Parents Press October 2017

Diverse Reading for Kids | Haunted Mansions | Halloween Bucket List

October 2017

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The Bay’s Number One Resource for Parents

2017/2018 EAST BAY GUIDE TO

PRESCHOOLS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

School Open Houses Pg. 8

page 22

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Contents

www.parentspress.com

In Memoriam

October 2017

Feature

Meg Zweiback 1948 - 2017

8

2017/18 Guide to Preschools

Departments 3

Out and About

Spooktacular Fun!

4 Bookshelf

22 School Open Houses 23 Family Matters

Is That Me Yelling?

& Early Childhood Education

Diverse Books

6

Halloween Media Mix

For Young Goblins

So it’s time to take the big step! Parents’ Press offers up its comprehensive guide to the many preschool, child care and family activity programs for the littlest learners in the East Bay. A comprehensive list of local preschools begins on page 14.

7

On the Go

25 Family Fun Calendar

Halloween Festivities

31 Singleminded

4 Parents’ Press | October 2017

22 Raising Dad

Family Conversations

24 Family Cents

Allow Kids to Make Dumb Spending Decisions

What’s in a Name?

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of one of Parents’ Press longest and most valued contributors, Meg Zweibeck. Meg was an important staple to our publication from the early days, back in 1980 to the present.

Her insights and advice she shared each month help thousands of Bay Area families with all things in raising kids.

She will be dearly missed.

Please join Meg’s family for a memorial in celebration of her life at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland on October 23rd, at 4:30. Please RSVP at http:// evite.me/sz4ScnnWP7

By Erika Mailman

Out and About Spooktacular Fun!

T

he season is right for a little scaring—here are some places to take kids that are already fun, and may add a haunting element to your trip.

STOW LAKE, San Francisco This cute lake tucked into Golden Gate Park offers paddleboats, rowboats, scenic views, a trail leading past a 110-foot waterfall, and a café housed in the historic boathouse’s café. You also might have the chance to see the lake’s “Lady in White,” a ghost about whom there are many different tales. The lake was created in 1893—plenty of time for ghost stories to arise. Horse-drawn carriages once took pleasure tours around the lake, and boating has been popular there for over a century. One version of the Lady in White story is that her child fell into the lake while they were boating, and she jumped in to save the child, and both drowned. Another version of the legend is that her baby rolled into the lake in its stroller as she rested on a bench, and she didn’t notice until it was too late. Yet a third account has a young unwed mother drowning her child and herself. Each of these tragic stories may be too much to share with young children, but older children may feel an eerie edge at the rustic lake and enjoy looking for the sodden-haired woman in bare feet and a long white dress. http://sfrecpark.org/destination/ golden-gate-park/stow-lake/

ALCATRAZ, CELL 14D It seems amazing that Alcatraz is such a common tourist destination, when the site is rife with sadness and usually evokes a somber meditativeness (the ferry ride over, though!) One haunting involves Cell 14D, one of the so-called “hole cells,” which was isolated, windowless and tiny. Tourists and employees alike have reported energy from this cell, as well as an encompassing coldness. Legend tells of a prisoner who screamed all night that someone with glowing eyes was trying to murder him; he was found strangled in the morning. To add to the eeriness, the prisoner head count that morning was one too many. The screaming man’s ghost had been seen by other prisoners. The entire prison itself is rife with ghostly moans, doors mysteriously clanging shut, and even icy fingers on the back of your neck, some say.

Fascinating history can be found on the island, from its beginnings in 1850 as a military reservation, just one year after the Gold Rush, to its prison time (1934-63) and its takeover by the Indians of All Tribes in 1969-71 as an important political occupation.

And if you’re a die-hard ghost hunter, there’s a brand-new five-hour “Alcatraz Behind the Scenes” tour, which lets you view parts of The Rock not previously open to visitors. https://www.nps.gov/alca/index. htm

The Pardee Home Museum

THE PARDEE HOME MUSEUM, Oakland This time capsule of a house is preserved as it was at the time of Governor George Pardee’s residence at the turn of the 20th century. He was known for being the 1906 “Earthquake Governor” who successfully petitioned Washington to assist the destroyed city of San Francisco. His house was maintained by his daughters as it was during his time, with the exception of a few things, themselves now antiques, like a tiny television with a gigantic remote control. Mrs. Pardee was a globetrotting collector, and the home features many of her finds from around the world. It also features, some say, restless spirits.

Two of the Pardee daughters died young, and there was familial strain when George’s mother died and his father

remarried; there are some interesting stepmother tales related to the house.

Ghost hunters have had scary Ouija sessions in the cupola, felt their shirt pulled in an upstairs bedroom and seen orbs in the coach house, among other frightening instances. EVP recordings at the home report unseen voices saying “Get out of my house” and “I killed myself here.”

The home regularly hosts paranormal investigations; check the website for the events listing. www.pardeehome.org Enjoy your spooky October, and don’t forget to have a few treats with your ghostly tricks!

Erika Mailman is a Northern California freelance writer. Reach her at Erikaeditor@cs.com.

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October 2017 | Parents’ Press 5

By Mary Ann Scheuer

Bookshelf Diverse Books A window into the lives of others.

W

e read to know that we are not alone and to hear another person’s story.

Because stories help us see into the lives of other people, as well as into our own lives, it’s vitally important that we share with our children a wide variety of books—especially fresh, contemporary voices. We connect to characters; we feel their pain and delight in their joy. It’s more than stories, though--it’s the conversations that stories can start. Here are a selection of new books to share and read alongside your children.

her courage to stand up in front of others, and the support of her family, friends and community. Amina’s voice and feelings resonates strongly in this touching novel.

shady land developer threatens to put up flashy high rise condos, Arturo joins forces with his cousins and friends to fight back. Cartaya delightfully navigates Arturo’s awkwardness, humor and conviction as he develops his first crush and fights for his family’s

to move to Chicago, leaving behind her dad and his record store. At her new strongly Latino school, Malú must navigate finding new friends, balancing her Mexican culture with her interests, and speaking out against unfair rules.

A fun, fresh story about claiming your own style.

MIDDLE GRADE (AGES 9-13) restaurant.

“Amina’s Voice,” by Hena Khan (Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster; 208 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-11). As Amina starts middle school, everything seems to be changing fast with both her friends and family. When her mosque is vandalized, she starts to thinks more deeply about her Muslim identity,

“The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora,”

by Pablo Cartaya (Viking / Penguin; 256 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-13). Every Sunday, 13-year-old Arturo joins his extended Cuban-American family at their restaurant La Cocina de la Isla. When a

“The First Rule of Punk,” by Celia C. Pérez (Viking / Penguin; 336 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-13). María Luisa wears Chuck Taylors, listens to punk rock, makes zines, and goes by the nickname Malú. She’s devastated when she has

“Someday Birds,” by Sally J. Pla (HarperCollins; 336 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-12). Charlie and his family will stay with me a long time. Charlie’s autism and obsessive compulsive disorder

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makes his cross-country trip with his siblings difficult, but they are on a mission to visit their father in the hospital. Charlie is sure that finding all of the birds on the list he created with his father will ensure that his father recovers. A touching, heartfelt journey.

“Patina,” by Jason Reynolds (Atheneum / Simon & Schuster; 240 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-13). After Patina (Patty) reacts to coming in 2nd place, Coach assigns her to the 4x800 relay team.

Meanwhile, Patty has to juggle being responsible for her little sister, feeling out of place at her private school, and taking care of her mom who’s “got the sugar” (diabetes). Reynolds’ writing explodes during race scenes and he authentically captures Patty’s inner voice. I loved the track and teamwork elements of this story, with the importance of supporting each other and being in step with one another.

Young Adult (ages 14-18 “The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives,” by Dashka Slater (Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Macmillan; 320 pp.; $17.99; ages 14-adult). In 2013, a teen set fire to another student’s skirt during their bus ride home. Was it goofing around?

Was it a hate crime against an LGBTQ youth? Journalist and author Dashka Slater provides a nuanced, thoughtful look at this complex intersection of two lives, helping readers challenge their own assumptions about prejudice, justice and prosecution.

“When Dimple Met Richi,” by Sandya Menon (Simon Pulse; 380 pp.; $17.99; ages 14-18). This sparkling romantic comedy about two firstgeneration Indian Americans meeting at a computer coding camp the summer before they head to college is set in motion when their parents set up an arranged-marriage and it backfires in a big way. Both Dimple and Richi grapple with their aspirations, plans and identities, giving this charming romance novel depth that will resonate with many teens.

with the music that fills Blade’s heart and soul, pulling readers into his emotional journey of self-discovery.

“The Hate You Give,” by Angie Thomas (Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins; 464 pp.; $17.99; ages 13-adult). Sixteenyear-old Starr navigates through two very different worlds: her home in a poor black urban neighborhood, and her suburban, privileged private school.

When she witnesses the unprovoked police shooting of her best friend and his death becomes national news, she must cope with her personal grief and the public turmoil. Thomas shows how the personal is political, explicitly examining issues of race and class, creating both an authentic teen voice in Starr and exposing the systemic racism that impacts all of us.

“You Bring the Distance Near,” by Mitali Perkins (Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Macmillan; 320 pp.; $17.99; ages 1218). Inspired by her own experiences immigrating as a young teen in the 1970s, local author Mitali Perkins weaves together an intergenerational story of Ranee Das, her teenage daughters Sonia and Tara, and then, later, their own daughters. When Sonia and Tara move to New York as teenagers, they must navigate the possibilities that new opportunities might bring while they are acutely aware of the cultural expectations of their Bengali parents.

Full of strong sisterhood, humor and meaningful reflections on family, culture and self-determination, this novel shines.

Mary Ann Scheuer is a teacher librarian. Find more books Mary Ann recommends sharing with children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http:// greatkidbooks.blogspot. com.

“Solo,” by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess (Blink; 320 pp.; $17.99; ages 13-18). The summer after graduating high school, Blade Morrison is determined to find his own path away from his troubled rock-star father. Reeling from his girlfriend’s betrayal and his family’s secrets, Blade sets off for Ghana in search of his birth mother. This novel in verse reverberates

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October 2017 | Parents’ Press 7

12 Media Titles for Halloween Fun (and Spookiness) O

ctober is that time of the year when the air crackles with pumpkin spiced fall flavor and crooked candle lit grins and you know right away that Halloween is fast approaching. The whole month is abuzz with children (and their families) planning for costumes, candy, pumpkin carving, spooky decor, and a line-up of scary movies to watch.

As parents, we all know that every child is unique. Their interests, maturity, sensitivities vary by age and often by topic too. What delights and engages one child, sends another child into a tailspin, especially when it comes to spooky Halloween themes. So here at SmartFeed (https:// www.thesmartfeed.com), we highlight the good stuff and give you links to all the information you need to make the best media choices - in other words, finding just the right amount of spooky for your kids. To savor the Halloween season, check out our collection of kid-friendly Halloween media - movies/TV shows/books/ apps (http://www.thesmartfeed.com/ staff_picks/halloween-fun) - some silly, some spooky.

Below find 12 handpicked Halloween media titles for toddlers through tweens pulled together by the expert curators at SmartFeed.

a headless scarecrow who appears at Halloween and whisks off the hats from people’s heads.

NOTEWORTHY MOVIES

(https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/ paranorman) Norman, a young ghoul whisperer sets about to save his town from a witch’s curse in this stop-motion animation full of ghosts, zombies, corpses and witches geared towards older kids.

Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest ( Ages 2+) (https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/ curious-george-a-halloween-boo-fest) Get ready to go on a spook-tacular ride with the curious little monkey in this enthralling adventure and unravel the mystery of the Legend of No Noggin,

Dear Dracula (Ages 4+) (https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/ dear-dracula) When Sam, a monster-movie buff, writes to Count Dracula requesting a vampire action figure for Halloween, he gets the surprise of a lifetime when the Dracula himself shows up at his doorstep! Find out what happens next in this heart-warming tale of friendship which is more fun and less scares, filled with rich visuals of Halloween festivities.

The Book of Life (Ages 8+) (https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/thebook-of-life) An entrancing story of Manolo, Joaquin and the love of their lives, Maria. Meanwhile, the rulers of the underworld have made a bet on which boy will marry Maria and will go to any length to win the bet. Find out whose true love triumphs in this bewitching animation film showcasing Mexican folklore, culture and mythology to the viewers with stunning visualization of the Day of the Dead celebrations.

ParaNorman (Ages 10+)

FAMILY FUN

NOTEWORTHY BOOKS

NOTEWORTHY TV SHOWS

The Spooky Wheels on the Bus (Ages 2+)

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

(Ages 10+)

(https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/24550) Little kids will love singing the Halloween-themed version of the Wheels on the Bus song even as they learn counting their numbers from ‘One’ spooky bus to ‘Ten’ goofy ghosts.

(http://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/areyou-afraid-of-the-dark) A group of kids exchange hair-raising, spooky stories about ghosts, monsters and zombies in this series which is bound to send shivers down the spine of viewers.

Otter Loves Halloween! (Ages 4+) (https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/ otter-loves-halloween) Otter is excited about Halloween; she is ready with her costume and spooky decorations for the house. But when the trick-or-treaters start showing up at her doorstep, Otter is terrified. Find out how Otter overcomes her fear and ends up having a fun Halloween celebration in this charming tale.

Haunted Castle on Hallow’s Eve (Ages 8+)

R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour (Ages 10+) (https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/r-lstine-s-the-haunting-hour) From the acclaimed author of the Goosebumps series, R.L. Stine, comes this horror-themed series targeted at older kids with each episode containing its fair share of ominous characters, creepy creatures and terrifying suspense, inducing spinechilling moments among the viewers.

NOTEWORTHY APPS Mask Jumble Halloween (Ages 4+)

(https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/25785) Go along with Jack and Annie on their thrilling adventure as they work together to unravel a mystery for Merlin the Magician, the solution to which lies within a haunted castle.

(https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/ mask-jumble-halloween) An augmented reality game which uses facial recognition to let kids create fun, silly, spooky Halloween face masks.

Encyclopedia Horrifica (Ages 9+)

(https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/ costume-quest) Kids will love this Halloween-themed, role playing adventure game in which a player chooses a hero and goes trick-ortreating through three different environments, completing quests and collecting costumes along the way, eventually taking down the evil enemies.

(http://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/ encyclopedia-horrifica-the-terrifying-truth-aboutvampires-ghosts-monsters-and-more) Learn the terrifying and eerie truths about vampires, ghosts, monsters and more in this nonfiction compilation of all things ghoulish and ghastly from Aliens to Zombies.

Costume Quest (Ages 12+)

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By Haley Reen

On the Go Halloween Festivities Around the Bay

H

alloween is my favorite thing in the entire world, ask anyone.

Every year I scour the internet looking for a full month’s worth of Halloween activities to take my kids to so we can wear our costumes many times and get all the items on our Halloween bucket list checked off. Pumpkin patch, check. Corn Maze, check. Trick or Treating, Check. Spooky stories, check!

This year, my enthusiastic list-making is to the reader’s benefit. If anyone loves Halloween as much as I do, take notice, because I’m about to spell it out.

These are my ten do-not-miss Halloween festivities for 2018!

All Hallow’s Read Author Neil Gaiman ( Of Coraline, Chu’s Day, and Fortunately The Milk) would love for all families to participate in this new way to celebrate Halloween. How to celebrate is up to the revelers, but the gist is this; its a book gifting opportunity. Learn more about All Hallow’s Read and make new traditions! www.allhallowsread.com

Jack O’Lantern Jamboree Children’s Fairyland really throws a party the weekend of October 28th and 29th with the usual unlimited rides and fantastic entertainment but the big deals are the balloon animals,costumed characters, treat bags, parades, pirate school, and bounce houses. Come in costume for the extra fun.

10a.m.-5p.m. 10/24 and 10/25. $10/ general admission, $5/members. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-238-6876, www. fairyland.org.

4th Street Trick Or Treat Berkeley’s 4th Street merchants, such as Peet’s, Sur La Table, MAC, and Crate & Barrel set up a fantastic experience for kids who might not have a safe neighborhood to trick or treat in, or are

too tiny to stay up late but still want to show off their costumes. Participating merchants will have a marking on or above their doors to let revelers know where the candy is. There will be live music too and some entertainment, even a few treats and free samples for grown ups.

2p.m.-5p.m. 10/31. 4th St., at Hearst, Berkeley. www.fourthstreetshop.com

47th Annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival Half Moon Bay might not be famous for many things, but pumpkins are one thing that has put this little hamlet on the map. The coastal air makes pumpkin magic and grows some gourds that are as big as a smart car. All ages will be agog at the marvellous and gigantic pumpkins, but will also love the rest of the festival with crafts for sale, art, live music, food, wine, and children’s activities to do too. Expert pumpkin carvers will amaze the crowd with epic works of art unbelievably carved from pumpkins and gourds. There will be pumpkin flavored everything from pies to cocktails, as well as zip line rides, bungee jumping, and more.

