Berkeley Parents Network: Step One School

Berkeley Parents Network

Step One School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Step One School

Feb 2008

Hi, I have an application in at Step One for our son, but am having doubts about the distance. We live in Montclair and would have to do the daily drive to Berkeley. I LOVE the school, but am wondering if there are other Step One families who do this and/or if the distance impacts playdates with classmates. Also, I was wondering if there are any recommendations for similar programs in Oakland/Piedmont Area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

We did this commute for a year, for an absolutely wonderful year at Gege and Steve's K class at Step One. The drive was peaceful (along Skyline and Grizzly Peak, alas, now that is closed off...); we were able to set up playdates after school; even carpooled together with another family later in the year. However, I was losing 2 hours off my day to just driving, and we were spending a fortune on gas. Still, we may send our third one there, as it is hard to find a similar program. Look into Duck's Nest on Piedmont, but be warned - it may be more $ than Step One, which already is up there (deservingly so). anon

I agree with you that the commute from Montclair to Step One may be challenging. Have you seen the morning traffic going from the Claremont over to campus? Oh my goodness, it is absolutely horrible, as is the return trip in the afternoon. And using Grizzly Peak wouldn't be better (Less crowded but scarrier drivers on curvey roads with sheer drop offs). Step One is very good and very pricey, but it is not the only good (or pricey) preschool out there. I do hope you get some wonderful recommendations in Montclair or nearby, or in a neighborhood that is easy for you to do your commute from. It will save you and your child much morning and afternoon stress during pre-school years ... and that is worth quite a lot. Mom

Jan 2008

Step One School hardly needs another laudatory review but my husband and I want to state our delight at having our daughter at this preschool. The director, Sue, has to be one of the most thoughtful and even-tempered women I have ever met. In a world where many directors tend to be a bit temperamental and/or defensive, she is a breath of fresh air. The co-director, Eric, is eloquent and funny while being very salt of the earth. The three teachers of our daughter's class Charlie, Aaron and Jane, are sweetly alive, motivated and lovely to watch with the kids. We get weekly notices of snacks provided (mostly organic,) and of activities that are happening (many and varied.) We get almost daily notices of what has happened with our child in particular. It is surely a swell place to be if you are young and in need of place to call your pre-school. Thank you again, Step One. Elizabeth

Nov 2007

Re: Preschools with Male Teachers
Step One in Berkeley has multiple WONDERFUL male teachers. Four of the 5 classrooms have a male teacher, and one classroom has 2 men. As a group they are exceptionally caring and gentle. Two of the three male teachers my children have had are literally among the best people I've ever met (I really like the third one too!). The down side is that if you aren't already on their waiting list it will be hard to get in for next year. Still get yourself on the list. If your child can spend any time at Step One, it would be worth switching preschools in the future. anon

Step One in the Berkeley hills prides itself on having at least one male teacher in each classroom. It's one of the (many) things I have loved about this school, which my son has attended for 2 yrs. It's a popular choice, however, and can be hard to get a space, especially if you are not looking for full time. happy Step One parent

I can highly recommend Step One in the Berkeley Hills. Every classroom has at least 1 male teacher, and they are all fantastic! The co-director is a man,too, as are some of the regular substitutes and administrative staff. It's also just a great school overall! dawn

The preschool my daughter attends, Step One School in north Berkeley, has a male teacher in each classroom (each class has two or three teachers)and there are several other male teachers among the rotating substitutes. So there are many positive male role models there. The school is fairly hard to get into, apply as soon as you can to possibly get a spot. Good luck! Mollie

Jan 2007

Re: Looking for a good preschool in Berkeley
Both our children went to Step One, from 2000-2005. It was just terrific! The teachers are wonderful and the community is warm and supportive. We made some great friends there too. Ann

Re: Pre-K Programs for two 4-year-old boys (June 2005)
Our daughter went to Step One's Pre-K program and it was just terrific for her. I don't know if they have any openings left for the fall, but it's certainly worth a phone call. ad

January 2005

Re: Preschools with Male Teachers (Jan 2005)

