Lakeshore Children’s Center

A preschool in the heart of Oakland with over 50 years of childcare experience.

Now enrolling ages 2 to 5 for the Preschool Program.
No waitlist!
Contact the director for more info at
LCC.LakeshoreChildrensCenter@gmail.com

Lakeshore Children’s Center is a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool and childcare center in the Lakeshore neighborhood of Oakland, California. We provide care for children ages 2–5 through our preschool program. Children from T-K through 5th grade attend our afterschool care and summer camp programs.

The campus features three classrooms, a lunch room, an outdoor playground, and a gymnasium where children can play, explore, learn, and discover in an atmosphere of loving concern. We support parents at every stage of a child’s growth and transition, welcoming families of all racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds. 

Lakeshore Children’s Center is fully licensed by the California Department of Social Services. All of our staff members meet or exceed the state requirements for “Qualified Preschool Teachers.” Our staff’s diversity reflects the multicultural families we serve, with several members teaching and caring for children at LCC for twenty years. In addition to our regular teachers, outside trained professionals are invited to provide enrichment programs in the arts, science, movement, and music.

ABOUT REGGIO EMILIA PHILOSOPHY

At Lakeshore Children’s Center, we believe that environments matter deeply. We are thrilled to unveil our newly renovated preschool facilities, purposefully designed to embrace the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.

In Reggio Emilia philosophy, the environment is the “Third Teacher”—a space that inspires wonder, invites investigation, and honors every child’s innate potential.

What you’ll see in our renovated classrooms:

• Light-Filled, Natural Spaces: Designed with warm wood tones, open layouts, and natural light to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere where focused exploration thrives.
• Open-Ended Atelier & Materials: Stocked with authentic “loose parts,” natural elements, textiles, and art mediums that encourage problem-solving, creative expression, and open experimentation.
• Reflective & Collaborative Nooks: Dedicated areas where children can document their thoughts, share stories with peers, or work in small inquiry groups.
• Visible Documentation Walls: Panels throughout our spaces highlight children’s ongoing project work, transcribing their ideas and making their learning journey visible to our entire community.

“Our physical spaces now mirror our core belief: children are capable, creative, and curious researchers who deserve an environment that honors their voices.”
– Anahita Bakhtiary, Executive Director LCC

We invite prospective and returning families to tour our newly transformed spaces, meet our dedicated educators, and see how our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum comes to life every day. Contact us to schedule a visit today.