9a.m.-5p.m. 10/14-15. Free admission. All ages. Main St. between Mill and Spruce, Half Moon Bay. 650-726-9652.

Goblin Jamboree The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito puts on an amazing Halloween to-do for the early childhood crowd.

My two girls have so much fun at this candy-free event. Children can dress up and enjoy bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoo friends, a small train ride, a bunch of “everyone wins a prize” games, popcorn, face paint, stick on tattoos, and various local parenting-centered sponsors giving out shwag and providing fun activities. Buy tickets online in advance to bypass the lines at the door.

10a.m.-4p.m. Oct 21-22. $16.95/general admission, $13.95/members. Babies

under 6 mo. are free. All ages. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Way, Sausalito. 415-339-3932, www. baykidsmuseum.org.

“The Coolest Corn Maze on The Planet”

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosts their 16th annual Halloween event, and it is fantastic. Local celeb Unique Derique is the Emcee. Kids will enjoy decorating candy bags while zany clowns run amok. Games, prizes, fortune tellers and more. Music and dancing are followed by a parade that everyone gets to join.

Oct. 29. 1200p.m.-2p.m. Free. Kids under 10. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. 415-9782787, www.ybca.org

Between the bay area and Sacramento is a little farm town called Dixon and it boasts the coolest corn maze on the planet. Its actually way more than just that. There are tubs of dried corn for kids to “swim” in, giant haybale structures to climb, and 50 acres of mazes and fun, including hay rides and a pumpkin cannon! It is open throughout the month and has free parking. There is food, drinks and pumpkins available for purchase. $12/person for the maze, ages 5 and under are free. $5/person for kids fun zone. All Ages. Cool Patch Pumpkins, 6585 Milk Farm Rd., Dixon. 530-7468725, www.coolpatchpumpkins.com

Boo at The Oakland Zoo

The Pirates of Emerson

The Oakland Zoo will host a fantastic annual Halloween event. Visitors are encouraged to dress up and have fun trick or treating around the zoo. Make Halloween enrichment treats for the animals, ride the Boo Train, get faces painted, and join the costume parade.

10a.m.-3p.m. Oct 28/29. Members Free, $17.75/Adults, $13.75/children. All ages. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. 510-632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

This crazy scary haunted house is for older kids and teen and adults. They mean to scare people, and it’s no joke!

Its great for the crowd that’s too cool to trick or treat. There are 5 haunted attractions, including a maze, a pirate themed attraction, and some crazy voodoo stuff! There is entertainment each night, fortune tellers, and a sideshow of oddities. Spooky! They allow all ages but it is not for little ones. See the website for the various show times throughout October, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and Halloween, of course. $25/general admission. All ages but best for teens and up. Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park, Valley Ave., Pleasanton. ( At Alameda County Fairgrounds) www.piratesofemerson.com

Halloween Hoopla- San Francisco

Zootoberfest at the San Francisco Zoo The San Francisco zoo is switching it up this year. Instead of a one-weekend Halloween party, they’re having a month of weekends Harvest Festival! German foods and beers will be added to their epic cafe, and there will be hay mazes with play areas inside! Plus, there might be POLKA at any time!! All the extra fun is included in the regular admission price. $20/adults, $14/children. All ages.

Every weekend in October. San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd. at Highway 1, San Francisco. 415-753-7080, www.sfzoo.org

So start working on costumes now and make a game plan to hit all the hot spots to maximize the Halloween fun! Don’t forget to read those spooky stories on All Hallow’s Read to wrap it all up.

Haley Reen is an East Bay-based freelance writer

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5

EAST BAY GUIDE TO

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Finding the Best Start for Your Child

In the East Bay Guide to Preschools, the publishers of Parents’ Press take the guesswork out of finding the right preschool for your child, from start to finish. Our annual guide leads parents chronologically along the preschool-selection path, beginning with the value of early education and how to start the process with an emphasis on the all-important site visit and questions to ask. There’s also a comprehensive list of local preschools. Your road to the ideal preschool just got simpler.

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7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Preschool

9 Site Visit Observations 10 Should I Send My Child to Preschool?

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Preschool for Your Child

Looking at Preschools

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EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION

How to Find the Perfect Preschool

Your 7 Step Approach 1. Start Early. It takes time to research It’s like speed-dating with the option of choosing who is sitting across the table from you. Use this different styles of preschools and become familiar with common terms used in preschools. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years.

2. Determine what criteria is most

important for your child and family. Is it location, faith, type of program offered, language immersion, special-needs options, year round program, extended hours, cost? What are the most important factors and options? Rate these so you have a clear picture of where and what programs to focus on and what is the best fit for your child.

3. Utilize local parenting resources. Local

parenting magazines, like Parents’ Press, offer lots of preschool information and open house announcements. These will help you to become familiar with what preschools are available in your area and the program options being offered to help with your selection process. Visit school websites that look interesting to find out admissions information. More information can also be found at www.PreschoolsBayArea.com

4. Ask around. Talk to other parents

in your area to see what programs they were part of, and, if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least about the school.

How long did their child attend? Did they experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like?

How did they handle sick days, potty training and behaviorial issues? How involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and children still in contact with others from the preschool?

5. Attend a preschool fair.

Having the ability to attend a fair and have an initial conversation with prospective schools is an efficient way to quickly determine which preschools are a good fit and rule out those preschools that are not.

time to find out the preschools’ enrollment process, when open houses and tours are held and to understand the basic culture of the preschool.

6. Contact the preschool. Arrange to take a tour or

go to an open house to learn about the school philosophy and the admissions process. Most schools prefer for you to pre register for these.

Have your list of questions ready (see page 13 for Questions to Ask) and observe. Look for signs the preschool is well run. Also, this is a time that the preschool uses to determine which families will be a good fit for their preschool.

7. Apply to your top choice. You have

done your research, established your criteria and taken the tour — now it is time to apply to your top choice. Some preschools have ongoing enrollment but most follow the school year format. Acceptance letters go out in the spring for the following fall. Before you apply find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled.

Also, find out from the preschool when you can expect to hear from them, one way or another.

It is okay to be persistent and let them know you and your family are interested, but don’t be a pest. If your child is waitlisted get specifics from the preschool. What number on the wait list is your child and does the preschool have

a commitment from all returning families?

If the school is accepting a total of 15 new children and you are way down on the wait list, it is time to consider another option. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots it would be a wise idea to apply to more than one preschool even though there may be an application fee. 

Site Visit Observations

Be prepared with this question checklist for you before you step foot into the school

1. First Impressions. Is the

preschool clean, organized and does it have a good feeling about it? Is the staff friendly, and are the teachers in control of the classroom? Inside, are there play areas? Are toys and books in good shape and organized? Outside is there enough room? Are there play areas and toys for all of the kids? Does the preschool feel safe inside and out? Does the preschool feel like a place your child can thrive in?

2. The Basics. What are the start and end times for the core program? If extended care is an option, who manages this, and, where is it held?

What is the daily schedule, as well as the school holiday schedule? Are lunch and snacks provided?

If not, is refrigeration available? Is the bathroom safe and centrally located with toddler sized facilities?

What are the illness policies? Is the facility up to code? What are the emergency protocols?

3. Teachers and Staff. Is

there enough supervision? Does the teacher-child ratio match or exceed standards? Teacher turnover?

What experience do the teachers have and how long have they been teaching at this school? How were they trained? Do the teachers seem happy?

How is their interaction with the children? How do they balance the different needs of the children? Do they have a specific approach for teaching socialemotional skills? How do they communicate with the family on concerns? How often are parent-teacher conferences held?

4. Learning Environment.

Are the children doing the same project or do the children work independently? Are there a variety of learning materials in which children can explore their interests and learn new skills? Is there a focus on reading? How do children decide what to do, when

to do it and with whom? What support do teachers provide when a child gets stuck on a project? How are children motivated to participate? How are holidays integrated into the learning experience?

5. Family Involvement.

How involved are the families in the day-to-day operations of the preschool? What opportunities or organized events are available to meet other families during the school year? Is there a parent association? Are there required volunteer hours or monetary commitments beyond the tuition?

Are there fundraising events and what is the money raised used for? Are there opportunities for classroom observation? How do family members participate in celebrations?

6. Final Impression of the Visit. This is your gut check. Do you feel this preschool is a great fit for your child?

Did you feel comfortable with what you saw and the people you interacted with? Did your concerns get addressed? Any red flags you need to check up on? Were you encouraged to contact the school with any questions? Is there a clear next step in the process?

Every family has specific needs and many preschools can accommodate most needs.

It is important to ask questions now. Don’t be afraid to discuss personal matters, one on one. Chances are the preschool has incorporated a similar situation before and is up to the task or give you direction to an alternative resource.. 

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October 2017 | Parents’ Press 11

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION

Should I Send My Child to Preschool?

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tarting between the ages of 2½ and 3, you will have the option of placing your child in preschool. Some parents may ask, “Why preschool? Isn’t my child learning enough at home or with a caregiver?” Of course nothing takes the place of a nurturing and loving home, and no one is more important to children than their parents. But research shows that kids who attend quality preschool have higher math and reading skills, are better prepared for kindergarten, behave better in class, and are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college.

When considering preschool education, think about these benefits A preschool experience: • empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn; • supports children’s intellectual and language development and communication skills; • offers children consistent, experienced, qualified educators to support their learning and development; • improves children’s ability to think, problem solve and reason as they enter school, enabling them to learn more in the early grades; • develops social and emotional maturity and the ability to relate well to peers and adults, solve conflicts, play co-operatively and be assertive; • provides a solid platform for life-long learning and education; • guides children to gain independence, self esteem and self confidence, empowering their learning;

A preschool experience empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn.

• helps children have a greater understanding of the world around them; • encourages children to be independent learners and to take an active role in their learning; • supports children to play co-operatively together and learn from their experiences; • enables children and families the opportunity to belong, to be part of a community, and connect with others.

Preschools are: • fun places to be, with varied, exciting experiences planned to meet the needs and interests of children; • a context to build social connections between families and the community; • a source of professional information that supports parenting; • give lots of opportunities for parent education; • a gradual transition from home to more formal educational environments; • a warm, caring, friendly environment, led by qualified, experienced and dedicated staff; • places that nurture creativity, thinking and social skills, enabling children to develop a love of learning.  JCC East Bay Preschool, Berkeley

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EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION

The Search for the Best Preschool for Your Child

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ontrary to what you might have heard, choosing the right preschool for your child is not as difficult as applying for an advanced degree. The key to choosing the right preschool is going into the process prepared.

Prepared? Yes, prepared with a solid idea of what you want your child to gain from his or her preschool experience. We offer helpful suggestions for choosing a preschool that is a good match for your child and your family, as well as information on some of the most popular types of preschool educational philosophies. In addition, you’ll find checklists that you can use when visiting and comparing preschool settings in your area.

Think about the Basics

The best way to keep from becoming overwhelmed by the process of choosing a preschool is to think about how the preschool will fit into your daily life. Here are some questions parents should consider:

Garden Gate Montessori, Danville

exploration.

Is it important for the preschool to be near my home?

The Waldorf Approach

Is it important for the preschool to be near my workplace?

Is it important for the preschool to offer childcare services in the morning, afternoon, or both?

Am I eligible for or interested in subsidized preschool programs (i.e. Early Head Start, Child Welfare League of America or state-funded programming) that offer services such as childcare programs with a focus on providing educational opportunities?

Answering each of these questions will help you narrow down the general location and type of setting you should research. Narrowing down your choices will make the process of comparing settings easier to manage.

Become Familiar with Common Terms

For many parents, the most confusing part about choosing preschools is trying to make sense of terms such as, “Montessori Approach,”“child-centered,”“Waldorf Approach” and “faith-based.” What do these terms mean and how can these terms help you choose a preschool?

Oftentimes, the key difference between settings is connected to the preschool’s “educational philosophy.” While educational philosophies are numerous and their definitions are not set in stone, we have provided you with definitions for some of the most popular philosophies.

Emphasis is placed on imagination in learning, providing students with opportunities to explore their world through the senses, participation and analytical thought.

The Bank Street Approach

This approach places an emphasis on learning through multiple perspectives, both in the classroom setting and in the natural world.

The High/Scope Approach

This approach focuses on letting children be in charge of their own learning. Children are taught to make a plan for what they would like to do each day and participate in a review session to discuss the success of their plan and brainstorm ideas for the next day.

Outside of the formal educational philosophies, knowing the difference between other common early childhood terms will help you make informed decisions regarding your child’s education. Below is a list of some common terms used to describe preschool settings. It should be noted that these terms may be used alone or in combination with one another (i.e. a “child-centered, faith-based” setting).

Child-centered

The Montessori Method

Focuses on maintaining the individuality of each child in the learning process. This method believes each child learns at their own pace and educational progress should not be rendered based upon comparing students to one another.

The Reggio Emilia Approach

The Child Unique Montessori School

continued on next page

2012 2013

This approach focuses on providing opportunities for problem solving through creative thinking and

This term is often used to describe settings that take the children’s interests into consideration when planning activities. For example: in a child-centered setting, the classroom activities are based on the interests of the students, not on pre-scheduled topics chosen by the teacher. These settings often offer increased opportunities for children to choose activities throughout the day depending on their interests.

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October 2017 | Parents’ Press 13

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION continued from previous page

The Search for the Best Preschool for Your Child (cont.)

Teacher-led

Go to the internet: You might be surprised to learn that your community has an active preschool networking community, a great place to tap into useful advice and resources. Or, you can use the internet to search the names of settings to find out if they have any “red flags” like numerous complaints from parents, health or safety violations, or other noteworthy issues. The Bananas and 4C’s of Alameda County and the Contra Costa Child Care Council web sites offer a wealth of information for parents seeking information.

The opposite of a child-centered setting is a teacherled setting. Teacher-led often means that curriculum and supplemental activities are implemented based on a set schedule developed by the teachers in the setting.

This type of setting usually provides children with a structured learning environment.

Child-led

These settings believe children learn best when they are engaged and interested in learning. Child-led settings wait for each child to initiate or ask for new activities and experiences, fostering individualized learning experiences rather than group experiences.

The best ways to find preschool programs are to attend preschool fairs (see page 18), get recommendations from fellow parents and scope out programs located close to home or work.

Faith-based

This term is used to describe preschool programs that are run through faith organizations such as churches or synagogues, according to their faith’s philosophies.

The Visit

Co-operative

These settings often ask parents and families to assist in the running of the preschool. Parents and family members may build community by signing up to volunteer during the week, or by assisting in the day-today management of the preschool as well as helping with advertising, upkeep and fundraising.

Developmentally Appropriate

This term means the preschool plans the curriculum and activities based on activities that are appropriate for the age of the children in the class.

Pre-kindergarten (pre-K)

The Saklan School, Moraga

Now that you have narrowed down your choices and come up with two or three settings you are interested in, schedule a time to visit each setting. You can learn a lot about a setting by the way staff approach introductory visits with you and your child. During your visit ask yourself the following questions: Do I feel welcome here?

Does my child seem interested in what they have to offer?

Do the children in the setting seem happy?

How do the adults and children interact?

Is the setting clean and safe?

Sometimes this term is used interchangeably with preschool. In general, a pre-K program is one that has children enrolled in the year before kindergarten, usually at age four. These settings are often more structured than traditional preschool settings.

The Research

Once you have narrowed down the general area you are interested in researching and have a good idea of what type of philosophy would best suit your child, here are a few things you can do to help narrow down your options: Reach out to other parents: Ask your friends, your neighbors, your pediatrician, your older child’s teacher ask people you trust for recommendations for quality settings in your area. Be mindful to note the name of the setting and what struck this person as important to mention (low student teacher ratio, close to home, child is excited to arrive, etc.). And, the best question to ask is, “What advice do you wish you had received before choosing your child’s preschool?” Most parents will be happy to offer their insight and advice.

You should also come to the visit prepared with questions. Some of the basic questions parents ask are: What is the turnover rate for staff members?

What percentage of the staff hold degrees in early childhood?

How does the setting handle discipline?

What are the safety procedures for picking up and dropping off children?

Is the setting accredited?

What are the payment options and procedures?

Some parents feel more comfortable going to the visit with a checklist of questions they would like answered.

We offer an even more in depth list on page 13. Parents should not feel like they need to ask every question on the checklist, however, using a checklist is a great way to make note of your observations during the visit so you can compare settings afterward.. 

Is My Child Ready?

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ust because most preschools will accept children at around 2 years old doesn’t mean your child is ready for preschool when she reaches that age.

Is she socially, emotionally and physically ready to participate in a structured educational program with a group of children? The following will help your think about some of the important skills needed for preschool.

activities. They needn’t be enrolled in an organized preschool for that.

