Testimonials
"We love absolutely everything about Swedish Fish, from the amazingly spacious backyard (complete with chickens!) to the focus on play, music, and art. It's a magical place. Carianne creates a loving environment, one in which my kids felt safe, understood, and supported. She has a natural connection with the kids -- both of mine adored her -- and I would whole-heartedly recommend her and Swedish Fish to anyone."
-Clare R, October 2020
"The School of Swedish Fish and Carianne was a perfect first "school" for our 2 year old son. From the moment she opens the door, Carianne makes the children and their families feel welcome. Each day is filled with the perfect amount of socialization, structure, and silliness. The outside yard is a great space and gives the children plenty of room to move and play. At pick up time, I always knew my son would have an art project in his hand, a full belly, and a Dani song in his heart. We are grateful to Carianne for the time and dedication she gave to our son and highly recommend her program to others."
-Tracy Cassin, September 2020
"I teach music at several preschools and home day cares in Marin and teaching at the School of Swedish Fish has always been the highlight of my week! Carianne is so welcoming, kind and and nurturing and the children are always very engaged and happy whenever I arrive. Carianne keeps her school super clean, uncluttered and bright. To have children already in such a good space of comfort when I arrive, makes for a really fun and successful music class!"
-Dani Levy, August 2020
"From the first moment I walked into Swedish Fish, I knew that it was the right Day Care for my son. The environment was calm and organized, with a huge outdoor play area for the kids to explore. It's not an easy thing to transitioning from being at home with mommy all day to going to Day Care, but Carianne made the experience so loving and supportive for my son that it was easier for him (and for us). He thrived under her care, learning new skills and making many new friends. As a parent, I so appreciated that lunch was provided. I also loved that Dani came twice aa week for music class! We're moving on to preschool now and it's very hard to say goodbye to Carianne, but I know my son is better prepare for the next step thanks to his time at Swedish Fish. I'd highly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing Day Care for their little ones!"
- Sarah Wallace, August 2018
"We couldn't have asked for better Day Care for our son! JJ started at Swedish Fish when he was 19 months and graduated this summer at age 3. From his first week as one of the littles to his last as one of the big kids, Carianne nurtured and cared for him, getting to know his personality, and helping our family work through all the phases in between. She creates a structured environment that is calm and filled with love and fun. JJ loved the yard, chickens, art projects, and the collection of cars and trucks! He learned to be a good friend, say please and thank you, feed the chickens, cough in his elbow, and so much more. Swedish Fish and Carianne are just the best!"
- Page H and Eric P (parents of JJ), August 2018
"The Swedish Fish was the best find for our two year old son! Carianne is intuitive, kind, professional, organized, and has the best way with the little ones. It is such a relaxing, and creative environment for all children who are lucky enough to be part of her little school. Our son loved playing outside, having music time with Dani Levy and art with Carianne. Carianne has created a magical environment where my child was welcomed, encouraged, engaged and celebrated. I will forever be grateful to Carianne for taking such wonderful care of our son, and for showing us how a positive school environment can lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning."
- Katie Tjosvold, August 2018
-Clare R, October 2020
"The School of Swedish Fish and Carianne was a perfect first "school" for our 2 year old son. From the moment she opens the door, Carianne makes the children and their families feel welcome. Each day is filled with the perfect amount of socialization, structure, and silliness. The outside yard is a great space and gives the children plenty of room to move and play. At pick up time, I always knew my son would have an art project in his hand, a full belly, and a Dani song in his heart. We are grateful to Carianne for the time and dedication she gave to our son and highly recommend her program to others."
-Tracy Cassin, September 2020
"I teach music at several preschools and home day cares in Marin and teaching at the School of Swedish Fish has always been the highlight of my week! Carianne is so welcoming, kind and and nurturing and the children are always very engaged and happy whenever I arrive. Carianne keeps her school super clean, uncluttered and bright. To have children already in such a good space of comfort when I arrive, makes for a really fun and successful music class!"
