Berkeley Parents Network: Kiddie Kampus Co-op Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network

Kiddie Kampus Co-op Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Kiddie Kampus Co-op Preschool

Kiddie Kampus Co-op Preschool
1711 2nd st.
Alameda, Ca 94501
510-521-1218

Re: Alameda preschools: NON Montessori (Oct 2005)
Try treating yourself and your children to a playbased, coop: Kiddie Kampus. Call for a visit and see how your child blends in almost right away. The director is amazing! With her 35 years of teaching experience at the pre/school level, her musical talents as a cellist (she has gigs al! most every weekend) and her ability to keep YOUR child's interests as her point of departure for working with him or her, she is truly an amazing individual. THere is an ''academic'' component, but it is a very practical one that I would refer to as one that espouses a Joyful learning approach. Learning is ALWAYS done in the context of play and socializing with others is of utmost importance. I had my son there for 7 months, then, because of changes in our jobs, my wife and I took him out and placed him in a Montessori based school--three weeks later we had to take him out because he just couldn't handle he fact that his freedom to be a social learner was not given the importance that Kiddie Kampus gave him... MOreover, the coop atmosphere is incomparable and with the help of our director, all of us parents learn to be each other's support and our children's loving teaching assistant. Oh.. I almo! st forgot, the site itself will set you dreaming. Look us up and stop by Kiddie Kampus, in your own hometown of ALAMEDA. Doug

April 2005

I'm looking for information/recommendations for Kiddie Kampus in Alameda - anybody have any information?

My son has attended Kiddie Kampus for two and half years, and we will miss it very much. It is a wonderful play based program, and the current director has exceptional talents in channeling kids ideas via emergent curriciulum. She really encourages the kids to think and imagine, and has a plethora of art and science ideas to enhace the children's experiences. Play-based programs are becoming scarce, and so this is a real treasure. I have chosen to be participating, and work one day a week, which drastically cuts the tuition price. It has been great fun learning right along with my child, although parental politics can be a challenge. There aren't too many schools where you all work together, so patience and a positive attitude are musts. Simply call the school and arrange a visit. Ask for the Membership Coordinator (521-1218). My son loves Kiddie Kampus. Leslie

Recently, I was a visiting artist at Kiddie Kampus. I had never been there before....... It's completely lovely! It has a charming energy---a little flower vase of nasturtiums at the door........organized and engaging play areas ......the science area with shells......the ''softy lofty'' ......the costumes! Each child had their own handmade placemat during snack time...... The volunteer parents of the day were marveling at the new sprouts in the garden......the Director had a great sense of humor and musicality. It seems to be a very special place with a lot of caring. rebecca

My 4 year old son has attended Kiddie Kampus for about a year now and we have been really happy there!! The teacher has created a curriculum that is play-based, with lots of open-ended arts, music and movement, nature/science exploration, cooking and gardening, multicultural themes, storytelling/reading and dressing-up, and lots of outdoor play. I really like that the education is dynamic and flexible so that the days/weeks activities can follow whatever the kids are ''into'' at that moment. And the same goes for the parents so for example, if someone knows how to teach yoga, we have yoga! We have a great snack program (developed by one of the parents-a nutritionist) that is healthy, mostly organic and the kids love. I was amazed when my son brought home a bunch of kale from the garden and proceeded to eat it all! The yard is nice with old but pretty cool play structures, sandbox, outdoor art area, water play etc. It\222s a great group of parents and a wonderful, supportive community that is helping me raise my kid! I feel this is one of the few chances I will get to really be a part of my child's ''school education'' and at Kiddie Kampus my input makes a difference. Mon- Friday 9am-12pm. Parents participate one day a week and go to one monthly meeting. $$ is pretty reasonable. Amber

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