If you find that the main reasons you want to send your child to preschool are that he seems eager to learn new things and explore, he isn’t getting enough stimulation at home or daycare, or he seems ready to broaden his social horizons and interact with other children, chances are it’s the perfect time to start preschool. 

Is your child independent?

Your child should also be able to take care of some basic needs, like washing her hands, eating her lunch without assistance and sleeping alone. Most preschools will want your child to be potty trained, but some accept diapers.

Has Your Child Spent Time Away From You? If your child has been cared for by a babysitter or a relative, he’ll be better prepared to separate from you when he’s at preschool. Kids who are used to being apart from their parents often bounce right into preschool with hardly a backward glance. If your child hasn’t had many opportunities to be away from you, you might want to schedule some - a weekend with grandma, for instance, or a day with your sister and her kids. But even if you can’t work out your separation issues up front, don’t worry too much; many children leave Mom or Dad for the first time to go to preschool and they do just fine. The trick is to help your child adjust in short doses. Many preschools will allow you to drop off your child for an hour or two during his first few days there; as he gets more used to his environment, you gradually work up to a full day.

Can she work on projects on her own?

Preschool usually involves lots of arts and crafts projects that require concentration and the ability to focus on an individual task. If your child likes to draw at home or gets engrossed in puzzles and other activities on her own, she’s a good candidate for preschool. But even if she’s the kind of child who asks for help with everything, you can start getting her ready by setting up playtimes where she can entertain herself for a half hour or so. Is she ready to participate in group activities?

14 Parents’ Press | October 2017

Resource: Patricia Henderson Shimm, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York and co-author of Parenting Your Toddler

Is he used to keeping a regular schedule?

Preschools usually follow a predictable routine: circle time, play time, snack, playground, then lunch.

There’s a good reason for this. Children tend to feel most comfortable and in control when the same things happen at the same time each day. So if your child doesn’t keep to a schedule and each day is different from the last, it can help to standardize his days a bit before he starts preschool.

toy, he’s set. If he still needs a mid-morning snooze, it might not be time yet to go to school.

Does he have the physical stamina for preschool?

Whether it’s a half-day or full-day program, preschool keeps kids busy. There are art projects to do, field trips to take, and playgrounds to explore. Does your child thrive on activities like this, or does he have trouble moving from one thing to the next without getting cranky? Another thing to consider is how and when your child needs to nap. Preschools usually schedule nap time after lunch. If your little one can keep going until then or even all day like a wind-up

Are you worried that if you don’t enroll him in preschool he won’t be ready for kindergarten?

Most experts agree that there are plenty of other ways for children to develop the skills necessary to be successful in kindergarten, including attending a good daycare facility or spending quality time at home with you or another loving caregiver. A study by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development found that children do best if they’re cared for by someone who is genuinely concerned about their well-being and development, and who makes sure they’re doing a variety of age-appropriate

Why do you want to send him to preschool?

Think carefully about what your goals are for sending your child to preschool. Do you just need time for yourself or daycare for your child? There may be other options if it seems he isn’t ready yet for the rigors of school.

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION

Questions to Ask

38. Do the display areas on the walls contain children’s artwork, writing samples, and photographs of class projects or activities?

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his checklist is designed to help families select the right pre-k program for their children. It includes the program qualities and components that research says are most important for a child’s growth and development. It does not cover either basic health and safety standards that all licensed programs must meet and which vary by state or whether nutritious meals and snacks are provided.

Use the checklist when interviewing the school principal or pre-k center director and as a guide for your observation of the pre-k classroom. To find the best available pre-k program, you may need to visit two or three centers. Remember, this is only a tool to help guide your decision. You know your child best; so, ultimately, you must decide which program will best prepare your child for school.

40. When the children are outside, are the teachers engaged in and encouraging the children’s play?

41. Does each child have enough room indoors and outdoors to move around without interfering with other children’s play space?  Finally, review the preschool’s contract.

Make sure you understand their policies on enrollment/withdrawel procedures, hours, fees, payment structure, vacation, sick

24. Does the teacher keep the parent(s) regularly informed of the child’s progress and school activities in a language they can understand?

If the teacher does not speak the family’s language, how do they communicate?

10. Is there at least one teacher for every 10 children?

Your own observations

12. Does the room have separate learning centers (reading, art, dramatic play, writing, blocks, etc.) with interesting equipment and materials to encourage learning?

13. Does the teacher use a well-known, quality, pre-k curriculum to guide what is taught?

If yes: Does the curriculum prepare children for kindergarten based on the state standards for school readiness?

Does the curriculum take into account the various learning styles, cultures, disabilities, and languages of the children and their families?

Does the curriculum provide opportunities for the children to explore topics in detail and in multiple ways?

14. Does the class follow a daily routine that offers a variety of activities throughout the day? (i.e. art, make-believe play, outside play, reading, and science activities) 15. Do children have outdoor unstructured playtime every day, except when the weather is extreme?

16. Does the class take at least two field trips a year?

17. Do activities change regularly so the children have a chance to learn new skills?

18. Do teachers have access to trained professionals such as a social worker, mental health consultant, and/ or behavior specialist to help children who have challenging behaviors or attention problems?

19. If a child has a disability or

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Accrediting Commission for Schools

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Preschool State License Numbers: 073402482, 013417816, 073406680, 013420588. © 2017 Stratford Schools, Inc.

Preschool State License: 198018949, 198018875. © 2017 Stratford Schools, Inc.

If yes, how often?

9. Is there a system for helping teachers improve their teaching expertise?

11. Are there no more than 20 children in a class?

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8. Do the teachers participate in 12 hours or more of in-service training each year?

23. Does the school have a number of ways for the parent(s) to be involved and help their child at home? (i.e. a school newsletter, classroom volunteers, family events, book or toy lending library)

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7. Has there been any teacher turnover in the last few years?

22. Does the program hold parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year?

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6. Have the majority of the teachers been at the program for at least three years?

21. Does the teacher have face-to-face or phone contact or provide regular e-mail or written reports with parent(s) at least twice a month?

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5. Does the classroom aide have specialized training in early childhood development?

20. Are parents welcome to drop in without making an appointment?

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4. Does he/she have certification in early childhood education?

special needs, does the school provide accommodations and support?

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3. Does the lead teacher have a bachelor’s degree?

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Stratford School nurtures the joy of learning in children.

Ask these questions:

2. Is the program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or any other nationally recognized accreditation organizations?

days, illness policy and meals. Also, keep in mind that as your child grows, you and your child’s needs will change. Will the preschool be able to grow with your little one? 

39. Are the furniture, playground equipment, and toys age appropriate, clean, and in good condition?

When meeting with the Program Director 1. Does the program have a state license, or if not, is it exempt from state licensing because it meets the school district’s standards instead?

37. Do the teachers encourage hands-on learning such as learning science concepts with water and sand or math through cooking?

Treehouse Preschool & Kindergarten

Spend at least an hour in the classroom.

Ask yourself:

Ages: 2-5 Years Well Rounded Curriculum Experienced Loving Teachers

25. Do I feel welcome?

26. Are the teachers warm and caring with the children?

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27. Do the teachers handle problems and conflicts in a positive manner?

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28. Do teachers have one-on-one conversations with children?

29. Do teachers work with children individually and in small groups of three or four?

30. Does staff show acceptance and respect to all children regardless of culture, race, language, or disability?

31. Do the children appear to be happy and engaged in activities?

32. Do the children have opportunities to select what they want to do at times throughout the day?

33. Are the children talking and interacting with each other?

34. Do the children seem to be working well with one another (sharing, playing cooperatively, and taking turns)?

35. Do you see evidence that the teachers use a variety of methods to teach letters, numbers, shapes, and new vocabulary words?

36. Does the classroom have a library with a variety of books and other reading material?

If yes, are the books in good condition and attractively displayed?

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CHATHAM SCHOOL

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If yes, are there books in the appropriate languages for the children who don’t speak English?

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 15

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION

Preschool Listings Preschool Address City • Phone Website

The Quarry Lane Preschool

1523 Willow Street Alameda • 510-865-6255 peekaboopreschool.com

Bright Horizons at Garner 2275 North Loop Road Alameda • 510-769-5437

T

A child’s first years are critical to their growth and success in life; our preschool programs strive to balance nurturing and caring with a young child’s growing need for both structure and independence. With this balance in mind, we hope to instill in our students a lifelong joy and excitement for learning that will continue with them throughout their educational path. Our goal at Quarry Lane is to develop the child in a learning environment that promotes self-esteem, encourages natural creativity, and provides a solid academic foundation.

The Quarry Lane School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). The preschool program directors are members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

In addition to the developmental, academic-based curriculum of our toddler and preschool programs, The Quarry Lane School offers an awardwinning curriculum for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten through the elementary, middle and high school years.

Visit us online to get more information, schedule a tour, or RSVP for an Open House: www.QuarryLane.org/Preschool

Alameda • 510-521-1218

Peek A Boo Preschool

3112 Windsor Drive Alameda • 510-522-5539 peekaboopreschool.com

Peter Pan Academy 3171 MeCartney Road Alameda • 510-523-4080

3 - 6 yrs Up to 24 children

$625 - $840 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

8:30 am - 2:30 pm 6 wks - School age 6:30 am - 6:15 pm 2 yr - 11 Up to 70 children

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted Transportation Available Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$1,334 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

3 yr - 5 Up to 21 children

$240 and up Accredited

Center Meals Provided

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Education Based

2.75 yr - 5 Up to 12 children

Varies

7:30 am - 12:00 pm 6 wks - 5 yrs Up to 75 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Special Needs Accepted

Home Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based Varies Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Alamo Creative Learning Center

2.9 to Entering Kindergarten Up to 52 children 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Please call for rate

Albany Preschool

2.75 yr - 5 Up to 24 children 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

$328 - $440

Center

Bright Star Montessori School

2 years-first grade entry Up to 52 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$900

Center

3 yr - 5 Up to 14 children

PT and FT options

Home

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Transportation Available

Little Lamb Bilingual Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 6 children Christian 8:00 pm - 6:00 pm

$1,350 - $1,500 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Home Meals Provided

My Little World Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 12 children

$1,000

Home

The Creative Play Center

W

Nomura Preschool is a nurturing environment for children ages two to five years old, serving Albany, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Richmond, Hercules and other East Bay families since 1964.

Our dedicated, experienced preschool teachers provide a balanced program that includes age-appropriate academics, enriching art and music, creative free play and stimulating physical activities.

Open 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday, year round.

Please contact us to schedule a tour or find out about the next Open House.

510.526.7847 www.nomurapreschool.com Conveniently located near the El Cerrito Del Norte and Plaza BART stations

1151 Portland Ave. Albany • 510-524-9399 www.CreativePlayCenterAlbany.com 924 Adams Street Albany • 510-610-2421

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Hilltop Christian Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 33 children Christian 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

$437 - $800 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Pearlite Montessori House

2 yr - 6 Up to 8 children

Varies Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Home Based Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Antioch 2200 Country Hills Drive Antioch • 925-779-9297 www.hilltopcs.org 2409 Pearlite Way Antioch • 925-755-8807

Sonshine Home Christian Preschool 1324 Putnam Street Antioch • 925-757-2194

The Child Day Schools, Antioch 112 E. Tregallas Road Antioch • 925-754-0144 www.tcdschools.com

7:00 am - 6:00 pm 3 yr - 5 Up to 14 children 8:45 am - 11:45 am 2 - 4 years old, AfterSchool 6:30 am - 6:30 pm

Home Based Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

Please call for rate

Center Meals Provided

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Transportation Available

Berkeley Benvenue Children’s House 3027 Benvenue Ave Berkeley • 510-333-3198

Berkeley Hills Nursery School 1161 Sterling Avenue Berkeley • 510-849-1216 www.berkeleyhills.org

2.5 yr - 5 Up to 14 children 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Ext care avail

$1,000

2.9 yrs - K Up to 40 children

5 days - $1100 4 days $999 3 days - $968

9:00 am - 1:00 pm Ext care avail

Diapers Accepted

2 yr - 5 Up to 69 children Reform Judaism 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Varies

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

$918 - $1,500 Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Beth El Nursery School

Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Come and observe to see if our approach is a good fit for your child. We encourage observations of an authentic Montessori classroom to ensure Fountainhead is the best match for you and your family. The experience across schools can vary dramatically. The observation experience gives valuable information in choosing a school for your child.

Duck’s Nest Preschool 1411 Fourth Street Berkeley • 510-527-2331

2 yr - 5 Up to 91 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Early Childhood Education Program

3 mos - 5 Up to 250 children

Please visit our website for frequently asked questions and for more information on the Montessori Method.

Diapers Accepted Education Based

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Albany • 510-529-4421

Fountainhead Montessori School

"Within the child lies the fate of the future." —Maria Montessori

16 Parents’ Press | October 2017

Kiddie Kampus Cooperative

1370 Marin Avenue Albany • 510-558-2080 www.brightstarschool.com

elcome to Nomura Preschool.

www.fms.org

2226 Encinal Ave. Alameda • 510-521-9227 http://www.thechildunique.org

850 Masonic Ave Albany • 510-600-3416 http://albanypreschool.org/

Nomura Preschool

Campuses in Danville • Dublin • Livermore • Orinda 925-820-1343

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

Albany

2 Campuses in Pleasanton for infant to Pre-K and Preschool to Pre-K www.quarrylane.org

Richmond Annex, CA 94804

The Child Unique Montessori School

120 Hemme Avenue Alamo • 925-837-4044 www.clcalamo.com

Quarry Lane offers an academic preschool curriculum with an emphasis on phonics and math skills. We foster social and emotional growth through our center play activities in the classroom giving children the confidence to begin their journey through school. We balance your child’s experience with specialty classes in music, Spanish, computer, physical education and library visits. With both full and half day schedules, our program prepares children for future success with a wide range of learning experiences as they move through many developmental stages.

1711 Carlson Blvd

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

Alameda Bayside Montessori

he Quarry Lane School offers quality preschool programs for children ages 15 months to five years at two campuses in Pleasanton. Since 1991, our qualified teachers and dedicated staff have provided a safe and loving environment for young children as they begin their journey of lifelong learning.

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Berkeley • 510-848-9428

2339 Haste Street Berkeley • 510-642-1827 ece.berkeley.edu

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (EB) 1009 Heinz Avenue Berkeley • 510-549-3867 www.eb.org

Frog Hollow Nursery School 1635 Jaynes Street Berkeley • 510-525-2566

Gay Austin School

1611 Hopkins St Berkeley • 510-526-2815 GayAustinSchool.com

7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2.5 yr - PreK Up to 80 children 8:15 am - 3:30 pm Ext care avail

$2,310 Accredited

2.3 yr - 5 Up to 12 children 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Ext care avail

$980 - $1,340

2 yr - 5 Up to 53 children

$680 - $1,700

8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Home Special Needs Accepted Center Special Needs Accepted

Center Meals Provided

Center

Play Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Home Based Meals Provided

Center

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION

Preschool Listings Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

Golden Gate Kids Preschool

1.5 yr - 5

Please call for rate

Center

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

1450 Sixth Street Berkeley • 510-525-4841 www.goldengate-kids.com

Griffin Nursery School 2410 Prince Street Berkeley • 510-845-2025 griffinnurseryschool.org

JCC East Bay Preschool

1414 Walnut Street Berkeley • 510-848-0237 http://www.jcceastbay.org/preschool/

Mi Mundo Preschool

1866 Alcatraz Ave Berkeley • 510-652-1172 www.mimundopreschool.com

The Model School

2330 Prince St. Berkeley • 510-549-2711 TheModelSchool.org

Montessori Family School 1850 Scenic Ave. Berkeley • 510-848-2322 www.montessorifamily.com

Nia House Learning Center 2234 9th Street Berkeley • 510-845-6099

Shu Ren International School 1333 University Ave. Berkeley • 510-981-0320 www.shurenschool.org

St. John’s Childcare Center Berkeley • 510-549-9342

2.75 yr - 5 Up to 18 children

$640 - $730

8:30 am - Differs by age

Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 79 children Jewish 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

$666 - $2,077

Center

Diapers Accepted

Special Needs Accepted

2.6 yr - 5 Up to 29 children

$850 - $1,375 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

3 yr - 6 Up to 55 children

$1,320 - $1,780

Center

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

18 mos - 6 Up to 50 children

Varies

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

2 yr -5 Up to 57 children 8:30 a - 3:00p; Ext Care Available

$19,600

Center Meals Available

3 mos - 5 Up to 45 children

Varies

8:00 am - 5:15 pm 3 months to 6 years Up to 80 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

7:30 am - 5:45 pm

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Step One School

499 Spruce Street Berkeley • 510-527-9021 www.steponeschool.org

Via Nova Children’s School

3032 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Berkeley • 510-848-6682

2 yr - 6 Up to 115 children 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted (2yr) Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted Center Meals Provided

2 yr - 6 Up to 45 children 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

$1,220 - $1,460

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

2 - 6 years Up to 41 children

Varies

Center

Castro Valley ABC Preschool and Daycare 20135 San Miguel Ave Castro Valley • 510-581-5577

Early Bird Montessori School

P

leasant Hill's first intergenerational Montessori preschool using the Montessori philosophy to educate the whole child from ages two through six. We further engage our children to respect the dignity of all people by sharing in activities with our elderly friends next door at Choice in Aging.

