Preschools with Male Teachers
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Preschools with Male Teachers
Nov 2007
Hello,
My child and I are new to the area and she will be starting
preschool in the fall. As I was recently involved in a messy
divorce from an abusive man, I would like her to be exposed to
positive male role models. I'm looking for a preschool with
caring, attentive male teachers but have not found any so far. Do
they exist?
Thank you!
confused parent
Step One
in Berkeley has multiple WONDERFUL male teachers. Four of the 5
classrooms have a male teacher, and one classroom has 2 men. As a group they are
exceptionally caring and gentle. Two of the three male teachers my children have had
are literally among the best people I've ever met (I really like the third one too!).
The
down side is that if you aren't already on their waiting list it will be hard to get in
for
next year. Still get yourself on the list. If your child can spend any time at Step
One, it
would be worth switching preschools in the future.
anon
There is one male teacher at Claremont Day Nursery in Kensington. His name is Robert
and my daughter was in his class last year. He's been there for a loooooong time, and
he's wonderful--warm, calm, fatherly (or grandfatherly). He does creative art projects
with the kids every day, which my daughter loved. Go meet him.
heidi
Try Claremont Day Nursery at the Circle (off of Colusa) in
Kensington. Robert has been teaching there since his now grown
children attended Claremont. My daughter went there from age 2
until she aged-out---I think 6 years old. Simone runs the
Kensington Clarement and the kids (and parents) love her.
Try Claremont
Welcome to the area! Aquatic Park School
(APS) has several male
teachers. Men are in the minority on the staff, but that is true
of every preschool I've seen. All the teachers, male and female,
are excellent - caring and professional.
There is a waiting list, but sometimes there are unexpected
openings. Also, I think there used to be, or is still, a
scholarship fund for children of single parents.
Best of luck with your decision.
Happy APS parent
At my son's preschool, the JCC of the East Bay preschool, we have two male teachers
who have been here for multiple years and are both amazing, sensitive guys. One
teaches in the 3-4 classroom (Kitah Bet) and another teaches in the 4-5 classroom
(kitah gimel dalet). The 2-3 classroom has two wonderful female teachers. The
school welcomes those of all faiths, but does celebrate the songs and culture of the
Jewish people. It's a great, fun place for kids. Hope you consider us! You can contact
the JCC at http://www.jcceastbay.org/, but if you want to apply or do a preschool
tour, email and call the director, Karen Cagan, to make sure you get through. her
info is on the site.
happy parent
Applegarden Montessori
in Montclair has a male teacher in the afternoon class.
Dennis changed professions to become a preschool teacher and it shows that this is
what he wants to do.
tmc
my daughter went to Growing Light Montessori in Kensington.
there are two wonderful male teachers-- Jason in the toddler
room & Nobu in the primary class. they are kind, fun, silly &
gentle men who truly love children. there are also 2 male subs.
Virginia
Hi, Beacon Day School has a great preschool (they call it early
childhood program). The long-time director is male and one of
the three teachers is male. They are both lovely, kind men and
would fit the bill. My son is in the elementary school and has
had male teachers two of his three years, and I am very happy
about that. They have been excellent role models for him and
are great people. The only downside is that I believe the
preschool is full time only, but it still might be worth
checking out. Beacon emphasizes a very safe, family-like,
nurturing atmosphere so that might be helpful to your daughter
as well. Good luck to you and your daughter.
mom
Step One in the Berkeley hills prides itself on having at least
one male teacher in each classroom. It's one of the (many)
things I have loved about this school, which my son has
attended for 2 yrs. It's a popular choice, however, and can be
hard to get a space, especially if you are not looking for full
time.
happy Step One parent
Try Aquatic Park Preschool
(APS) in West Berkeley. It has
traditionally had a number of terrific men on staff and is a
great place. (My daughter is now in first grade, but was there
age 1-5, and goes back occasionally even still when OUSD has a
day off). APS typically has long wait lists, so I'd check it
out ASAP. Also, the school has lots of outdoor time and is a
good place for spirited kids.
Former APS mom
I can highly recommend Step One in the Berkeley Hills. Every
classroom has at least 1 male teacher, and they are all
fantastic! The co-director is a man,too, as are some of the
regular substitutes and administrative staff. It's also just a
great school overall!
dawn
Claremont Day Nursery in Kensington
has Teacher Robert, a very
sweet man who would be a great male role model for your
daughter. He 'teaches' the 4 year old class, but the whole
school is together often enough that all kids get to know all
teachers regardless of age. This was certainly an added bonus
for me when I enrolled my son.
CDN mom
I'm sorry to hear about your divorce. You did not mention in your post the area
where you are looking for a preschool or the age of your child. If you're near
Berkeley, you might try Mi Escuelita
(526-4357) in North Berkeley. It's bilingual, play
and home based. The director, Carlos, is just what you may be looking for in a male
role model. Warm, affectionate, and terrific with kids. The other 2 female teachers
are excellent as well. My son attended for a year and we had a great experience--
music, art, daily walks, trips to the library.
During my search for preschools, the
following schools also had male teachers and are worth checking out: Step One,
Aquatic Park, Heart's Leap. If you can swing it with your schedule, you might check
out a coop, where your child will be exposed to other kid's fathers and you will find
a welcoming community. Good luck!
anon
New School of Berkeley has several lovely male teachers.
katy
Last year my son was at Arts and Sciences
in Oakland when the
school just hired a wonderful male teacher from England. He was
very warm and nurturing and was great with the kids. Check out
the school, I'm not sure if he is still there.
former parent
Male teachers are very important but not a rarity in the Bay
Area. In Rockridge, Claremont Day School
has a male director.
Also in the neighborhood is the School of Arts and Sciences with
a male teacher who is very well-spoken and caring.
Delfine
responding late to your question, but Claremont Day on College Ave. in Oakland has
Teacher Johnny, who is calm, patient, and insightful. The children love him. He's
been
there for at least 5 years.
anon.
The preschool my daughter attends, Step One School in north
Berkeley, has a male teacher in each classroom (each class has
two or three teachers)and there are several other male teachers
among the rotating substitutes. So there are many positive male
role models there. The school is fairly hard to get into, apply
as soon as you can to possibly get a spot. Good luck!
Mollie
Daisy Child Development Center at 5016 Daisy Street in Oakland
510.531.6426 www.daisycdc.com has two incredible male teachers,
Ron Dickinson and Mark Stewart. Our son currently attends Daisy.
A large part of our decision to send him there is the presence
of these men, in addition to the wide-ranging experience of the
teachers, the warm and caring attitudes all employees and the
incredible diversity and strength of the parent community.
Note that the website is a bit outdated - it's in the process of
being updated, but will still provide some great basic
information.
Happy Daisy parent
Sorry for the late reply, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents! A
great school with a positive male teacher is Peter at the
Arts
and Sciences school. He creates a warm and wonderful environment
for everyone and is a joy to be around!
single mom again
January 2005
Can anyone recommend a preschool with a male teacher? My 2.5 son
would love to have more ''big man'' contact, so I'm looking for
something part-time, in the Berkeley and North areas. Does such
a thing exist? Thank you.
suzanne
Recommendations received:
Lakeshore Children's Center
New School
Step One School (3)
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