500+ Top Places PICKS OF THE
Making Positiv Impact
Immersed in a joyful school community, Prospect Sierra students think and feel deeply, develop a lifelong love of learning, and are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
Campus Tours for Fall 2025
TK-8 School
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nutrition
We are providing services over the phone during COVID-19, call 510-981-5360
breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods! Working families may be eligible for WIC!
For more information and to see if you qualify, contact:
City of Berkeley WIC Program
For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94710
City of Berkeley WIC Program 1900 6th Street Berkeley, CA 94710
830 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94710
510.981.5360
510.981.5360
510.981.5360
Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@BerkeleyCA.Gov
Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info
Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth
Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth
Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth
You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods! Working families may be eligible for WIC! Do
Good to Know
2025 Best of Parents Press
Reader’s Choice Results Now Available!
We asked and you told us who your Bay Area favorites are, in droves! Parents Press received over 200,000 votes from you guys! Awesome! We have your places to vacation, museums to visit, restaurants, schools, medical, special needs and the list goes on and on! Best of Winners are listed, starting on page 12 of this issue. Plus, you can find even more categories online at ParentsPress. com. Mark your calendars! Voting for 2026 Parents Press Reader’s Choice starts March 1.
Back to School Anxiety
How to make the transition easier.
Feelings of anxiety are expected for children going through transitions such as going back to school. Over the summer, routines have changed and worries of the unknown may begin to stir as the school year approaches. There are ways to recognize anxiety in your child, as well as interventions that can help relieve those feelings. Some behaviors that may indicate your child is having anxiety surrounding the return to school are irritability, change in sleep patterns, continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated questions, and in some cases complaints of headache, fatigue and stomach ache. It is important for your child to attend school to learn that their fears can be overcome, as prolonged absence can worsen your child’s fears.
LISTEN
One of the best ways to make the school transition easier on your child is to acknowledge their anxiety. This can be done by listening to your child’s feelings and encouraging them to speak to you about how they feel. It is important to validate their feelings and not dismiss them. Demonstrate confidence that your child can handle the situation.
PRACTICE
Practicing school routines is another way to prepare your child for school. This can include practice walks to the bus stop, evening routines of packing the backpack and picking
out their clothes, or routines that begin when they wake up such as breakfast, getting dressed and traveling to school. Having a school tour prior to the first day can be a great way to introduce the new environment, as well as finding a new friend or neighbor who will be at the school prior to the first day. During the practice runs, it’s helpful to support your child as they think through difficult points of their day such as changing classrooms.
ROLE MODEL
Another way to provide relief for your child is modeling the calm behavior you would like to see. This can feel difficult in situations where you feel stressed, rushed, or anxious yourself. To work through your own feelings, think of taking deep breaths and remind yourself that your child’s behavior is being driven by anxiety.
SLEEP
Another method to set your child up for success for the new school year is ensuring enough sleep based on their age. The new wake-up schedule for school may need to be slowly implemented 1-2 weeks ahead of the first day. Feelings of fatigue can enhance your child’s anxiety.
After the school year begins, if your child continues to display signs of anxiety such as tantrums, problems sleeping, and/or refusal to attend school or activities, speak with your primary care provider about further interventions.
BEREAN CHRISTIAN
H I G H S C H O O L
GROWING INTO YOUR PURPOSE
PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE
ABOUT BEREAN CHRISTIAN
At Berean Christian High School, everything we do is rooted in our commitment to develop lifetime followers of Jesus Christ. In partnership with the church and the family, we are devoted to guiding students as they walk boldly in their faith, grow into their God-given purpose, and prepare for the future He has for them
This calling shapes every part of the Berean experience from our elite academics and championship-level athletics to our thriving performing arts and diverse student clubs Through a strong Christian worldview, we equip students not just for graduation, but for a lifetime of impact.
We pursue excell ence in every area of our academic program
Whether in a classroom discussion, a science experiment, a chapel message, or a digital innovation project, students are challenged to think critically, live faithfully, and lead boldly Our faculty are the heartbeat of this mission Christ-centered
educators who serve as a living curriculum, mentoring students with wisdom, truth, and grace. Life at Berean is dynamic and meaningful. From the classroom to the chapel, and then to the gym, theater, or student leadership, students are immersed in a community where they are known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
Come experience what makes Berean different
We would love to show you around our campus and introduce you to the extraordinary people who make Berean Christian High School a place where students are w alking boldly in their faith, growing into their purpose, and preparing for their future.
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 | 10:00 AM - Noon
Private School Online Admission Events Calendar
What better way to keep track of all the Bay Area preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 schools & preschools participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on ParentsPress.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on https:// parentspress.com
Good to Know Playground Safety
The Most Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Playgrounds are a fun and stimulating environment for kids to play and burn off energy. Although playgrounds can be fun, each year more than 220,000 children under age 14 are brought to the emergency room for playground injuries. Most injuries are a result of falling from equipment. This can include broken bones, cuts, bruises, sprains, concussions, and internal injuries. The most common injured body part is the arm.