Step One School on Spruce Street in the Berkeley Hills has a really diverse staff -- including men. It's a WONDERFUL preschool, thoughtful, responsive, attentive. Your child can sign up for mornings only and they may offer a several-days-a-week option. Sign up NOW ... even if your child is young. Sometimes there aren't openings for girls or boys, depending on current enrollment. Step One School 499 Spruce St, Berkeley, 94708 - (510) 527-9021 appreciative mom

Step One has several male teachers and is a terrific place. My son is in his second year there and is thriving. My daughter went there before him and returns whenever she can. Step One is in the North Berkeley hills at 499 Spruce St. Feel free to call me for more information. ad

Step One school in Berkeley is age 2 through DK(5yrs)and is an excellent school. Every classroom has a male as well as a female teacher. Their telephone number is 527-9021. Daniella

Nov 2003

I have my child on the waiting list for kindergarten, starting in Sept 2004. Two questions for the group. First, any recent impressions from parents that could help me decide if we should actually get in? Second, I've noticed that they have several kindergarten spaces still open for the Kindergarten class that began this year (2003). Is this a bad sign? Thanks in advance. Starting to Decide

This is in response to ''Starting to Decide's'' question regarding Step One for Kindergarten. My daughter was in their kindergarten program last year and had a great experience. The teachers are wonderful and the kids get amples quantities of love and learning. I wouldn't attach any importance to the vacancies. Other schools had them this year too. It might just be a fluke or a sign that the number of kids in the appropriate age group dipped. But it's not a reason to be wary of the program -- it's just terrific!

First of all : in my opinion Step One is a creative,fun school for kids. The Kindergarten has often had more openings than the Pre-K. Generally people who graduate the Step One K redo kindergarten at another school. Out of our graduating class, I think three or four went on to first grade and one of them was home schooled . Most went to K at a public or private K-6 or K-8. That being said all of the kids I have kept aware of have done very well in school. Step One is great at developmental eduation. My daughter drew all day, now she is a natural artist and is a very organized thinker, When we were there Step One did not emphasize academics like reading, writing words or advanced counting. Instead they developed the pre-reading and pre-math skills such as following multi-step directions, social responsibility, asking questions, fine motor skills, lots of music, singing, poems, stories, lots of art, tons of listening skills, lots and lots of physical and creative activity. It was great for kids who needed a little socialization experience, were very creative or free wheeling, or were a little too young for Kindergarten but were ready for more structure than Pre-K - those summer and winter babies.

We needed to decide to apply to first grade after Step One, we thought she was ready. We had our choice of several independent schools' first grades so it is not impossible - but she was disappointed not to be going to a K with her friends.

My older child (now 7 and a summer birthday) went to the Step One Kindergarten and my 5 yr old (a fall birthday) is currently enrolled there.

I am responding to the posting expressing concern about the current openings. Step One does an amazing job of balancing the class for gender even with the current trend for boys to attend pre-K. I think it is a testament to the quality of the Step One program that they will not weigh the class too heavily toward one gender and are willing to wait.

As for the program itself, the proof is in the elementary school pudding. When my oldest went on to kindergarten at an elementary school, we got nothing but glowing remarks from his teacher about his ability to concentrate for schoolwork, make friends, transition easily and his general ability ''to hold it together for the whole day.'' Who wouldn't want to give their child every advantage...if you (or your child's preschool teacher) think your child can benefit from another year, you can't go wrong with Step One.

P.S. Step One has great parent resources for the whole school choice process, too, so it's a wonderful community to be in during the ''application'' year.

May 2003

Re: Elementary Schools with Pre-K Programs
Step One preschool in Berkeley has an excellent pre-k, and I just heard this week that they have two openings.

