Re: Preschool in Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett areas
My daughter goes to a wonderful pre-school in Pinole. It is : Carol Thompson M A M A B E A R ' S P L A Y C A R E Waldorf-Inspired Playcare for the Young Child phone/fax: 510.741.8336 2594 Emma Drive, Pinole, CA 94564 Carol is kind and patient with the children. She & her assistant never yell. They play outside, go for walks, make pizza, feed the guinea pigs & fish, do crafts, and eat organic food. She holds them when they cry or need a hug and sings songs. I feel so lucky to have found her. She comes highly recommended! Sincerely, Alison

Re: Looking for Preschools Pinole/ El Sobrante/Hercules
I **highly** recommend Mama Bear's Playcare in Pinole as an excellent nurturing hands-on and fun preschool for 2-5 year olds. Our high-energy, independent daughter thrived there for almost two years and we were sad, sad, sad to move on. Owner/teacher Carol Thompson is the best! Smart and warm, she knows just what each child needs to be happy and confident. The teacher:child ratio is excellent, with often three teachers to 12 children. My daughter loved circle time, where she learned loads of beautiful nature-themed and counting songs that she still sings today. Daily activities often include art, nature walks, dress-up and imaginative play. the school is ''waldorf-inspired'' with an emphasis on kindness and respect for creatures great and small and the kids help care for a menagerie of friendly critters. The food is healthful and organic. Another bonus, we met some really wonderful families that we continue to keep in touch with. Carol has openings since several children have moved out of the area or on to pre-k. Contact Carol Thompson, 510.741.8336 or contact me directly.
elayne

    Carol Thompson at
    Mama Bear's PlayCare
    phone 510-741-8336

Our wonderful daycare/preschool has openings (Pinole)
I'd like to recommend our excellent Waldorf-inspired daycare, Mama Bear’s Playcare. Our family fell in love with this little school from our first visit and I can’t count how many times I was impressed by the way Carol, the teacher/owner, dealt with our high-energy 3-yr-old with gentle communication and positive reinforcement. Children are greeted in the morning with a fun activity (drawing, painting, clay) followed by outside play and a truly engaging circle time. The magical atmosphere has sparked our daughter’s imagination. She comes home singing complicated songs involving counting and hand gestures. The food is organic and the children often help prepare meals. There are friendly creatures (guinea pigs, fish, cats, a gecko and a dove) and walks to the ''Fairy Forest'' when the weather is nice. There are too many nice touches to mention but it's the bond Carol and her well-chosen staff have forged with our child that makes it special Contact: Carol Thompson, Mama Bear's Playcare, 510.741.8336

Re: Small preschool in El Sobrante area
We have loved our experience at Mama Bear's Playcare in Pinole. It is Waldorf based, and the children are treated in a kind, loving way. They do most activities from scratch, be it grinding grain to planting and harvesting carrots. The food is great - the director knows a lot about nutrition, and is very keen on organic food and whole grains. Although early academics is not stressed (the program is ''play-based'', if you will), it is a remarkable environment to have your child learn what they really need to know to move on to kindergarten - how to socialize, caring for others and the environment, how to sit still, how to wait your turn. There are a couple of children that are going on to kindergarten and a couple that are moving out of state, so there will be some rare openings. Call Carol Thompson (the director) at 741-8336
A REALLY Happy Parent

I would like to highly recommend Mama Bears Playcare located in Pinole. My son started Mama Bears when he was 2 and 1/2 and is now 3 and 1/2. Mama Bears is owned and operated by an extremely intelligent, compassionate and experienced woman named Carol. She is educated in early childhood development and certified to teach Montessori and Waldorf. These philosophys of teaching are perfect for guiding and enriching a young child's learning experience. I am amazed at how much my son and myself have learned under Carol's care. She has an incredible humanistic approach to handling and connecting with each child as an individual. My son can't wait to go in the morning and I am so thankful he is able to be a part of their daily activities.
Contact info:

Carol Thompson
M A M A   B E A R ' S   P L A Y C A R E
Waldorf-Inspired Playcare for the Young Child
phone/fax: 510.741.8336
2594 Emma Drive, Pinole, CA 94564

Mama Bears playcare in Pinole has been a wonderful place for my 2.5 year old son. When I drop him off in the morning, he is excited to be there and when I pick him up in the afternoon, he doesn't want to leave! Other parents see the same behaviors in their own children. The director, Carol Thompson, just received her Waldorf teaching certificate and holds a Montessori certificate as well. Carol will have few slots openning as a few of her clients are moving out of state. I completely trust Carol and her staff with the care of my child, so should you. Mama Bears Playcare (510) 741-8336
Robbin

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Mama Bear's Playcare in Pinole. I started out working in the playcare 2 mornings a week for director, Carol Thompson, about this time last year. Since then, the flow of money has turned the opposite direction, and I now find myself sending my own child to Mama Bear's three mornigns a week while I work from home! I completely trust Carol and her terrific staff with the care of my 2.5 year old son. Carol provides meals, circle time, free play and Waldorf/Montessori style care (no TV). You may contact Carol at 741-8336 if you are seeking the excellent and caring service she offers.
Robbin