Depending on how high the child is and the way they fall will determine what injuries they may face. This can also happen on monkey bars or swings. Children may lose their grip on monkey bars and fall as a result. Moreover, on swings, children may try to jump off of them midair. This could result in them trying to break their fall incorrectly and cause numerous injuries.
Children can also get injured if the playground area and equipment are not maintained. This can include if a slide, seesaw, swing, etc. has an exposed sharp edge. Children may not see it at first and then be playing and cut themselves. Children may also come into contact with trash or other unsafe objects that were not cleaned up in the playground, causing injury or illness.
The playground is a great place for social interaction for children and a great place for exercise. Parents can keep their child safe and allow for them to have a great time by following these simple precautions!
2025 National Parks
FEE-FREE Days
According to National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, “The entrance fee-free days encourage people to discover the beauty, history, and inspiration awaiting them in the more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” Only about 100 of the 400+ national parks have an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35+. Detailed information about what to see and do in each park is available on NPS.gov or the NPS app. People to know what is open and available before they go, especially if they stay overnight. Fee-free days apply only to entrance fees and do not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours, or other activities.
The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows the pass holder and companions accompanying them unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free and discounted passes available for currently serving members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and seniors.
Free Entrance Days for 2025
August 4: Anniversary of Great American Outdoor Act
September 27: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Safety First: Talking with Your Young Athlete
By Ju’Riese Colón, CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport
Health and well-being are often things adults prioritize at the start of every new year, but what about the youngest among us?
For those with children in sports or thinking about joining organized athletic activities, it’s never too early to find age-appropriate ways to start talking with your young athlete about positive behavior in sport settings. While these conversations can help prevent abuse and other forms of misconduct, they also support crucial life skills like establishing healthy boundaries.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the first national organization in the world dedicated to preventing and responding to abuse within the Olympic and Paralympic movement. But, we cannot do it alone. Shifting sport culture is going to take all of us. The good news is that sport safety can start with something as simple as a conversation—even with kids 5 and under.
Based on the Center’s Parent and Guardian’s Handbook for Safer Sport, here are tangible ways you can talk about boundaries and introduce simple rules related to sport participation with your young athlete.
• Tell your child you value their safety first. If a coach does something that hurts their feelings, hurts them physically, or makes them feel uncomfortable, encourage them to tell you (or another trusted adult) as soon as they can.
• Talk about other adults in their world they consider “safe.” This helps your child feel comfortable sharing concerns with another trusted adult if you are not available. In some families, these may be aunts, uncles, or grandparents. For others, a trusted adult
might be a best friend’s parent, a teacher, caregiver, or pediatrician.
• Ask open-ended questions that can draw out detailed answers. In other words, instead of questions that can be answered with yes or no, ask questions such as “What was your favorite/least favorite part of practice?”
When we establish an open dialogue, kids know they can come to us early and communicate safely. Remember that you don’t have to tackle everything at once. In fact, it’s best to make a commitment to start smaller conversations over the course of time.
Talk about Emotional Misconduct
• Reinforce that a coach may criticize a specific behavior—a kick, a catch, a run—but should never criticize the child personally.
• Teach your child the difference between helping words (such as “you can do it” or “great job trying”) and hurting words (such as “you’re stupid” and “you can’t do anything right”).
• Tell them they should let you know if a coach uses hurtful words when they talk to them.
Talk about Physical Misconduct
• Communicate about physical boundaries with your child before they attend their first class/practice. That includes boundaries between themself and other players as well as the coach.
• Discuss disciplinary techniques that you as a parent consider inappropriate (such as denying a water break as punishment). Tell your child you would want to know if another adult used those on them. This helps them feel comfortable coming to you when something a coach does feels wrong.
When we establish an open dialogue, kids know they can come to us early and communicate safely.
• Help your child understand that making behavioral mistakes (such as not following rules) is different from making skill-related mistakes. They should not be punished for trial and error when learning new skills.
Talk about Sexual Misconduct
• Communicate about what to do if a coach or older kids ask your child to keep something a secret from you or other trusted adults. Encourage them to tell you, even if the secret is something they feel confused or ashamed about.
• Discuss boundaries with your child about who should be touching them and when. Example: “It’s okay for the doctor to look at your private parts during an exam when I’m there, but it’s not okay for anyone else to do that.”
• Use the correct names for body parts when talking with your child and encourage them to use those names as well.
• Remind your child that nobody should be touching their private parts (even if they ask), not even their friends.
• Monitor the relationship of coaches or older kids taking special interest in your child, to spot potential grooming behaviors.
The Center has a wealth of educational tools and resources on abuse prevention for kids and parents. While the guidance above is geared toward children 5 and under, we also offer additional resources on how to talk to children age 6-12 and 13 and older.
Report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also call the Center at: 833-587-7233.
Ju’Riese Colón is the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the nation’s only nonprofit organization committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport. As CEO, Ju’Riese leads the strategic vision and direction of the organization to ensure every athlete is safe, supported, and strengthened through support. An experienced child advocate who serves as an expert on issues related to child safety, Ju’Riese has led prevention and outreach initiatives with youth-serving organizations serving families, educators, law enforcement, and diverse communities. She earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and Spanish from Virginia Commonwealth University.
