Hello! I’m Donya Alizadehrad.
II have been lucky and privilaged to be able to make my passion into my career: to create a warm, loving, and creative environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. My background in art and design inspires and centers the activities I share with the children every day in the rich world of creativity — helping them to express themselves through color, imagination, and play.
I have a wonderful family that includes my loving husband of 18 years and our 10-year-old daughter, and my family plays a big part in creating the warm, home atmosphere we uplift here at Donya Home Daycare. All of the aspects of family life that I care deeply about play a role at Donya Home Daycare, where we provide homemade, heathy meals prepared fresh every day — Creative art projects that inspire imagination — Fun cooking classes where children learn the simple and joyful skills of making and sharing meals — Music and movement activities that build confidence and joy — a safe, nurturing, play-based environment where every child feels at home.
My goal is to help each child develop socially, emotionally, and creatively — to aid them along in becoming the fullest versions of themselves, all while having fun and feeling loved.
It’s my joy and privilage to welcome you to our family , here, at Donya Home Daycare, where learning happens through play and every day is filled with creativity, care, and love.
Our Approach
A Safe Place to Learn and Belong.
At Donya Home Daycare, our mission is to provide a safe, loving, and engaging environment where every child feels at home. We believe that learning begins with curiosity, play, and kindness, and we are dedicated to supporting the growth of each child’s mind, body, and heart.
With over 20 years of experience, we have come to understand that part of what makes for a deep engagement with each child’s needs is a strong, lasting relationship with their families. Family is at the center of of our philosophy at Donya Home Daycare and we are grateful for the warmth, the engagement, and the lasting friendships we have made as a result of our commitment to each child and the trust and open communication with their primary caretakers.
A Place for Families…
We view our daycare as an extension of our home, which is why I work alongside my husband, Aydin Shaterian, a renowned musician in our home country of Iran, who not only brings his natural gift for connecting with children, but also his talents into play with the children, helping them develop a crucial artistic sensibility through music. Our young daughter Diana also engages the children with her love of music and dance. Once Diana gets home from school, its not uncommon for an extended dance party to spontaneously break out!
…Nurtured by Family.
Our Team
Donya Alizadehrad
Donya holds a degree in graphic design and has over 17 years of experience working with children as an art teacher, cooking instructor, and paraeducator at Ocean View Elementary School’s Aftercare Program.
Aydin is a talented and dedicated music teacher with a lifelong passion for sharing the joy of music. He began teaching music at the young age of 16 and went on to open his own music school, which he successfully ran for 20 years. With his music degree, Aydin has taught hundreds of children of all ages, helping them to discover their musical talents and confidence through creative expression. After immigrating to California, Aydin continued his work as a music instructor, bringing his deep experience and love for teaching to his new community. His lessons are known for being engaging, inspiring, and tailored to each student’s unique abilities and interests. In addition to his flourishing teaching career, Aydin plays an important role at Donya Home Daycare — supporting the program’s growth and helping to incorporate music and rhythm into the children’s daily activities. His warmth, patience and creativity make him not only a wonderful teacher teacher but also a cherished part of our daycare family.
