Pre-K and Bridge Programs
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Bridge K programs that are only three days a week
August 2012
I am wondering if there are any pre-K bridge programs (for a boy with a fall
birthday) that are only three days a week rather than five. I work part-time
so that I can spend some extra time with my child, and don't want to give that
up until kindergarten. I'm trying to figure out options for next fall. I would
also be interested in language immersion programs that are not full-week as
well.
Thanks
My son went to a PreK program at Linda Beach Co-operative Preschool
in Piedmont. He also
is a fall birthday, and we weren't sure what to do! The program is 12:15-3:15p M-Th and
taught by two fantastic teachers, both of whom have many years of experience! You can
check out their website lindabeach.org or email directly to membershiplbcp@yahoo.com
with questions or to set up a tour.
March 2012
Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking for a
school for my daughter whose birthday is in early September.
Not sure when she'll be ready for Kindergarten, so would
like some flexibility in curriculum and approach. Anywhere
in Oakland is fine. Focus on social/emotional development
rather than pure academics is very important to me and would
also love a place that engenders a strong sense of community
and reflects my progressive values (so what I'm doing at
home is reinforced during the school day). Tuition must be
reasonable. I definitely can't afford the top dollar
places. Thanks in advance for your help!!
Sarah
. . .
I am looking for an affordable preschool or bridge K type program in Oakland.
My daughter has a late Sept birthday and I don't know when she will be ready
for kindergarten. I am hoping for a strong community feeling and progressive
values. Also lots of time for my child to PLAY, especially with nice outdoor
space. Guidance or suggestions greatly appreciated!
Michele in Oakland
Are you aware that Oakland public schools have ''transitional
kindergarten'' starting this fall for kids with fall birthdays? No
idea yet how they will be quality wise. Doubtful they will be
anything as creative and progressive as the high price tag private
programs out there. But if money is a big issue I'd check it out!
We live in oakland and ended up doing
Step One' s Bridge K which is
just wonderful--but pricey and quite a commute.
Bridge K Mom
Look into the Bridge K program at MCPC (Montclair Community Play Center). My
child is in the preschool program there and I've seen first-hand the quality
of the curriculum and the amazing, skillful teachers involved in this little
gem of a Bridge K. The kids are nurtured and challenged, with plenty of art,
science, literacy building, and lots of fun, imaginative play. The group is
small and the student/teacher ratio can't be beat. From my observations, the
teachers never miss a moment to enrich and support the kids emotionally and
intellectually, and there is an emphasis on social skills and conflict
resolution. MCPC is a parent co-operative, so you get to be directly involved,
but the participation requirement at the Bridge K seems manageable for working
parents. www.mcpckids.org
mcpc parent
Beatie Street
is an amazing place for kids with late-in-year birthdays. My
daughter is a late September birthday, and I don't know whether she should
start Kindergarten when she's 4 going on 5, or 5 going on 6. Especially
since parents have to commit in DECEMBER the year before the kid starts!
How the heck will I know whether she'll be developmentally ready 9 months
prior?
Beatie Street has a wonderful ''Pencil Box'' program--which is a
kindergarten year, for a small, cozy set of only 4-6 kids. So my daughter
will attend the Beatie Street Kindergarten year (when she's 4 going on 5),
and then I can decide whether she heads straight into first grade the next
year, or just starts fresh with Kindergarten class at her public school.
There are only 15 kids total in the pre-school and Pencil Box Kindy program,
and it feels really cozy. There's a wonderful parent community, and an
amazing head teacher, Judy who I can't recommend highly enough.
My daughter will be attending Beatie Street for 2 years--from everything
I've observed, it's really important for kids to attend preschool at Beatie
Street least one year prior to the Pencil Box year. Socially and
emotionally, they become the leaders of the school, and attending the
preschool in conjunction with the Pencil Box year is a wonderful, seamless
program that prepares them wonderfully for school and for life! I just
attended Beatie Street's 30th anniversary party and met absolutely wonderful
people--the ''alumni'' are a shining example of the caring, progressive,
socially aware philosophy of the school.
Anyway, I know you were specifically asking about PreK and Bridge K and I
wanted to give some information about this special program that really gives
kids and families some flexibility around the choice for when late-in-year
birthday kids start school.
Anyway--please feel free to get my name and email from the moderator if you
would like more information.
Thrilled to find Beatie Street!
Nov 2011
Can someone please explain the purpose/benefit of a Bridge-K program to me? As I
understand it, it's usually for kids with fall birthdays whose parents don't want
to enroll them in kindergarten for various reasons. So the kids get a more
academic preschool year...to what end exactly? Won't kindergarten be more of a
repeat year then? How does this benefit the child? What am I missing exactly?
My 3-yo has a September bday and I'm wondering what kind of preschool experience
I should be looking for, whether I start her young or not. Thanks!
Mom of fall birthday kid
This is a great article about Bridge K for young 5 yr olds.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/magazine/03kindergarten-t.html?pagewanted=all
GreenZeebra
I think if you look just below at responses to questions in this
current newsletter (Bridge school for 5 y/o not ready for
kindergarten) you'll see some great comments on bridge programs.
I think many parents confuse being academically ready for
kindergarten with being developmentally ready. Kids are all over the
map at this age and many are ready in one of these ways but not the
other. You can find lots of articles about kindergarten readiness
(google for more info) that will define it as a certain level of
development that will allow kids to cope with the stress of school;
sharing, following directions, comfortable in loud noisy groups,
making friends, general coping skills. A child may be able to read
but if they aren't ready for the social stuff they will have a
very bad experience in school that will likely effect how they feel
about school in the long run. Also academic curriculum now teaches a
first grade curriculum in kindergarten so kindergarten is fairly
academic now and that is challenging for young kids. Ask your
preschool teacher for their opinion, most have a good sense of who is
ready. I am a parent of a middle schooler and it is at this time when
kids are rapidly physically maturing and emotionally maturing that I
can pick out the kids that are a year younger. It is painful to
watch. I know several that are really struggling socially and
academically. Most parents err on the side of waiting to start their
child in kindergarten so younger kids really stand out and I have yet
to see the benefit of starting a child younger rather than older.