CAMPS
ACADEMIC CAMPS
TOP 5
• Academic Talent Development Program
• Bishop O’Dowd Summer Academy
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley - Camp Été
• Ohlone for Kids & Teens
• Positive Minds Academy WINNER
• Academic Talent Development Program
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER CAMPS
TOP 5
• East Bay SPCA
• Lindsey Wildlife Experience
• Oakland Zoo
• Sienna Ranch
• Tilden Little Farm Camp
WINNER
• Oakland Zoo
BEST OF PARENTS’ PRESS 2025
AQUATIC/MARINE CAMPS
TOP 5
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Eco Adventures - US Berkeley
• Kids For the Bay
• Sail Alameda
• Trackers Bay WINNER
• Kids For the Bay
ARTS AND CRAFTS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Dancing Paintbrush Studio
• Mocha
• Monkey Business Camp
• Mr.D’s Music Club
• Village Music School WINNER
• Monkey Business Camp
BALLET CAMPS
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• DA Dance Center
• Kids N’ Dance
• Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School
• San Ramon Valley Dance Academy WINNER
• Alameda Ballet Academy
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CODING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Coding Doja
• Off the Block STEM
CULINARY CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bliss Belly Kitchen
• Cooking Round The World
• Positive Minds Academy
• TechKnowHow
• Tinker Coop
WINNER
• Tinker Coop
• Kids Cooking for Life
• Kitchen On FireBerkeley Kitchens
• Sur La Table WINNER
• Kitchen On FireBerkeley Kitchen
DANCE CAMPS
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• Dance 10 Performing Arts Center
• East Bay Dance Center
• Kids N’ Dance
• Mr. D’s Music Club WINNER
• Alameda Ballet Academy
FAITH-BASED CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Kee Tov
• Eden Village West
• Holy Spirit Preschool & School
• Redwood Glen Camp
• Sacred Heart Cathedral SF
WINNER
• Holy Spirit Preschool & School
FOREIGN LANGUAGE & CULTURAL IMMERSION CAMPS
TOP 5
• Adventura - Summer Camp at EBI
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Golestan School
• Viva el Espanol WINNER
• East Bay German International School
GENERAL & TRADITIONAL CAMPS
TOP 5
• Children’s Fairyland
• Creative Play Center
• Golestan School
• Kids Country
• Monkey Business Camp
WINNER
• Monkey Business Camp
GYMNASTICS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bay Aerials Gymnastics
• Bay Island Gymnastics
• Diablo Gymnastics
• Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
• UC Berkeley Gymnastics Camp
for Children & Adults
WINNER
• Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
HOLIDAY & VACATION
CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bladium
• East Bay SPCA
• Monkey Business Camp
• Oakland Zoo
• Viva el Espanol
WINNER
• Monkey Business Camp
HORSE RIDING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Castle Rock Arabians
• Five Star Equestrian
• Kenilworth Stables
• Sienna Ranch
• Skyline Ranch Equestrian Center
WINNER
• Skyline Ranch Equestrian Center
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
CAMPS
TOP 5
• (ATDP) Academic Talent Development Program
• Adventures Leadership Program - UC Berkeley
• Monkey Business Camp
• Salesian College Preparatory
• Walnut Creek Arts & Rec
WINNER
• (ATDP) Academic Talent Development Program
LEGO CAMPS
TOP 5
• BrainVyne LEGO & Money Camps
• Bricks 4 Kidz
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Off the Block STEAM
• Summer @ Saklan Art & Science
WINNER
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
MUSIC & SINGING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Berkeley Playhouse
• Crowden Music Center
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
• Village Music School
WINNER
• Mr. D’s Music Clubr
NATURE & OUTDOOR CAMPS
TOP 5
• Golestan School
• Monkey Business Camp
• Oakland Zoo
• Sienna Ranch
• Trackers Earth Bay Area WINNER
• Oakland Zoo
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Chrysalis
• Camp Tawonga
• Camp Gold Hollow
• Camp Winnarainbow
• College of Environmental DesignUC Berkeley
WINNER
• Camp Tawonga
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Berkeley Playhouse
• Berkeley Repertory Theatre
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Poison Apple Productions
• Village Music School
WINNER
• Mr. D’s Music Club
PRESCHOOL AGE CAMPS
TOP 5
• Berkeley School
• Child Unique Montessori
• Ecole Bilingue - Camp été
• Holy Spirit Preschool
• Saklan School
• Springfield Montessori School
WINNER
• Child Unique Montessori
SPORTS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bishop O’Dowd Athletic Camps
• Julia Morgan Girls Sports Camp
• Lakeridge Summer Camp
• Salesian College Preparatory Sports Camps
• St. Mary’s Athletic Camps
WINNER
• Salesian College Preparatory Sports Camps
STEM CAMPS
TOP 5
• AoPS Math, Science and Language Arts Camps
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Creative Play Center
• Off the Block STEAM
• Salesian College Preparatory
WINNER
• Creative Play Center
TEEN FOCUSED CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• (ATDP) Academic Talent Development Program
• AoPS Math, Science and Language Arts Camps
• Camp Tawonga
• Head-Royce Summer SportsOhlone For Kids And Teens
• Ohlone For Kids & Teens
WINNER
• (ATDP) Academic Talent Development Program)
CLASSES & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
