With prize winning scientists and world-class science museums in our backyard, we've pulled together a June Saturday Science Series with a focus on space sciences, in celebration of our Rocketship and Mission Control exhibit. Come hear ideas from scientists for getting young kids interested in astronomy, moon craters and sun & shadows.

See Performances and Events listings for full details.

From June through September, look for free Car Seat Inspections, CPR and choke-saving demonstrations, poison control information, baby-proofing advice and much more!

Thanks to State Farm Insurance Companies, FREE admission during all safety events!

See Performances and Events listings for full details.

Thirty-eight preschool teachers have been nominated in Habitot's 2nd annual "Preschool Teachers Make a Difference" contest. The deadline for nominations was May 29.

The nominated teachers represent preschools in communities throughout the East Bay and beyond -- from independent preschools, to child development centers, to Head Start programs. A distinguished panel of judges will review the nominators' statements and ten winners will be announced June 18. The 2010 judges are:

• Stacey Boyd, Bay Area founder of the Savvy Source, an online resource for preschools nationwide

• Rona Renner, RN, parent educator, temperament specialist and host of Childhood Matters Radio Show on 98.1 KISS-FM

• Ramee Serwanga, formerly of The Room to Grow preschool in Oakland, and a winner of the 2009 "Preschool Teachers Make a Difference" award

• Cameo Arnold, Burbank Preschool
• Nga Bui, El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative
• Nelly Caloca, Franklin State Preschool
• Aaron Calvert, Step One School
• Franca Cioria, Berkeley Hills Nursery School
• Ann Clements, El Cerrito Preschool & Coop
• Joanie Deksnys, Golden Poppy Preschool
• Nicole Dixon, Nia House Learning Center
• Maryam Fofana, Rainbow School
• Maria Fortanel, Betty’s Children’s Academy
• Terry Gillen, Berkeley Hills Nursery School
• Victoria Gong, Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center Preschool
• Kameka Goodwin, Grace Children’s Academy
• Eric Hart, Step One School
• Yeira Howell, Monte Tavor Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Program
• Muriel Johnson, Monteverde School
• Emily Karnsouvong, Brookside Children’s Center
• Janelle Kelso, Cornerstone Children’s Center
• Laurie Kemp, Piccoli Preschool
• Dorena Lee, Wah Mei School
• Olivia Leung, New Generation Child Development Center
• Jane Lin, Step One School
• Thor Matuschka, Duck’s Nest
• Betty McGhee, Betty’s Children’s Academy
• Martha Melgoza, Skytown Parent Coop Preschool
• Catherine Miller, Pacifica Co-Op Nursery School
• Amy Murphy-Hilt, Cedar Creek Montessori School
• Mehrnaz Novinfar, College of Alameda Children’s Center
• Kathy Pastore, Redwood Parents Nursery School
• Judith Rawner, Holding Hands Preschool
• Emelda Rideau, Our Learning Center
• Gloria Rodriquez, Kindercare Learning Center
• Javier Sandoval, Contra Costa Early Learning Center
• Jeanie Tarner, Temple Sinai Preschool
• Kelli Tharpe, Little Sweet Peas Preschool
• Charlie Vincent, Step One School
• Alexis Walters, Step One School
• Melanie West, Casa Cerrito Preschool

Habitot is currently collaborating with Jiji la Watoto, whose founders grew up in Kenya and currently lead our African music and culture class on Wednesdays, to design and build an interactive exhibit replicating an authentic African village. We hope to raise $10,000 at the "Taste of Africa" fundraising event planned for Sunday, July 18, and from individual donors.

The July event will feature delicious East African food, a performance of African dancing, an African-inspired fashion show, a silent auction of African art and artifacts, and lots of activities for children including face-painting, games and crafts.

Tickets will go on sale this month - watch your mailbox!

Interested in volunteering or contributing to the auction, contact Lauren at dassoc@habitot.org or 510-647-1111 x 31.

Habitot is delighted to welcome Eric Techel and Laura Mytels to Habitot's Board of Directors.

Mr. Techel is Managing Director for Investment Operations at Capricorn Investment Group and father to twin Habitot tots. An Alameda resident, he's "excited about the opportunity" to help Habitot succeed.

Ms. Mytels, a self-employed strategy consultant with an MBA from Haas Business School, was formerly Senior Manager of Strategy at Razorfish. She's an Oakland resident with two boys, 5 and 2, and is joining Habitot's board "both for the future and for what Habitot currently offers the community." Welcome aboard!

Mark your calendars for Habitot's first "meet-the-caregivers" open house. Dozens of caregivers available to work for your family starting in September 2010 will be on hand to share their qualifications, availability and philosophy of working with young children.

All caregivers will be "Habitot-experienced" and previously registered to work with one or more member families.

A small fee may be charged to defray the cost of hosting the event.

Caregivers interested in attending should register with Rachel at 510-647-1111 x 16 or parented@habitot.org.