Thus the benefit of a bridge program....
Good luck
I'm sure you'll hear several points about what is bridge k but in
case this one gets overlooked I'd like to add what kindergarten is
these days--at least in public school. Kindergarten has sort of
become the new first grade. I work in OUSD elementary school and see
that there is very little time for free play and what I believe to be
natural And Optimal development of young children's minds and
creativity. As private school is probably not possible for us I
wanted one more year for my fall birthday son to just be a kid
playing and exploring with some introduction to academics in creative
ways as well. We are very happy with the program at Step One where he
is. Its a financial sacrifice for us to go the extra year in private
preschool but step one helped us with generous financial aid Every
parent I have spoken to with an adult son who got that extra year
says they never regretted it. Several patents with older children
boys who rushed them into K said they wish they hadn't.
Anon
bb
What is a bridge K class? This is a good question. The challenge for
every parent is to enroll their child at the right time in the right
school. With different cut off dates in both public and private
schools the idea of a bridge K came about in a number of schools. You
can look at GreatSChools and the California Association of Independent
Schools for which schools offer a bridge K program. The more important
questions is what grade your child should enter in the fall. Know your
child and his/her developmental age in: language, gross and fine motor
skills, social and cognitive aptitudes. Also, be aware of your own
cultural and academic objectives for him/her. Your child's
chronological age is relevant but so is their developmental
age. Hopefully they are overall in synch. Should you need further
assistance in determining your child's readiness for school, let me
know.
I am an Admissions Consultant in the East Bay.
Good luck
Nov 2011
My 4 y/o son is currently attending the pre-K class at his Montessori
pre-school, and doing quite well. Academically he would be ready to
start kindergarten next year, however my husband and I would like him to
wait until he turns 6 (his birthday is at the very end of August). I
think he will be bored in repeating the pre-K class he is currently
enrolled in, and we'd like to find a bridge school before he starts
kindergarten in 2 yrs, something in the El Cerrito/Albany/Berkeley area,
and may be even willing to look beyond Richmond/El Sobrante or Oakland.
Any recommendations, experience shared would be most helpful.
Kristin
I think you should check out the bridge-K program at Step One School in the
Berkeley Hills. This is probably the most 'academic' of the pre-K programs.
june
My son was in the exact same situation last year and I applaud you for not
rushing him ahead. We chose the Berkeley JCC's Bridge K class and were very
happy! The class was 7 5yr old boys and a great teacher. They did some
kindergarten prep work, but it wasn't overwhelming and they had plenty of outdoor
play, neighborhood excursions and field trips, as well as singing, dancing,
gardening and cooking. The facility isn't new and beautiful, but it was a great
year and he has good memories of it.
Gwen
I just posted this last time, but it's worth repeating. We actually travel from
North Berkeley for this program, and the 15-18 minute commute is truly worth it!!
Park Day School in Temescal (Oakland) has a WONDERFUL Bridge-K program.
Our son is enrolled now and we couldn't be happier. It is play-based,
with a ton of emotional/social-learning and warm care-taking, but
combined with some structure and expectations in preparation for
kindergarten. They offer some phonics, writing, etc, but that is not
pushed. There is lots of art, music, science and exploration of the
natural world. The teacher is just a gem, with many many years of
experience, warmth, educational sophistication, and nearly super-human
patience. We feel very blessed to have our son there.
We felt the same way about our son, and sent him to the JCC East Bay's bridge-K
program and loved it. The teacher is amazing and the community was great!
Sally
Our son is loving The Berkeley School's Bridge-K program--lots of literacy work,
art work, original plays, and fabulous science (he'll be happy to tell you all
about solids, liquids and gases). The primary teacher, Nancy Leiblich, is
wonderful. She has been teaching at The Berkeley School (formerly Berkeley
Montessori) for a very long time (20+ years?), and she has loads of experience
with both pre-schoolers and kindergartners. Check it out!
Sarah
Oct 2011
I'm looking for recommendations for bridge-K programs i.e. a year
of classes for kids who are just under the 5 year kindergarten
mark on sept 1st. In Oakland, either pre-schools or real schools.
Ideally looking for somewhere that challenges the child both
physically and mentally. Thanks,
Becky
While it's not in Oakland, I and another Oakland family that we know
chose the Berkeley JCC Bridge K
program last year. While it's not a
fancy facility, it was a small class (only 8 boys) with a wonderful
teacher. The class did fun outdoor stuff, like walks around
Berkeley, picnics, a visit to the Oakland museum and to a shoreline
park in alameda, as well as artwork, singing, dancing, cooking, and
gardening. They also did kindergarten readiness things like letter
and number recognition, sorting, writing etc. You don't have to be
Jewish to send your child there but they will learn songs and some
holiday info. It was a great year.
Gwen
Park Day School
in Temescal (Oakland) has a WONDERFUL Bridge-K program.
Our son is enrolled now and we couldn't be happier. It is play-based,
with a ton of emotional/social-learning and warm care-taking, but
combined with some structure and expectations in preparation for
kindergarten. They offer some phonics, writing, etc, but that is not
pushed. There is lots of art, music, science and exploration of the
natural world. The teacher is just a gem, with many many years of
experience, warmth, educational sophistication, and nearly super-human
patience. We feel very blessed to have our son there.
June 2011
We are seeking an opening for the 2011-12 school year at an excellent
pre K program for our almost 5 yo daughter. We want a school that is
warm and nurturing, has a high teacher/student ratio, is ethnically
diverse and where a bright and shy child will thrive as a new incoming
student. Any leads or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks from a family moving to the east bay.
sue
Hi! I have 2 sons, both with late fall birthdays. We had my older son
continue with a Pre-K year at his local private school and he entered
public Kindergarten at age 5 and turned 6 y.o. two months after the school
year started. We don't regret waiting, at all. Kindergarten is no joke
these days! What we do regret is spending over $38,000 for 3 years of
playdough, snacks and napping when he could have been just as prepared and
had just as much learning as at MCPC (Montclair Community Play Center). My
4 year old will be going starting there this fall, and it is amazing! There
will be 2 incredibly overqualified teachers to about 10 children, and I
love Teacher Therese already. Our private school had some great teachers,
and some not-so-great teachers, and there was quite a bit of turnover and
lots of drama. MCPC has been around a long time, they get it, I have done
their Toddler programs and summer camps and it is always more organized
than the private school was. Check it out, I have looked at many schools
around the East Bay for over 7 years, and MCPC is still at the top of my
list.
lou
I'd urge you to take a look at The Lake School. Our son attended the
Developmental Kindergarten (''DK'') program last year and loved every
minute of it! It's a wonderful school, a fantastic program, and the
philosophy and feel of the school are so, so special. The kids really
benefit from the caring teachers and experienced Director. Come take a
look! http://www.thelakeschool.org/index.html
R.
