Berkeley Parents Network: Broadway Children's School

Berkeley Parents Network

Broadway Children's School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Broadway Children's School

Feb 2007

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

Feb 2007

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

Definitely check out Broadway Children's School. They have a parent/toddler program called PACT for 2-year olds, two 3-year- old classrooms (one is MWF, the other TTh) and one 4-year-old classroom MWF. Only PACT requires parent attendance. We have been there for three years and have had a great experience. Very experienced teachers for the most part, a play-based day with some structure, and lots of fun families. It is not a full- time child care solution, however. Good luck. Broadway parent

children learn by playing--of course they're prepared for kindergarten through play-based programs. A child's first experience of school should be fun. Although my child did not attend Broadway Children's school I did tour this school and really, really liked it. claremont day nursery mom

June 2005

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.

I think you're talking about the PACT program, right? We did it with our daughter and it was seriously one of the best things we have ever done with her. The school is wonderful. Debbie Beck, the director, is such an amazing source of information and she helps build a great sense of community with the parents and kids during the year. The other PACT teachers, Nancy and Madeline, are also phenomenal. Our daughter has made friends for life there and so have we. It's really wonderful and I sincerely recommend it. Our daughter is ''graduating'' from Broadway this year and we will miss it and the teachers dearly. I know they are in the works of getting a website up as well. Good luck! heidi

Feb 2005

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!

Hello, We've been at Broadway three years. My daughter started Broadway in the PACT program and this is her last year there. As parents, we have LOVED the experience and most importantly our daughter loves it and has thrived there. She says school is her favorite place--how cool is that? From the teachers to the play-based curriculum to the wonderful community of parents that we have met, we have been so happy.

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

My child has been in the school since Fall 2004, and we really like it. My child comes home from school each time very happy, and is always asking ''do we go to school today?'' The teachers seem very caring toward the children and the entire atmosphere is low-key yet organized toward each child having an enriched experience while there. They do not appear to have a lot of extras, like Spanish or dance or what have you, but the kids do tons of art and there is a nice, decent-sized, shaded outdoor play area. Our main goal for preschool is socialization in a safe, welcoming environment. When we saw the small class size (12 students, 2 teachers) of the Sunshine Room, and the great teachers, we knew it was a good match. Happy to be at Broadway

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