• Owner: independent non-profit preschool
• Phone: (510) 763-9337.
• Email:
• Neighborhood: Adams Point
• Zip: 94610
• License #: 013411080
• Capacity: 42
• Website: http://broadwaychildrensschool.org/
• Bilingual:
• Ages: 2 - 5 years

Re: Spaces left in a nursery school that accepts 24 mo
Hi, there are openings in the toddler program (called PACT, stands for Parents and Children Together) at Broadway Children's School in Oakland-children need to be 2 years old by December of the year they enroll, so it sounds like your child's age is right on. It is a co-op program and meets two days a week-- amazing staff and a great program. Your child definitely doesn't need to be potty-trained. It's in the Adams Point neighborhood, near Fairyland side of Lake Merritt. Call the school for a tour 510-763-9337 or check out their website broadwaychildrensschool.org. The school has been around for almost 60 years and the current director for 20 years. The toddler program hasn't yet begun for the year, so you haven't missed anything. Highly recommend!!! Jennifer

Re: Need a pre-school
Broadway Children's School in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland is a fabulous school. My 4 and a half year old daughter has attended since she was 2 (we participated in their Parents and Children Together that first year). She now attends 3 days a week for 6 hours a day, which is more than I ever imagined she'd be able to handle since she was quite ''spirited'' when we first started. She now is doing wonderfully, and I am confident that she will thrive in any Kindergarten setting next year. This is a GREAT play-based school for parents who are not working or who work part-time/ flexible hour jobs. The tuition is very reasonable due to lots of fundraising, and financial aide is available. Many of the teachers and the director have been their 15 years, and their is very little turn over. They really do what is best for the child here. There are frequent parent education events and there is a strong sense of community between parents (including alumni). Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. http://broadwaychildrensschool.org Hannah

Re: Part-time two's program in Oakland?
Check out Broadway Children's School ''PACT'' program. We did this with both our children and feel like it was one of the best things we did (both times!). The website is: broadwaychildrensschool.org heidi

I recommend this great program for 2 yr olds AND parents! PACT (Parents and Children Together) meets T and Th AMs for art, music, stories, nutritious snack, and indoor/outdoor play. Parents take turns helping teachers and, on Thursdays, meet for a discussion while the kids play. In this structured parent education program/support group, parents share the joys and frustrations of parenting and build community.

Applications for the 2007-2008 PACT program are still being accepted. Come ViSchool of Oakland (BCSO)on February 22, 2007 at 9:40am.

About Broadway: Since 1952, BCSO has been offering a warm and nurturing atmosphere for preschool age children and their parents. The play-based programs are designed to develop all aspects of a child's growth socially, emotionally, physically, creatively and intellectually. For more info, contact BCSO or find us on the web: http://www.broadwaychildrenschool.org/index.html . Contact: Broadway Children's School, 510-763-9337sit PACT at Broadway Children

Re: play-based schools?
i can only speak specifically about broadway children's school (bcso), but i have visited and researched a great deal about pre-schools in general. like bcso, other play-based and developmentally-based preschools incorporate a great deal of ''structured'' time in the way of indoor/outdoor time, storytime, circle time, snacktime, music time, etc. the play-based element leaves plenty of room for choice, where children can play with their favorite activities or try new ones. all pre- schools change the table/discovery tables daily, so children really are exposed to new things all of the time, and a great deal of learning takes place. YES, children from play-based pre-schools are prepared for kindergarten, to answer your question directly. personally, we have loved our time with bcso, and they seem to be a big draw with twins--right now there are three sets! bcso parent

Just wondering if anyone out there has any experience/feedback/information on Broadway Children's School, located on Adams Street in Oakland. I am thinking of enrolling my toddler there in the fall, but I can't seem to find any info on line about them. I have requested info from the school...Thanks. H.B.

There is almost nothing on the website about Broadway Children's School, and yet I've heard tidbits through word of mouth that sound good. Can anyone provide feedback about their experiences there? I'm interested in hearing both about the PACT program and the preschool program. Thanks!

Have you visited? You should. I immediately got the best vibe. It's this little yellow building and just feels like a preschool should: homey, comfortable and welcoming. You just get an over all sense that the kids are engaged and enjoying themselves.

They focus a lot on socialization, which is really the most important thing in the preschool years. I have heard consistently from parents whose kids attended Broadway, that they are constantly complimented by their new elementary school teachers on their children's ability to get along with others, pay attention and transition.

Doing the PACT program was probably the best thing we've done as parents. You learn so much from the co-director, Debbie Beck, and you meet a great group of parents. It's just wonderful.

Feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Good luck with your decision about preschool! heidi