The Berkeley School's
pre-school, which is launching a 5 year old program
this fall, might be a good fit for your daughter. My son (who will be 5 at
the end of September) has been enrolled at TBS this past year. It has been
a GREAT experience for him--both academically and socially. We really can't
say enough good things about his teachers, who have taken our rather shy,
somewhat anxiety prone little guy and somehow transformed him into a
confident, socially capable being. He is excited about learning and asking
questions. He knows how to negotiate conflict with his peers. He has many
friends (not true at his previous school). He LOVES going to school. We
would keep him at the pre-school next year even without the new 5 year old
program, but I think this program will give him yet more opportunities to
grow.
grechtel
My 5 1/2 year old son is currently in the Bridge K program at
Step One
School in Berkeley and I can honestly say deciding to enroll him in their
amazing program has been the best decision I have made thus far! This is
our third year at Step One School and last year I was faced with deciding
to enroll him in public school kindergarten, or enrolling him in Step One's
Bridge Kindergarten program. I just didn't feel he was emotionally or
socially ready for kindergarten and thus chose Step One. My son is also
very bright and quite painfully shy and the personal attention he and all
the bridge k kids receive from the Step One teachers helped foster in him
an amazing sense of self confidence. Over the past year I have watched him
come into his own. Now, as he faces entering kindergarten in Public School
this fall, I am fully confident that he has the social and emotional skills
needed to flourish!
Although, leaving the warm, nurturing, diverse, rich Step One family will
be very difficult for my son and I ....we do so knowing that our lives (and
specifically my son's life) will forever be shaped by the love and
dedication of the entire Step One faculty.
Step One is everything you are looking for and so much more! I encourage
you to call them and arrange for a tour, I do believe they still have an
opening for next fall. Their number is 510-527-9021 www.steponeschool.org
good luck!!
Cindy
We will be so sad to leave the amazing Little Red Schoolhouse as
our daughter turns 5, and begins kindergarten. Gloria's decades of
teaching experience, her multi-sensory lessons, and use of original
songs, sign language, and dramatics with her students have been a
highlight of our child's toddler, and pre-school years. John's
cello playing for the children, his reading to them, and his gentle
assistance with crafts, games (indoor, and out), and play add to
the children's feelings of joy, and security. The pack of photos
they give you every Monday of your child's previous week take the
sting out of returning to work, and leaving your child for the day.
Shall I mention the amazing events/performances? They sponsor the
Little Red Apolis yearly with Big Wheel races, and ''driver''
biographies, they have multiple presentations around seasonal
observations (a nut party, or other Fall theme for instance), and
different units throughout including in past years Japan which
included Children's Day, The Rainforest which included learning
many animal names in Portuguese, Long, Long, Ago-- from the Big
Bang, through pre-historic anthropology. Each unit includes sign
language vocabulary, languages from geographical/cultural subjects,
often with songs in foreign languages, or with sign accompaniment,
and amazing craft projects. Gloria is creative, endlessly patient,
has the personality required to be permanently enthusiastic in a
room full of young children, and is a person of tremendous
character. The class size is small-- I think around 10-12 total
with several being part-time, and their hours are great:
7:30am-6pm. They are up in the Richmond hills, near the El Cerrito
border, and have a lovely home, with a sweet yard. They usually
sponsor visits in Winter, and accept students by early Spring, but
a family with 2 children in the class moved unexpectedly, and so
they have openings. Here's their phone (510) 234-5966, and their
link: http://www.lrshpreschool.org/index2.php?page=look
Beryle
My son has been enrolled in Global Montessori International School in Berkeley
since the age of two and we love it! Small class size, wonderfully kind and
attentive teachers and staff, and immersion education of children in Mandarin
are what make this program special. They provide potty training as well. The
kids have dual exposure to english and mandarin at the upper levels.
Extracurricular activities include gardening, cooking, art under the guidance
of MOCA, Soccer shots, field trips to various museums, visiting musicians, and
education on various topics ranging from dental hygiene to Asian cultures. The
kids achieve a very high level of proficiency in math at a early age. Because
they are learning both languages at such an early age, both come naturally
and pronunciation seems to be quite clear for each respective language without
accents or crossovers. The kids just seem to know to speak Mandarin to the
Chinese speakers and English to the English speakers. If you really want your
child to fully develop both sides of his or her brain in an attentive, loving
environment, this is the place for you. Over half of the kids enrolled come
from backgrounds with no Mandarin, so no need to worry if you're a non-speaker
like me :)I
Vivian
The Rose Kindergarten
in El Sobrante is the most wonderful place I can
imagine for a pre-K child. They have a couple of very rare fall openings
-- don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity! Both my children were lucky
enough to attend Diana Mei's fabulous program. My son, now 12, absolutely
thrived in her care. Her program is Waldorf-inspired, but not dogmatic.
Although Waldorf was not a good fit for my son once he entered 1st grade,
his time in the Rose Kindergarten was invaluable to him and one of his
happiest times. My daughter, 5 1/2, is at the Rose Kindergarten now. She
adores it and has blossomed there. It's located on 2 gorgeous acres of
oaks, redwoods, native flowers, fruit trees. The children pick grapes and
make juice in the fall. They garden & care for the chickens all year.