ART CLASSES
TOP 5
• CalColor Academy
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Corner House Studio
• Ohlone For Kids & Teens
• The Crucible WINNER
• Ohlone For Kids & Teens
BALLET CLASSES
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• Ballet School Performing Arts
• Clayton Valley Dance
Academ
• Shawl-Anderson Dance Center
• Tutu School
WINNER
• Alameda Ballet Academy
CLASSES FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTION
TOP 5
• Crowden Music Center
• East Bay Music Together
• Lamorinda Music
• Starland School of Music
• Village Music School
WINNER
• Village Music School
COMPUTER SCIENCE & CODING CLASSES
TOP 5
• Berkeley Coding Academy
• codeAtorium
• Fremont Coder Dojo
• Hackingtons Code School
• Positive Minds Academy WINNER TIE
• Hackingtons Code School
• Positive Minds Academy
DANCE CLASSES
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• Dance 10 Performing Arts Center
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Upswing Aerial Dance Company
• West Coast Dance Theatre
WINNER
• Mr. D’s Music Club
EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY MUSIC CLASS
TOP 5
• Aguacate Music Kids
• Crowden Music Center
• East Bay Music Together
• Kids Go Mandarin
• Musically Minded WINNER
• East Bay Music Together
ENRICHMENT & AFTER-SCHOOL
TOP 5
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• East Bay Music Together
• Holbrook Language Academy CARES
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
• Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
WINNER
• Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
TOP 5
• Alliance française de Berkeley
• Bay Language Academy
• Holbrook Language Academy CARES
• Language Fun Club
• Viva el Español
WINNER
• Holbrook Language Academy CARES
GYMNASTICS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Bay Island Gymnastics
• Encore Gym
• Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
• I Flip Gymnastics
• Liberty Gymnastics Training Center
WINNER
• Bay Island Gymnastics
MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• America’s Best Karate
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Dragon Rhythm Shaolin Kung Fu
• Han Martial Arts
• Kung Fu Infinity Martial Arts
WINNER
• Han Martial Arts
MATH PROGRAMS –AFTER SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berkeley Math Club
• Classroom Matters
• FireCracker Math
• Mathnasium
• Positive Minds Academy
WINNER
• Berkeley Math Club
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Bricks 4 Kidz
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Lawrence Hall of Science
• Snapology
• Tinker Coop
WINNER
• Tinker Coop
SPORTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Albany-Berkeley Soccer Club
• Bay Island Gymnastics
• Bladium
• Calphin Swim Academy
• SoccerKids
WINNER
• Calphin Swim Academy
SWIM CLASSES
TOP 5
• American Swim Academy
• British Swim School
• Calphin Swim Academy
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Happy Fish Swim School WINNER
• Calphin Swim Academy
THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Berkeley Playhouse
• Dance10 Performing Arts Center
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Poison Apple Productions
• Village Music School
WINNER
• Village Music School
TUTORING OR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Classroom Matters
• Mathnasium
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
• Positive Minds Academy
• Tilden Preparatory School Albany
WINNER
• Classroom Matters
FOOD & DINING
BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA
TOP 5
• Benchmark Pizzeria
• Bill & Bali’s
• Melo’s Pizza & Pasta
• The Cheeseboard Pizza
• Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
WINNER
• Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
FAMILY
FRIENDLY COFFEE SHOP
TOP 5
• Bette’s Oceanview Diner
• Catahoula Coffee Co
• Cole Coffee Café
• SIGNAL Coffee Roasters
• Zocalo Coffeehouse
WINNER
• Cole Coffee Café
ICE CREAM PARLOR
TOP 5
• Fentons Creamery
• iScream
• Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery
• O’Brien’s Ice Cream
• Tucker’s Ice Cream
WINNER
• Fentons Creamery
PLACE FOR DINNER WITH THE FAMILY
TOP 5
• Benvenuti Ristorante
• Da Lian Restaurant
• Grand Lake KitchenDimond
• Lin Jia Asian Kitchent
• Marufuku Ramen
WINNER
• Marufuku Ramen
PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE / CUPCAKES
TOP 5
• Art Bake Flora
• Batter ‘N IcingPleasant Hill
• Love at First Bite Bakery
• P.S. I Cake You
• Sweet Adeline Bakeshop
WINNER
• Sweet Adeline Bakeshop
FUN & ATTRACTIONS
AMUSEMENT PARKS
TOP 5
• California Academy of Science
• Children’s Fairyland
• Exploratorium
• Lawrence Hall of Science
• Oakland Zoo
WINNER
• Oakland Zoo
ATHLETIC CLUBS
TOP 5
• Bay Club
• Claremont Club & Spa
• ClubSport
• The Hills Swim & Tennis Club
• U.C. Berkeley Rec Sports
WINNER
• U.C. Berkeley Rec Sports
BIRTHDAY PARTY RESOURCES
TOP 5
• Brian Scott Magic
• Fur, Scales and Tails Animal Shows
• Mr. SHAP Balloon Artist and Magician
• Trunks and Tales
• STEAM Powered Learning
WINNER
• STEAM Powered Learning
BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES
TOP 5
• Bladium
• Children’s Fairyland
• Lindsey Wildlife Experience
• Oakland Zoo
• Pacific Pinball Museum
WINNER
• Children’s Fairyland
BEST OF PARENTS’ PRESS 2025
Looking for a school where your young child will truly thrive?
