Preschool with lots of part-time students?

We like our preschool, but my 3-year-old daughter is the only kid I'm aware of there who is part-time (she goes 2 days, everyone else goes 5 days.) It appears that because the other kids are together more, they have bonded quite a bit, and my daughter has not bonded so much with them. I love having my daughter home with me part-time as we do lots of activities and see her other friends then, so I don't want to increase her days at school. I am thinking that perhaps there may be another preschool in or near Berkeley where most of the kids are in her position of going part-time, so she's not the only one with less group interaction and therefore not so left out. Anyone have any suggestions? Many thanks. preschool mom

There are definitely good part-time preschools out there. Co-ops often have part-time programs. My daughter went to a wonderful co-op in Berkeley, Dandelion Nursery School. The school where I teach, The Lake School in Oakland, is not a co-op but has 2 day, 3 day, 4 day, and 5 day programs (the 2 day is for the very youngest kids). Both Dandelion and Lake School are half day, developmental, play-based programs with caring, well-educated teachers (if I do say so myself :-). I hope you find something just right! wnmnf

Preschool for twins 2 mornings a week?

Do you know of a preschool or home-based childcare program that would take 2.5 year old (31 months) non-potty trained twins on Tuesday and Thursday mornings? I would like my twins to start getting exposed to group care before they start preschool at age 3. We are not flexible on the days - only Tues and Thurs mornings. We live in lower Rockridge and would like the school/home to be in Oakland or Berkeley. We are looking for caregivers who speak English or Spanish. Thanks!

Preschool 3 days a week, mornings?

My daughter and son-in-law plan a move to Oakland this summer, and they will be needing a preschool for their daughter who will turn 4 in May. My son-in-law is a stay-at-home dad (and a fabulous one!), so they do not need an extended day. My granddaughter is currently enjoying a two day a week mornings-only program. Anyone know of any schools with openings for a 4 year old next fall - preferably mornings only, 3 days a week? Charlotte gets lots of academic attention at home -- best would be a school that focuses on social and emotional development. Also, a good art program would be a bonus, but I know that this late, for the last year of preschool before kindergarten, finding a spot is going to be hard. Nice kid (if I do say so myself) and great dad. They also have a 2 year old boy, who presumably would follow if the family likes the school. Co-op ok. Charlotte's Nana

Pre-School/Toddler Program 2-3 mornings per week?

We've decided that our 2 1/2 year old could benefit from being in either preschool or a toddler program a few mornings a week (we prefer two days). We would like to start visiting schools as soon as possible. I realize that many places have extensive waiting lists, but we are looking for availability soon, so if your child's school has spaces left, please let me know! We are looking for something a few days a week, either co op or not. Cost is of importance. While her Grandparents will help us with the cost, we would like to find something for less than $350 per month if possible. Ideally, we would like to have her in preschool 2-3 days per week for about 4 hrs per day. A play based school with a good teacher/child ratio and a large outdoor area is preferred. We feel that Montessori may not be right for our child, but we are open to hear about yours if you are happy with your child's experience there. The school could be in Pinole, Richmond, Albany, El Cerrito or in Berkeley. Any advice or referrals are appreciated! THANKS~Anne

Any preschools with 2 days/wk attendance?

Hi, I live in the Laurel District of Oakland, and am interested in finding preschools relatively close to us (Say, from mid-San Leandro to Grand Lake to Montclair area) that will take children for 2 whole days a week. Most of the ones I've found so far have a 3 day minimum, and right now that costs more than I like and is more personal time than I need. Any suggestions? Jeanne

Part-time preschool for 2 & 4 yr olds - Rockridge?

We recently posted looking for preschool options for the fall, for our two girls, aged 2 and 4. (We're from Cambridge, MA but are moving to Berkeley this summer.) Huge thanks to everyone who wrote in with recs for North Berkeley & Albany--now we're hoping for a few recs for the Rockridge area. We're looking for something part time (3-4 mornings a week); prefer something small, cozy, diverse, & play-based; some sort of ''enrichment'' offering would be a nice bonus (ie, music, yoga, dance, 2nd language, etc); and ideally some place that would take both girls. I know it's a tall order, and we're late to the game, but if anyone has any leads or suggestions (even if they don't fit all of the above), they would be very much appreciated. Thanks again!!! Jen

Small part-time preschool

I am looking for recommendations for a small preschool, ie. less than 15 children, that takes part time families, and is located around the Berkeley area. I've checked the website but just wondering if anyone has any new recommendations. Thanks in advance. bh

I know of two excellent preschools who accept part-timers and have a max. of 15 kids. Both are located in or near El Cerrito so I'm not sure if these would work for you. Sadly, most of the smaller schools tend to be harder to get into as they have fewer spots and often younger siblings of the current students get priority. I would encourage you to call anyway because things can always change. Recommended: