HAPPA BABY SCHOOL
Integrating family and community in education to help build your child’s future
At Happa Baby, we strive to provide high-quality education and care for our community from babies to preschoolers and between. Our purpose is to offer unique early childhood learning experiences with an emphasis on open communication and integrated settings to create a stimulating learning environment. Our approach aims to promote self-sufficiency, model respect, and spark curiosity in our children. We impart a clean, safe, family-like, and most importantly, fun atmosphere where your child will explore and learn through self-plays and guided activities.
HAPPA BABY is moving to Emeryville!
Starting Fall 2024, our new address will be at
5521 Doyle Street in Emeryville
OUR TEAM
Leadership
Carol
co-founder/program director
B.A. in Finance, Certified Infant and Toddler Specialist and Site Supervisor Permit
Carol was born and raised in Hong Kong. She came to the United States in 1996 to further her education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she earned a BA in Finance and Economics.
When her son, Jaden, turned one, Carol began her search for a daycare provider in Berkeley. However, she was surprised to find how difficult it was to find quality child care in the surrounding areas. What’s more, the qualified childcare centers already had long waitlists, which led her to co-found Happa Baby alongside her friend, Maegan.
Carol has a passion for community building, which stems from her personal experiences living in the US for three decades — where hyper individualism was the biggest culture shock. She had immigrated to Hong Kong from China with her family when she was just a toddler. The close family bonds and traditional values she developed growing up served as her greatest support network, which now serve as the pillar of her collectivist educational approach at Happa Baby.
When not at work, Carol enjoys spending time with her two children (both HB alumni), camping, traveling, dancing, and hosting private events.
Maegan
co-founder/staff director
B.A. in Communications, Site Supervisor Permit
Maegan also comes from the dynamic city of Hong Kong. She, too, puts great value on keeping a multicultural viewpoint in the educational setting for early learners and firmly advocates for the enriching influence of diversity.
Maegan initially planned to pursue nursing, and obtained a Social Welfare degree from UC Berkeley. She later refined her expertise through Early Childhood Education at Merritt College. With four years of committed service in Early Childhood Education, Maegan derives great satisfaction in witnessing children joyfully engaging with their environment and thriving within the nurturing atmosphere at Happa Baby!
At her leisure, Maegan enjoys playing golf, tennis and traveling.
Teachers
Hong Laoshi
Preschooler Classroom Head Teacher
M.A. in Marketing Management,
​Master Teacher Permit
​Originally from Fujian, China, Teacher Hong earned her Master's degree in Beijing. Her love of learning and working with children led her to the early childhood education field and as she continues to further her studies in the subject. Over the years, Teacher Hong has made many loving bonds between herself and the children she works with.
​
Besides being a dedicated educator, Teacher Hong is a die-hard Warriors fan. Whenever possible, she and her husband enjoy spending their evenings cooking together.
Wu Laoshi
Toddler Classroom Head Teacher
​Associate Teacher Permit,
Infant/toddler caregiver course participant
In addition to her years of teaching experience, Teacher Wu brings an unsurpassable positive attitude to the classroom.Her playful and optimistic attitude makes her genuinely excited to interact with kids. Kids are drawn to her consistent enthusiasm and cheerful nature.
Teacher Wu lives in Oakland with her husband and two daughters. The elder girl is in her senior year at UCB, whereas the younger attends high school. While they are not working, they enjoy playing badminton and swimming together. Aside from teaching her daughters the value of hard work, she also teaches them the importance of giving back to the community. She hopes to inspire them to make a positive impact on the world.
Annie Laoshi
Young Toddler Classroom Head Teacher
Infant/toddler caregiver course participant
A teacher with over a decade of experience, Teacher Annie is passionate about building relationships with her students and their families. She believes children learn best in environments with high-quality environments and relationships with caring adults. Children have a right to feel however they feel, and they thrive when their feelings are validated. Teacher Annie recognizes the importance of socio-emotional development during early childhood.
A resident of Oakland as well as a mother of two, Annie lives with her husband, daughter (a high school senior) and son (a college student). Traveling, fishing, exercising, and volunteering are some of her favorite pastimes on her off days.
Ms Kim
Infant Classroom Aide
Infant/toddler caregiver course participant
Ms Kim is originally from Hong Kong and has raised three children of her own. Having been with Happa Baby since its beginning, her experience as a private nanny dates back many years. Kim is known for her nurturing nature towards the babies under her care. When she holds the babies, she cuddles them and sings to them, and consistently provides gentle touches to foster a sense of security. Ms Kim also takes great pleasure in braiding the children's hair before pick-up. In addition, her interests are dim sum, making crafts, trying new recipes and walking.
Ms Bing
Infant Classroom Aide
Infant/toddler caregiver course participant
Ms Bing is a former private nanny from Guangzhou who has extensive experience in child care. She finds it particularly rewarding to be able to work with young children, especially when she is able to form deep bonds with them and develop a sense of belonging in them. In her years working at Happa, Ms Bing has fostered deep bonds with many young children. These strong connections help children feel valued and understood, promoting their self-esteem and social skills. Additionally, a nurturing relationship can positively impact their cognitive development and overall well-being. Hiking, exploring new restaurants, and taking road trips with friends are some of her favorite activities.