The school for your child: a health conscious, culturally responsive, joyful environment.
MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
TOP 5
• California Academy of Sciences
CONSIGNMENT STORES
TOP 5
• Lauren’s Closet
• Kelly’s Corner
An Authentic Montessori Experience for Ages 12 Weeks to 6 Years
Mission Montessori provides an educational experience young learners love.
Authentic Montessori curriculum for each age group
Professional educators passionate about helping children thrive
Hands-on materials that encourage creativity and problem-solving
Beautiful campus designed to enhance learning
“The children of today will make the discoveries of tomorrow.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori
Give your child an education with impact at Mission Montessori. Schedule your tour today!
We offer full-time programs from the infant stage to kindergarten.
Schedule your tour today!
Diverse learning environment that welcomes everyone 50 Fell St. San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 942-5012
• Exploratorium
• Lawrence Hall of Science
• Oakland Zoo
• Pacific Pinball Museum
WINNER
• Lawrence Hall of Science
ZOO OR AQUARIUM
TOP 5
• CuriOdyssey
• Lindsay Wildlife Experience
• Oakland Zoo
• San Francisco Zoological Society & Gardens
• Steinhart AquariumCal Academy
WINNER
• Oakland Zoo
RETAIL & SERVICES
BABY/CHILDREN GIFTS & GEAR
TOP 5
• 5 Little Monkeys
• Lauren’s Closet
• Mr. Mopps
• Silver Moon Kids
• Toy Safari
WINNER
• Mr. Mopps
BOOK STORES
TOP 5
• A Great Good Place for Books
• Builders Booksource
• Moe’s Books
• Mr. Mopps Children’s Books
• Pegasus Books On Solano
WINNER
Mr. Mopps Children’s Books
• Mommy’s Trading Post
• Silver Moon Kids
• Toy Go Round
WINNER
• Lauren’s Closet
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS
TOP 5
• Amelia Plumb Photography
• Bespoke Photography
• Gretchen Adams Photography
• Nissa Brehmer Photography
• Yuri Pettengill Photography
WINNER
• Gretchen Adams Photography
HOUSEHOLD HELP AND NANNY SERVICES
TOP 5
• Aunt Ann’s In-House Staffing
• BA House Cleaning
• Bay Super Nannies
• Nannie’s & More Inc
• Trusted Nanny Match
WINNER
• BA House Cleaning
KIDS HAIRCUTS
TOP 5
• Cool Tops Cuts For Kids
• Kristine’s Kut
• La Petite Hair Salon
• Pony Tails
• Snippety Crickets
WINNER
• Snippety Crickets
TOY STORES
TOP 5
• 5 Little Monkeys
• Mr Mopps’ Toy Shop
• Silver Moon Kids
• Toy Go Round
• Toy Safari
WINNER
• Mr Mopps’ Toy Shop
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BIRTH CENTERS AND MATERNITY CARE
TOP 5
• Alameda Health Systems
• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
• John Muir Health
• Pacifica Family Maternity
• Sutter Health
WINNER
• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
FAMILY DENTISTS
TOP 5
• Alameda Pediatric Dentistry
• Aloha Pediatric Dentistry
• Berkeley Children’s Dentistry
• Children’s Dentistry
- Nicholas Ching, D.D.S.,Inc.
