Re: Preschools with Male Teachers
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

Re: Looking for a small preschool in N. Berkeley
Try Mi Escuelita in N. Berkeley, near Solano. Max 12-14 kids; offers part-time; bilingual Spanish; lots of art, music, songs, reading, daiy walks, library visits, warm, loving care-givers. My 3 year old loves it. Like a great, big extended family for her. Might have part-time openings now. Call 526-4357 raissa

Wonderful, bilingual home-based day care has an unexpected opening for a child 22-months or older starting in September. If you are looking for group care for your child and want a stimulating, creative, and caring environment, Mi Escuelita, might be right for your family. Our child started last fall, has thrived socially, and now speaks basic Spanish (though we are not native speakers). A typical day includes: circle time, walks to the park or library, free and group play, art projects, and music. There are 3 Spanish speaking care givers for 12-15 children (ages 2-4). The facility is immaculate and has a large backyard space. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like a glowing reference. Call Mi Escuelita directly for an appointment to visit. Contact: Carlos Barraza, (510) 526-4357
dash04

Mi Escuelita Day Care in N. Berkeley has openings for kids 16 mos. and older. This new preschool is run by my long-time caregiver, Carlos Barraza. He has been an in-home childcare provider for both my sons (and several other families) for five years. Now he has his own licensed day care facility in North Berkeley (on Colusa near Marin).

Carlos is amazing with kids: responsible, calm, loving, playful, and creative. His new day care is bright, clean, organized, stimulating, and fun. He offers 3-day and 5-day programs. He speaks English and Spanish fluently and provides Spanish-language learning. He has spaces for kids from 1.5 years old to 3.5 years old.

Contact Carlos for more information, or call me (Kira Halpern) if you want to speak with a reference first. Carlos Barraza, director, (510) 526-4357 Lic #013418318
Kira