They cook and eat the most wonderful, nourishing food. They make art and
music and have yoga & Spanish weekly and learn ASL. Children can stay at
the school through Kindergarten and go directly to 1st grade; a great
option if you need a full Kindergarten day or don't want heavy academics
in Kindergarten. A wonderful, supportive & vibrant parent community too
which is a great resource for parents & families. Absolutely highest
recommendation.
Karin
May 2011
I am having a hard time identifyingBridge/Transitional kindergarten programs in
the East Bay through my online research. Is there a list of such programs
(public or private), or any specific suggestions?
We may be moving back for this fall or at the beginning of the year, and our son
turns five in October. He is just ready for kindergarten developmentally (and
would go to our local public school in Davis if we do not move), but if we are
also moving then a year in a transitional/slower-paced setting might help. We
are considering Alameda or Walnut Creek, so anything in Alameda/Oakland/Walnut
Creek/Lafayette would be most convenient.
Any suggestions on specific programs/schools, or are there ''magic words'' when
searching?
Thanks!!
Looking for the in-between
I'd urge you to take a look at The Lake School. Our son attended the
Developmental Kindergarten (''DK'') program last year and loved every
minute of it! It's a wonderful school, a fantastic program, and the
philosophy and feel of the school are so, so special. The kids really
benefit from the caring teachers and experienced Director. Come take a
look! http://www.thelakeschool.org/index.html
R.
In Alameda, Garner Learning Center (run by Bright Horizons) has 2 bridge-K
classrooms and 1 kindergarten classroom (which many people also use as a
bridge-K program). We chose to delay our son a year for kindergarten and
put him in one of the bridge-K classes there - we couldn't be happier.
It's a wonderful place and the kids come out more than ready for
kindergarten.
Garner Mama
Hi.
Please check out the website to the Heavenly Touch Preschool Program.
It's a home base program, but do not be deceived by it being in home.
It is far from a daycare, high quality program, ran by a young lady with
her M.A. in education from Mills College. The curriculum is project based
and writing, pre reading, and math are incorporated into every theme. I
could go on, but you should visit for yourself.
www.heavenlytouchpreschool.vpweb.com
Hope that helps
moon
Contact Berkeley Unified School District and ask about their new (in its
second year) Pre-k Bridge program called
''High Fives''
offered at Washington Elementary school. Birthdays between Sept and Dec are invited
to go to this transitional program with the same hours as Kindergarten,
free of charge. Your other alternatives are private pre-schools.
Berkeley Parent
The Berkeley School
(http://theberkeleyschool.org/) is rolling out a bridge
program next year at their Early Childhood Campus (ECC). The program is
called ECC5 and is designed for kids that are hovering around kindergarten
ready, that are ready in some areas but not others, or are ready in all
areas but for whatever reason would benefit from a bridge program. The ECC
has lots of experience in educating pre-schoolers and kindergarteners
alike, so they will be ready, willing and able to tailor the ECC5 to the
individual needs of the students. IC-m an ECC alum, my oldest (November
birthday) is graduating from the ECC after three years this year, and IC-ll
likely be sending my twins there year after next. We love it and could not
recommend it more highly. Good luck!
SLN
Our son is just finishing a year in the bridge-K class at Park Day School;
it has been a wonderful year for him. He was ready for something more than
preschool, but wasnC-t quite ready to start kindergarten. This was an ideal
solution for us. The class has a much more structured environment than
preschool, so the kids start to get the feel of school (they have circle
time every morning). They are exposed to reading, writing, math but there
is no pressure for them to learn them (yet our son has started to read with
almost no coaching from us). The teacher is amazing; she has developed a
very rich curriculum; filled with art, finding art in nature, recurring
themes and projects, outside play and projects, science (such as studying
water and its different properties), lots of socializing and play (thereC-s
a big block area and dress-up corner). There is always a focus on play and
stimulating and supporting their interests. I hope this is helpful, good
luck in your search!
anon
My son is finishing up at the JCC East Bay's Bridge-K program. He has had
an amazing year in a very intimate class led by an incredible teacher. I
think all of the parents in the class would agree with me!
Sally
Feb 2011
After reading all the bridge and pre-K information on BPN, I still find
myself searching for what I want, so I thought I'd ask. We may be
sending our young 5yo boy to bridge or pre-K in the fall of 2012, and
I'm researching schools now. I'm looking for a program that is
mornings-only (not afternoons) and doesn't cost as much as college. If
you know of a reasonably priced, morning bridge K program that you've
been happy with from personal experience, please tell me about it!
-Hunting for Bridge K
Step One School
in Berkeley has openings for their Bridge-K program. We have
really loved it for our child. It is 5 mornings a week (with an option to do afternoons
as well). I would definitely recommend you contact them and go and visit.
Their website is steponeschool.org. Or you can call them 510 527 9021.
Good luck
Step One parent
We sent our oldest daughter to the bridge K program at
Step One School in Berkeley. Her
birthday is in October and we felt as though she would benefit from an extra year in a
pre-K program before elementary school.
She thrived in that environment and was so well prepared for her first year at our local
public school. The learning was so thoughtful and infused with play that she didn't
even realize she was ''working''. Time and time again during her first year at
elementary school (she's in first grade now) she would say, ''Oh, we did that at Step
One''.
I would highly recommend the program, and specifically the brilliant teachers Steve and
Gege. Please feel free to contact me if you want to talk more.
Sarah
Our child is having a great year in the Kindergarten
Transition/Bridge classroom at Montessori Family School
in El
Cerrito. The classroom accommodates children ages four to six. Our
child is one of ten children in the KT classroom with two excellent
teachers, one male and one female. This year our child is receiving
incredible individual attention and is engaged academically and
socially. He is developing a solid self-confidence, interacting with
peers in the safety of his classroom as well as playing sports in the
play yard with his classmates and older children as well. He is now
ready to dive into the elementary classroom at MFS and go. Our
experience in KT has been exceptional.
