website: http://lindabeach.org/

Can anyone share recent experience with Highlands and/or Linda Beach preschools in Piedmont? I've recently toured both schools and liked what I saw, but I'd love to get input from parents as well. Would love to hear positives and negatives - thanks! Montclair Mom

My oldest started mid-year at LBCP when I up and quit my job after realizing my pay, less daycare expense, was negligible. He had a wonderful experience there and maintains a positive relationship with both Barbara Ulbrich and Jean Nelson to this day. They run an excellent program that provides the kids with a social and developmental environment where they can thrive.

My youngest was too young for LBCP so he went to HPS and we have found another outstanding environment where we have both been encouraged to grow and explore our potential. Joanna Wood has developed a beautiful cooperative environment with a diverse, and committed group of seven(!) previous parents who are most of the teachers. Last year, Joanna won a very prestigious award for her dedication to education (Rawlings) for which a HPS parent nominated her.

Now my youngest is at the LBCP PreK, which has been another idyllic experience. He certainly would not have been ready for Kindergarten, but he was ready for the additional challenges of that program. In less than 100 days (they're keeping track), Shelley Kelly and Yvonne Loey have instilled a love of learning and a sense of order in their class. Kindergarten isn't what it used to be and there is so much value in allowing them to develop at their own pace. For a certain group of kids, the PreK option is invaluable.

Both schools are true assets to the community. What's more, they cooperate and work well together. The Directors arrange opportunities for the kids to interact with each other and they collaborate on a ''Summer Fun'' program in June and July. When they were each remodeling their playground, the other school generously scheduled time for the remodeling school to use theirs.

You asked for positives and negatives. The biggest drawback is the limited number of hours, but that is more of a problem for the parents than the kids. An appropriate amount of time for most of these tender young people to spend at preschool is hard to fit into our busy lives.

I would be more than happy to be able to send my children to either of these schools all over again. The experience I've had by seeing what each school does, in their own way, has only strengthened my parenting skills that much more. With my preschool days ending, I can only say enjoy these next few years because they sure can be fun! -Elaine

Hello. Does any member out there have any reviews/comments on Linda Beach Co-op Preschool in Piedmont? We are considering the school and would like to hear more about it. Thank you! Anon

Re: Piedmont Preschools
There are several good preschools in Piedmont. Most traditional, play based part time programs. I am most familiar with Linda Beach as I have had two children go there. It is a co-op in the center of town http://lindabeach.org/ Right next door and very similar in program and hours is Highlands Preschool - also a great school. The Recreation Center also has three preschools for different ages: First STep for little toddlers, Tiddlwinks for 2-3 years olds and Playschool for 3-5 year olds. My son attends Linda BEach on MWF and Playschool on T and Thursday. Playschool offers two program MWF or T/TH and there are two classes, upstairs with Cara and downstairs with Kristi. WE have CAra and my son LOVES her, loves the prgroam and loves the other kids. I also have friends at Piedmont Playschool at Hampton Field. It is also a co-op and is 5 days per week. Hope this helps! happy w/ Piedmont preschools

Re: preschool for future Hillcrester
You didnt' mention what kind of preschool you were looking for, or whether you needed full-time care or not. If you don't need something full-time, you might look at Linda Beach Preschool, a co-op in Piedmont. My daughter went to Linda Beach this past year (M-W-F 9:00-11:45 for 4-5 year olds) and will be starting at Hillcrest this Fall. We really enjoyed her year there. I think that they still are looking for a few more 4 year old boys, so if this type of schedule works for you, you might want to give them a call (547-4432). Kathy

I am interested in knowing if anyone can provide me with any input on either Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool or Highland Coorperative Preschool (both in Piedmont). Both pros and cons would be appreciated. Laurie