-Dani Levy, August 2020
"From the first moment I walked into Swedish Fish, I knew that it was the right Day Care for my son. The environment was calm and organized, with a huge outdoor play area for the kids to explore. It's not an easy thing to transitioning from being at home with mommy all day to going to Day Care, but Carianne made the experience so loving and supportive for my son that it was easier for him (and for us). He thrived under her care, learning new skills and making many new friends. As a parent, I so appreciated that lunch was provided. I also loved that Dani came twice aa week for music class! We're moving on to preschool now and it's very hard to say goodbye to Carianne, but I know my son is better prepare for the next step thanks to his time at Swedish Fish. I'd highly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing Day Care for their little ones!"
- Sarah Wallace, August 2018
"We couldn't have asked for better Day Care for our son! JJ started at Swedish Fish when he was 19 months and graduated this summer at age 3. From his first week as one of the littles to his last as one of the big kids, Carianne nurtured and cared for him, getting to know his personality, and helping our family work through all the phases in between. She creates a structured environment that is calm and filled with love and fun. JJ loved the yard, chickens, art projects, and the collection of cars and trucks! He learned to be a good friend, say please and thank you, feed the chickens, cough in his elbow, and so much more. Swedish Fish and Carianne are just the best!"
- Page H and Eric P (parents of JJ), August 2018
"The Swedish Fish was the best find for our two year old son! Carianne is intuitive, kind, professional, organized, and has the best way with the little ones. It is such a relaxing, and creative environment for all children who are lucky enough to be part of her little school. Our son loved playing outside, having music time with Dani Levy and art with Carianne. Carianne has created a magical environment where my child was welcomed, encouraged, engaged and celebrated. I will forever be grateful to Carianne for taking such wonderful care of our son, and for showing us how a positive school environment can lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning."
- Katie Tjosvold, August 2018
"Carianne's School of Swedish Fish was a home away from home for our daughter. She loved the chickens, the art projects, the music classes, the food, and she was always happy and eager to start the day at drop off. It really is a perfect setting...a small group, within the home setting with that large sunny yard and the cute animals. I really believe our girl is so loving and kind because of the nurturing she received from there. Carianne was really a great influence and big part of those early and really important years and it made a huge difference when preschool started. The transition was so easy ans she still talks about Carianne and misses her. We are excited for the day our son can attend Swedish Fish. We are already on the wait-list for summer 2017!"
- Claire P. September 2016
"Swedish Fish is the most wonderful little gem of a school, and we feel incredibly lucky that our daughter Nora got to spend two years there. Carianne is attentive, calm, thoughtful and creative, and she has an amazing manner with the kids -- they adore and respect her. She has created an environment that allows for imagination, community, exploration and play. The kids spend their days playing outside in the beautiful yard (with the chickens!), having picnics, dancing and singing indoors, and making gorgeous art. They also bond with each other. At Swedish Fish, Nora learned how to be a friend, and her Swedish Fish buddies are her closest friends, even though they have all moved on to different preschools. She still talks about the school and lights up whenever we happen to see Carianne. (So do I.) And we recommend the school to everyone we know. We are so grateful to Carianne for providing such a caring, supportive and inspiring place for our daughter and for our community!"
-Clare Robinson September 2016
"The first thing we noticed when we walked into Swedish Fish was a blissful sense of calm. The kids were all having a ton of fun, but it wasn't chaos. Carianne has a gentle yet structured way with her sweet little group. We really appreciated that the majority of their day is spent outdoors under a giant majestic oak tree. Both indoors and out Carianne has a seemingly endless supply of creative educational activities and crafts the kids all really enjoyed and catered to our daughters developmental stages. My daughter also loved the music and movement time. Carianne delighted with us whenever our daughter hit a new milestone or said something funny. She became a huge part of our daughters life and we are so grateful to her. We were fortunate enough to have our daughter under Carianne's care for over a year and a half and she transitioned seamlessly into preschool. We look forward for our younger daughter to be old enough to attend Swedish Fish!"
- Louise R. December 2015
"My family and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to send our daughter to School of Swedish Fish. We would still be there if we had not moved. Almost daily we still talk about Lucia's friends from school, her teachers and experiences we had at Carianne's. This was our first away from home care and we could NOT have been happier. Lucia was excited to go out the door in the morning and I always had to pry her away from the amazing yard that the kids get to share with the chickens. We have walls of cool artwork displayed at our house, meaningful treasures that she created while at school. The school is super clean, the kids eat well, have so much outdoor time, music, art and more. I miss our sweet town but it is School of Swedish Fish that we miss the most. I am deeply sad that we had to move away from Carianne and her loving school. I am also forever grateful for the care that we received from this wonderful school."