• Eastshore Pediatric Dental Group
WINNER
• Berkeley Children’s Dentistry
HOSPITAL/MEDICAL CENTER
TOP 5
• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Summit Campus
• John Muir Health/ UCSF Health Berkeley Outpatient Center
• Kaiser Permanente
• Stanford Health Care in Emeryville
• UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital - Oakland
WINNER
• UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital - Oakland
OPTOMETRIST
TOP 5
• Blackhawk Family Development Center
• Eye Love Optometry
• Hayward Optometry
• Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice
• UC Berkeley School of Optometry
• Walnut Creek Eye Care
WINNER
• UC Berkeley School of Optometry
ORTHODONTISTS
TOP 5
• Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
• Ciao Smiles
• Hillside View Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry San Ramon
• Tri-Valley Orthodontics
WINNER
•
PEDIATRICIAN
TOP 5
• Bayside Medical Group
• Berkeley Pediatrics
• East Bay Pediatrics
• Tri-Valley Pediatrics
• Walnut Creek Pediatrics
WINNER
• Berkeley Pediatrics
SPORTS MEDICINE PRACTICE
TOP 5
• Bell Sprots Medicine
• East Bay Orthopaedic
• Golden State Orthopaedics
• Tice Valley Physical Therapy
• Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists
WINNER
EARLY EDUCATION
BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL
TOP 5 TIE
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC)
• Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
• Golestan School
• KSS Immersion Preschools
WINNER
• East Bay German International School
CHILD CARE
TOP 10
• Children’s Community Center
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Danville Montessori School
• El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC)
• Fountainhead Montessori
• Holy Spirit Preschool
• Larson’s Children’s Center
• Old Firehouse School
• Rockridge Little School
• Springfield Montessori School
WINNER
• Choice in Learning Montessori
K-8 progressive education in Oakland’s Temescal
FAITH-BASED PRESCHOOL
TOP 5
• California Crosspoint Academy
• Contra Costa Christian Schools
• Holy Spirit Preschool
• King’s Valley Preschool
• Treehouse Preschool & PK
WINNER
• Holy Spirit Preschool
INDEPENDENT PRESCHOOL
TOP 10 TIE
• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
• Berkeley School - Early Childhood Center
• Child Unique Montessori
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• Clayton Valley Parent PreSchool
• Creative Play Center
• East Bay German International School
• El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC)
• Old Firehouse School
• Quarry Lane Preschool
• Saint Philip Neri School
WINNER
• Choice in Learning Montessori
LARGE PRESCHOOLS
TOP 10
• Berkeley School - Early Childhood Center
• Clayton Valley Parent PreSchool
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• East Bay German International School
• El Cerrito Preschool Co-op
• Old Firehouse School
• Saklan School
• Seven Hills School
• Springfield Montessori School
• Step One School
WINNER
• Choice in Learning Montessori
MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Cedar Creek Montessori
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• Fountainhead Montessori School
• The Child Unique Montessori School
• Springfield Montessori School
WINNER
• The Child Unique Montessori School
SMALL PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
• Duck Pond
• Larson’s Children’s Center
• Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC)
• Sequoia Nursery School
WINNER
Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
SCHOOLS —
ELEMENTARY
BILINGUAL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
• Holbrook Language Academy
• Shu Ren International School
WINNER
• East Bay German International School
FAITH-BASED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5 TIE
• California Crosspoint Academy
• Coastline Christian School
BEST OF PARENTS’ PRESS 2025
• Holy Spirit School
• School of the Madeleine
• St. Philip Neri Catholic School
• St. Theresa Catholic School
WINNER
• Holy Spirit School
MONTESSORI
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• American International Montessori School
• East Bay Montessori
• Montessori Elementary School of Alameda
• Springfield Montessori School
• The Renaissance International School
• Valley Montessori School
WINNER
• Montessori Elementary School of Alameda
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 10
• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
• Berkeley School
• Berkwood Hedge School
• Black Pine Circle School
• East Bay German International School
• East Bay Montessori
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Golestan School
• Park Day School
• Prospect Sierra
WINNER
• Prospect Sierra
PROGRESSIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berkeley School
• Black Pine Circle School
• East Bay Montessori
• Golestan School
• Park Day School
WINNER
• Black Pine Circle School
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Cornell Elementary School
• Crocker Highlands Elementary School
• Oxford Elementary School
• Redwood Heights Elementary School
• Urban Montessori Charter School
WINNER
• Redwood Heights Elementary School
Aurora School’s mission is to nurture students' love
SCHOOLS — MIDDLE
BILINGUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• East Bay German International School
• East Bay Montessori
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
• Holbrook Language Academy
WINNERS
• East Bay German International School
FAITH-BASED MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• California Crosspoint Academy
• Coastline Christian Schools
• Contra Costa Christian Schools
• Corpus Christi School
• Redwood Christian School
WINNER
• California Crosspoint Academy
MONTESSORI MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berkeley School
• East Bay Montessori
• Montessori Elementary School of Alameda
• Urban Montessori Charter School
• Valley Montessori School
WINNER
• East Bay Montessori
BEST OF PARENTS’ PRESS 2025
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 10
• Berkeley School
• Black Pine Circle School
• Crowden School
• East Bay German International School
• East Bay Montessori
• Park Day School
• Prospect Sierra
• Quarry Lane School
• Saklan School
• St. Philip Neri School
WINNER TIE
• Black Pine Circle
• Quarry Lane School
PROGRESSIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berkeley School
• Black Pine Circle School
• Crowden School
• Park Day School
• Prospect Sierra
WINNER
• Park Day School
PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Albany Middle School
• Holbrook Language Academy
• Longfellow Middle School
• Piedmont Middle School
• Sequoia Middle School
WINNER
• Albany Middle School
SCHOOLS — HIGH
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING STYLE HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Holden High School
• Maybeck High School
• Millennium High School
• Orion Academy
• Tilden Preparatory School
WINNER
• Orion Academy
FAITH-BASED HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berean Christian High School
• Bishop O Dowd High School
• Holy Names High School
• Saint Mary’s College High School
• Salesian College Preparatory
WINNER
• Salesian College Preparatory
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Bishop O’Dowd High School
• East Bay International High School (EBIHS) at EBGIS
• Salesian College Preparatory
• The College Preparatory School
• St. Mary’s College High School
• WINNER
• East Bay International High School (EBIHS) at EBGIS
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Alameda High School
• Albany High School
• Berkeley High School
• Oakland Technical High School
• Piedmont High School
WINNER
• Berkeley High School
•
Dyslexia and Your Child
By Jill Plantedosi
In speaking with numerous teachers and parents I have worked with over the past 25 years, a consistent question that I am asked is, “how do I know if my child or student is dyslexic?”
