• Owner: Moilan Manning
• Phone: (510) 232-3121
• Email: moilan@prideandjoypreschool.org
• Neighborhood: San Pablo/Schmidt
• Zip: 94530
• License #: 073405658
• Capacity: 45
• Website: http://www.prideandjoypreschool.org/
• Bilingual:
• Ages: infants, toddlers, and pre-school

Our daughter, Kayla, started at Pride and Joy Preschool right around her first birthday. She had been with her mom and dad or her nanny until then. We were nervous about the transition, but after months of research, we decided to give it a go. It was the best decision we could have made. Kayla looks forward every morning to meeting with her best friends -- the other toddlers as well as her caretakers. While I'm dressing for work in the morning, or she's having her breakfast, she's happy to tell me what's on her mind: "Emma, Emma," she says, "Maximus, Roman." When we pick her up in the afernoon, she's happy and proud to show off what she's learned: "ABC TUV Y and Z" Kayla is our miracle baby. Our miracle daughter. We're so careful to give her the best we can. Pride and Joy is one of the best things we've given her. Kim

I will strongly recommend Pride & Joy Preschool in El Cerrito, CA. My son has been attending this school from 3 years. It's a wonderful facility with fabulous staff. Moilan Manning, the Director is an awesome person. -Natasha

My four-year old daughter began attending Pride and Joy Preschool this past August of 2008. After about three months of attending three days a week, she has fully adjusted to the schedule and is very comfortable with the rules and expectations. She walks into the front door of the school upon arrival in the morning, with her head held high and full of such anticipation that she will have a fun, rewarding day. Her spunky, energetic teachers are so wonderful with her, addressing her in such a pleasant tone and giving her that praise and acknowledgment which continues to build her self-esteem. Moilan, our wonderful director, reinforces and emphasizes an environment where kids are respected for who they are and their contributions they make to the larger group. Moilan also invites parents and community members to make presentations to the students. In fact, one of the fathers comes each week to read to the students. There is also a mother who is a dentist and has made several presentations on the importance of dental hygiene.

On the issue of communication between Moilan and the parents, Moilan is very receptive. She passes out memos and announcements on a regular basis. Moilan is available by phone (number to the school is 510-232-3121) or by e-mail. I have personally found e-mail communication to be more effective since the majority of the school day, Moilan is interacting with the children and busy with day-to-day activities involving the kids. She is always open to meeting with parents at appointed times. I have had my daughter now in the school for the past nine months and there has been really no time where I have needed to contact her for an emergency or vice versa. Hopefully, this addresses the issue of communication well.

For more information about the school and others' testimonials, check out Pride and Joy's very professional-looking web site at www.prideandjoypreschool.org Thank you very much, Moilan, and your wonderful staff for doing your best job everyday in caring with such big hearts and allowing kids to grow and develop along their own timeline along with ensuring that they are safe and well-nourished. -Susan

Looking for current reviews on the preschool environment. Is the director easy to communicate with? Are the young teachers effective? Is there a sense of parent involvement/community? The space is beautiful and very thoughtfully planned out, but feeling unsure about the other factors. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. anon

Pride & Joy preschool in El Cerrito is a wonderful place for children. My son attended 10 years ago at the original location. My niece now attends at the new location and it is amazing with a beautiful outdoor play area and even has around 30 security cameras installed to ease parents minds. The inside is beautiful and has many rooms for different types of play including a doll room. The owner Moilan is the most kind and caring person and she is an amazing parent. The school is located on Liberty Street near the El Cerrito city offices. Phone number is 510-232-3121
jeannie

Re: Small part-time preschool
Pride & Joy Preschool is located in El Cerrito. We toured this place when I was looking for a spot for my daughter and really loved it. The program includes 3 meals for full day students and the director helps to reinforce a positive self image for kids through a bilingual/multicultural program. Moilan Manning, 233-8449. --big fan of small preschools

Re: Afterschool care for Harding Kindergartener
For the parent(s) wanting good after-school care for their kindergartener, I highly recommend Pride & Joy Preschool in El Cerrito. They have a wonderful program. Transportation from one school to another might be a challenge, but the programs, love, fun, snacks, and care your child will get will be worth it. My preschooler is there from 8am until nearly 6pm and she doesn't want to leave at the end of the day. Her learning skills are off the charts, as is her ability and desire to play with children of all ages. esther

Re: Part-time preschool in El Cerrito or Richmond

We are currently researching preschools in Richmond/El Cerrito too. We just saw one we really liked.

Pride and Joy Preschool and Afterschool program in El Cerrito has approx. 12-14 kids, offers a wonderful program in a warm home-based setting, and I liked the director when I toured the school a few weeks ago.

They offer 2 full days/week or 3 mornings/week and the price was very reasonable compared to other schools I visited.

Here is the contact info: Moilan Manning, Pride and Joy Preschool 233-8449

Best of luck with your research!
--El Cerrito Mom