Our Site Director has worked with children for 25 years. She started out as a substitute teacher, earned her AMS credential, and was head teacher for the 3-6 year old program working at the same school for 23 years before coming to Choice in Learning. Through the years she has had the opportunity to mentor numerous teachers. She has eleven years of experience working as a site director.

Choice in Learning is fortunate to have a well rounded staff that has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for many years. Our head teachers have an average of 20 years classroom experience. The assistants in each environment have worked in the field an average of 15 years each. This staff enjoyed working with each other so much that we moved to Choice in Learning as a team.

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Age 2-6

Please see website

Please see website

Montessori School at Five Canyons

18 mos - 6 Up to 120 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$1,150

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

City of Concord Preschool Program

2 yr - 6 Up to 48 children Christian 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Please see website

Center

Concordia School, The

2 yr - 6th grade Up to 34 children 7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

First Lutheran Preschool

2 yr - 5 Lutheran 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2490 Grove Way Castro Valley • 510-581-5088 www.hisgrowinggrove.com

Kidz-Planet Learning Center 5100 Clayton Rd Concord • 925-825-3012 www.kidz-planet.org

Step by Step Montessori Preschool 1507 Heather Drive Concord • 925-825-4364 stepbystepschools.com

Wood Rose Academy & Preschool 4347 Cowell Road Concord • 925-825-5493

Hours of Operation: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For Inquiries or Questions: (925)687-5321 info@cilmontessori.org We are proud to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID #94-2822559) Lic# 073408243

925-687-5321 | www.cilmontessori.org

The Child Unique Montessori School

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

O

UR MISSION is to create a warm, loving, secure environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, self-confidence and independence so that students may become models of peace and can succeed in an evolving world. We maintain tight ratios and small classes to ensure educational excellence and attention to a robust curriculum, which helps children become critical thinkers, world learners and peacemakers. We have a strong emphasis in cultural subjects, including the arts. We help children engage in living, cutting edge education and are committed to maintaining an environment that creates a curiosity about learning, while engendering a love, respect and understanding of self and others.

Concord

4006 Concord Blvd Concord • 925-798-5330 flpsconcord.org

We are currently open and accepting applications for school year enrollment.

We have built this school from the ground up remaining true to the Montessori philosophy while adding our own touches to turn the site into a place where children and families feel welcome

Diapers Accepted Education Based 6 wks - 5 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

2353 Fifth Ave Concord • 925-689-9610

WHERE WE ARE NOW:

Center

His Growing Grove Child Care Center

Multiple Locations Concord • 925-671-3118

and supported. Our purpose is to educate the young child in the spirit of Montessori while at the same time challenging the child to become part of a global environment governed by mindfulness toward young and old alike.

490 Golf Club Road | Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

4779 Heyer Avenue Castro Valley • 510 329-7344 www.earlybirdmontessori.com

22781 Canyon Court Castro Valley • 510-581-3729 www.montessoricastrovalley.com

Choice in Learning Montessori

6 wks - 6 Up to 40 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 6 Up to 40 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Center

Center Meals Provided

New second language and PE program Toddler • Preschool • TK • Elementary

Center

2 yr - 8th grade Up to 56 children Roman Catholic 6:45 am - 6:00 pm

$900 - $1,000

2 yr - 5 Up to 110 children

Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2226 Encinal Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 510.521.9227 www.thechildunique.org

Center Meals Provided

Danville Autumn Creek Learning Center 14 Osborn Way Danville • 925-743-4187 www.autumncreek-lc.com

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Community Presbyterian Preschool

2.5 yr - 5 Up to 102 children Christian 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Please call for rate

Danville Montessori School

2 yr - 5 Up to 48 children

Please call for rate

222 W El Pintado Rd Danville • 925-837-3316 www.cpcdanville.org

919 Camino Ramon Danville • 925-838-7434 www.danmont.com

Fountainhead Montessori School 939 El Pintado Rd Danville • 925-820-1343 www.fms.org

7:30 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 5 Up to 54 children 7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted for 2.5s Education Based Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based Please call for rate

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 17

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION The Renaissance International School

Oakland Campus: 3650 Dimond Ave. Piedmont Campus: 5201 Park Blvd.

510-531-8566 www.therenaissanceschool.org

The Renaissance International School provides students age two-years old through middle school with a high-quality education designed to create compassionate, capable, confident, creative individuals who are prepared for life. Our Montessori program has a strong music, visual arts, and language immersion component.

Language Immersion Our students thrive in our trilingual immersion environment (English/Spanish/French). Students progress individually under the guidance of native speakers.

Music Our music curriculum addresses the musical needs of children beginning in early childhood.

Fine Arts Creativity, imagination, personal expression, selfdirection, coordination, critical thinking, and problem solving are encouraged in our studio art program.

Call for tour information: 510-531-8566.

Lic# 010214382

Oakland Montessori School

O

ur beautiful Montessori environment for children aged 24 months to 6 years is designed and prepared to generate creativity, promote confidence and independence, and build trust. We assist our children’s efforts in exploring the diverse world as a group and as individuals.

Our hours of operation are 7:30-6:00.

Oakland Montessori School has lots of space to spread out inside and outside: our spacious classrooms give everyone enough room to work, and our expansive yard provides hours of creation, learning and exploration. We have continuously operated in the Dimond district for over 30 years.

3625 Fruitvale Ave Oakland, CA 94602 510-482-3111 www.oaklandmontessori.com

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

Garden Montessori School

3 yr - 6 Up to 19 children 8:55-11:25 am and 12:002:30 pm

Varies Accredited

Center

495 Verona Avenue Danville • 925-837-2969

Peekadoodle Academy of Danville

2 yr - 6 Up to 90 children

Varies

2425 Camino Tassajara Danville • 925-736-7335

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted Center Meals Provided

Dublin Beyond Montessori

7260 San Ramon Road Dublin • 925-556-2588 www.BeyondMontessori.Org

Fountainhead Montessori School 6665 Amador Plaza Rd Dublin • 925-829-2963 www.fms.org

Joyful Kids Academy Bilingual Preschool 7250 Amador Valley Blvd Dublin • 925-560-8603

Little Genius Montessori 6837 Amador Valley Blvd Dublin • 925-803-5867

Seed2Sprout Learning Center 4288 Dublin Blvd, Suite 206 Dublin • 925-828-2468 www.Seed2Sprout.org

2 yr - 6 Up to 24 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 5 Up to 54 children 7:00 am - 6:30 pm 2 yr - 5 Up to 60 children 7:30 am - 6:30 pm 2 yr - 6 Up to 30 children 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based Please call for rate

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

2 yr - 6 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Center

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted Center Meals Provided

Center Diapers Accepted Education Based

El Cerrito El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC) 7200 Moeser Lane El Cerrito • 510-526-1916

Keystone Montessori

El Cerrito • 510-236-7479

3 yr - 5 Up to 28 children 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 1.5 yr - 6 Up to 65 children

7075 Cutting Blvd.

El Cerrito • 510-236-8802 www.montessorifamily.com

Sycamore Christian Preschool 1111 Navellier St. El Cerrito • 510-527-9522 sycamore-preschool.org

Tehiyah Day School

2603 Tassajara Avenue El Cerrito • 510-233-3013 www.tehiyah.org

Center

Varies

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

3 yr - 6 Up to 55 children

$1,320 - $1,780

Center

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

2.5 yr - 5 Up to 24 children Christian 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

$1,040

4 yr - 14 Up to 250 children Jewish 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

See Website Accredited Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted Transportation Available

2 yrs + Up to 8 children

$200 - $2,000

Home

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Education Based

Special Needs Accepted Transportation Available

0 - 10 yrs Up to 118 children Christian 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Varies

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Montessori Family School

Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Special Needs Accepted

El Sobrante

Berkeley Hills Nursery School

A

t Berkeley Hills, we allow children to develop at their own pace, taking the time to discover things for themselves. Our community emphasis on social skills, such as cooperation and respect for others, along with emergent and enriched curriculum, creates an environment tailored to the growth of the whole child. To ensure careful supervision and individual attention, each class of twenty children receives the guidance of three experienced childhood professionals.

North Berkeley Hills Close to Shasta and Grizzly Peak Bl 510-849-1216 www.berkeleyhills.org

We offer separate programs for 2.9-4 year olds (RED Room) and 4-5 year olds (BLUE Room).

Children participate in a multi-faceted teacher facilitated program 5 days a week from 9-1 pm.

First year RED Room children have the option of attending three, four or five days a week.

Extended care occurs 1-3pm daily, based on need.

Early care is available at 8:45.

18 Parents’ Press | October 2017

2830 May Road El Sobrante • 510-222-9222

East Bay German International School

MFS is a hub of busy children, a dedicated faculty employing Montessori best practices, and a committed parent body working together to expand the reach of this precious, child-centered learning community.

2.9 yr - 8th grade Up to 60 children

1070 41st St Emeryville • 510-679-2199 www.ebgis.org

LePort School Emeryville

Accredited

Center

Education Based Varies

Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Meals Provided

Daniel Christian Academy

2 yr - 6 Up to 60 children Christian 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

$500 - $980 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

Genius Kids Mowry Campus

2 yr - 6 Up to 70 children

$290 weekly

Center

1450 63rd Street Emeryville • 510-984-1999 http://leportschools.com/emeryvillepreschool/

12 wks - 6 yrs Up to 160 children

Fremont ABC Magic Moments

2367 Jackson St Fremont • 510-656 3722 39608 Sundale Dr. Fremont • 510-279-9859

D

Montessori education is about providing the environment to develop young people who think critically and feel deeply. Our goal is students who are self-reflective, self-organizing, and self-correcting in the fast-paced and constantly changing world around them. More than learning simply what to think, the children here learn how to think, and how to advocate for themselves and others. The transformative power of education is real and thriving in our robust Montessori environment. The work is enriching and challenging and so very worthwhile.

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted Transportation Available

Emeryville

Genius Kids Warmsprings

Since 1981, MFS has provided an authentic Montessori education, serving 150 children in grades PK-8.

www.montessorifamily.com

Hope Preschool

Montessori Family School

Montessori kids do.

Elementary Campus (K-8) | 510-236-8802 7075 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito, CA 94530

El Sobrante • 510-275-3505

3645 Mowry Ave Fremont • 510-896-8764

oes your child…

• Confidently set and achieve goals?

• Complete their work enthusiastically?

• Volunteer to lead activities?

Preschool Campus | 510-848-2322 1850 Scenic Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709

Conexiones Institute

46132 Warmsprings Blvd,# 101 Fremont • 510-999-7704

Kimberhills Preschool

8:00 am - 6:30 pm 2 yr - 6 Up to 60 children 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based $1,000 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted Transportation Available Center

1.5 yr - 5+ Up to 130 children Christian 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Varies

39700 Mission Blvd Fremont • 510-651-5437

Learn and Play Montessori School

2 yr - 6 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

The Lil Genius Kid

0 yr - 6 Up to 75 children

Varies

Center

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Transportation Available

Little Flowers Montessori

2 yr - 6 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Little Lamb Ministries

2.5 yrs - 5 Up to 140 children Christian 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Varies

Center

505 Driscoll Road Fremont • 510-656-1359

Montessori Children’s Center

3 mos - 12

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

7220 Maple Street Fremont • 510-713-2402

34183 & 34141 Fremont Blvd Fremont • 510-713-2431

4343 Stevenson Blvd Fremont • 510-651-2605

33170 Lake Mead Drive Fremont • 510-489-7510

Special Needs Accepted Center

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

Montessori Children’s House

3 mos - 12

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool

2.9 mos - 5 yrs Up to 75 children Lutheran 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Please call for rate

858 Washington Blvd Fremont • 510-657-9269

Center Meals Provided

Palm Academy

6 wks and up

Please call for rate

1901 Washington Boulevard Fremont • 510-490-1727

2856 Washington Blvd Fremont • 510-777-6677 www.palmacademy.com

Shu Ren International School

S

hu Ren International School’s early childhood program aims to bring a new world of education to the wonderfully diverse families of the Bay Area. Each day, our multilingual faculty and staff create a warm and unique environment for young preschoolers to find the joy in learning new skills as well as a new language. Our dedication to maintaining a 100% mandarin language environment in combination with the implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, allows our families to enjoy an exceptional international community.

Education Based Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Hayward Cherubim’s Children’s Center 30540 Mission Blvd Hayward • 510-471-7713 www.cherubimscc.com

Creative Kids Children’s Center

3 mos - 5 Up to 20 children 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Accredited Diapers Accepted

Center

4 mos - entering 1st Up to 40 children 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Varies

2894 D Street Hayward • 510-888-9122

Eiffel Tower Montessori

2 yr - 5

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Elmhurst Learning Center

2 yr - 11 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

26221 Gading Road Hayward • 510-786-3641

2 yr - 5 Up to 79 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Li’l Angels Child Care

infant - 5

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

493 Blanche Hayward • 510-475-1762 380 Elmhurst Street Hayward • 510-786-1289

His Kids Childrens Center

28924 Ruus Road Hayward • 510-670-9007

6:30 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

1333 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94702 510-981-0320 www.shurenschool.org

Stratford School

A

t Stratford, high expectations yield extraordinary results. We start early with an advanced and intentionally balanced curriculum that challenges students and accelerates achievement.

Kensington Growing Light Montessori School of Kensington Kensington • 510-527-1278

Kensington Nursery School 52 Arlington Ave. Kensington • 510-524-7963 www.kns-ca.org

Skytown Parent Co-operative Preschool 1 Lawson Rd. Kensington • 510-526-8481

2 yrs - entering 1st Up to 64 children 8:00 am – 6:00 pm 2.75 yr - 5 Up to 38 children 7:30 am – 6:00 pm 1.5 yr - K Up to 34 children 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

$1,325 - $1,575 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

$486 - $1,310 Accredited Diapers Accepted

Center

Please call for rate

Center

Our ever-evolving, STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) teaching methods ensure students develop the diverse set of problem-solving skills and creative talents they’ll need in today’s world.

Our passionate teachers cultivate a nurturing and fun classroom environment, where children feel safe and eager to try new things and fail forward. Beyond the classroom, we help students discover and define their passions through a variety of extracurricular activities, personal development and enrichment.

Diapers Accepted

Lafayette Happy Days Learning Center 3205 Stanley Blvd.

Lafayette • 925-932-8088 www.happydayslafayette.com

Joyful Beginnings Preschool 955 Moraga Rd. Lafayette • 925-284-1143 joyfulbeginnings.blog.com

Lafayette Nursery School

979 First St. Lafayette • 925-284-1639 http://www.lafayettenurseryschool.org

2 yr - 5th grade Up to 84 children 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

$260 - 550

2 yr - 5.5 Up to 60 children

Varies

Times differs by age 12 mos - 5 Up to 80 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Seedlings Preschool

6 mos - 6 Up to 100 children Presbyterian 9:15 am - 2:15 pm

49 Knox Drive Lafayette • 925-284-3870

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 45 children Christian Values 8:45 am - 11:45 am

Old Firehouse School

984 Moraga Rd Lafayette • 925-284-4321

$320 - $1165

The Child Day Schools, Lafayette, 2-3 years old (Preschool);

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Diapers Accepted

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Transportation Available

Special Needs Accepted

Please call for rate

Center Meals Provided

1049 Stuart Street Lafayette • 925-284-7092 www.tcdschools.com

Fours (Pre-K); Kindergarten 6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Viva el Español

1 yr - 8th grade Up to 36 children

$155 - $275

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

1.5 yr - 6 Up to 75 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

$250 Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Christian World Pre-School

0 yr - 12 Up to 72 children 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

$850 Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

Fountainhead Montessori School

1.8 yr - 5 Up to 54 children

Please call for rate

Center

3451 Golden Gate Way Lafayette • 925-962-9177 www.vivaelespanol.org

2828 Marina Livermore • 925-443-1700 3820 East Ave. Livermore • 925-455-5564 949 Central Avenue Livermore • 925-820-1343 www.fms.org

7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Transportation Available

2 yr - 5 Up to 100 children Holy Cross Lutheran 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Please call for rate

Center

Livermore Playschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 48 children

Please call for rate

Center

5261 East Avenue Livermore • 925-447-6042 www.livermoreplayschool.com

The Child Development Center

Building 2300, 3000 Campus Hill Drive Livermore • 925-424-1560 www.laspositascollege.edu/ childdevelopmentcenter

7:00 am - 6:00 pm 18 mos - 5 Up to 132 children 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Step One adheres to a play-based, developmental philosophy, and provides structure and routine throughout the day. Children are able to make choices within the activities offered to them.

