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Size Small Toddler School (Berkeley, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools & Daycare > Size Small Toddler School (Berkeley, CA)

June 2012

Re: Any preschool openings or short wait lists?
Size Small Toddler School in the North Berkeley hills is a lovely small home-based preschool for 2- and 3-year-olds. They might still have openings for the fall. The owner, Bari Nelson, has been doing working with small children for years. There are 12 kids with Bari plus an assistant teacher. Check for previous reviews on BPN. Both my children (now 6 and 9) went there and had great experiences. It's a cheerful environment, they do lots of art projects and have fun. Give Bari a call at 526-8747. Mollie

Jan 2012

I've heard only glowingly wonderful things about Bari Nelson's Size Small Toddler School in Berkeley. Can anyone comment specifically on the diversity of the families/students? New Mom

My daughter was there 7 years ago but it probably hasn't changed--diversity is fairly low. Most of the kids come from the surrounding neighborhood, or their parents had a car to get them there. It's near a bus line, but I don't believe it's open enough hours to make it worth while taking the bus. If you want diversity, I suggest you look for a similar place in a neighborhood with greater diversity. Otherwise, it's a great school and Barri is an amazing person. Francesca
Oct 2010

Hi, We're looking at Size Small Toddler School for our two-year-old. There are past reviews, which are great, but I'm wondering if folks out there have further comments. Any areas of concern? Twelve two-year-olds sounds like a lot -- does it feel too busy, or does it still feel intimate?

I'm looking for a play-based school with free choice but predictable routines, where there's a focus on supporting children's social and emotional development. I want a setting that recognizes children need structure and support at certain times of day (meals, transitions, etc.) and that doesn't feel chaotic for the kids. Thanks so much!

We had a great experience at Size Small (Bari's). My son went for 1 & 1/2 years. Twelve 2 year olds does seem overwhelming, but not to Bari and her great assistant Cynthia. The day is very scheduled as far as inside play, outside play and mealtimes, which is great for little kids, they know what to expect. But during inside and outside play time the kids get to choose from lots of different areas and types of activities. During inside play time there is always an art project going on, puzzles, home-made play dough, and 2 fully stocked play areas. Her backyard is great too. There is everything a 2 year old could want to do. I think the most impressive part to me was how Bari & Cynthia are able to get these little kids to sit and eat together! It is so cute seeing them all sitting, eating their snack or lunch and listening to stories. Overall, a great experience. Betsy
I cannot say enough great things about Size Small School. All three of my children attended this program and each one had a tremendous experience. I think one of the secrets of success of the place is how the kids felt like they had tons of choice time all within an overall consistent daily structure. There was plenty of free play and socializing as well as art projects and other age appropriate activities. Pick-up time seemed miraculous to me: all the kids gathered at picnic tables listening to a story and having a snack. One of the consistent events of the day providing a nice transition home. Pictures of my three boys taken during this lovely experience still hang in my kitchen. Our family still talks about cozy, loving and fun Size Small School--the perfect first ''school'' experience. kelli
March 2009

I've heard great things about Size Small, run by Bari Nelson, in the Berkeley Hills, but I haven't seen any current posts on BPN. I'd love to hear from former/current parents about this school. Thanks! anon

My daughter, now in first grade, was at Bari Nelson's toddler school for a year. Bari is utterly organized and terrific, and has been doing this for MANY years. I would recommend her without reservation. One bonus is that she is totally up on all the local preschools and was a great resource when we (and the other parents) had to make that momentous decision.

It was just one year out of our daughter's life, but it made a big impression on all of us. We're still in touch with many of the families who were at Bari's that year. Some of those families have since sent younger siblings to Bari's. Francesca

Our 2 year old son has been at Size Small this year and has had a wonderful time. Bari is a very consistent, caring and creative teacher and her assistant Cynthia could not be sweeter! There is wonderful outdoor space where the kids play every day, she has every imaginable toy and each week two rotating new toy ''stations''. He comes home with art projects each week -- different things every time. She always does fun ideas for the seasons -- cute Valentine's, fun leaves and painting in the fall etc. and has all sorts of different ideas with rollers for painting, gluing different thread spools, popsicle sticks, making necklaces etc. She makes new play dough each week a different color etc. He loves it there and talks about his friends and Bari and Cynthia all the time -- sometimes even crying and hiding when I come to pick him up. It's wonderful! kg
I canmt say enough of great things about Bari Nelson and her Size Small preschool.

My son Sergei went to Bari for 2 years. Itms very warm, loving and creative place for any child, full of toys and great activities for kids. Barry is simply wonderful, very nurturing, all kids just love her; she really takes time to know each child and family.

Her place is great for kids, extremely clean and safe, with very nice outdoor area. The kids do really amazing art and crafts daily, there is a music teacher that comes once or twice a week.

