A Letter From The Executive Director

Dear Friends of Saint Vincent’s Day Home,

As we reflect on the vibrant energy of April, I am filled with gratitude for the many ways our community came together to support, celebrate, and uplift the children and families we serve. This month reminded us of the beauty in connection—whether through joyful classroom moments, engaging family events, or the generosity of our community partners.

From celebrating Autism Acceptance Month, to welcoming Brilliant Baby and 4Cs of Alameda County at our Meet & Mingle, and experiencing the magic of live music through Bread & Roses, our Day Home was alive with learning, laughter, and love. The Week of the Young Child was a true highlight, reminding us of the importance of early childhood education and the powerful impact of play, music, movement, and family engagement. We also took time to honor our planet for Earth Day, and opened our arms to new furry friends during our visit from Little Red’s Barnyard Friends.

Behind the scenes, our commitment to growth continues—renovations are well underway in Classroom 1, the toddler playground, and the gym, and we’re excited to see these new spaces coming to life for our children. Each project is a reflection of our shared dedication to providing a safe, inspiring, and nurturing environment.

Thank you for being a part of the Saint Vincent’s Day Home family. Your continued support allows us to build a brighter future for every child who walks through our doors. We are so proud of all we’ve accomplished this month—and even more excited for what’s ahead.

With deep gratitude,

Alexandra Hilario

Executive Director

April Day Home Highlights

Throughout April, our classrooms embraced themes of inclusion, growth, and care for the world around us. In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we celebrated the unique strengths each child brings, encouraging empathy and understanding within our community.

During the Week of the Young Child, we spotlighted the importance of early childhood education and the powerful collaboration between families, educators, and supporters like you. Easter brought joyful opportunities for seasonal learning and connection, while Earth Day sparked curiosity about our planet and inspired children to explore nature and practice environmental responsibility.

April was a month of meaningful discovery, reminding us of the power of compassion, curiosity, and community in shaping young minds.

Library Buzz

In May, we’re honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a thoughtful collection of stories featuring children and families from a variety of Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Look out for folktales, biographies, and books set in different countries.

In recognition of Cinco de Mayo on May 5th, you’ll find a few titles that explore the significance of this day, which commemorates Mexico’s victory over France. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.

As Mother’s Day approaches on May 11th we’ll be celebrating all the incredible women who care for children—mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and more. Our stories will reflect the diversity of families, including those with two mothers, stepmothers, or animal families with strong maternal figures.

Later in the month, Memorial Day invites us to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served in the U.S. military. We’ll include books that introduce children to different branches of service and the meaning behind this national day of remembrance.

May is also National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and we’re excited for our 7th Annual Move-A-Thon on May 30th! To build excitement, I’ve gathered stories that highlight the many ways kids move their bodies and the joy of playing sports.

Finally, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, remember that we have a variety of books about emotions, mindfulness, and navigating big feelings—these are located under the front window on the right-hand shelves.

If you borrow any books, please return them to where you found them so others can enjoy them as well. While I’ll be traveling throughout the month, Esther and I will ensure new books are available weekly. If the current books aren’t out yet, feel free to check the two Book Return tubs in the library.



Enjoy,

Ms. Kristi & Ms. Esther

Click below to unlock free access to local museums, cultural attractions, and more with your library card through Discover & Go!

Karla

Dragonflies Classroom Teacher

As a dedicated teacher at Saint Vincent’s Day Home, Karla works closely with our energetic and curious group of 3–4-year-olds. She finds immense joy in witnessing their growth and development throughout the year—from learning new vocabulary to practicing independence and forming meaningful friendships. Her calm, nurturing presence helps create a warm classroom environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.

Karla holds a degree in Psychology from California State University, East Bay, which provides her with a strong foundation in child development. Her educational background helps her understand each child’s unique learning style and developmental needs, allowing her to guide and support them through important early milestones.

A fun fact about Karla: she and her sister share the same birthday—just three years apart!

Week of the Young Child

We had an incredible time celebrating Week of the Young Child, filled with creativity, laughter, and fun as we honored the joy of early childhood. We kicked off the week with Pajama Day, where children came cozy and ready to ease into the week with stories and comfort. On Music Day, classrooms came alive with singing, dancing, and rhythm-filled activities that encouraged self-expression. Wacky Tacky Wednesday brought lots of giggles as everyone embraced mismatched, colorful, and silly outfits. Sports Day had children showing off their favorite teams and enjoying active play, while Costume Day wrapped up the week with imagination and fun as children dressed as superheroes, animals, and beloved characters. It was a week full of meaningful moments and playful memories that celebrated everything we love about working with young children.

Little Red’s Barnyard Friends

We had a wonderful visit from Little Red’s Barnyard Friends, who brought the magic of the farm right to Saint Vincent’s! Children had the chance to meet, pet, and learn about a variety of gentle animals, including goats, bunnies, and chickens. The experience sparked joy, curiosity, and plenty of smiles as our little ones connected with these furry and feathered friends up close. It was a memorable hands-on experience that brought learning to life and reminded us of the simple joys of nature and animals.

Autism Acceptance Month

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we came together as a community to promote understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism. To help raise awareness and show solidarity, we passed out special Autism Acceptance pins to staff and children. These colorful pins served as a symbol of kindness, acceptance, and the celebration of neurodiversity. By wearing them, we proudly demonstrated our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all children and families.

The Parent Toolkit: Strength-Based Support for Every Child

Our Space Is Growing With Us – Exciting Renovations Underway

We’re excited to share some wonderful progress on our ongoing renovations! Classroom 1 is nearly complete and will soon be welcoming students into a refreshed, engaging learning environment. Outside, work is well underway on the toddler playground, which is being transformed into a safe and stimulating space for our littlest learners to explore and play. Meanwhile, inside the gym, construction continues—along with the addition of a vibrant, space-themed mural that brings energy and imagination to the room. We’re thrilled to see these updates taking shape and can’t wait for our children to enjoy the beautiful new spaces designed just for them.

Community Partnerships

Big Smiles and Bright Minds: A Visit from UC Berkeley Pre-Dental Society

In April, we enjoyed a special visit from the UC Berkeley Pre-Dental Society, a student organization dedicated to promoting oral health education in the community. Their passionate volunteers led a fun and informative session on dental hygiene and healthy habits, teaching our children how to care for their teeth and keep their smiles shining bright. With hands-on activities, nutrition discussions, and interactive demonstrations, the visit helped our students build strong, healthy routines in a way that was both engaging and age-appropriate. We’re grateful for their time, energy, and commitment to supporting children’s health and well-being!

April Meet & Mingle: Community & Connection

Our April Meet & Mingle offered a welcoming space for families to connect, learn, and enjoy a relaxed morning together. We were pleased to host representatives from Oakland Promise Brilliant Baby and 4Cs of Alameda County, who shared helpful information about early childhood resources and family support services. Parents had the opportunity to chat with community partners, ask questions, and enjoy fresh donuts while building connections with fellow families and staff. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful event!

Jump for Joy with Bread & Roses Presents

We were thrilled to welcome Jump for Joy, a high-energy musical performance by Wiley Rankin, brought to us by Bread & Roses Presents. The performance filled our Day Home with music, movement, and laughter as children sang, danced, and joyfully engaged with the lively show. Wiley’s infectious energy had everyone on their feet, creating a fun and memorable experience for all. We’re so grateful to Bread & Roses for bringing such a joyful and enriching performance to our community!

Day Home Events

Community Corner