Inclusion and diversity are a large part of the curriculum at Step One, with the belief that early childhood is an ideal time for children to experience diversity.

The vibrant community of Step One provides the healthy foundation children need to reach their full potential as learners and human beings.

499 Spruce St. Berkeley, CA 94708 510-527-9021 www.steponeschool.org

B

roadmoor is a play-based, parent operated cooperative preschool in San Leandro. Since 1939 we have fostered the development of parents and children within our families, our school, and our community.

We offer half-day classes for children ages 3-5.

Students engage in age-appropriate exploration of science, math, art, music, cooking, games, and outside play. Parents work in the classroom one day each week, and attend parent education meetings on a variety of topics.

Diapers Accepted Education Based $1,500 - $1,800 Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

We are still enrolling for 2017/18!

Martinez Forest Hills Preschool and Child Care 5834 Alhambra Ave Martinez • 925-370-1601

Helping Hands Christian Preschool 1865 Arnold Drive Martinez • 925-229-2975

Step One has designed four distinct programs to help children at each stage of their development: • 2-Year Olds • Nursery School • Transitional Kindergarten • Arts Enrichment

Broadmoor Preschool

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Holy Cross Lutheran School 1020 Mocho Street Livermore • 925-447-1864

ince 1981, Step One School has been a leader in Early Childhood Education in the Bay Area.

Center

Livermore Best Friends Campus

S

Center Meals Provided

Diapers Accepted Education Based

This carefully designed approach prepares students to excel at the next level and become tomorrow’s creative problem-solvers, innovators, and confident leaders. Find out more at www.stratfordschools.com

Step One School

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Multiple Locations Throughout the Bay Area www.stratfordschools.com

Center Meals Provided

$263 - $880

The Shu Ren Difference: • Experienced teachers from China and Taiwan • Located right in the heart of Berkeley • 1:8 student ratio • Experiential learning through active inquiry • A full 100% Mandarin immersion environment • A unique international family community committed to creating a warm community for all

3 mos - 6 Up to 97 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 5 Up to 30 children Christian 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based Varies Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted Transportation Available Center Meals Provided

Visit our website for details and to download an application.

951 Dowling Blvd San Leandro, CA 94577 510-569-5327 www.broadmoorpreschool.org

Also available: Tot-Time for 2 year olds and summer camps.

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 19

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION Dynamic Education The Optimizing Each Child’s Potential Call to schedule a tour at one Child of our five locations Day Schools, LLC

St. Catherine Preschool

2.75 yr - 5 Up to 40 children Catholic 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Please call for rate Accredited

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Creative Playhouse

2 yr - 6 Up to 40 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Growing Tree Preschool

1.5 yr - 5 Up to 175 children 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Mulberry Tree Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 50 children

Varies

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

Toddlers (12 months); Preschool (2-3 years); Pre-K (4 years); Jr.-K (young 5’s) 6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Please call for rate

Center Meals Provided

3 yr - 5 Up to 32 children

$675 - $1,290 Accredited

8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Play-Education Based

Little Flowers Montessori

2 yr - 6 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Little Flowers Montessori

2 yr - 6 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Montessori School in Newark

2 yr - 6 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Betty’s Children’s Academy

3 mos - 11 Up to 60 children 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

BlueSkies for Children

infant - 5 Up to 85 children

$1,310 - $2,700 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Varies

Center Meals Provided

1695 Canyon Road Moraga • 925-376-8280

1455 St. Mary’s Rd. Moraga • 925-376-1751 www.mulberrytreepreschool.com

www.t cdschools.com

The Child Day Schools, Moraga 372 Park Street Moraga • 925-376-5110 www.tcdschools.com

Preschool • Pre-K • Jr.-K • Toddlers • Kindergarten • School Age

Lic# 073406846 073406845, 0734066634

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

1350 Moraga Way Moraga • 925-377-8314

2017 Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers

Lic# 073406638 073406639

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

PLEASANTON 925-462-1866

LAFAYETTE 925-284-7092

MORAGA 925-376-5110

Lic# 013420524 013420525

Lic# 073406632 073406633

Lic# 073406850 073406849

The Saklan School

1678 School Street Moraga • 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

8:45 am - 3:00 pm

37815 Birch St Newark • 510-793-0000 5801 Jarvis Ave Newark • 510-794-8350 35660 Cedar Boulevard Newark • 510-792-4546

3021 Brookdale Avenue Oakland • 510-261-1076 www.blueskies4children.org

Bright Future Early Learning Center 1515 Clay Street, Suite 146 Oakland • 510-835-4012 www.4c-alameda.org

7:00 am – 6:00 pm 3 mos - K Up to 52 children 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

Chatham School - 39th Ave 4359 39th Avenue Oakland • 510-531-1534 www.chathampreschool.com 4500 Redwood Rd Oakland • 510-531-1302 www.chathampreschool.com

• Music, Art, and Language Programs • Expansive Outdoor Play Area • Hours: 7a.m. – 6p.m. (Year-Round) • Ages 2-5 Years and Bridge K Class

7:30 am – 6:00 pm

1711 Carlson Blvd Richmond Annex 94804

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

Grand Lake Montessori

18 mos - 6th grade Up to 185 children

$1,900 (all year program)

Center

Oakland • 510-336-9897 www.growinglight.net

Kids Konnect Child Development Center

3650 Dimond Ave. Oakland • 510-531-8566 www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org

Rockridge Little School

5951 College Avenue Oakland • 510-420-1200 www.rockridgelittleschool.com

Rockridge Montessori School 5633 Manila ave – Admin Office Oakland • 510-652-7021 www.rockridgemontessori.org

Saint Vincent’s Day Home 1086 Eighth Street Oakland • 510-832-8324 www.svdh@svdh.org

3636 Dimond Ave

Temple Sinai Preschool 2808 Summit St. Oakland • 510-832-6800 Lic #010214163

20 Parents’ Press | October 2017

•

2 yr - 6 Up to 24 children

2yr - K Up to 45 children

The Renaissance International School

www.oaklandmontessori.com

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Mountain Boulevard Montessori School

3625 Fruitvale Avenue 3636 Dimond Avenue Oakland • 510-325-1719 www.oaklandmontessori.com

510-482-3111

2 yr - 1st Grade Entry Up to 64 children

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Oakland Montessori School

Tours on Wednesdays at 9:30am Please RSVP at info@oaklandmontessori.com

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

8800 Fontaine St Oakland • 510-569-5427 www.kids-konnect.com

4432 Mountain Boulevard Oakland • 510-482-2850 www.mtnblvd.com

Join our diverse community of confident children, supportive parents and experienced teachers.

ART • MUSIC • SPANISH • GYMNASTICS • YOGA

Diapers Accepted Education Based $742 - $1040

Growing Light Montessori School

Serving children 24 months to 6 years

Center

2 yr - 5 Up to 30 children Jewish 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

466 Chetwood St. Oakland • 510-836-4313 grandlakemontessori.com

Oakland Montessori School

Diapers Accepted Education Based Please call for rate

7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Center

Gan Mah Tov Preschool at Beth Jacob Congregation 3778 Park Blvd.

Oakland • 510-530-2146 www.ganmahtov.com

Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847

Diapers Accepted Play Based Please call for rate

Chatham School - Redwood

Call us today:

Center Snack Provided

Oakland

Lic. #070209834

Oakland • 510-430-8789

• Preparation for Kindergarten • Nurturing Academic Environment • Ballet, Hip Hop Dance, Gymnastics, Violin, Piano, and Soccer

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Newark

If you could give your child one gift to last a lifetime, what would it be?

www.nomurapreschool.com

Education Based

Moraga

• Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving • Art & Creativity • Social Skills

SAN RAMON 925-820-2515

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

1125 Ferry St. Martinez • 925-229-2255

Family operated since 1976

ANTIOCH 925-754-0144

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Treehouse Preschool & Kindergarten

4000 Redwood Rd Oakland • 510-531-0320 www.treehousepreschool.org

7:30 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 6 Up to 55 children 7:30 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 9th grade Up to 160 children

Diapers Accepted Education Based $1,406 - $1,600 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

$750 - $1250

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Diapers Accepted Education Based $1,395 Inclusive Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

$800 - $2,000

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based $1,867 - $2,365

Center

$1,200 - $1,675 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

7:30 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 6 Up to 41 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Infant - 5

Center

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2 yr - 6 Up to 225 children

Please call for rate Accredited

7:00 am - 5:30 pm

Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 90 children Jewish 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

$675 - $1,880

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

2 yr - 5 Up to 107 children First Covenant Church 9:00-4:00 & 7:30-6:00

Diapers Accepted (2yr) Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Center Morning and afternoon snack provided

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

2 yr - 5 Up to 54 children

Please call for rate

Center

Orinda Fountainhead Montessori School 30 Santa Maria Way Orinda • 925-254-7110 www.fms.org

7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Holy Shepherd Christian Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 25 children Christian 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Please call for rate

St. John Preschool

18 mos - 5 Up to 24 children

Please call for rate

433 Moraga Way Orinda • 925-254-3429 www.holyshepherd.org 501 Moraga Way Orinda • 925-254-4470 www.stjohnorinda.com

7:00 am - 5:30 pm

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Piedmont Happy Together Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 20 children Jewish cultural 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

$680 - $1,340

1300 Grand Ave Piedmont • 510-547-2424 x214 www.happytogetherpreschool.com

Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool

2.75 yr - 4 Up to 20 children

$300 - $345 Accredited

400 Highland Ave Piedmont • 510-547-4432 www.lindabeach.org

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Center Special Needs Accepted

Helping your child excel in a warm and nurturing environment

Pinole La Casita Bilingue Montessori School 592 Tennent Avenue Pinole • 510-724-1724 www.la-casita.org

Maria’s Family Daycare 2430 Paloma street Pinole • 510-262-9204

2.5 yr - 6

Please call for rate Accredited

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

Newborns to 5 Up to 6 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$800

2 yr - 6 Up to 30 children

Please call for rate

Diapers Accepted

Center

We provide a Year Round Program Home Based Meals Provided

Infant and toddler care for ages 12-24 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years

Pleasant Hill Alice’s Montessori

105 Astrid Drive Pleasant Hill • 925-947-0606 www.alicesmontessori.com

Creative Play Center

2323 Pleasant Hill Road Pleasant Hill • 925-974-6820

Hummingbird Preschool Academy

1715 Oak Park Blvd Pleasant Hill • 925-946-0111 hummingbirdpreschoolacademy.com

Pioneer Montessori School 2702 Pleasant Hill Road Pleasant Hill • 925-947-2340

Play and Learn School

1898 Pleasant Hill Rd Pleasant Hill • 925-943-7007

Stepping Stones Learning Center 2750 Pleasant Hill Road Pleasant Hill • 925-933-6520

7:00 am - 6:00 pm 2.8 yr - 4 20-22 per class Varies 3 mos - 1st grade Up to 72 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Extended Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Full-day program: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based $127 - $276

Center

Diapers Accepted

Special Needs Accepted

Please call for rate

Center

510-652-7021 admin@rockridgemon tessori.org

www.RockridgeMontessori.org

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2.5 yr - 6 Up to 53 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate

18 mos - 9 Up to 150 children

Please call for rate

Close to Rockridge Bart 5633 Manila ave – Oakland 94618

Center

Education Based

Lic. 01213520,013417669 & 013417787

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2 yr - 6 Up to 66 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

2 yr and up Up to 100 children Christian 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

$1,000

Center Meals Provided

infant - 6 Up to 27 children

Please call for rate

Email to Schedule a Tour

Saying Goodbye

Special Needs Accepted

Pleasanton Adventures in Learning

3200 Hopyard Road Pleasanton • 925-462-7123 www.ailpleasanton.com

Hacienda HeadsUp

4671 Chabot Drive Pleasanton • 925-463-2885 www.headsup.org

Quarry Lane School

3750 Boulder St. Pleasanton • 925-846-9400 www.quarrylane.org

Quarry Lane School

4444B Black Ave. Pleasanton • 925-462-6300 www.quarrylane.org

The Child Day Schools, Pleasanton

883 Rose Avenue Pleasanton • 925-462-1866 www.tcdschools.com

Viva el Español

7:30 am - 6:00 pm 15 mos - 5 Up to 250 children

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Transportation Available Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$680 - $2,040 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 170 children

$680 - $2,040 Accredited

Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

Preschool (2-3 years); Pre-K (4 yrs); Jr.-K (5 yrs); After-School

Please call for rate

6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

3 yr - 6 Up to 30 children

Please call for rate

9:45 am - 3:30 pm

Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 95 children

Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Varies Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

3 yr - 5 Up to 36 children Catholic 6:45 am – 6:00 pm

$737 FT - $443 PT Accredited

Center

Broadmoor Pre-School

2 yr - 6

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Li’l Angels Day Care Center

infant - 12

Please call for rate

Center

4455 Del Valle Parkway, Room A204 Pleasanton • 925-962-9177 www.vivaelespanol.org

S

aying goodbye isn’t easy, especially the first day you leave your child with a caregiver. They key is to make these happy goodbyes, not sad ones.

Plan to stay for a bit, especially the first day. Walk around the room with your child, meet other kids, and play with some of the toys to help your child become comfortable with this new situation.

Be cheerful and upbeat. Your child will know by the sound of your voice if you’re worried or upset.

Smile, laugh, and tell your child that you’ll be back soon.

Create a goodbye routine. Give your child a kiss to “hold” in his hand while you’re away, sing a special song together, or give an extra big bear hug.

Leave a favorite object behind. Bring along your child’s favorite stuffed animal, toy, or blanket to help ease the transition from home to school and keep your child from feeling lonely throughout the day.

Hold back from the “rescue.” Once you leave the room, try not to look back, even if you hear your child crying. Experienced caregivers know how to properly care for your child and if you run back, your child will think that he needs to be with you all the time. This will likely make it harder for your child to transition to school. If you need some reassurance that your child is well, wait for a few minutes outside the room or call later in the morning to check in.  Articles reprinted with permission from First 5 California.

For more information please visit www.first5california.com/ parents/

Center

Richmond Nomura Preschool

1711 Carlson Blvd.

Richmond • 510-526-7847 www.nomurapreschool.com

Small World Montessori School 4555 Hilltop Drive Richmond • 510-222-6011

St. David Pre-School

Richmond • 510-232-1736 www.stdavidschool.org

7:00 am – 6:00 pm 6 mos - K Up to 90 children 7:00 am – 6:30 pm

Education Based

San Leandro 951 Dowling Boulevard San Leandro • 510-569-5360 890 Fargo Avenue San Leandro • 510-895-8736 www.lilangelschildcare.com

Diapers Accepted Education Based

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 21

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION

Color Me Children Preschool & Kindergarten #013411559

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

Montessori School At Washington Ave

2 yr - 6 Up to 92 children

Please call for rate

Center

St James Church Pre-School

2 yr - 6

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

2.5 yr - 5 Up to 93 children

Please call for rate

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

14795 Washington Avenue San Leandro • 510-278-1115

#013412517

993 Estudillo Avenue San Leandro • 510-895-9590

“A Place Where Learning is FUN-DA-MENTAL” Ages 2 Yrs.– Kindergarten

• 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday • Challenging Academics • Large Outside Play Area

• Full-time & Part-time Rates • Small Classes • Computers

50 Creekside Drive San Ramon • 925-831-1210 www.diablohillscountryschool.com 2200 Brookcliff Circle San Ramon • 925-648-1201 www.ymca-cba.org

Happy Days Preschool

20801 San Ramon Valley Blvd San Ramon • 925-828-8007 www.happydaysinfo.org

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ati

Diablo Hills Country School

Gale Ranch Preschool

NOW ENROLLING FOR KINDERGARTEN oc 2l

San Ramon

8115 Fontaine St., Oakland, CA 94605 • (510) 430-1322 1141 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94702 • (510) 548-6423

Teddy Bears Children’s Center

210 Porter Drive, Suite 110 San Ramon • 925-838-4148 www.teddybearschildrenscenter.com

H e l p i n g t O m a k e c h i l d h o o d a j O u r n e y, n O t a r a c e .