According to Drs. Shaywitz from the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, dyslexia effects 20 percent of the population and represents 80-90 percent of all those with learning disabilities.
Teachers have become increasingly concerned about diagnosing dyslexia as early as possible in order to put together a roadmap for success. Educators need to identify children who are at risk for dyslexia and catch them before they fall. So many children are not getting a definitive diagnosis of dyslexia, but are given a checklist of strengths and weaknesses, stating only the word “learning disability” on their evaluation. Success begins with identifying this complex problem and knowing the best interventions to put into place. The dyslexia guidelines posted on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website, provides a set of screening recommendations for all students, as well as a framework for intervention. These guidelines can be quite helpful in providing information needed to support students with dyslexia.
Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
According to the International Dyslexia Association, (www.interdys.org), “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” (Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002)
The basic deficit in dyslexia, is the result of persistent difficulties with phonological processing. If your child has a phonological impairment, and struggles with the individual sounds of spoken words, he/she may have problems with:
• Spoken language linked to a child’s phonological skills, (Either delayed early on and/or word retrieval later on).
• Phonemic awareness (understanding by the child that spoken words are made up of smaller units of speech)
• Difficulties with pronunciation of words
• Rapid automatized object naming
• Identifying letters of connecting letters to sounds
• Ability to use expressive language
• Decoding difficulties that impact accuracy
• Hearing and repeating rhyming sounds
• Encoding sounds into letters and spelling
• Learning the sound system of a foreign language
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT DYSLEXIA
• More boys than girls are dyslexic-Dyslexia affects comparable numbers.
• Dyslexia will be outgrown-Dyslexics will be able to learn to read accurately, but will continue to struggle with fluency and automaticity.
• Intelligence is related to dyslexia- Dyslexics often have a high IQ.
• Dyslexia is a vision problem-Dyslexic children are no more likely to have vision problems than non-dyslexic children.
• Mirror writing is a symptom of dyslexia-This is very common in all children at the early stages, as young children commonly reverse letters.
• Dyslexia doesn’t show up until elementary schoolDyslexia can show up in preschool. Often these preschoolers were late talkers and had difficulty with rhyming words.
• Dyslexic children need to try harder-Effort has nothing to do with reading success, as the brain functions differently in a dyslexic child.
• There is no way to accurately diagnose dyslexia-We can now accurately identify those at risk as early as preschool and children who are dyslexic by first grade.
• Dyslexia only happens in the English language- Dyslexia is prevalent in all languages.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA
PRE-SCHOOL (EARLY YEARS)
• Trouble with learning nursery rhymes
• Struggles to learn and remember the names of the letters in the alphabet
• Difficulties recognizing letters in his/her name
• Mispronouncing and confusing familiar words
• Difficulty producing individual speech sounds
• Struggles to blend the sounds in words
• Not recognizing rhyming words and patterns
• Having a family history of reading difficulties
KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE
• Does not associate letters with sounds
• Reading errors and miscues that show no connection to the sounds of the letters
• Difficulty reading one-syllable words
• Difficulty separating sounds in words and does not understand that words come apart
• Struggles to blend sounds in words
• Difficulty getting to the individual sounds of spoken words
• Difficulty with word retrieval
• Slow progress in acquiring reading skills
• Rarely reads for pleasure
• Complains about how hard reading is and how tired they get
<<< Continued from page 29
SECOND GRADE AND ABOVE
• Slow reading, often pausing during reading
• Trouble reading unfamiliar words
• Difficulty getting to the individual sounds of spoken words
• Stumbling when reading multisyllable words
• Difficulty with word retrieval
• Poor fluency and prosody
• Oral reading is full of substitutions, omissions, and mispronunciations
• Avoids reading aloud
• Confuses words that sound alike
• Struggles to finish assignments
• Difficulty learning a foreign language
• Poor spelling
• Reading comprehension often superior to accuracy and speed
• Slow progress in reading skills
• Rarely reads for pleasure
The Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines provides for all students from kindergarten through at least third grade, to be screened for reading. They use a valid, developmentally appropriate DESE approved early literacy screening instrument. If your child’s screening results are below benchmark, the student’s parents or guardians will be notified within 30 days. There will be a discussion about what actions will take place within your child’s education program. Remember that a screener is not a reading assessment, but a way to help identify those students who may be at risk for dyslexia.
Actions parents can take if they feel their child is at risk for dyslexia
• Review the screening assessment with your child’s teacher and discuss what plan of action will be put in place.
• Listen to your child read aloud at home, and make a list of your observations and concerns. Bring your list to the meeting.
• Have your child placed in an intense early intervention reading program taught by a reading specialist, and have his/her progress monitored.
• Set up regular meetings with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress.
• If your child is not making progress and you still have concerns, ask to have a full diagnostic reading assessment done.
• Have your child taught with a scientifically—based reading program that supports his/her strengths and weaknesses.
• Your child’s reading program should include the following components: Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Set aside a designated reading time in your home to read together. Let your child select books of his/her choice and practice with repeated readings.
