Editor Note (April 2011): This daycare appears to have closed several years ago.

My son attended Busy Bee for 3+ years. We were impressed with how well prepared he was for kindergarten. His little sister goes there now and when I pick her up, she begs to stay just a little longer because she is having so much fun.

This home-based preschool has a max. of 12 kids (age 2-5) and offers a play-based program that includes artwork, music, dance, and nutritious homemade food (breakfast, lunch, and snacks) in a warm and nurturing environment.

There is currently one opening available for Spring/Summer only. The school will be closing at the end of August (the director has planned a well-deserved retirement) so this would be ideal for someone who needs care before their child goes on to preschool (or kindergarten) in the Fall.

To reach the school: Contact: Lois Engle, 524-2834

SJ

We loved Busy Bee Preschool, but as far as I know, Lois Engle is retiring at the end of the summer and Busy Bee will close. If you are interested in something for only a year, and if they have room, it's a great place. Call and find out. Maybe Lois has changed her mind. robbie

My daughter has been attending Busy Bee Preschool, located on Hopkins Street in North Berkeley, since January 1998. Busy Bee is a small school (12 children/day) headed by Lois Engle. Lois and Martha (her co-teacher) have been together at Busy Bee for four years, and are both wonderful care providers. Since enrolling my daughter at Busy Bee just before she turned 2, I have really come to appreciate Lois and Martha's way with the children: they are both very warm and loving, yet also direct. The atmosphere at Busy Bee is fun-loving, delightful, and nurturing. The teachers are what initially attracted me to Busy Bee and I have not been disappointed!

Busy Bee has lots of activities for both indoors and outdoors, and the kids spend time doing art projects, building things, reading, climbing, etc. Special attractions: they have music and dance lessons every week, take walks to the park, and provide all of the food (including delicious home-cooked lunches!). Children's ages range from 2 -5 years, and the school is open from 7:45- 5:30. Right now, there is an opening at Busy Bee.

For more information, call Lois at Busy Bee at 524-2834 (this is her home number also). You can also call me (Susan) at 540-3215. Susan