Happy with Bridge-K at MFS
Nov 2010
I need recommendations for a transitional kindergarten or preschool
in El Cerrito/East Richmond/Albany/North Berkeley area that has a
good program for older preschoolers. My daughter will be almost
five at the start of next school year (Nov bday) but is a little
young emotionally for kindergarten. Her current preschool is not an
option as we are moving out of the area. Thanks!
anon
We have a 'young' 5 year old at the JCC East Bay's new Bridge-K
program and couldn't be happier. He is making great friendships and
feeling so positive about learning, I highly recommend it. The
teacher is great and the community wonderful!
Sally
May 2010
We just re-located to Berkeley don't know what to do about school next year. We
are looking for either a Bridge-K or a challenging 4/5's pre-school program for
our terrific son who will be 5 in September. I'd like to give him another year
before sending him to K. We missed all the application processes so we are at a
loss. Does anybody know of any schools with openings? Thanks.
I highly recommend Montessori Family School, and I know that
they still have places available for next year. They are
located at Scenic and Hearst, right across the street from
Cal. Their ''Kindergarten Transition'' program might be just
what you're looking for, based on your post.
Our son has been very happy at MFS and has been thriving
both socially and academically. The teachers are amazing,
and we really like the atmosphere in the classroom and at
the school generally. The teachers do a wonderful job
figuring out what each child is ready for. The after school
program is also terrific, with outstanding teachers.
Happy MFS parent
Tehiyah Day School, a Jewish community-oriented school in El
Cerrito, is starting up a bridge K program for fall 2010.
There will be bus service from Berkeley and Oakland. They
have hired a terrific program director and will be using a
newly renovated building. The curriculum will have a strong
science focus. They will also be providing hot lunch on a
daily basis. I will be sending my daughter there to be part
of their first class. I believe they still have one or two
spaces available for the fall.
Elisabeth
It's not billed as a bridge-K program, but my late Fall birthday boy is at Escuala
Bilingue Internacional (EBI). It is Spanish emersion, so you might want to ask
how many other new kids would be joining in Mid-K (as the year before
Kindergarten is called). It's a great program with an engaging mix of activities,
art, gardening, PE, and Kindergarten prep.
anne
Welcome to the area!
The JCC of the East Bay in North Berkeley has added a
Bridge-K program to their excellent preschool. There are
still a few spaces available, but you may have to act
quickly. Our kids went to the preschool, and did absolutely
great there - we are big fans.
For more info: http://prod.jcceastbay.org/childhood/bridgek.html
Good Luck!
*** Happy JCCEB family
If you would consider a school in North Oakland, I suggest you
contact Flo Hodes at Park Day School. Their Bridge-K program
is taught by the beyond-fantastic Harriet Cohen, and I could
not imagine a better experience for a child than to spend a
school year in Harriet's classroom. She is absolutely
remarkable; a living legend!
Satisfied Parent
Hi!
I can highly recommend Berkeley Hills Nursery School (849-
1216; Franca is the director) for your son. It's not a
Bridge K per say, but children come out ready for
kindergarten! The program is play based, but the teachers
are fabulous at creating an engaging and enriching
program. Check it out. There are still a few spots in the
4-5 year old program.
Good Luck!
Happy preschool mama
Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC) in Oakland is starting a Bridge K
program for next year. The program is afternoons only, with parents helping in
the classroom once every three weeks. It is looking very exciting. There are a
few more spaces available. Email preschool@mcpckids.org to schedule a tour
and find out more.
jolie
My almost 6 kid (who's currently a Kindergartner) went to a really good
preschool in El Cerrito (very close to Solano Av). Is a bilingual preschool (English
and Spanish) where they can prepare the kids for the challenge of Kindergarten.
When we moved here (2 years ago) my son didn't speak much English and
thanks to that preschool is doing perfectly fine in an all English speaking class.
The teachers are two nice ladies who treat the students like family while
preparing them for that new world they will find in Kindergarten. Also they have
a small farm where they grow (and eat) their own fruits and vegetables and
music and gymnastic classes.
My youngest child is now attending this preschool, so I happen to know that they
still have openings.
Give them a call. The school name is ''Rising Sun'', (510) 5286041.
Good luck!
Carmen
Have you tried talking to Amy Utstein, Director of
Admissions at Tehiyah Day School (510-233-3013) in El
Cerrito about openings at their Bridge-K. We decided to
send our daughter (who will turn 5 in January) to this
brand new program in the fall. I am very impressed with
the schools commitment to learning and to creating a
challenging environment for the students. I have also
been pleased with the director they hired. Susan is
clearly great with the kids and has many years of early
education experience with a focus on science. When we
toured the school, we fell in love and continue to be
impressed with the quality of kids they produce. My
daughter is a precocious and, yes, sassy little one that
is academically beyond her age group but socially needs
another year. We had to make a very hard decision because
she is at a school we love but ultimately decided that the
Tehiyah Bridge K was the right environment for her. I
encourage you to consider the Tehiyah Bridge-K. I believe
there are spots available.
anon
I would like to highly recommend Tehiyah's new Bridge k
program. I cannot say enough good things about Tehiyah in
general, but I am also really impressed with what I saw
during the tour of the bridge k program. The head teacher
is amazing! Very thoughtful and creative. Her background
is in the sciences and she really wants the kids to learn
through experience. I am extremely excited about the
messy room. The kids are just going to go to town with
materials and ideas. They are going to be encouraged to
explore and create. The art teacher, who I have known for
3 years now is one of the best I've ever seen. She is
very process oriented. She really wants the kids to
explore different mediums. She also uses her lessons to
teach childen about different artists and different
cultures. I cannot wait until my son starts in the fall.
This is going to be a unique and one of a kind
experience.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
I have a lot more to say, but not enough room.
Lara
Tehiyah Day School now has a Bridge Kindergarten!
Check out this link for a wealth of information about the
program as well as contact information:
http://www.tehiyah.org/Learning_at_Tehiyah/Bridge_K/
Joan
We love The Berkeley School! And while the program isn't
specifically labelled ''Bridge-K,'' you should tour and see
for yourself whether your son would be happier at the
Early Childhood Campus or the Elementary/Middle School
Campus. Without knowing your child, it's hard for me to
say. Our child started at age 3 and is now in 2nd grade
and is really happy there. www.theberkeleyschool.org
Happy TBS Parent
There are spaces available at the JCC East Bay for Bridge-K
children. Contact Ruth Shorer at 510-848-0237 x122
Ruth
I highly recommend Tehiyah Day School's new Bridge-K. My
husband and I researched and toured the various programs in
the area and felt Tehiyah was the best for our son.
