I was looking at past reviews of preschools that accomodate kids with food allergies, but the most recent one is from 2003. I was wondering if anyone out there could provide more updated information on preschools that either have a ''no peanut policy'' or accomodates a child with multiple food allergies. I am looking in the Rockridge, Montclair, or Temescal areas preferably. Thanks so much. Elena

Within days, they instituted a campus-wide ''no nut'' policy that has been posted at the pick-up and drop-off areas and sent home with parents on several occasions each year. They also have a rule in the classroom that students are not to share their food with one another, just in case. The parents who are responsible for purchasing the snacks that the school provides are informed, and while there has not yet been a single slip-up, the teachers in my daughter's classroom are well-versed in reading the small print on the back of all of the packages. Occasionally, a parent will bring to school a birthday treat that has been exposed to nuts. In every case, the teachers have provided my daughter with an alternate treat, sometimes taking the time to walk down the street to the bakery to buy it. In short, both the administration and the teachers have taken my daughter's special need seriously and have diligently kept her safe and well.

Finally, I would like to mention that before choosing Berkeley Montessori (at that time without a ''no nut'' policy), my daughter attended a preschool that had a pre-existing ''no nut'' policy in place. In spite of that policy, we found food containing nuts at every single special event held at that school (school play, Halloween celebration, etc.) The parents responsible for bringing refreshments to those events were not reminded, nor were the snacks checked once they arrived on site. Our confidence in the organization, responsibility, and care of the Berkeley Montessori staff and community was so strong, that we felt more comfortable trying out a new policy there than trying to stick with a school that had the policy we needed but lacked the organization to enforce it.'' Lisa

I've searched the web for past recommendations, but I was hoping to get some updated ones regarding preschools that are very responsive to food allergies.

From what I read and know, most preschools do not provide more than snacks, and kids need to bring their own lunch. This is not my issue here. What I'm looking for is places that ban foods like peanuts, but more importantly, really watch the kids when they eat, maybe sit down with them until they're done, so that accidents don't happen, and that parents will feel their child is safe. Lastly, I'd like to enroll my child in March of next year, when she will be 28 months. Any recommendation is very much appreciated. anon

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