Re: preschool openings
Both my kids went to Peter Pan Co-operative Nursery School off Rt. 580 in Oakland. It's a fifty year old program with a very talented, wise, and kind director and is located in a lovely old Colonial house with a terrific play yard abutting a larger city park. The focus is on growing and getting along, not on performing, conforming, or mastering academics too young. There is much tolerance of differences, accomodation to varying developmental needs, great honoring of individual styles. I especially loved that my daughters weren't expected to be girlie- girls, but were allowed to play hard and encouraged to speak up for themselves. There are lots of opportunities to learn to represent yourself and to develop the skills to work things out with others. There's also an excellent daycare one block from the school, and kids can be walked there after the morning and afternoon programs at Peter Pan end (these last roughly 9 to 3). Peter Pan didn't have room for us when we applied, and I offered to do whatever they needed me to do just to stay on the list and get involved whenever they could squeeze us in, (which they did!). My whole family benefitted from all the excellent advice, guidance, support, and FUN (!), and I credit them with helping me become a much better parent. The phone at the school is (510) 261 5210, ask for Gail Murphy, director. (PS School is on vacation until September now, I think, but you could leave a message anyway.) Good luck! Carol

Re: Oakland Preschools
If you are interested in a co-op, I highly recommend Peter Pan Nursery School on Allendale Ave. in Oakland. My son went there for three years - the director/head teacher is incredible! Very developmentally based program. Feel free to e-mail me for more info. Jody