March 2002

RE: Kindergarten Programs

All the programs you are asking about are great, but since I am not certain what kind of program you are looking for, I'm having trouble responding. Are you looking for more of a bridge program? Are you looking for something for the next six years? Step One was great for my child who needed an extra year in a more preschool like setting. He went on to private kinder garten afterward and really did well. Berkeley Mom

My daughter was in Step One last year for kindergarten and was also there the year before. It is a fabulous place and my daughter and I both really miss it. The teachers are fantastic. I have nothing but praise for the whole place; the teachers, office staff, curriculum, etc. nt

Feb. 2002

Re: preschool recommendations
Step One is wonderful. Several years ago when we adopted our daughter at age 4 months, friends suggested that we should immediately get on "The List" for Step One. One friend-of-a-friend was particularly insistent that Step One was the *only* place for us. Perhaps because I bristled at the notion that an acquaintance would know what was best for us, and because I hoped to find a school that was within walking distance of our home, I didn't even visit Step One until we had some rather disappointing experiences at a couple of small, neighborhood home-based schools. When I finally did visit Step One, I was smitten--I wished I was 3 years old! The teachers and staff are wonderful and smart and caring, and everyone gives a lot of thought and attention to everything--especially to the children, of course. I feel very fortunate that we were able to spend this one pre-K year at Step One, and I wish I had heeded the advice we were given when our daughter was a baby--get on the list now! (If you have specific questions or want to know more, feel free to contact me.) Lori

Jan. 2002

Regarding Preschool for child with developmental delays
I'd suggest calling Step One Pre-School in Berkeley (527-9021), and talking to the directors, Eric and Sue. It's a wonderful school with a rich and diverse program, and it was great for both of my children (now 10 and 13). I'm sure that Eric and Sue will talk with you about how they might work with your child, and suggest additional resources to you. Merry

Jan. 2002

Re: Preschools
Step One is a fabulous preschool, that, I think, meets the qualifications you listed in your posting. The teachers are caring and capable, the kids and parents are diverse culturally and economically, the school is fun and challenging, and the staff are good at working with different kinds of kids. My son is an inward child nd can have difficulty warming up to new situations. He has blossomed at Step One, in my opinion because of the excellence of the teachers at drawing him out and capitalizing on his talents. I couldn't be happier with the school.

September 2001

Re: Child with severe food allergies

My childrens' preschool, Step One in Berkeley, has banned all peanuts and peanut products and several other nuts and related products due to severe nut allergies. Mpbannett

My daughter is at Step One School, where all peanut and tree nut products (and sunflower seeds, chocolate, and various other foods) have been banned because several children are seriously allergic (i.e., contact with the allergen could require hospitalization and could be life threatening). Perhaps this is the school you have heard of.

My feeling is that a ban is the only responsible thing a school can do if it knows that seriously allergic children attend. I also think that any school would be required by law (under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal law) to make such a reasonable accommodation.

So I think you should consider all the schools which are otherwise available to you and take an assertive approach to arranging accommodation of your child's serious medical needs. All preschools hold themselves out as valuing inclusiveness and diversity and this issue gives a good chance for schools to show it. Karen

I'm sure you have already heard about Step One School, which is on Spruce in the Berkeley hills. They have put an impressive amount of thought and energy into how to handle food allergies. (They put a lot of thought and energy into everything else, too, which is why they are so wonderful.) This year for the first time, all Step One parents are asked not to have any nuts in kids' lunches, or for birthday snacks. They have had educational meetings about food allergies, handed out written guides for lunch preparations, and offered "tastings" of alternatives to peanut butter and nuts in general. They sell--at cost--soynut butter for sandwiches. Teachers check lunch boxes, parents of kids with allergies serve as resources. Staff are trained to recognize allergic reactions, and to use epi-pens or whatever else is required. Teachers keep track of all food allergies and dietary preferences, and are very careful in buying and preparing snacks. They have gone to extraordinary lengths to keep kids safe, and to educate the community about the seriousness of some food allergies. Although my daughter does not have life-threatening allergies herself, I very much appreciate Step One's knowledge and concern, and I have learned a lot from the discussions and handouts. Lori

May 2000

Re: Culturally Diverse Preschools
I am Chinese American educator and have just finished selecting a preschool for my 2 and 1/2 year old son so I recently visited the schools I will suggest. Although I did not pick either of these school, I thought they might be possible for your daughter. When I toured Step One (with its infamous long waiting list) in Berkeley, I was favorably impressed with one of the teachers in particular who had activities and images throughout her classroom of racially diverse people. Also, Step One has a small scholarship fund and likes to recruit children and families of diverse background. You seem to fit.

