities in my son. I think she truly made our journey through the Terrible Twos very easy and fun. Through my conversations with Simona, I could tell she had an instinctive understanding of each child's personality and emotional needs. Simona also gave each child a personal care, which is the reason why she has become a personal friend to our family even after 4 years and an ocean apart. What I liked the best about Simona is that she was always even-tempered and never forgot to have humor when dealing with children. If I have a second child, I would definitely want someone like Simona in my child's life. Eun-Young Kim Seoul, Korea |