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Berkeley, CA
Dandelion Cooperative Nursery School

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Review this preschool

neighborhood: Berkeley North ·  Telephone: (510) 526-1735  · Website: www.dandelionnurseryschool.org

• Summary
• General Info
• School Philosophy
  & Day-in-the-Life
• Curriculum &
  Teaching Approach
• Quality of
  Teaching
• Home/School
  Connection
• Discipline,
  Health & Safety
• Ages, Schedule
  & Tuition
• Application &
  Admissions
• Kindergarten
  Placement&Tips

General Approach to Learning

	Play-based
	Play-based with some structure
	Predominantly teacher-led instruction
	Montessori
	Waldorf
	Co-op
	Reggio-Emilia

source:

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.9)
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Ability to be a part of a group of children
Self-sufficiency and independence
Awareness of others’ feelings
Cooperation with other children

source:

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Savvy Source's Comments

Dandelion's curriculum is designed to stimulate a child's inquisitive nature. The curriculum areas engage children in active meaning making. They observe, explore and invent as they interact with materials and people. Children assess the results of their activities and grow in competence, confidence and a sense of belonging. From Dandelion Co-op Nursery School website

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Dandelion is first and foremost a play-based curriculum.

Parent #2
Even though this is a play-based curriculum, they offer so many different ways for a child to be engaged that my son is always busy. We also love the fact that twice each morning he gets a story or some other group activity such as music. Unlike some of the other preschools we looked at with a lot more structure, Dandelion offers my son the opportunity to self direct his own learning. This will serve him well as he begins kindergarten.

Parent #3
I didn't know how well the 'play based' approach would work for my child, but it has been a really wonderful thing to see. She, and all kids at the school, seem to discover certain kinds of activities when they are ready for them. There is a natural flow between stations and completely free play.

Parent #4
Dandelion is play based and therefore has no curriculum per se. The school is set up to provide stimulating fun activity choices each day for all the kids, both indoors and out. Choices include art, books, dress up, manipulatives, music, 'office space', blocks, and an outdoor yard with trikes, play structure, house, and sand. There is a daily schedule of free play, circle time (stories, music, plays, conversation), snack time, free play, and a final circle time.

Parent #5
Focus is not so much on the acquisition of learning skills but on the foundation of the 'joy of learning' and helping the children feel empowered and positive about all their learning opportunities.