MOMS IN BAY AREA (el cerrito, pinole, herulces, etc) ~>GOOD PRESCHOOL STORIES...RECOMMENDATIONS PLS?

Question

I am looking for a good preschool for my son...he is only 15 months but I am starting my search now. We live in the east bay... I am looking for schools in El cerrito, Pinole, Albany, Richmond, Hercules, Berkeley, Martinez, etc.

PLease give me your stories on your experiences and your likes AND dislikes of preschools. What curriculums they offered, safety, etc. ANYTHING HELPFUL. I really need recommendations and suggestions on where to look.

THANK YOU!

Answer 1

I've heard Martinez Adult Ed. has a great program that is a co-op too. So the parents help in the classroom- which is a big plus. Check to see if their are any co-op preschools near you - they fill up quickly, but are worth the extra effort. Children love to see their parents working in the classroom.

I prefer curriculum that is playbased. Some schools are trying to please parents and are becoming too academic. Some parents don't realize that children learn best through play. Look for a school that offers a lot of free time , lots of stimulting experiences and open ended art projects.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I don't know if there will be helpful, but in Schenectady there is the YWCA Childcare center and they have a really good preschool program. They have highly trained staffs and they are accredited by the National association for the education of young children. (NAEYC). Their preschool classroom have two teachers and sometimes three, which is excellent because they children get more one and one attention.