The Child Day Schools, San Ramon 18868 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon • 925-820-2515 www.tcdschools.com

7:00 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 6 Up to 36 children

Diapers Accepted Education Based Please call for rate

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2.5 yr 5 Up to 40 children

Please call for rate

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

18 mos - 6 Up to 46 children

Please call for rate

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

Toddlers (12 months); Preschool (2-3 years); Pre-K (4 years); Kindergarten; After-School 6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Please call for rate

2 yr - 6

Please call for rate

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Center

Center Meals Provided

Union City Adventure Montessori Academy 4101 Pleiades Place Union City • 510-489-4191 adventuremontessoriacademy.com

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Free To Be Pre-School

2 yr - 5 Up to 49 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Little People Pre-School

2.9 yr - 5 Up to 63 children 7:00 am - 5:30 pm

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

3 yr - 5.5 Up to 40 children Christian 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate

Center

188 Appian Way Union City • 510-471-0731

18 moS. tHrough 6th grade multi-age classroOms educational exCellence since 1978

Center

33700 Alvarado-Niles Road Union City • 510-489-8650

Walnut Creek Contra Costa Christian Preschool

S i g n u p o n l i n e f o r a t o ur t o d ay !

www.grandlakemontessori.com

2721 Larkey Lane Walnut Creek • 925-934-4964 cccss.org

Diapers Accepted Education Based

466 Chetwood, Oakland (510) 836-4313

ST. DAVID SCHOOL “Where Faith and Knowledge Meet”

Strong Academics | Diversity | Faith Filled Community St. David School is a Preschool through 8th Grade Catholic school that offers a caring, faith-filled environment, where we focus on students individual needs. We foster the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs of all students. Financial Aid is Available.

C

M

Y

CM

Call today to schedule your tour.

MY

CY

Now Enrolling

CMY

for 2017-2018 School Year

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870 Sonoma Street • Richmond Hills • 510-232-2283 stdavidschool.org • twitter.com/@StDavidSchool

Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten One of Berkeley’s Best Loved Preschools 2’s program, Nursery School and Transitional Kindergarten

Ages 2 through 6 Lic # 010209297

Gold - Best Childcare Gold - Best Independent Preschool

22 Parents’ Press | October 2017

499 Spruce Street, Berkeley 510-527-9021 www.steponeschool.org

EAST BAY GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & EARLY CHILD EDUCATION Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility?

Diapers Accepted?

Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided?

Special Needs?

Transportation?

Gan B’nai Shalom

2 yr - 5 Up to 21 children Jewish 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Please call for rate

Center

Garden Gate Montessori School

2.75 yr - 6 in Sept Up to 20 children Varies

$395 - $695

Grace Cooperative Preschool

2.75 yr - 5 Up to 35 children Times differ by class

$150 - $250 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Old Firehouse School

12 mos - 5 Up to 80 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

The Seven Hills School

2.75 yr and up 21 in PS; 24 in PK PS 8:30 am - 12:45 pm PK 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Annual $14,800 FA Available Accredited Education Based

Center

Trinity Lutheran Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 48 children Lutheran 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

$915

Center Meals Provided

74 Eckley Lane Walnut Creek • 925-934-9446 www.gbspreschool.com 63 Sandy Lane` Walnut Creek • 925-943-7484

2100 Tice Valley Blvd.

Walnut Creek • 925-421-0150 www.gracecooperativepreschool.com 55 Eckley Ln Walnut Creek • 925-934-1507 975 North San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org 2317 Buena Vista Ave. Walnut Creek • 925-935-3362

Diapers Accepted Education Based Home Based

Education Based Center

Center Meals Provided

Diapers Accepted Education Based

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Facility # 013422027 1803 North Loop Rd | Alameda | Facility # 013422027 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 | kim.smith@bacbc.org Telephone # 510-995-5383 ext. 1336

Celebrating 32 years!

(510) 724-1724 www.la-casita.org Lic. #073400781

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Fax # 510-373-2241 kim.smith@bacbc.org

Preschool

Hands-on learning in a small, group environment 12–14 children ages 3 – 5 years The Creative Play Center’s program provides a rich, nurturing environment in which creative play and learning takes place.

Preschool is 9 am until 1 pm - (extended hours available)

Applications are currently being accepted

(510) 524-9399

www.CreativePlayCenterAlbany.com 1151 Portland Ave., Albany, CA 94706

Lic. #010204748

Montessori Children’s Center Full and half-day programs available Before and after school care Open 7am - 6pm

An Authentic Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten Serving children ages 2 - 6 Lic #384001313

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Play. Grow. Discover.

Toddler Group | Baby Group Preschool | TK After School

A warm, nurturing community where everyone is welcome!

1414 Walnut Street | Berkeley

510.848.0237

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Nestled in the hills next to a local park where parents and kids often gather to play after school, we offer PLAY-BASED LEARNING for children 2.9 – 5 years old in a warm and engaging environment.

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WWW.BERKELEYHILLS.ORG * 510-849-1216 Call today to schedule a visit Limited space available October 2017 | Parents’ Press 23

By Tony Hicks

Raising Dad Family Conversations Too far and few between.

F

amilies can be weird in the 21st Century.

There’s some of us walking around who have very few memories of being in the same room with both our biological parents. I have two: my 30th birthday, which produced the only two photos of the three of us together. And at my first wedding, ten months later.

We were surrounded by scores of other people and never had a conversation between just the three of us. My father died in 2007.

And now I have a 15-year-old daughter, whom we’ll call Olivia, because that’s her name. Olivia’s parents split up when she was four. And, while she knows both of us well, she has very few memories of us as a family. Which I understand was necessary but -- as someone who believe families should work to stay together until they just can’t -- is still sad to me. Even if one of us might be in jail for homicide right

now (probably her; I don’t win conflicts with women).

But we were a family for four years, after and her mother and I were, more or less, relatively happy together for five years. And Olivia didn’t really understand that until recently, when I explained that, yes, she was planned and born out of love that later went away.

And she seemed surprised to hear that.

Which surprised me. I never considered she never considered her mother and I were anything but the two adults in her life who only communicate about her, usually via email or text.

I decided to try explaining, which made her emotional, which made me feel bad, because -- with four daughters, one of my great accomplishments on any given day is not making a female cry.

We’d been married for about four years when Olivia was born. We had a plan in place: get pregnant, have a baby smarter and cuter than yours, buy a house, watch

her grow up with her older sister (my stepdaughter, who was 13 when Olivia was born). We’d send them both to college, pray they got lucrative jobs to support us in our later years, then travel the world on the satchels of cash they sent us.

You know what they say about the best-laid plans ... they gather no moss or something.

The plan was in its death throes when she turned 4 — only a few months before I went somewhere else to live, and she no longer saw me every day. Which was heartbreaking, but no less so because it was necessary.

By the way, don’t ever believe you can save your marriage by selling your house and buying a bigger, more expensive one.

It’s a bad plan.

No, it wasn’t fair to Olivia, and I will forever feel some guilt that, not only did we fail at having a stable nuclear family with happy memories together, but her mother and I couldn’t manage to be

friendly enough afterward to let her have some of those conversations I missed.

I suddenly realized she didn’t realize that, about three centuries ago, her mother and I cared for each other very much. So I filled her in (I was prompted by me unexpectedly finding our “first dance at the wedding” song in my head that day). I simply told her: I once loved your mom very much, and — if you’ve never heard it — there’s a song I used to listen to I mentally dedicated to her every time I heard it.

Olivia got emotional. I got emotional.

If Tom Waits — who recorded the song ◊ was there, he would’ve probably would have cried. It was a good moment, I thought, as she hung up to go find the song on YouTube.

Maybe we can still have that conversation some day.

Tony Hicks is an East Bay writer and the father of four daughters. Reach him at editor@parentspress.com.

School Open Houses More Open House Information at www.SchoolsBayArea.com ALAMEDA MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF ALAMEDA OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 8, 2017 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1400 6th St. 510-521-9227 www.montessorielementaryalameda.org BERKELEY THE ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 16, 2017 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 2722 Benvenue Ave. 510-549-0605 www.theacademyschool.org/ BAYHILL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 7, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM BAYHILL HIGH SCHOOL TOUR & TALK OCTOBER 19, 2017 @ 1:00 PM OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 4, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 1940 Virginia Street. 510-984-0599 www. bayhillhs.org/ THE BERKELEY SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN & MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION SESSION OCTOBER 28, 2017 @ 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM 1310 University Ave. 510-655-8800 www.theberkeleyschool.org/ BLACK PINE CIRCLE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS INFORMATION EVENT, GRADES 6–8 NOVEMBER 12, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM 2027 Seventh St. 510-845-0876 www.blackpinecircle.org/ THE CROWDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 10, 2017 @ 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM 1475 Rose St. 510-559-6910 www.crowden.org/ ECOLE BILINGUE DE BERKELEY OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 18, 2017 @ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 1009 Heinz Ave. 510-549-2067 www.eb.org/ MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL PARENT TOUR & TALK OCTOBER 5, 2017 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 28, 2017 @ 10:30 AM

24 Parents’ Press | October 2017

– 12:30 PM 2727 College Ave. (510) 841-8489 www.maybeckhs.org DANVILLE THE ATHENIAN SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 11, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 12, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd. 925-837-5375 www.athenian.org ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 20, 2017 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 435 La Gonda Way. 925-837-2977 www.stisidore.org DUBLIN THE QUARRY LANE SCHOOL Open House NOVEMBER 5, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 6363 Tassajara Rd. 925-829-8000 www.quarrylane.org EL CERRITO PROSPECT SIERRA SCHOOL Elementary School Information Day Grades K-4 NOVEMBER 12, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 2060 Tapscott Ave. 510-236-5800 www.prospectsierra.org/ PROSPECT SIERRA SCHOOL Middle School Information Day Grades 5-8 NOVEMBER 5, 2017 @ 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM 960 Avis Dr. 510-236-5800 www.prospectsierra.org/ TEHIYAH DAY SCHOOL THINK TEHIYAH! Mini Maker Faire & Open House NOVEMBER 5, 2017 @ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Middle School Tour and Middle School Open House NOVEMBER 8, 2017 @ 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM 2603 Tassajara Ave. 510-233-3013 www.tehiyah.org/ EMERYVILLE EBI SAN PABLO CAMPUS Parent Information Sessions OCTOBER 21, 2017 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4550 San Pablo Ave. 510-653-3324 www.ebinternacional.org

LAFAYETTE BENTLEY UPPER SCHOOL LAFAYETTE CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 21, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road. 925-283-2101 www.bentleyschool.net LIVERMORE VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 8, 2017 @ 9:30 AM 1273 N Livermore Ave. 925-455-8021 www.valleymontessorischool.com OAKLAND BENTLEY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE K - 6 NOVEMBER 4, 2017 @ 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM 1 Hiller Dr. 510-229-4109 www.bentleyschool.net HEAD-ROYCE SCHOOL LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 15, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 4315 Lincoln Ave. www.headroyce.org PARK DAY SCHOOL LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 29, 2017 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 360 42nd St. 510-6530317 x101 www.parkdayschool.org REDWOOD DAY SCHOOL LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 4, 2017 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3245 Sheffield Avenue. 510-534-0800 www.rdschool.org THE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN/ELEMENTARY INFO SESSION AND TOUR OCTOBER 6, 2017 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 3650 Dimond Avenue. 510-5318566 www.therenaissanceschool.org/ ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 14, 2017 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM K-5 OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 11, 2017 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 6TH GRADE OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 11,

2017 @ 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM 116 Montecito Ave. 510-285-9627 www.spes.org ST. THERESA SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT NOVEMBER 16, 2017 @ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM INFORMATION MEETING GRADES 1-3 NOVEMBER 17, 2017 @ 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM 4850 Clarewood Dr. 510547-3146 www.sttheresaschool.org ORINDA ORINDA ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 22, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 19 Altarinda Rd. 925.254.7553 www.orindaacademy.org/ PIEDMONT CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 3, 2017 @ 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM SPECIAL INFO SESSION WITH OUR PRINCIPAL NOVEMBER 4, 2017 @ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 @ 8:15 AM – 10:00 AM 1 Estates Drive. 510.530.4056 www.corpuschristischool.com/ RICHMOND SALESIAN COLLEGE PREPARATORY OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 22, 2017 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 2851 Salesian Avenue.

510-234-4433 ext. 1416 www.salesian.com/ WALNUT CREEK SEVEN HILLS SCHOOL CAMPUS TOUR OCTOBER 27, 2017 @ 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM 975 N. San Carlos Dr. 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org Parents’ Press welcomes news of public, independent, and charter school open houses, information nights, and tours as well as school fairs. Please submit at http://www.schoolsbayarea.com

By Rona Renner, RN

Family Matters Is That Me Yelling?

Question: “My son gets anxious when things don’t go as planned. I get so frustrated, like the other day when we were heading out the door and he realized he forgot to do his math homework. He had a meltdown, and refused to go to school. I yelled at him, which only made things worse. It’s a terrible way to start the day. What can I do?”

—Ian, father of a 10 year old.

ANSWER: Ian, you are not alone! If you find yourself yelling at your son most days, it’s time to understand more about why you yell. Maybe you were raised by a yeller, and you can’t seem to kick the habit of letting your feelings spill out and land on your child. Or perhaps you’re stressed and rushed in the morning and have temporarily misplaced your compassion and kindness. You may be raising a sensitive and distractible child who is not good at organization and who has strong reactions.

Perhaps you can see that your mood had a lot to do with your yelling at your son’s mistake.

You can learn to stop yelling at your kids!

Most parents yell at their children occasionally. Losing it with our kids comes with the territory of parenting— we’re tired, they’re tired, it happens.

Often you can apologize, laugh together, and get back to your patient approach to child rearing. But if you are yelling just like your mother used to yell, or so hard that your throat hurts, then it’s time to focus on how to reconnect with yourself and your child.

Fortunately, we can learn from our mistakes and change our habits and conditioning. It’s never too late to start fresh.

Am I yelling or just being firm?

When parents yell—regardless of their volume—they are often angry or frustrated and have lost some degree of self-control. The outcome is often to express frustration and let kids know that they had better listen “or else!”

In contrast, the assertive communication you use thoughtfully as a part of the way you discipline is not the same as yelling. There are times you may need to be firm to get a child, who tends to tune his parents out, to listen to requests.

Most people agree that it is appropriate to yell sometimes, especially in dangerous situations when someone might get hurt—to stop a child who is reaching for the hot stove or about to dash into a busy street.

Here are a few tips to help you begin on the path to yelling less:

1

Ask yourself, “Why do I want to yell less?” Reflecting on the consequences of losing it will help you change. Is your child afraid of you? Does yelling causes a distance between you? Are you teaching your child how to solve problems?

2

Think about the reasons you use yelling as a form of discipline. Maybe you don’t know what else to do, or yelling is what you learned from your parents.

3

If you find yourself yelling at your son most days, it’s time to understand more about why you yell.

5 6

Imagine a hidden camera in your house. What would you see?

Think about how you can connect with your child so that respectful communication comes more easily to both of you. “We have a problem here, how shall we deal with it?”

7

Work on setting limits and establishing family rules. Being proactive is easier on everyone.

8

Get enough sleep so your irritability is lower and your patience is higher.

An easy way to remember to not react intensely is to do the ABCDEs when you feel yourself getting angry:

A—Ask your self what you are feeling and thinking.

Become aware of the signs of stress and anger in your body. Do you get warm, does your breathing become rapid, do you clench your jaw? Notice your thoughts and feelings when your child does something that bugs you. Replace, “He’s so oblivious” with, “He’s just a kid with a lot on his mind.”

B—Breathe. Take some easy breaths

4

Perhaps he needs a hug, a consequence, encouragement, or a clear boundary.

Learn how your child’s temperament and yours impacts your yelling.

Maybe he’s intense and you’re sensitive.

as you sense your body. This will help to lower your stress response.

C—Calm yourself. Wait till you have calmed down before you communicate with your child.

D—Decide what your child needs.

E—Empathize. Put yourself in your child’s shoes and try to sense what he is feeling or thinking.

If you can’t calm yourself after taking deep breaths, tell your child that you are getting angry and you’ll be back in a minute to figure out how you can solve this problem together. Get yourself a cup of tea and remember that your child is not acting this way to get your goat, he is struggling and needs your guidance. It’s worth being a little late if you can keep your relationship positive.

Your decision to yell less will allow you to start right now down the path of calm, connection, and peace.

Rona Renner, RN (“Nurse Rona”), is a nurse, a parent educator and a temperament specialist. The mother of four grown children and grandmother of two, she is the author of “Is That Me Yelling? A Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Kids to Cooperate Without Losing Your Cool.” Rona has been a radio show host for over 15 years and is currently a producer and host of “About Health” on KPFA radio 94.1FM. You can learn more about her at www.nurserona.com.

SCHOOLS Discover whyDiscover families why families have been returning have been returning for generations. for generations.

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN 8TH GRADE TRANSITIONAL THROUGH KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE

INFORMATION NIGHTS Decand 1, 2016 and 15 Jan•11, 2017 • 7PM Experience a day in• TK K • Nov 8:30AM INFORMATION NIGHTS • Dec 1, 2016 and Jan 11, 2017 • 7PM INFORMATION • DecAM 6 and Jan OPEN HOUSE • Jan 29,NIGHTS 2017 • 10:15 – 12: 15 10 PM• 7PM OPEN HOUSE • Jan 29, 2017 • 10:15 AM – 12: 15 PM Please •call to RSVP schedule a tour TUESDAY TOURS Please call toorschedule a tour TUESDAY TOURS • Please call to schedule a tour school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 25

By Aaron Crowe

Family Cents Allow Kids to Make Dumb Spending Decisions—But Only a Few

A

s parents, it’s a standard part of the job description to let children fail every once in awhile. Fall down, brush yourself off and get back up again.