We are very excited about the new curriculum which
incorporates science (ecology and conservation)into the
classsroom. Tehiyah's community is warm, inclusive and
extremely supportive. This is very important to my husband
and me.
Please feel free to email or phone (510) 891-1809.
Details about the program are available at:
www.tehiyah.org/Learning_at_Tehiyah/Bridge_K/
FYI--Meals are provided as well as free bus service to and
from school.
violette
Step One in North Berkeley has an amazing
bridge-K program.
They have one spot left. Their facility is
wonderful with
lots of outside space, gardens, outside kitchen,
etc. The
community of parents is very welcoming. It is the
perfect
program for a child that isn't quite ready for
kindergarden.
http://www.steponeschool.org/
NB
Jan 2010
My 4 yr-old daughter is maybe not quite ready for Kindergarten next year
so we'd like to find a pre-K or bridge-K program for her where she can
begin to learn the skills and routines of ''real'' school but in a fun,
supportive and creative environment. Any recommendations? Thanks!
Sue A.
Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool has an afternoon PreK
program for kids that turn 5 between August and
December(ish). My son goes there now and it's been great
for him. Teachers are wonderful, small class size (11 this
year) is perfect, balance of play vs structure is ideal.
Social and emotional growth are key elements of the program.
Call 547-4432 to schedule a tour or visit
www.lindabeach.org. Or email me.
Rachel
The JCC in North Berkeley is starting a Bridge-K next year
for kids like yours. The current ECE director will be
directing it--she's great, and currently directing the
preschool (where my daughter is--she loves it), and they'll
be providing everything you mention. Although it is a
Jewish Community Center, and has some Jewish content, it is
open to all, and there are lots of kids in their afterschool
programs who are not Jewish. You can call Ruth Shorer at
510 848 0237 x122 for more info.
JCC parent
My 4 year old is in a similar situation. He is currently at
MCPC (which we love!)
and they are starting a new bridge-k program this year. It sounds amazing.
The parent info night is Thursday, February 4th at 7:00. Good Luck!
lori
I think my son's preschool,
Keystone Montessori in El
Cerrito, would be a great fit for your daughter. We have
decided to send my son to private school and he misses
their birthdate cutoff by just a few weeks. On top of
that, we think he would benefit from being more socially
mature so we are keeping him at his preschool for another
year. The beauty of a Montessori classroom is that it is
designed to be mixed age but the school has also developed
some unique materials and activities specifically for the
group of kindergarten age kids whose parents choose for
them to stay there either for kindergarten or as a bridge-
K. This group gets special lessons and work that is fun
yet challenging. There is great friendships built based
on the amount of work the children do together and this
group of older kids really blossom as they are looked
towards by the younger ones in the classroom as role
models and leaders. You can check out their website at:
www.keystonemontessori.org. Best of luck with your search.
Happy Keystone Parent
Saklan Valley School in Moraga is a lovely little nursery -
8 school. Our daughter attended their PreK program the year
she was 4-turning-5 and, as you describe, not ready for K
but beyond another year of play-based preschool. It was
wonderful, fantastic, fun -- just the right amount of
learning and structure balanced with plenty of play and
hands-on activities. For example, they have a superb
pre-reading curriculum that she just loved. Another example
-- the music teacher -- she still talks about and imitates
her fabulous Saklan Valley music teacher.
Saklan is in Moraga which isn't as far as it might sound
from Oakland -- especially going the back way from the
Montclair area, it's just a 15-20 min hop over the hill.
They've got a perfect little playground, kind and
well-trained teachers, a very happy environment. It's an
excellent little school in general -- in fact we would have
stayed until 8th grade, except that in the end we decided it
was a bit too small for our child (one class per grade).
That smallness is a real advantage in many ways, however, so
I highly recommend having a look.
anon
July 2009
We're looking for a pre-K program for our son for the 2010-11
school year (he will be 5 in the Fall of 2010). We don't need
a 6 hour long program which is what most of them seem to
offer. We would love to find a 9-1 program at an affordable
price. Any recommendations?
Growing Light Montessori
school (with campuses in Oakland and Kensington) has a
1/2 day option. It is a wonderful Montessori with well trained teachers, and a warm,
caring environment. Both my children went there, and we highly recommend it.
A happy parent
I can highly recommend New House Day School, on the corner of
Hopkins and Alameda in N.Berkeley as a fabulous preschool with
a shorter day and 3 to 5 day a week options, M-F from 8:30 to
3:30. We currently have our 3.5 year old there. She loves it
and is excited to go to ''school'' where they strike a lovely
balance between free play, structured play, and learning. My
now 7 year old just the other day said that his time at New
House was ''the best time of his life so far''. There is a sun-
filled yard with swings and playhouses and a veggie garden and
apple tree, loads of art projects inside, a whole two rooms
devoted to play and dress-up, and teachers who are loving and
fun. Dance and music classes weekly, and walks to library for
story time there. My older kids were extremely well prepared
for Kindergarten, both academically and socially. The director
is Mabel Perez, 524-3465.
Rebecca
May 2009
We moved here last month, and I am looking for a placement for
my 4 1/2 year old son in Berkeley, Oakland, or Alameda (live in
Berkeley, work in San Leandro. I would love to get input on
ideas of the best place for him.
Because he is a fall birthday (11/1/04 bday) and doesn't seem
ready for kindergarten, I have been looking at Bridge K
programs for him. It would be ideal though, to find a Pre-
K/Kindergarten combo class. Do these exist anymore? He is
extremely tall for his age and likes playing with older kids,
so I like the idea of him being mixed with Kindergarten
students.
As for Bridge K programs, I have had my eye on Step One
(waitlisted), Park Day (nice but $$), Hearts Leap (full), Grand
Lake Montessori (full), JCC of the East Bay(will visit), Home
Sweet Home in Alameda (will visit). Am I missing anyplace? It
is not easy to find an opening this time of year. Would love
to send him to the same place for the summer as well, if
possible.