-Lindsay DiCosmo, mom to Lucia. September 2015
"Our family started with Swedish Fish not long after it opened in 2012. The minute we met Carianne and saw the amazing environment in which our daughter, now 3, would be involved with, we were hooked. Carianne keeps the size small and intimate and provides a rich music, nature and art community for the kids. She always is coming up with unique projects. The best thing about Swedish Fish is the outdoor exploration the kids have access too, including gardening, fetching eggs from the chickens, dog and cat fun. Swedish Fish is about discovery and play and for this age group, I can't think of a better way to spend time. We love being able to ride bikes or walk to this location and not have to worry about packing a lunch. My daughter adores Carianne and the kids that surround her there. This is a true gem of a spot with a kind and caring soul nurturing our little beings-- I can't recommend it enough!"
- Anne Mannes, daughter Amelia Driver. 2014
"We feel so lucky to have found Swedish Fish and Carianne. Our 2 1/2 year old daughter, Yong May, has been attending Swedish Fish for 13 months. When we moved to Fairfax, we interviewed several day cares but knew immediately when we met Carianne that she was the perfect fit for us. Our daughter lights up each morning when she sees Carianne and the other children. She is always excited when we pick her up to show and tell us about all the activities, artwork and music she does each day. Carianne is so well organized, her day care is clean and inviting and she has a beautiful large play area. It is reassuring to know that our daughter is not only being well cared for, but she is learning, growing and making new friends in a fun environment. The love and nurturing that Carianne gives our daughter makes us realize how fortunate we are to have found School of Swedish Fish." - Oriana & Carter Edsall. 2014
"Carianne is a dream come true. Our boys adore her, and we do too! She puts us completely at ease - both the boys, and us as the parents as well! We have never had so much artwork on our art wall at home (the boys bring beautiful projects home almost daily) and our 18 month old has an incredible repertoire of songs that he sings to us throughout the days because of her! We could go on for miles, but suffice to say, we can't recommend her highly enough!"
- Tesia and Laura Beam. 2014
"We are so happy that we found Swedish Fish Day Care, for our daughter. I have seen Carianne caring for children at the park for many years. I always knew that she was kind and caring. The day care that she has created is an extension of her wonderful personality. It is intimate inside and then has tons of play space outside. She does such lovely activities with the kids that are more like a preschool than day care. Our daughter is fours years old, but the preschool we chose for her did not work for her because it was too big. Here she gets to sing songs in circle time, make play dough, bake, play outside and create tons of art. She is always happy at drop off and pick up – something we never experienced before. I highly recommend Swedish Fish Day Care to any family looking for a caring environment for their child to thrive in.”
- Camille. 2013
- Claire P. September 2016
"Swedish Fish is the most wonderful little gem of a school, and we feel incredibly lucky that our daughter Nora got to spend two years there. Carianne is attentive, calm, thoughtful and creative, and she has an amazing manner with the kids -- they adore and respect her. She has created an environment that allows for imagination, community, exploration and play. The kids spend their days playing outside in the beautiful yard (with the chickens!), having picnics, dancing and singing indoors, and making gorgeous art. They also bond with each other. At Swedish Fish, Nora learned how to be a friend, and her Swedish Fish buddies are her closest friends, even though they have all moved on to different preschools. She still talks about the school and lights up whenever we happen to see Carianne. (So do I.) And we recommend the school to everyone we know. We are so grateful to Carianne for providing such a caring, supportive and inspiring place for our daughter and for our community!"
-Clare Robinson September 2016
"The first thing we noticed when we walked into Swedish Fish was a blissful sense of calm. The kids were all having a ton of fun, but it wasn't chaos. Carianne has a gentle yet structured way with her sweet little group. We really appreciated that the majority of their day is spent outdoors under a giant majestic oak tree. Both indoors and out Carianne has a seemingly endless supply of creative educational activities and crafts the kids all really enjoyed and catered to our daughters developmental stages. My daughter also loved the music and movement time. Carianne delighted with us whenever our daughter hit a new milestone or said something funny. She became a huge part of our daughters life and we are so grateful to her. We were fortunate enough to have our daughter under Carianne's care for over a year and a half and she transitioned seamlessly into preschool. We look forward for our younger daughter to be old enough to attend Swedish Fish!"
