San Francisco, CA
Alta Plaza Preschool

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.4)

Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
...are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
Alta Plaza does not have its own play yard, but it makes use of Alta Plaza Park, which is directly across the street. I like this situation, because my son has been taught crosswalk and group safety.

Parent #2
Alta Plaza does not have outside play equipment at the school, but the children go to the playground at Alta Plaza park daily. The park is located directly across the street from the school.

Parent #3
There is no outside play equipment, but the question above doesn't allow you to say not applicable. What they do have....they just take small bean bags (to toss and make up games) to the grassy area across the street, no other equipment. They have no trikes, etc. b/c they have no yard. Childrens birthdays are celebrated at the school by the parent bringing cake or cupcakes. With the number of kids, it ends up being someones birthday every week or sometimes even 2 in one week. As a result, the kids are given a lot of sugar. Goodie bags are given to take home, filled with candy. All the functions are potluck and there's an exceptional amount of junk food (doritos, m&m's, cakes, cookies, etc.) and hardly any nutritious food. The snack they provide is graham crackers. The preschool is a one-room classroom, in the basement of a church. (There is a back area where children aren't allowed where artwork is stored and a small kitchen where snacks are made.)

Parent #4
Alta Plaza Preschool does not have its own playground facilities but it is located adjacent to Alta Plaza park which has a great playground with slides, climbing equipment, etc.

Parent #5
i think they need to re-do the bathroom (just due for an update, but it's really just fine).

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.6)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

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Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.6)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

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Montessori? Waldorf? Play-based?

What school type is right for your child? Is one model better than another? What does the research say?

View an example from the Savvy Source guide to learn more.

Trace around your child's foot, with shoe on, on a piece of white construction paper or card stock. Have child cut out the shoe print and add a spooky face. Glue it to a popsicle stick and you have a ghost stick puppet!

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