Thank you for your ideas!
gm
We live in Alameda and send our son to
Bright Horizons at
Garner Learning Center.
http://centers.brighthorizons.com/garner/
We absolutely love it there - the faculty and the facilities are
wonderful. They have a bridge-K program as well as a private
kindergarten. Depending on your child and their skill set, I'm
sure that one of them would be a great fit prior to public
kindergarten.
Another Mom of a Fall Birthday Boy
We looked at pre K programs last year for our son who was
turning 5 in December. We ended up at
Berkeley Montessori and
have been very happy with the school. You can check to see if
they still have any spots for next year. It's a great school,
and our son has thrived there. You can look online at
http://www.bmsonline.org/index.php
April 2009
We are considering a move to Berkeley from NY - my primary concern is finding a
preschool for our 4 year old boy/girl twins that can still take them. To give them a
bit
of stability we want to consider a preschool that offers a kindergarten program as
well.(though it's not essential) We come from a coop preschool the demands on the
parents are pretty minimal, so anything that requires a weekly all day visit from
parents is not something of interest. Oh one more thing, because we have not settled
on a town I am guessing Berkeley/Albany/poss oakland. Thanks for your help.
Newcomer from NY
Check out Growing Light Montessori,
which has campuses in Kensington (10 min. drive
from Berkeley, 5 min. from Albany), and in Oakland. The school goes from toddler
classroom through kindergarten. There's no parent participation requirement. More
over, it is an authentic Montessori school, a warm community with well trained staff
members and teachers who have a remarkably low turn-over, and also, it has a low
teacher/student ratio. My older daughter graduated from there last year, and the
younger one is still happily thriving there. The school works wonders.
Katrine
I'll put in another good word for
Lakeshore Children's Center in
Oakland. It is a play-based, full-time preschool geared toward
working parents. The kids are divided into two houses of about
24 kids each (the 2's & 3's and the 4's & 5's), but both groups
have ample play time together They have a bridge K program. Not
a co-op; they ask for 12 hours of volunteer effort per family
per year.
And perhaps most importantly, the last two years, since my
daughter has been there, they have had openings well into the
fall.
A happy LCC parent
Try Hummingbird Montessori Preschool, Albany.
We love it! Home-based of 10-12 kids with 2 teachers who are kind, disciplined, and
care about their students. My 2 daughters (almost 3 and 5yr old) are there. My older
one started since she was 2.5 yr old. For the past 2 years, the kids have had really
gymnastic class and swimming class.
They are looking for more 4 yr old since some of the bigger students will be moving on
to K. I have had good experience with the school. Worth checking out.
The number is 510.524.8007 Jeanne Devin
Albany mother of 2
If you are not already a member, I would suggest joining Twins
by the Bay (www.twinsbythebay.org), which is a great support
group in the East Bay for families with multiples. They have a
listserve like this one to which you could post this question.
Best,
Daria (mom of twins and member of TBB)
Nov 2008
There's plenty of discussion and advice in the archives about
whether to send a kid with a December birthday to K or to hold
them back. I'm gathering that there's not a lot I can do about
my daughter who will be ready to go to kindergarten, but because
of a mid-December b'day won't be eligible until 2010.
My question is, where do they go in the intervening year? We are
at a great play-based preschool right now, but I can't really see
her spending another year there, especially since most, if not
all, of her classmates will be in K next year. (If the other
kids weren't going, I'd be happy to keep her there.) Being the
only 5 year old with a bunch of 3-4 year olds is not going to cut
it.
So what programs did you choose for your kid and why? She loves
school so I want her to be challenged and around similarly aged
kids. And I think that she's ready to do more - although I'd
consider a play-based program if it had enough older kids.
I'm looking for advice and recommendations.
Many thanks!
claire
I would suggest the Berkeley Montessori School for your daughter. They
will be starting a blended K-1st grade class at their university
campus in the fall. My daughter, a late September baby, is in her 3rd
year at the Early childhood campus. We chose this school precisely
because they didn't arbitrarily place children in grades according to
their age. When touring many of the private schools we were often
faced with the Sept.1st cut-off. BMS doesn't use this system and opts
instead to blend children into age groups that are socially and
academically beneficial. My daughter loves the school and is very
excited to attend the Upper elementary campus next year. Give them a
call to schedule a tour. Good Luck.
Happy BMS parent
At Ecole Bilingue (the French-American school in Berkeley), the
cut-off is December... I don't think there is a specific day in
December. In my children's classes, there have been children who had
late December birthdays and so were quite young compared to some of
their classmates. You don't say if exploring private schools is an
option, but here is one that will let younger kids (December
birthdate) do kindergarten if they are ready. Good luck to you and
your daughter.
eb parent
Have you looked at any Montessori preschools near you? Not
sure where you live but I have one child currently enrolled at
Keystone Montessori
in El Cerrito and because of the mixed age
environment, there are plenty of kids who are 5. Some are
there because they miss the cut-off and others actually choose
to stay for kindergarten. The school is well established, has
fantastic caring teachers and a great program. My first went
there as well and was well prepared for kindergarten. Most
importantly, we learned that being ready for kindergarten meant
emotional and social readiness more than academic readiness and
I think Keystone does a great job in that area. Good luck with
your search and if El Cerrito is doable, I'd highly recomment
checking Keystone Montessori out.
Happy Keystone Parent
Feb 2008
My boy will be 5 in July and yes, old enough for a regular K
class, but it's not looking like he'll be mature enough for
one, especially if we want to go public. He needs another year,
and we are looking for programs in the Oakland area that fill
the gap between preschool and K. He's reading, and starting to
write, so I want him to continue to move forward academically
at his pace, while getting a little more time to develop
socially and emotionally.
I've looked at the preK recs (Beacon, Lakeshore Learning, etc.)
and then when I go to their websites, see no mention of preK
anywhere! We are looking for a one year program with kids who
are all his similar age. If we wanted, we could keep him at his
old preschool, but we were looking for the next level. He might
be okay at his preschool for about half the year, but I think
the second half will be hard for him.