- Louise R. December 2015
"My family and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to send our daughter to School of Swedish Fish. We would still be there if we had not moved. Almost daily we still talk about Lucia's friends from school, her teachers and experiences we had at Carianne's. This was our first away from home care and we could NOT have been happier. Lucia was excited to go out the door in the morning and I always had to pry her away from the amazing yard that the kids get to share with the chickens. We have walls of cool artwork displayed at our house, meaningful treasures that she created while at school. The school is super clean, the kids eat well, have so much outdoor time, music, art and more. I miss our sweet town but it is School of Swedish Fish that we miss the most. I am deeply sad that we had to move away from Carianne and her loving school. I am also forever grateful for the care that we received from this wonderful school."
-Lindsay DiCosmo, mom to Lucia. September 2015
"Our family started with Swedish Fish not long after it opened in 2012. The minute we met Carianne and saw the amazing environment in which our daughter, now 3, would be involved with, we were hooked. Carianne keeps the size small and intimate and provides a rich music, nature and art community for the kids. She always is coming up with unique projects. The best thing about Swedish Fish is the outdoor exploration the kids have access too, including gardening, fetching eggs from the chickens, dog and cat fun. Swedish Fish is about discovery and play and for this age group, I can't think of a better way to spend time. We love being able to ride bikes or walk to this location and not have to worry about packing a lunch. My daughter adores Carianne and the kids that surround her there. This is a true gem of a spot with a kind and caring soul nurturing our little beings-- I can't recommend it enough!"
- Anne Mannes, daughter Amelia Driver. 2014
"We feel so lucky to have found Swedish Fish and Carianne. Our 2 1/2 year old daughter, Yong May, has been attending Swedish Fish for 13 months. When we moved to Fairfax, we interviewed several day cares but knew immediately when we met Carianne that she was the perfect fit for us. Our daughter lights up each morning when she sees Carianne and the other children. She is always excited when we pick her up to show and tell us about all the activities, artwork and music she does each day. Carianne is so well organized, her day care is clean and inviting and she has a beautiful large play area. It is reassuring to know that our daughter is not only being well cared for, but she is learning, growing and making new friends in a fun environment. The love and nurturing that Carianne gives our daughter makes us realize how fortunate we are to have found School of Swedish Fish." - Oriana & Carter Edsall. 2014
"Carianne is a dream come true. Our boys adore her, and we do too! She puts us completely at ease - both the boys, and us as the parents as well! We have never had so much artwork on our art wall at home (the boys bring beautiful projects home almost daily) and our 18 month old has an incredible repertoire of songs that he sings to us throughout the days because of her! We could go on for miles, but suffice to say, we can't recommend her highly enough!"
- Tesia and Laura Beam. 2014
"We are so happy that we found Swedish Fish Day Care, for our daughter. I have seen Carianne caring for children at the park for many years. I always knew that she was kind and caring. The day care that she has created is an extension of her wonderful personality. It is intimate inside and then has tons of play space outside. She does such lovely activities with the kids that are more like a preschool than day care. Our daughter is fours years old, but the preschool we chose for her did not work for her because it was too big. Here she gets to sing songs in circle time, make play dough, bake, play outside and create tons of art. She is always happy at drop off and pick up – something we never experienced before. I highly recommend Swedish Fish Day Care to any family looking for a caring environment for their child to thrive in.”
- Camille. 2013
"It has been such a blessing to find Swedish Fish Day Care for my two year old son! In the morning on our scheduled days he is so excited to go there, we tell him that he gets to go to Carianne’s and he actually gets his toys and walks to the door ready to go! It is such a relief to know that he is happy when he goes there and is obviously having fun. We also love that he comes home with an art project almost every day and we have this growing collection of treasures to hang up and enjoy! Thank goodness for Carianne and Swedish Fish Day Care!"
– Erica and Joe. 2013
"After having him at home with me for his first two years, I searched and searched for a small child care setting for my son and just couldn't seem to find something that felt right. Nurturing, yet stimulating. Organized, yet full of play. Small, but not cramped. And then I found Carianne and Swedish Fish. Nico and I both loved it from the moment we walked in. We love the huge outdoor space, the art projects, the music, the yogurt pops, his new friends, and, most of all, Carianne."
- Fernanda G. 2012