• Be cautious about computer-assisted instruction.
• Use every opportunity to expose your child to literacy activities
Remember that dyslexia is a reading impairment, not a thinking impairment, and that the essential of a successful reading intervention is:
• Early screening
• Early diagnosis
• Early intervention
October 2 has been designated in Massachusetts as Learning Disability Screening Day in order to raise awareness of the necessity of screening for reading disabilities and promoting an understanding around dyslexia and other reading disabilities.
Jill Piantedosi is an adjunct professor for American International College, where she teaches graduate students who are pursuing an advanced degree in reading. She has worked as a reading specialist at both the elementary and middle school level for over 30 years. She holds an M Ed. in education and an advanced CAGS degree in reading. Jill is nationally board certified in English Language Arts 6-8 and holds a Massachusetts reading certification K-12.
References
Shaywitz, J. P. & Shaywitz, S., (2020). Overcoming Dyslexia.
New York: Vintage Books
Sousa, David, (2014). How the Brain Learns to Read.
California: Corwin Book Company
Websites
Florida Center for Reading Research – www.fcrr.org
International Dyslexia Association – https://dyslexiaida.org
International Literacy Association – https://www.literacyworldwide.org
KidsHealth - Understanding Dyslexia – www.kidshealth.org/parent/ medical/learning/dyslexia.html
National Center for Learning Disabilities – https://www.ncld.org
Parents as Teachers – www.parentsasteachers.org
Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity – http://dyslexia.yale.edu
Stay Ahead at AoPS Academy
Advanced After-School Math, Science, and Language Arts for Grades 1–12
AoPS Academy brings challenge-first learning right to your neighborhood. Your student will join a small cohort of motivated peers to build critical problem solving skills for school and life. Classes meet weekly after school and on weekends.
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5 Individual Sports for Kids
Parents want their kids to have an active and healthy lifestyle and many sign them up for team sports hoping to help them develop healthy lifelong habits and a love for physical activity. While there are many benefits to team sports, they aren’t always the best fit. Individual sports can be a great alternative to playing on a team especially for kids who have ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or struggle with socialization disorders. Individual sports help kids stay active while building self-esteem and focus. They also learn to set personal goals, and have the opportunity to work one-on-one with the coach. Here are some great individual sports to try and the benefits for your child can gain by participating in each of them.
TENNIS
Hand-eye coordination, speed, agility, gross and fine motor skills, and strong cardiovascular exercise makes tennis a great option for kids who like to keep moving, are quick on their feet, and want the individual attention that comes from one-on-one coaching.
MARTIAL ARTS
Kids who want to learn discipline, respect for others and themselves, balance and coordination, self-control, and work on their listening and focusing skills should consider trying martial arts. This can also become a family sport as all ages are welcome in this activity.
GYMNASTICS
Gymnasts are known for their strength, coordination, flexibility, and discipline. Your child may never become an Olympic gymnast but the confidence and agility they will learn from participating in gymnastics will stick with them.
By Sarah Lyons
SWIMMING
Swimming is a great source of cardiovascular exercise. It also promotes strength, stamina, balance, better posture, and teaches water safety. Swimming, like martial arts, is a sport for all ages. A love of a sport like swimming can turn into a lifetime source of exercise and enjoyment.
RUNNING
While running sports typically start in late elementary school or middle school, it is never too early or late to enjoy. Besides a great cardio workout, running helps develop physical, mental, and personal development as kids overcome challenges and set new goals in distance or time.
If none of the above sports are of interest, you may also want to research fencing, wrestling, cycling, dance, diving, or golf. Many of these sports allow kids to compete on an individual basis while contributing overall to a team. For example, kids competing in gymnastics will receive an individual score but the points go to an overall total for the team. This gives kids the support from teammates without the pressure of having to play on a team. Kids will learn to set and exceed their personal goals and also have the camaraderie that goes along with a team sport. If you notice your child is feeling pressure or frustration from participating in team sports, give an individual sport a try.
Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mom of six kids including triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) offers exceptional academics and German immersion from preschool through grade 8. Our East Bay International High School (EBIHS) is a college preparatory high school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). Often referred to as the gold standard in high school education, the IB is highly regarded by universities in the United States and worldwide.
We provide a dynamic learning environment and a truly global perspective, anchored by our European educational approach. Our small size and low student-teacher ratio (7:1) enable our highly trained international faculty to provide an individualized educational experience to each student.
Our International High School is open to all students in grades 9-12. EBIHS offers multiple language tracks with beginner to native-speaker-level language and literature courses in German, French, and Spanish as well as introductory Mandarin. All other EBIHS instruction is in English.
No knowledge of German is required for students entering our preschool or kindergarten, nor for our high school. Talk with us about individualized language support for elementary and middle school students.
Open House
October 19, 2024
January 25, 2025 10 am - 2 pm
High School Campus Visit September 23, 2024 9:40 am Online Info Sessions for all programs. Register at: http://www.ebgis.org/ admissions/visit-us 1070 41st Street
Emeryville, CA 94608 (510) 380-0302
admissions@ebgis.org