So, do Pre K (or even developmental K) programs exist anymore?
any recommendations? I would appreciate any leads. I may even
be able to go to Berkeley if that's the only option.
-Mama of a boy who needs more time
Check into Linda Beach Preschool. My son attended their pre-k program for a
year and had a great year there. The hours are short (12-2:45), but he got
the extra year he needed to get ready for kindergarten. It is truly a pre-k.
The program is three years old now. There are families from Oakland and
Piedmont at the school. The school is located in the Piedmont Community
church on Highland Ave.. Children from Linda Beach go on to Oakland public,
Piedmont public and independent schools.
Happy former pre-k parent
I believe that Lakeshore Children's Center on Lakeshore Ave
offers pre-K. My neighbor has a daughter who went there last
year (she has a Feb birthday, so went from 4.5 to 5.5) and was
very happy with her progress there. Website:
http://www.lakeshorechildrencenter.org/index.html
a Neighbor
The Piedmont Rec Dept offers a pre-K program Monday-Friday from 12:30-3:30. You
don't have to be Piedmont residents--many kids in the rec dept programs aren't. Our
kids have not done pre-K (it's new as of last year) but have done preschool through the
rec dept and we have nothing but great things to say about the programs and teachers.
Check it out at:
http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/recreation/pre-k.shtml
Nov 2007
We'll be sending our daughter to preschool at 3yrs 9 mos next
fall. She is precocious and has a late December birthdate. Does
anyone have a recommendation for a preschool with an accredited
Kindergarten program that might put her into K despite her late
Dec birthday?
Giving her options
Come visit Beatie Street in Oakland off of Park. There are only 15 kids and
instruction is differentiated to support both preschoolers and kindergardeners.
There are two instructional circle times per day with all kids participating at their
developmental level and then there is individualized instruction for kids who have
shown reading readiness (most of these are of Kindergarten age). Many students
graduate and move into first grade while others, though most can already read, go
into kindergarten. The program is both Montessori and play-based, a unique
combination that seems to work great for the kids. Beatie Street's director, Judy
Kahn is a passionate and committed teacher and is a wonderful person. The school
is committed to creating a strong community, having diversity (in all senses of the
word), and also offers sliding scale tuition. Full time only and commitment through
kindergarten is preferred.
Marielle
Oct 2005
I am looking for a Pre-K program for Sept '06 for my son who
was born in December. He will miss the cut-off for
Kindergarten at Hillcrest next year and will already have
attended two years of a Montessori preschool. Ideally, I am
looking for a program that would seperate kids his age from the
younger preschoolers and from the true kindergarteners. We
live in Oakland but are willing to travel. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Natasha
Recommended:
Beacon Day School
Hearts Leap Pre-K Program
Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool
June 2005
We are looking for a pre-k program for our 4 yr old sons. I
would love to hear your recommendations on schools; hints on
what to look for and any other information you think might be
useful.
Thank you!
ajg
I am looking for a school with pre-kindergarten openings for
this Fall. My son is 4 years old and his current school
advises me he will thrive in an environment with play and some
structure. He is coming from Treehouse (First Covenant) and the
director informs me provides they provide ''too much structure''
for my child. I am looking for an alternative for this summer
and fall, because they will only provide coverage from 9-12pm
because of the situation. We live in Glenview in Oakland. Any
advice or help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
tyche
Recommended:
Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool
Step One School Pre-K program
Feb 2004
I've checked the archives but didn't find answers specific to my
question...Our daughter has a January birthday and won't start
kindergarten until she is 5 1/2, in Fall 2005. She has never
been in preschool, but is ready, and will go this fall, for the
year before kindergarten. Does anyone have any recommendations
for a North Berkeley preschool that is well-suited to 4.5 year
olds? Larger, more structured, like a ''real'' school, (as opposed
to a small, unstructured, homebased one)? She is a bright,
sociable girl who gets along well with peers as well as adults.
Thanks much.
a Berkeley mom
Dear Berkeley mom:
I suggest that you consider some of the Montessori style
preschools. The Montessori preschools are usually designed to
be a three-year program ending with a kindergarten year. Thus,
they are often ideal for children who are older but not quite
old enough for private and public school enrollment. My
particular favorite is Berkeley Montessori...which has the added
advantage of a separate K-8 program. (It is a school at a very
exciting time in its institutional evolution. The K-8 program
is moving to brand new digs at University and Acton in
February.) Their Pre-School program is located in a wonderfully
cozy nook at Shattuck and Francisco. (The climbing tree there
is just awesome!) Call 843-9374 and talk with Diane Johnson,
the Director of Admission.
Another good Montessori program is Growing Light Montessori. It
has a Pre K/Kindergarten class at both of their locations - one
of which is in Kensington. Their Kindergarten teacher, Deborah
Carr, is the best! Call Maggie Scheving at 527-1278.
Another North Berkeley pre-school is Step One on Spruce. I was
the Director of Admission at Bentley School, evaluating children
for kindergarten admission from a wide variety of preschools.
Step One's kids were very well prepared for the accelerated
curriculum...again because of the availability of a kindergarten
bridge year. They also have a very organized parent outreach
and education program. Call Sue Britson at 527-9021.
Wanda Stewart
Try Gay Austin School on Hopkins in North Berkeley. My
daughter is there now and we love it. They may have openings
in the fall for the 4s program.
Andrea
May 2003
I have been scouring the website while researching possible
schools for my children when we move to the East Bay area.
There was one topic I did not see mentioned. My boys will at
the time of our move be 4 going on 5 (in Dec). I do not want
them to be young kindergarteners as this can be hard on boys so
I am very interested in knowing if there are any good schools
(public and/or private) that offer a junior kindergarten or pre-
kindergarten program that would lead into regular kindergarten
the following year. This would give my guys a little more
stability since they will already have changed schools twice by
the time we move and will be adjusting to our re-location as
well.
Much thanks, CB
Recommendations received:
Beacon Day School preschool program
Duck's Nest Preschool Pre-K program
Seven Hills School preschool program
Step One School Pre-K program
White Pony Preschool 3 years of preschool
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