Resilience is a good skill to learn.

Even in adulthood, learning from your mistakes is a good trait.

The same is true with managing money.

I don’t mean letting children fail so much that they’re reluctant to manage money at all, but enough to show them that money is limited and they should consider how they use it.

Earning an allowance at a young age is a start. But what I think really kicks it into high gear for kids is when they start spending money — or want to spend it — on their own. It’s one thing to go to the store and have your parents buy you clothes because you’re outgrowing everything in your closet. It’s another to go to the mall with your friends to buy your own clothes with your own money.

For my daughter, this lesson is kicking in at age 13. And since it’s her money, I’m letting her make some dumb spending decisions — up to a point.

After buying her the necessities of life, it’s up to her to pay for any extras she wants such as a shopping trip at the mall for a poster to decorate her room or a boba tea.

This has got her more interested in doing her weekly chores at home and earn-

ing her allowance, along with seeking extra work as a dog walker and babysitter in our neighborhood.

Along the way she’s made a few poor purchases that I think she might admit don’t make much sense afterward. Nicknacks from her hobbies, such as anime, are losing their popularity in our house. They’re small and easily get lost or stepped on and broken, and the initial glow of a purchase doesn’t last too long when they get home.

A few bigger examples: But some expenses can be big enough that the regret is that much bigger if you don’t get as much joy out of them as you thought you would.

An iPod is one example. About two years ago I gave my daughter my old iPod after I bought a new phone and didn’t need the iPod anymore.

She used it to get online and to text friends, and we limited her time on it daily.

We told her not to take it outside of the house, such as to a friend’s house, because if she lost it or it broke, we wouldn’t replace it. One day we relented and she took it to a friend’s house to take some photos. A younger child asked if she could look at it, and my daughter gave it to her to

hold. The child dropped it and the iPod broke.

My daughter knew the rule — she’d have to buy a new iPod herself if she wanted one. She used some money from her savings account and worked for months to earn money doing chores at home, and finally she had enough money to buy an iPod. I wouldn’t call it a dumb spending decision on her part, because it was something she really wanted and is her main way of going online. But is it worth the $500 or so that she could have avoided spending by not giving it to a 3-year-old to hold? That’s one reason why we’re now holding tight to the rule of only using the iPod when my wife and I are around.

I don’t want her to be in the situation again of having to spend another $500 of her own money because she made the mistake of letting someone else drop and break her expensive gadget.

At least I don’t want her to have to learn from that mistake again until she graduates from high school.

Then she’s no longer a “kid” and has a whole lifetime of spending mistakes ahead of her to learn from.

Here’s another example. When I was

a kid I really wanted a motocross bike.

I didn’t want just any motorcross bike, but one designed by a friend of a friend who used rebuilt bike parts to make bikes. It cost about $100, which I had to come up with myself.

I had a paper route at the time, so I had money coming in that I could spend freely. My dad advised me against buying such a bike, saying it might not be the best designed and might not last long.

I bought the bike anyway, saving up for a few months to buy it. I outgrew the bike within a year and regretted spending so much of my hard-earned money on something that ultimately didn’t give me as much satisfaction as I had hoped it would.

Was that the spending mistake that would send me on my way to being a frugal spender the rest of my life? I doubt it. But it’s one financial mistake I remember making early on, and I’d like to think that it taught me to be a better shopper and to value my money more.

Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist who specializes in writing about personal finance. He writes for a number of websites, including his own at CashSmarter.com.

SCHOOLS Kindergarten Information Night

FAITH • ACADEMICS • CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Let your child grow with us.

St. Isidore Catholic School is the East Bay’s largest Catholic TK-8 elementary school — dedicated to an educational experience that cultivates knowledge, leadership, and service in the Catholic tradition.

Our school nurtures the development of great minds and creative thinkers by valuing STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) as well as developing our student's faith, strength of character and sense of social responsibility. Schedule a tour today!

435 LA GONDA WAY, DANVILLE • WWW.STISIDORE.ORG • 925.837.2977

11.16.2017 6:30–8 pm Information Meeting for Grades 1 - 3 Spanish, Art, Music and P.E. Multimedia Computer Lab • Event Center/Gym • Science Lab Music Room

11.17.2017 9–10:30 am

Applications available at Information Meeting Small Group Tours beginning November 27

Saint Theresa School

4850 Clarewood Drive • Oakland 510-547-3146

www.sttheresaschool.org

grand lake Montessori eleMentary Sig n up o a to ur tondline fo r ay !

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley provides a unique Preschool to 8th Grade bilingual program that develops students into curious, confident and creative learners.

A Springboard for a Global Perspective

Discover EB eb.org/visit

26 Parents’ Press | October 2017

1st through 6th grades multi-age classroom 466 Chetwood, oakland, Ca (510) 836-4313

www.grandlakemontessori.Com

BayAreaFamilyCalendar.com

Post Your Event Today!

Your Source for Family Fun Events and Things to Do.

October Family Fun Calendar 1 | Sunday

the mountain. This is a 2 mile hike.

Preregistration is required.

Pirate Weekend! — El Cerrito

4-6:30 p.m. $10 for members, $15 nonmembers. Ages 6 and up with parents.

Lindsey Wildlife Museum, 1931 1st.

Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, www. lindseywildlife.org

Arrrrrgh, mateys! This weekend starts a month of dress-up themed weekends. Why are we starting with pirates? Because pirates Arrrrrgh fun!!! Sail the seven seas to Playland and seek your treasure on the biggest, best treasure hunt ever!

Come dressed as a pirate and win a special rewarrrrrrrd.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15/general admission, $10/youth and seniors. Playland-NotAt-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playlandnot-at-the-beach.org

Tarantula Hikes — Mt. Diablo Lindsay Wildlife Museum will host and lead this hike up Mt. Diablo where hikers will get to see actual real live native tarantulas living on

Harding Carnival and Pumpkin Patch — El Cerrito This great event returns with carnival games, puppets shows, live bands, Twistyman balloon creations and magicians. Each family that donates a cake, cookies, or pie will get in free!

11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 per person, under 4 free. Harding Park and Clubhouse, 7115 C St., El Cerrito. 510-812-2263, www. elcerritto.org

2 | Monday Tot Splash — Richmond Children ages 0-5 can splash around

in the Richmond Pool.

9:45- 10:45 am. $2. Ages 0-5. Richmond Swim Center 4300 Cutting Boulevard Richmond

Rockin’ Music Time with Grampa Clyde — Berkeley Rockin’ Music Time with Grampa Clyde as he sings with his guitar.

11:30 am - noon. $15. Ages 0-5. Kids Gym Berkeley 2920 Seventh St. Berkeley

3 | Tuesday Animal Discovery Drop-In— Oakland Visit our reading library and play space. 10 am - 1 pm, Visit the animal discovery room with our animal caretaker. 1-3 pm Self-guide your visit in our animal discovery room 10 am – 3 p.m. $6. Ages 2-10. Junior Center for Art and Science 558 Bellevue Avenue Oakland

Oct. 1,Pirate Weekend!- El Cerrito

SCHOOLS

MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL

Berkeley’s Independent College Preparatory High School

Fall Open Houses:

October 28 10:30am November 11 10:30am

2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org

(510) 841-8489 October 2017 | Parents’ Press 27

4 | Wednesday

Open Studio Time at MOCHA— Oakland

Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum — Sausalito

Create, explore, and discover in our new drop-in studio space. Kids as young as 18 months old can make art in the studio

Enjoy free admission and all the fun activities and displays at the Bay Area Discovery Museum today.

10 a.m.–1 p.m., $5. MOCHA 1625 Clay Street Oakland

9 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 577 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 415-339-3900, www.baykidsmuseum.org

6 | Friday Toddler Ramble— Hayward

Free First Wednesday at UC Botanical Garden — Berkeley Every first Wednesday at the Garden is free admission day.

9 a.m.–5 p.m., free. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley 200 Centennial Dr. Berkeley

First Wednesdays — Walnut Creek Juggling Unicyclists, balloon animal artists, and face painters extraordinaire will delight little ones while the grown-ups enjoy food, beer, wine and live music. First Wednesday of each month.

5-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Cypress St., between N. Main and Locust, Walnut Creek. www.walnutcreekdowntown. com

Enjoy Fridays with your child at the Interpretive Center. Your little one will discover the shoreline through hands-on experience. Every month there is a new theme, with each week exploring that theme through different activities. Parents and caregivers grow as facilitators of nature education along the way.

10:30 – 11:15 a.m., $6/child. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center 4901 Breakwater Ave Hayward, www. haywardrec.org

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland Join OMCA and Off the Grid for DJs, live bands, dancing, gourmet food trucks, and more. There will be a family Drop-in activity related to one of the exhibits. This event repeats each Friday night.

5 | Thursday Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland

5-9 p.m. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50 for adults. Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www. museumca.org

Walk through our Halloween store at 4414 Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October

7 | Saturday

Opens daily at 9:00 am Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, www.pumpkinpatch. info

Art, Jazz, and Wine Festival — Pleasant Hill All weekend long enjoy free live

Oct. 8, Sukkot Celebration for Families with Young Children — Berkeley music, and an expanded kids area.

Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. There will be more than 70 arts and crafts vendors.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pleasant Hill, 60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill. 925-687-0700, www. pleasanthillchamber.com

Superheroes & Villians! — El Cerrito Super Heroes with a Super Extra Day to Play Don your mask and fly, swim or run faster than a speeding bullet to Playland-Not-at-the-Beach.

(What’s a superhero without a villain? Come dressed as either for a super prize!) Repeats Sun & Mon 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15/general admission, $10/youth and seniors. Playland-NotAt-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playlandnot-at-the-beach.org

Hoes Down Festival — Guinda This Harvest Festival, held at Full Belly Farm, is voted the best children’s area in the state. There will be nature walks, arts and crafts, petting zoo, hay rides and fun contests for kids. Food, farmers market, and dancing for the grownups.

11 a.m.-11 p.m. $20 for adults online, $25 at gate, $5 for kids. Full Belly Farm, 16090 Country Road 43, Guinda.

530- 796-2214, www.fullbellyfarm.com

Antiques & Collectables Faire — Pleasanton With all these dealers filling up Main Street in downtown Pleasanton, in addition to the many fine restaurants and business establishments located here and open the day of the show, this

SCHOOLS Open House Event • November 8th 10am-12pm

Inspiring students through fearless learning, service, and diversity.

– Inspired, Gifted and Talented –

MESA

Montessori Elementary School of Alameda Discover our international form of education, where you can find math, engineering and the sciences interwoven into a curriculum that focuses on the arts. Make an appointment for you personal tour today!

The International School For All

Lic#013420948

• Physical Education • Small Class Size • Mixed Age Groups • Ukelele • Community Involvement

At MESA - Montessori is mind-changing education! www.MontessoriElementaryAlameda.org We are a Welcoming School!

St. Paul’s is an independent K-8 day school steps north of Lake Merritt.

Tours weekly • Open House, October 14, 2017

1400 6th St., Alameda

510.521.0595

montessorielementaryalameda@gmail.com

28 Parents’ Press | October 2017

510-285-9617 • www.spes.org

event promises to be an Antique and Collectible lovers dream come true. This is a rain or shine event.

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Downtown Pleasanton Main St. 925-484-2199, www.pleasantondowntown.net

Harvest Festival EBRP — Fremont Its harvest time on the farm! Bring your family and join your friends for some down home country fun. Harvest the Indian corn and popcorn and help fill our corncribs.

Take home a share of our colorful corn for your holiday table. Enjoy magic shows, cider pressing, oldtime music and crafts.

10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Free. All Ages.

Ardenwood HIstoric Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org

Sukkot Celebration for Families with Young Children — Berkeley Join other families in an open and welcoming environment to celebrate this harvest festival. Led by Rabbi Bridget Wynne and Isaac Zones. We›ll also enjoy a hands-on project, yummy Sukkot treats, and more. HandsOn Holidays events are for children 1-5 and their grownups and siblings.

10:30 am – noon, $30/family, plus $5 per sibling 6 and up, JCC East Bay, Berkeley 1414 Walnut St. Berkeley, www. jewishgateways.org

Improv for the Whole Family — Oakland Kids vote on their favorite book. Then, with their help, we slowly start re-

writing the story using imagination and a whole lot of laughter. Your suggestions create the characters and the plot of this live improvised show. The actors may even ask for you to volunteer during the show to help the story come alive.,

options, one being less scary. Daily through October Opens daily at 9:00 am Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, www.pumpkinpatch. info

Sukkot Celebration at Tehiyah — El Cerrito

11 am – noon, $10/Person All Out Comedy Theater 2525 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, www.onceuponyourmind. com

Dine under the stars with friends old and new! Enjoy music and fun activities for the whole family. Bring your family and friends along; alumni, local residents, and nonTehiyah friends and family are welcome to join the fun!

10 | Tuesday Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. $12-50. All Ages. Tehiyah Day School Tehiyah Day School El Cerrito

Walk through our Halloween store at 4414 Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house

SCHOOLS

Library Fall Sale, Montclair Branch — Oakland A large assortment of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as audio/ visual media, will be for sale at the Montclair Branch Library Fall Sale on Saturday, October 15th from 10:30-3 pm. There will also be a great variety of children’s books, from pre-school to young adult.

10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission.

Branch Library 1687 Mountain Blvd, Oakland.

8 | Sunday Harvest Festival with CiderPress, Train Rides & Crafts at Ardenwood — Fremont Enjoy some down home country fun as you help bring in this year’s crop of corn. Wander through a 5-acre field searching for ears of Indian corn and popcorn, and take home a portion of what you harvest. Outside the field, enjoy magic shows, cider pressing, oldtime music and historic crafts.

Ride a narrow gauge train, visit the pumpkin patch and learn what late nineteenth century life was like on a tour of the beautifully restored farmhouse. Please bring your own bags to take home your harvest.

TRIS

10 am – 5 pm, Free. Ardenwood Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, www.ebparks.org/activities

25

th

anniversary

Publishers Robert and Tracy McKean Art Director Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Contributors Aaron Crowe, Tony Hicks, Eirka Mailman, Haley Reen, Rona Renner, Mary Ann Scheuer, Susan Solomen Yen Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Mailing Address 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502 43,000 copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to more than 1,400 Bay Area locations.

Send letters to the editor to editor@parentspress.com Family Fun Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@parentspress.com Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2017 Parents’ Press

The

Journey Begins Here French - Spanish Immersion • Visual Art • Music Challenging Academics • Engaging Environment Ages 2 ~ Middle School UPCOMING TRIS TOUR DATES

Pre-Primary/Primary

October 4 & 17

Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am

K/Elementary

October 6 & 19 starts at Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am

Upper El/ 4th~6th grades & Middle School Call our office for a private tour

www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org

lic# 010214382

Oakland Campus: 3650 Dimond Ave. / Piedmont Campus: 5201 Park Blvd.

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 29

12 | Thursday

Join us for a haunted evening in the Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library to learn about another side of this natural wonder.

Northern California Bats: Demystifying and Discovering these Amazing Animals - Berkeley

6:30-8 pm, Free Danville Public Library 400 Front Street Danville

You will learn about bats and discuss the harmful myths that surround these animals. You’ll also learn the importance of bats in our environment. Live bats will be presented for viewing and discussion..

13 | Friday Toddler Ramble— Hayward

6 – 7:30 p.m. $15 Adult/ $10 Adult Member/ $5 Youth (ages 3-17). All ages.

UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley | 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, 510-6649841, events.berkeley.edu

(Halloween) Night Shift— Danville Ever wonder what a Halloween Night might be like, alone on Mt. Diablo?

10:30 – 11:15 a.m., $6/child. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center 4901 Breakwater Ave Hayward, www. haywardrec.org

Open Studio Time at MOCHA— Oakland Create, explore, and discover in our new drop-in studio space. Kids as young as 18 months old can make art in the studio 10 a.m.–1 p.m., $5. MOCHA 1625 Clay Street Oakland

Movies In The Park: “Goosebumps”- Oakland Families bring a dinner picnic and some cozy blankets or chairs and enjoy a free showing of the family film.

