Berkeley, CA
Dandelion Cooperative Nursery School

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

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

source:

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
I'm a better parent thanks to the teachers at the school. Through their amazing modeling, participation day wrap-up sessions, monthly parent meetings, and impromptu help, they guide the parents with just as much wisdom and grace as they do our kids. Other wonderful things about Dandelion: the other families, the other kids, the genuine community, and the opportunity to participate with and learn from one another. Dandelion is one of Berkeley's best kept secrets.

Parent #2
My son has been in a couple of playground spats at preschool. The teachers have stepped in both to assure his safety and to resolve the issues. They are also very open to helping the parents who are participating that morning learn more about resolving conflict. I was especially encouraged when another child hit my son with a toy shovel and the teacher helped my son (who is speech delayed) express who hit him and how it made him feel. I also liked the gentle but firm manner in which she addressed the guilty party and then worked to integrate my son back into the play group that had formed. Because of this wonderful response, my son has now learned how to stand up for himself and articulate his feelings on the playground.

Parent #3
Dandelion is not a shiny space because the focus is on giving children what they need, not on looking spiffy. Rather it's chock-full of very well thought out areas that enable the kids to interact, learn about themselves and the world, and have fun.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.7)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

source:

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.8)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

source:

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.

1. Bend a black pipe cleaner into a V shape. Push the base of the V up through one of the button's (read more)

Comment (3)

Share From Send A Link To Your Comments:

Take Our Expert Quiz

how is your toddler or preschooler progressing developmentally?