Berkeley Parents Network: Inch by Inch

Berkeley Parents Network

Inch by Inch

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Inch by Inch

Editor note: The director of Inch by Inch previously directed Toddler Family, which is now closed.

April 2007

This is for the person looking for a daycare/pre-school in Rockridge. My son goes to Inch by Inch at 49th and Broadway, and I couldn't be happier. There's a part time preschool program and a mommy and me play group twice a week if your daughter isn't ready for preschool. They have music, cooking, and a great outdoor area. I love it there. Call Lisa Fitch at 510-406-2624.
Jennifer

March 2004

I heard that Lisa Fitch, who was the former director of Toddler Family in Oakland, has started her own program, which is called ''Inch by Inch'' and is a parent participation program for toddlers and a parent, rich with music and arts and crafts. I'm having trouble locating a phone number for this program, and am wondering if anyone has participated in it, and how they like it.

I don't know about the program -- I had the impression it's brand new -- but the phone number is posted at the gate of Avenue Park on Jordan Road in Redwood Heights, with a little advertisement. Stacey

Lisa can be reached at 406-2624. I haven't been to Inch by Inch, but my son went to Toddler Family with her and has Lisa as a music teacher at his preschool and loves her!!! Natalie

I would like to respond to the question about Lisa Fitch's new toddler program called ''Inch by Inch''. Several years ago I participated in Lisa's program when she was the director and teacher of Toddler Family program, then located in Berkeley. My daugher fell in love with Lisa, loved her program, and we kept in touch with her over the years. When it was time to enroll my second child, I was hesitant to go to Toddler Family program again as they had moved near Lake Merritt, which would mean quite a drive, however, when I weighed the benefit we had received years previously from participating in the program, I decided to follow Lisa to Oakland. When Lisa left Toddler Family and started her own school, we again went with her. My second child too, benefits immensely from this program, filled with Lisa's guitar led circle time, messy arts that are different each time, and friends we have made. Lisa is truly a gifted teacher, knows what each child needs, and finds a way to connect to the heart of each one. I am happy to hear that Lisa is expanding her current program and will have a pre-school in the afternoons, so that children who have already made a connection with her throughout their toddler years can continue growing independently into this drop-off program, or new children can benefit from the magic that Lisa brings to each child. Lisa can be reached by e-mail at lisapizzaf AT msn.com or by phone (510) 406-2624. I'm happy to talk to any interested parents, or answer questions. Yvonne

Inch by Inch is a wonderful program for toddlers and their caretakeres run by a wonderful woman, Lisa Fitch. It is a program designed for toddlers too young to attend pre-school but ready for organized activity. Toddlers attend with a parent or other caretaker (nanny, grandparent, etc.) twice a week for two hours at each gathering. The day's schedule is very similar to one at a typical pre-school, starting with free- play, then circle time (singing and movement), then snack time (Lisa reads stories at this time), and finally outside free- play at a park down the street if weather permits.

Lisa Fitch is a wonderful person and terrific with toddlers and their parents. She has a warm and inviting personality that instantly makese everyone, especially the children, feel at ease and welcome. The children all just adore her and she them. She is a wonderful singer and guitar player as well and the music at circle time is one of my favorite parts of the day. Lisa has a wonderful way of engaging the children in different activities and encouraging their curiosity and creativity.

Inch by Inch provides a wonderful transition from home-care to preschool by allowing toddlers to experience many of the same things they will experience at pre-school with their caretaker there to help them along the way. My son has developed socially and cognitively, learning to interact more with other children, teacher figures, and other adults. It also provides an opportunity for toddlers to play with new toys, read new books, take part in ever-changing art projects, games, dramatic- play scenarios, etc.

It is also a wonderful opportunity for caretakers to interact with other caretakers to exchange ideas, concerns, complaints, etc. The parents I've met their are wonderful and we have formed quite a strong bond this year.

My son and I look forward to school every week and have thoroughly enjoyed our experience there. I encourage anyone out there with a toddler looking for an activity to fill their schedule to look into Inch by Inch. Lexi

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.