My name is Lilianna Bernstein, Associate Director of Admissions at Drake University. My connection to Oakridge Neighborhood is as a passionate parent and advocate for its early childhood program – Oak Academy, a truly special school. I have two daughters – Flora and Twyla – who’ve attend Oak Academy. 

We discovered Oak Academy during the height of COVID. It was a difficult time to find childcare and harrowing as a parent with a newborn. But we were particularly drawn to Oak Academy for several reasons:

• First, it’s nationally accredited and one of the few childcare centers in the area designated a QRS Level 5 – the highest rating available in Iowa.
• But also, Oak Academy took COVID seriously, with all the important precautions in place.
• And, the diversity of the children attending Oak Academy was a huge selling point. I value raising my children to be colorblind to who their friends are…they are all just kids being kids. 

So, that’s what initially attracted me. Here is why we stay at Oak Academy and why I’ve now successfully recruited four to five other families to send their children there as well:

• Any parent can understand that when you drop your child off at daycare, you are dropping off your heart. But at Oak Academy, I never worry. The teachers are truly teachers who love our children and create a nurturing culture. They are dedicated, they go above and beyond every single day. If you are familiar with daycare quality, you know this is just not common.)
• And, both my children have flourished in Oak Academy’s care and within the rigorous curriculum. Every day the classrooms are building foundations and important skills at the earliest of ages.
• Perhaps most importantly, Oak Academy models social emotional learning, kindness, and empathy every day. I believe growing up with that daily emphasis in those formative years has had a positive influence on both our children. I saw Flora model these behaviors of patience, love, and care when she became the best big sister when Twyla was born. Oak Academy taught her that. 
• Lastly, Flora and Twyla have forged true friendships from all backgrounds at Oak Academy. They both have regular play dates outside of daycare and it is my hope they have the foundation of lifelong friendships.

Oak Academy is a hidden gem. I’m so passionate about Oak Academy that I tell every friend I have who is looking for childcare to consider it. It makes me truly proud to tell people that we are an Oak Academy family!

Families like Lilianna’s trust Oak Academy to nurture their babies and toddlers. Oak Academy is just one of a number of programs offered onsite at Oakridge Neighborhood. From secure housing to youth programs nurturing potential, to workforce and family services building brighter futures, our reach has expanded because the need has grown. Your support ensures that hope, opportunity and belonging remain within reach for thousands of Central Iowans who count on us every day. Learn how you can make a difference.