1998

As my daughter approached two, we looked for a preschool that could fufill some of ours family needs. Daycare, so we could work and love, support, play,learning, developmentally appropiate sitmulation and caring for our daughter. Each family has it's own needs and before looking at preschools (or others) some of those ideas should be outlined within each family. We looked at three schools, one was too structured and one too loose. When we arrived at STEP ONE we were overjoyed to find the children happy at play; caring teachers and a developed early childhood educational program. The kids had a large & small group time inside the classroom and out. A caring staff that has a history with the school, project to inspire little minds, guidance for conflicts and much love. There aren't many openings in the two's program because many are filled by siblings but the 3's & 4's program and the pre-K have more space avaialble. Get on the list early.

My 4 1/2 yr old granddaughter, Daria, is in her 3rd & final year at Step One and I have nothing but praise for the school. The kids are socialized to be decent human beings and also to stand up for themselves in non-agressive ways. I am very impressed with the commitment to diversity in all forms, from color to alternative family options to nationalities represented. My granddaughter is mixed and both her hue and her pride as an African-American/Jewish girl is constantly affirmed. There is universally a wonderful, supportive attitude toward the kids: the boys are encouraged to have feelings and the girls are encouraged to be strong. And, of course, vice versa. The staff is diverse, loving, educated and conscious of themselves as important community workers. There is very little turn-over. A problem with Step One is that it is usually hard to get in as demand is very high. Andrea

We have our two year old son at Step One and he loves it, as do we! We had put him in daycare at 4 months due to my husbands' and my working full-time. He was in the same daycare center for almost two years, which was a small group of 8 children (6 boys and 2 girls). My husband and I were afraid that Step One may be too much of a change for him, but after the first few weeks, he was definitely in his element. I looked at 13 preschools in the Berkeley area, and Step One is by far the best, in my mind. The facility can't be beat, nor can the daily interaction the children receive from very experienced staff and other children from many di fferent backgrounds. We couldn't be happier with Step One and will keep our son there until age 5. We also look forward to having our second son attend when he is two. Our first son is a very social, aggressive, and physical little boy, and Step One's curriculm and teachers keep him from getting out of line and teach him how to respect others.

Our daughter Callie is currently in the pre-K program at Step One and she started there in the two year old program.M- She started just before she turned two and has had a wonderful four years there.M- We will be starting our younger daughter there in the fall and she will turn two in May.

The two's program is now headed by Margaret who substituted when Callie was in the room.M- Callie just loved her.M- She has a way with the children that is nurturing and allows them to explore their potential.M- Callie talked early and I would consider her a spirited child.M- The teachers at Step One have been great at allowing her to be who she is.

The 2's start out playing in their own yard space and after a few months they can play in the big yard.M- As the year progresses the older kids play around the 2's.M- They know that they are the room 3 kids and that they are the little ones.

When I decided my daughter, who has an October birthday, would benefit from one more year in a small setting before launching into elementary school, we enrolled her in Step One's kindergarten program this year, and it has been a wonderful experience for her, as well as for us. >From the time I've spent at Step One, I think it is a top-notch nursery school, with very talented, professional teachers. Our daughter has thrived there. I specifically recommend a consideration for the kindergarten program for "fall children" who (I think) almost always benefit from the extra year of preschool. Denise

1996

My daughter currently attends Step One School here in Berkeley and we just received the year end newsletter that mentioned there were a few openings in the nursery school program.

>From the newsletter: "At this time we still have a few openings in the mixed age 3/4's nursery school program. In particular, a younger 3-year-old and a 4 year-old, boy or girl, will help us achieve the balance we like to have in these classrooms. Because many families in the community tell us that they don't apply to Step One because they think they can't get in, we'd appreciate it if you could help us spread the word."

The phone number is 527-9021 and ask to speak to Erika or Sue.

Denise

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