April 2012

My Daughter is 2, and is at Anna's Daycare (Mercedes Leon), which I highly recommend. Now it's time for her to move on to preschool, and I would like to keep up the Spanish Immersion. EBI doesn't take kids until they are 3, but we hope to start her in preschool this fall (she will be 2 years, 8 months), and it looks like it has come down to Monte Tavor vs KISS (in Montclair, but moving to 51st/Piedmont). I'm sure they are both good choices, I've visited both twice...does anyone have substantive thoughts? Thanks! Devon

Re: Centro Vida v. KISS (Berkeley)
I don't know much about Centro Vida, but our daughter attends KISS in Berkeley and we're really happy with it. She started there when she was two years old and the school first opened, and we really liked the fact that it was a small school. I think that helped with the transition for her. The teachers are very warm and loving, and our daughter really enjoys it. Feel free to contact me with any questions. laurel

Re: Looking for a 1/2 day Spanish Immersion Pre-school
Our 3 yr old has just finished the first week at the newly opened Berkeley location of Kids Into Speaking Spanish, and so far it is fantastic. The teachers are competent and caring and the school environment feels friendly and warm. The school seems to be off to a great start and I am excited for future plans like getting a community garden (kids, teachers, parents) started in the large backyard play area.

They are still enrolling and I see they've posted a notice below for an upcoming open house. Give it a look--we really feel like we've found the right place! New and happy Berkeley K.I.S.S. parent

I'm looking for a Spanish immersion or bilingual pre-school that will take a two year old. The reviews for KISS in Oakland are kind of old and kind of sparse. Anyone have any recent thoughts? Thank you.

Hi BPNers, We are located in San Leandro and looking for a Spanish immersion preschool for our daughter. She'll be 2 this fall. I've read some good reviews of Kids Into Speaking Spanish/KISS, but the archives are a bit outdated. I'd love to hear some more recent reviews, especially of the Montclair site. Thanks!

We are looking at this preschool, taking a tour in October. We would love to hear from families who have children attending or who have attended this school. Thank you! G

They are very flexible up there. If my son has to stay late or be droped off early, it's never a problem. I learned Spanish as a young adult, but don't speak it at home. I am very happy that he is getting exposure to Spanish. He totally understands when you speak to him in Spanish...he doesn't speak it though. His cousin just started there 2 days/week in the 4's class and he is already trying to speak Spanish.

I also like that the staff is generally hispanic and subsequently transmits some hispanic culture. There is lots of affection. Nathaniel has a great teacher and is very fortunate to have her this year too (after a zillion parent requests and pleas).

Even my dad now speaks their praise. He was very skeptical at first (different culture...different language....who knows?). My dad does a lot of the drop off and pick up and has much more contact with them than I have.

Happy with KISS...it works out great for our family situation. jq Judy

Re: Preschool for a 4 yo in Montclair area
We are happy at the new KISS (Kids Into Speaking Spanish) program in Montclair if you are interested in an immersion program. It's right at the corner of Mountain and Snake Rd. I know that there are openings in my son's class and he will also be 4 in the beginning of the year. Their website is www.kissprogram.com Feel free to email directly if you have any specific questions. es

Does anyone have any experience/feedback with ''Kids Into Speaking Spanish'' preschool in Walnut Creek (or the former location in Lafayette)? I can't find anything on BPN and am interested to learn from a parents perspective. Thanks. anon