Berkeley Parents Network: Pickles Family Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network

Pickles Family Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Pickles Family Preschool

Contact info as of Jan 2002: Maria Scatina, 528-7495

March 2006

Hi, we are considering Pickles Family Preschool (also previously known as Pickles Family Daycare) in Albany for our child. The reviews on the website are from 2001, and we'd appreciate some more up-to-date information! One of the owners, Laraine, was a teacher/director at the now closed McGee's Farm on Grant Street in Berkeley. It would be wonderful to get more recommendations from the BPN community.
Potential Pickles Mom

My older daughter has been at Pickles since she was 16 mos. and will graduate this August and has loved every minute there! Maria Scatina and her mother Laraine are so loving, warm, patient and encouraging with the kids, and are a wealth of knowledge about child-rearing. Many of the kids have been together for 2 - 3 years. There is a good mix of ages, and they arrange activities in separate rooms appropriate to the age group. For the 4 yr. olds, there is a lot of focus on kindergarten readiness - letters, numbers, calendar, circle time. Every month they study a different subject - right now they are learning about dinosaurs. Different holidays and cultures feature prominently into the curriculum - Chinese New Year, Hannukah, Thanksgiving and the Native American culture. When my older daughter heads off to Kindergarten this fall, my younger one will take her place! I wholeheartedly recommend Pickles Preschool - feel free to contact me privately if you have more questions.
Patricia

Our 3.5 yr old son has attended Pickles since August 05. We love the immediate warmth and connection that both teachers exhibited starting from the first moment we visited. It is a small, family run, play-based preschool, which we liked. There is a nice amount of structure. Lunches and snacks are provided and are healthy and balanced (almost entirely vegetarian, I think). They take the kids on walking field trips, to collect leaves, etc., and to the nearby park. I like the curriculum they have presented there; my son is very interested in science and they have nurtured that interest. It is an interesting, cozy environment with many options for kids. It was a good fit for us for many reasons, but especially because of the warmth and connection to the kids. I'm in the field of education and appreciate the way the two teachers approach learning.
pleased pickles parent

My 2-year-old son attended Pickles last year and loved it - Director Maria and her mother Lorraine are so warm and energetic and the kids spend a lot of time outdoors in the backyard. The pinnacle was the production of Peter Pan with the kids singing and dancing along - really amazing fun; my son loves listening to the musical on CD still.
emr

November 2001

We are considering Pickles Daycare for our 11 month old and would appreciate hearing about any and all experience with them. Our most likely scenario would be to enroll our baby there in six-eight months or so, so whatever age your child was when there, we'd love to hear what you thought/think. Thanks.

My son attended Pickles Family Daycare (in Albany, off Solano) from 1.5 to 4 years old. It is a true family business, owned and run by warm and energetic folks who are talented with kids. I highly recommend it. Feel free to contact me for more details. Deb

Our daughter was at Pickles from 20 months to 3.5 years. She loved it and we were very comfortable with the quality of care she received. Vegetarian meals were served with mostly organic vegetables. Children often help with cooking. There are lots of art projects and drama and dancing almost everyday. Trips to the park down the street are frequent. She still talks about "Mama Maria" and Lorraine. It is a family run business, and the turnover for children seems very low. Susan

July 2001

I am looking for a friendly, homey, stimulating day care for my 15 month old daughter. I have appointments to see "Nini's Place" (on Carlson in Richmond) and "Pickles" (on Ramona in Albany). Has anyone had experience with either of these day cares, particularly for babies my daughter's age? Also, any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! enozick

I am the mother of a 4 y.o. boy who has been at Pickles Family Day Care since he was 4 months old. My son has thrived there under the care of 2 very experienced teachers/care givers. This is how I would describe them: tremendous love, affection, fun, stimulation. wonderful activities. appropriate limits. Currently there is a really nice cohort of children in your child's age group, and they love being around the older kids. I recommend it very highly if you are seeking a family day care situation. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Mona

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