Bari has been working with kids for more than 20 years, she is very experienced and can offer a lot of advice for new parents. My son is 6 now and still wants to visit her. He really loved being there. If you want more information, you can contact me directly: Lola

I gotta tell you, Bari Nelson's (Size Small) is Berkeley's best kept pre-school secret. Well, Bari is very well known and loved by all alumni (and a GREAT place to return to for trick or treating), but she runs an amazing pre-school program out of her home nestled on a quiet street in the Berkeley Hills. Both of my children went through her program and completely thrived! We tried to convince her each year to extend the age limit, but alas, our kids do grow up.

Let me give some of the highlights:
* Excellent child:caregiver ratio, and the layout of Bari's place allows for excellent attention at all times.
* Bari's home is a clean, well lit, bright and cheery environment for the kids.
* AMAZING art projects. Bari is a real pro. We still have many of our kids' projects from Bari's adorning our home.
* Bari is incredibly loving, nurturing, playful (she looks great in fireman outfits!), funny (great sense of humor with the kids).
* Bari is respectful and supportive of all parenting styles and will work with you to ensure smooth transitions for your children and help with family issues (new baby, potting training, etc).
* There is a wonderful, consistent routine with indoor play that involves changing play centers and art projects every day, a fun train room and library nook, playdough table (great colors) followed by outdoor play in her gorgeous yard/garden. Kids can harvest tomatoes when ripe, play in the sandbox, grassy area, swingset. Bari has great outdoor actvities on hot days (like boat washing & sprinkler fun). She takes little walking field trips (my kids still remember walking past the cow mailbox).
* Lunch is absolutely adorable, and before the kids go home they get nutritious popsicles (juice or yogurt).
* Bari brings in community members & an amazing singing/movement teacher for the kids for diversity.

I can't say enough good things about Baris! In fact my kids (7 and 4 now) still ask when they can go visit Bari!

Hope that provides you with a bit more up-to-date information! Jennifer

My older daughter went to Size Small for 2 years and my 2.5-year-old son currently attends and we have been very happy with it. It's in a woman's home, and there are 12 kids there a day, 2- and 3-year-olds with two teachers. The environment is very warm and inviting and very clean, and there are many toys to choose from. Bari Nelson has been running the school for years and has always had a nice assistant teacher working with her. Every day there is a fun art project and there is an outdoor play area in the back yard. When the weather is nice they do water play, bubbles, shaving cream etc. The hours are 8:30-1:30, which is a good chunk of time and the teachers assist with potty training if that is what your child is doing. We couldn't be happier with the program. Apparently Bari has openings still for the fall. --Mollie
We think Size Small is great. We are current parents and we're very happy with Bari and her assistant Cynthia. They are both very warm and caring and highly experienced with these ages (2-3 year olds). They really care about and know each kid, although their ratio can be up to the maximum, 1:6.
My daughter is at Size Small now and I gush about it at every opportunity. Bari and Cynthia are caring, creative, and responsive, and--though I'm the most paranoid mommy in the known world--when my daughter's at school I don't worry about her at all. When we discovered that she has a severe food allergy, Bari and Cynthia were ready to deal with it. The art projects are a lot cooler than you would think possible; there's an endless supply of great toys and books; the music teacher is wonderful; the kids are neat; and, the outdoor play area has everything you could want. My daughter enjoys every day there and has made notable progress in learning how to be a friend. As soon as her baby brother is old enough, he's heading to Size Small, too. Kristin
Oct 2004

Size Small Toddler School has a few openings available for children aged 2 and up. Hours are 8:30-1:30 Contact: Bari Nelson berkeleybari at yahoo.com or 526-8747

2001

I enthusiastically recommend Bari Nelson's daycare for 18 mos to 3 year olds in the Berkeley Hills. In the words of my 2 year old, who has just started to talk, "Fun at Bari's House." I think that says it all! Bari may have an opening right now because a family just moved away from the area. She will welcome your visit to her amazing toddler-oriented home. Her phone number is 526-8747. Maria

My just 3-year old twins, a boy and a girl, currently attend Bari's. They have had a great experience there and so have we. They look forward to going, they love both teachers, and also enjoy the music teacher who comes weekly and sometimes twice a week. There seems to be very little conflict among the kids, and there are lots of fun, creative and varied activities to do. Lots of art. Bari and Tasha are both warm and caring, and care to be in tune with the kids each day. We have been very happy there. Melissa
My son has been at Bari's for 1.5 years now. I can't imagine a better place for him. Bari gets to know each child's individual needs (and the family's, too!), and tends to them. She creates a nice routine for the kids, with both indoor and outdoor time. She has different art projects each day, and puts out different toys each day, too. And there are a ton of toys and books, of a great variety and all very clean. The kids all get to know each other and have real fun together. I can't say enough good things about her care, but the best is that Bari is truly loving with all of the kids. Daryl
We loved Bari's family day care and only wish we could have had our son there longer (had we known about it earlier, we would have). She's loving, attentive, very skilled with children, reliable, well organized, playful, you name it. Miriam
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