7 p.m. Free. All ages. Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3883 Aliso Ave., Oakland. 510-482-7827, www2.oakland. com

Oct. 29, Annual Dias De Los Muertos (Days of the Dead)— Oakland Museum

14 | Saturday Oktoberfest — Walnut Creek Adults over 21 will enjoy microbrew sampling, a biergarten, crafts and food. Live bands Livewire, Lumberyard and Neon Velvet The Kids Zone features rides and a pumpkin patch. Free admission but food and drink not included.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Walnut Creek, Civic Dr., and Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. 415-383-3470, www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Wizard & Witches Weekend — El Cerrito

Oct. 14, Wizard & Witches Weekend — El Cerrito

As Halloween creeps closer, Playland becomes a bit more bewitched. This weekend, wizards and witches of all kinds can discover hidden magic potions, mysterious spells and mystical enchantments. Come in a wizard or witch costume for special prizes!

SCHOOLS

10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15/general admission, $10/youth and seniors. Playland-NotAt-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playlandnot-at-the-beach.org

Ashland/Cherryland FamFest— San Lorenzo Art: Fifth Grade Self-Portraits

Now Accepting Applications Limited Space Available for 2017-2018

The 2nd Annual Ashland/Cherryland FamFest will consist of a 5k run/ walk/roll, performances from various local groups, music, food vendors, activities for the entire family and resource tables.

9 a.m., Run, Walk Roll, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

16278 Ashland, San Lorenzo, www. acfamfest.org

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit us at www.berkwood.org

KINDERGARTEN – 8TH GRADE Lower School (K–5) from 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Middle School (6–8) from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

GROW INTO GREAT

Harvest Fair - Farm Fun, Music, Food & Kids’ Activities— Dublin Enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned fall fun with farm harvest activities, lively music, and favorite seasonal foods. Take a tractor-drawn wagon ride, play in the hay, and help us harvest vegetables in the Farm Yard. Children can try churning butter, apple pressing, doing laundry with a washboard, panning for gold, calf roping, and more.

Noon - 5 p.m. Free. All ages. Dublin Heritage Park & Museums 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin, www.dublin.ca.gov

15 | Sunday Sunday Streets— Berkeley Sunday Streets (also called “Open Streets”) closes streets to automobile traffic for a day so that people may use the space for other physical and social activities.

11 am -4 p.m. Free. All ages. Shattuck Ave. from Rose to Channing, www. sundaystreetsberkeley.org

Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. Their mission is to develop and operate a working railroad museum for the benefit of the general public .The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train. Repeats on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30pm. Free under 3. $7 ages 3-12, $10 Seniors, $12 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www. ncry.org

16 | Monday Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland Walk through our Halloween store at 4414 Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October

510.534.0800

rdschool.org

30 Parents’ Press | October 2017

Opens daily at 9:00 am Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, www.pumpkinpatch. info

PHOTO CLIFF BLUEITT

Enjoy Fridays with your child at the Interpretive Center. Your little one will discover the shoreline through hands-on experience. Every month there is a new theme, with each week exploring that theme through different activities. Parents and caregivers grow as facilitators of nature education along the way.

Tot Splash — Richmond Children ages 0-5 can splash around in the Richmond Pool.

9:45- 10:45 am. $2. Ages 0-5. Richmond Swim Center 4300 Cutting Boulevard Richmond

Rockin’ Music Time with Grampa Clyde— Berkeley Rockin’ Music Time with Grampa Clyde as he sings with his guitar.

11:30 am - noon. $15. Ages 0-5. Kids Gym Berkeley 2920 Seventh St. Berkeley

18 | Wednesday Animal Discovery Drop-In— Oakland Visit our reading library and play space. 10 am - 1 pm, Visit the animal discovery room with our animal

caretaker. 1-3 pm Self-guide your visit in our animal discovery room 10 am – 3 p.m. $6. Ages 2-10. Junior Center for Art and Science 558 Bellevue Avenue Oakland

G&M Farms Cornfield Maze & Pumpkin Patch — Livermore It twists, it turns, it dead-ends – it’s six green acres of good old-fashioned family fun!It’s the G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, the farm that is so fun it has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family – there’s harvest fun for all ages. Repeats daily until 10/31.

See website for daily hours

Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore, gmfarms. com

20 | Friday

19 | Thursday

Every third Friday of each month at Lindsay Wildlife Museum is free to all. All ages will get a chance to get up close to the exhibits and activities at no cost.

Gardens at Lake Merritt Autumn Lights Festival Oakland The annual Autumn Lights Festival in Oakland, California, is an seasonal celebration that transforms green scenery into a illuminated oasis 6-10 p.m. Free. All ages. $20 adv, $25 at the door, youth $7 adv or $10 at the door, under 5 free The Gardens at Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park Garden Center 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland www.

GardensatLakeMerritt.org

Cornmaze $7 & up. All Ages. G&M Farms

Free Friday — Walnut Creek

10 a.m-5 p.m. Free. All ages. Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, www. lindsaywildlife.org

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland Join OMCA and Off the Grid for DJs, live bands, dancing, gourmet food trucks, and more. There will be a family Drop-in activity related to one

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Ranked Top 10 Diabetes & Endocrinology Neonatology UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, with campuses in San Francisco and Oakland, rank among the country’s best in 9 specialties, and Best in Bay Area in 6 specialties.

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 31

of the exhibits. This event repeats each Friday night.

5-9 p.m. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50 for adults. Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www. museumca.org

21 | Saturday Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Pleasanton Calling all little ghouls, witches, princesses and super heroes to downtown Pleasanton. Children 10 years old and younger are invited to come in costume and pick up instructions, a Halloween bag and their first clue from the starting location outside of the Museum on Main at 603 Main Street. 10 am -12 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pleasanton Main St., 925-484-2199, www.pleasantondowntown.net

Fall Fest — Danville Local street fairs and festivals draw families from all over the San Ramon Valley and beyond. Costume Parade, Art and artists, Art and artists, Music and dance. Repeats Sunday 10 am -5 p.m. Free. All ages. Hartz Avenue, Downtown Danville. danvilleareachamber.com

Halloween-lite Live Aboard at USS Hornet — Alameda Come aboard for a lightly Halloween themed and experience a night in the life of a sailor on a WWII aircraft carrier! We offer the ultimate overnight experience for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families! Sleep in restored berthing compartments where the real Hornet crew lived. Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the Crew’s Mess.

food, and educational workshops and installations.

26 | Thursday

10 am - 5 p.m. Free. All ages. $15-$20 Park Day School + Studio One Art Center 360 42nd St Oakland, eastbay. makerfaire.com

Spooktacular Celebration — Danville

24 | Tuesday Butterfly Walk — Berkeley Join Sally Levinson, Garden volunteer propagator, docent and ‘caterpillar lady’, as she guides you through the Botanical Garden in search of butterflies. Space is limited on a first-come basis. Children welcome.

Free with garden admission.

3-4 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 ages 13-17, $2 ages 5-12, under 5 are free. All ages.

UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-642-5045, www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu

Howl-ooo-ween! Trick or Treat with the Animals Walnut Creek Trick or treat with the animals at Lindsay Wildlife Experience’s most popular event for miniature ghosts and goblins and their families: Howl-ooo-ween! Come in costume and try and master our “OokeySpooky” obstacle course, then meet some creepy crawly friends and not-so-scary animals. Every child will receive their very own Lindsay Wildlife Howl-ooo-ween trick-or-treat bag. From spooky story time and face-painting to making crafts, there are plenty of activities for the whole family.

5:30 - 8 p.m. $12 per person, 2 and under free. Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Ave, Walnut Creek lindsaywildlife. org

25 | Wednesday

5 am- 10 am Free. All ages. USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum, 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda

Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses — Oakland

22 | Sunday

Walk through our Halloween store at 4414 Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October

East Bay Mini Maker Faire — Oakland The fair will feature rockets and robots, DIY science and technology, urban farming and sustainability, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, music and local

Opens daily at 9:00 am Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, www.pumpkinpatch. info

Join us for a ghoulish evening!

The festivities will include arts and crafts, face painting, games, trick-or-treating, and lots of fall fun! Registration required.

4 & 7 pm Free. 420 Front St, Danville, www.danville.ca.gov

27 | Friday Teen Haunted House— Alameda This annual event put on by ARPD with local teens. Repeats Sat & Sun. See website for times.

5 – 7 pm $5 and up. Not recommended for kids under 5. South Shore Center 523 South Shore Center West Alameda 510-747-7529, alamedaca.gov

28 | Saturday Spooky Storytime at the Piedmont Avenue Halloween Celebration — Piedmont Join us near the beginning of the parade at 10am for a slightly spooky storytime, appropriate for toddlers.

Location TBA - please stay tuned!

After storytime, families are invited to join the festivities and march in the Piedmont Avenue Halloween Parade. The parade begins at 11am.

At the end of the parade, please join us in front of Piedmont Avenue Elementary School for Halloween crafts and candy. 10 a.m. Free. All ages. Piedmont Branch, 80 Echo Ave., Oakland. 510-597-5011. www. oaklandlibrary.org

El Cerrito Free Folk Festival — El Cerrito Join us to listen, learn, play and enjoy live music in our community.

This exciting event features performances and workshops from world renowned and local musicians alike, with open microphone and jam sessions.

Noon -9 p.m. Free. All ages. El Cerrito High School 540 Ashbury Ave. El Cerrito www.elcerritofolkfest.org/

Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree — Oakland Our annual fun fest includes parades, goody bags, arts and crafts,

Happy Halloween

two jumpers (one for little kids, one for bigger kids), pirate school, and shows by our Children’s Theatre and Storybook Puppet Theater.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 general admission. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259, www. fairyland.org

Boo at the Zoo’ Halloween Fun— Oakland Stroll the Zoo in costume and collect yummy treats. Ride the spooky boo train and join the dance party. Plus, get your face painted, make treats for the animals, and see how the animals at Oakland Zoo celebrate Halloween.

Kids in costumes receive a free ride ticket. Repeats Sun. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free with Admission.

Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd. Oakland 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org

29 | Sunday 22nd Annual Dias De Los Muertos (Days of the Dead) — Oakland Join OMCA featuring Varied Performances Ranging From Contemporary Latino Hip Hop to Traditional Folkloric Dance, Mesoamerican Cooking Demonstrations, Community-Created Altars, and More 12 -4:30 p.m. Members and ages 8 and under free, $15.95 / adults, $10.95 for students/seniors/youth, $6.95 ages 9-17 Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www. museumca.org

30 | Monday Mini Monday: Nature at Night - Walnut Creek Let your child guide their own explorations of the natural world, designed for children ages 2–5 to play and learn, along with an adult caregiver. Young children explore a variety of age-appropriate craft and activity stations at their own pace.

10 am –Noon, $10. Ages 2-5. Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek,lindsaywildlife.org

31 | Tuesday— Halloween!

Halloween On Solano Ave. — Berkeley Trick-or-treat at local participating businesses all up and down Solano Avenue, then meet back at the Albany YMCA for a costume contest at 5 p.m.

5-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Albany YMCA, 921 Kains Ave., Albany. 510-527-5358, www. solanoavenueassn.org

Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland Walk through our Halloween store at 4414 Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October Opens daily at 9:00 am Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, www.pumpkinpatch. info

G&M Farms Cornfield Maze & Pumpkin Patch — Livermore It twists, it turns, it dead-ends – it’s six green acres of good old-fashioned family fun! It’s the G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, the farm that is so fun it has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family – there’s harvest fun for all ages. Repeats daily until 10/31.

See website for daily hours

32 Parents’ Press | October 2017

Cornmaze $7 & up. All Ages. G&M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore, gmfarms. com

By Susan Solomon Yem

Singleminded What’s In a Name?

W

hen my friend, Anna, got married five years ago, she chose to keep her maiden name. Anna is French-Canadian with an Armenian background. In those traditions, women hold on to their names for a lifetime. Anna is very happily married and definitely not considering separating from her husband.

I was excited to take my husband’s name when I wed. I often stumbled over my own alliterative appellation.

Two names beginning with S did not roll off my tongue easily. I also liked downsizing from three syllables to one. Solomon is frequently misspelled with at least one of the o’s becoming an a. Surprisingly, Yem can be spelled incorrectly too — Wem, Yam, Yen. The possibilities are almost endless.

One of the first questions my attorney asked when I began divorce proceedings was whether I wanted to keep my married name. Without hesitation, I said yes.

It was my name almost as long as it wasn’t.

At the time of my divorce I was married for almost half my life. I was a newlywed when we moved from California to Massachusetts. We were starting a new life in a new state and I was forging a new identity. My friends and colleagues knew me only as Susan Yem. They had never met Susan Solomon. I would always remain a Solomon. I abandoned my middle name of Lilli and used Solomon in its place. (I wasn’t really a fan of Lilli.)

As a writer my byline was updated from Susan Solomon to Susan Solomon Yem so that friends and editors, who knew me as a single woman, would still know that I was the author of the book or article they were reading.

I still like being called Mrs. When Ms. came into common usage after the publication of Ms. Magazine in 1971 it was the default title for a woman whose marital status was unknown. In more recent years people have started to assume that Ms. is used to identify a divorced woman.

Not necessarily, according to Emily Post, the acknowledged authority on etiquette. Ms. Post tells us, a divorced woman who chooses to keep her exhusband’s name can use Mrs. or Ms., but if she reverts to her maiden name then Ms., not Miss should precede it.

It’s my children’s last name I suspect that people create their own narratives when they meet moms whose last name is not the same as their children’s. Well, at least that’s my tendency. I am proud to be identified as the mother of my children and I do not want anything to confuse that.

In an ironic twist two of my children are using Solomon as their last name – my daughter and my oldest son. When I hosted my daughter’s college friends at a dinner near her campus, they all thanked Mrs. Solomon. “Mrs. Solomon was my mother,” I corrected them. They responded with puzzled expressions.

See what I mean about confusing people!

It’s my professional name My business card reads Susan Solomon Yem so the people I interact with professionally will not anticipate greeting a small Asian woman when

I schedule meetings. (I am 5’8” and Jewish.)

More than one boss has asked if he has to call me Susan Solomon Yem when introducing me. I’m Susan Solomon Yem in print. I’m Susan Yem in person.

I do enjoy the looks I get when I walk in a room of people anticipating someone who is quite different from me. Inevitably they ask, what kind of name is Yem? I do not want to deny those years when I was married.

While mine was a difficult marriage, there were many years of satisfaction.

My ex-husband and I built a life together. We created a home and raised five children. I hold those memories dear. Family photos that include him adorn my living room. I am the person I am today because of our years together.

I do enjoy the looks I get when I walk in a room of people anticipating someone who is quite different from me. Inevitably they ask, what kind of name is Yem? Nowadays we’re rarely identified by our last names. In doctor’s offices, supermarket check out lines, and insurances companies, we’re all on a first name basis. I work in a school, where students still need to address adults as Mr., Miss., Mrs., or Ms. and I like being called Mrs. My friend, April, divorced two years ago. She is in the process of adjusting her last name. During the first year, she continued to use her ex-husband’s name. This year she has created a hyphenate of her maiden and married names and next year she will drop the back end and use her maiden name only. That’s a little too complicated for me. Just call me Mrs. Yem Susan Solomon Yem is singleminded about raising her five children to adulthood. She’d like to hear your stories about single parenting. Contact her at susansyem@gmail.com

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Call Donna at (510) 524-5203. $10 introductory lesson.

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The Puppet Company Creates “Fantasies in Miniature” at your child’s party. Classics, Fables, fun for audiences of all ages! Professional puppeteer, 40 years of entertainment experience. 510569-3144.

www.puppetcompany.com All-Star Showgrams Rated four stars in “Babies by the Bay.” Princesses, superheroes, pirates, train conductors, cowboys, Elsa, Mary Poppins, Mother Goose, Dorothy, clowns, wizards, magicians, face painters, balloonists, storytellers, dance parties, mascots, jugglers, Santa, Easter Bunny and lots more! Your child’s favorite character. 650-5743568. www.allstarshowgrams.com

or creative enrichment. Build self-esteem and success! Ivy (510) 528-8773. www.ivysandz.com Tutoring Is Caring Individualized help with mathematics, reading, writing, study skills, confidence, and motivation. All ages welcome. Rediscover the joy of learning. Call Esther, 510-733-0467.

➤ ➤ SERVICES Impeccable Interiors House Cleaning Cleaning homes & offices in Contra Costa & Alameda Counties for over 20 years. One-time, weekly/bi-weekly, monthly. Licensed & insured.

Visa/MC. (510)521-9600, 925-736-9600. www.impeccableinteriors.com

➤ TUTORING / EDUCATION It’s All About Literacy Skilled, compassionate, effective, individualized reading and writing instruction, grades 1-10.

Early intervention, remediation, skill building,

➤ ➤ PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

Reach thousands of parents and prospective customers with a Parents’ Press classified ad Contact us today - sales@ parentspress.com

October 2017 | Parents’ Press 33

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YOUR

TRAIL T FIND OUT HOW A

OPEN

HOUSE

Saturday, October 21 9–11 am

Discover why SHC is a place where innovative academics, a modern urban campus, and a supportive community will pave the way for your brightest future.

RSVP AT SHCP.EDU/OPENHOUSE

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