Small preschools
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Oct 2007
We are looking for a small home based preschool starting in August for our son who
will then be just over 3 years. We would prefer 1 or 2 teachers with a small ratio of
children. N Berkeley area prefered, but willing to travel a few miles for the right
school. We are very interested in Waldorf and Montessori based schools but are
open to others. Would like to have an earthy type school with more natural wood
type toys, healthy, organic snacks. Also open to co-ops. Our son has only had a
sitter a couple of times in his life, so we are looking for teachers that are very
present and attentive. Thanks for any suggestions!
Try Home Away From Home
run by a woman named Lauren. It is
based in her home on Birch street off of College. Very sweet,
attentive, seasoned, enthusiastic staff (usually 3:1).
Satisfied Parent
Oct 2007
BPN has given me info about a lot of great schools that we
might consider, but I'm sending this in case we missed one.
We're interested in finding a small preschool in north
berkeley/albany that can be part time and is really nurturing.
We want a place that would be great for a very bright and
cerebral three year old. We think her current school may be
too big and boistrous.
ideally something 10-20 students. Lots of art, nature,
gardening etc. Lots of attention to the kids- very involved
teachers.
A place that might have openings before next year is surely
welcome.
debbie
I think Cedar Creek Montessori would be perfect for your
daughter. When our daughter started, she was very shy,
intensely interested in a lot of things but needed to be in a
place where she would be drawn out, or given enough quiet space
to express herself. She has really thrived and blossomed at
Cedar Creek, where kids like her do very well. In fact, it
seems all kids do well there! Cedar Creek is bigger than what
you're looking for, but I found it to be much calmer and more
organized than other smaller schools we saw. Our daughter comes
home every day with an art project (or three), and stories about
what she learned in ''nature studies,'' which the older children
participate in. The students also have music and dance classes
weekly. The teachers are attentive, gentle, warm, and engaging,
and they give hugs when the kids need them. Any time we've had
a concern about our daughter, her teachers are responsive and
helpful. Both the students and the teachers are fairly
diverse. There is a lot of clear and organized communication
between the school and the parents. It's just a great, safe,
nuturing and stimulating environment. I had determined that our
daughter would not go to a preschool with more than 10-15
children and I'm so glad we went to see Cedar Creek. The only
complaint we have about Cedar Creek is that it will be too hard
to leave! We feel spoiled now.
We love Cedar Creek
Try Mi Escuelita in N. Berkeley, near Solano. Max 12-14 kids;
offers part-time; bilingual Spanish; lots of art, music, songs,
reading, daiy walks, library visits, warm, loving care-givers.
My 3 year old loves it. Like a great, big extended family for
her. Might have part-time openings now.
Call 526-4357
raiss
Try ''The Gay Austin School''
on Hopkins in North Berkeley. It sounds like it has
everything you are looking for. I have 2 children that went there and loved it!
Andrea
February 2003
I'm looking for a small, intimate, warm, loving preschool,
preferably with less than 20 kids, for my daughter, who will
soon be three. Many small preschools -- especially those in
private homes -- aren't publicized, and I haven't lived here
long enough to benefit from word of mouth. I'd love to hear
your recommendations. Thank you!
Laura
Recommendations received:
Benvenue Children's Center Berkeley
Garden Day Montessori Berkeley
Hug a Bug El Cerrito
New House N. Berkeley
Rainbow School Oakland - Broadway Terr.
Ready, Set, Grow Alameda (closed as of 7/04)
Sprouts Preschool N. Berkeley
See also: more recommendations for home-based preschools
this page was last updated: Sep 25, 2011
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