Berkeley, CA
Dandelion Cooperative Nursery School

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This school is about skill-building and foundations for future success. The strength of this school's approach is that children learn to resolve disputes without anger, violence and long-lasting hard feelings. They learn to work collaboratively to achieve goals. They also get in touch with their inner artist, weaver, musician, athlete, story teller, builder, parent, child, actor, sculptor and a million other permutations thereof.

Parent #2
I feel truly blessed to have my two children attend Dandelion for a total of 4 years. I don't know who grew more there, me or them. The teachers at Dandelion will always hold a special place in my heart, both as educators and as people. The community I've met there couldn't be more thoughtful and fun. My kids set off to Dandelion each day with enthusiasm, knowing they will be with good friends...among adults who care about them...free to create and explore...in a fun and inspiring space. I can't recommend Dandelion highly enough.

Parent #3
Strengths-Teacher's have extraordinary amount of experience with 3 and 4 year olds.

Parent #4
The teachers are excellent and there is virtually no turnover. They love and treasure each child. As parents, we are trained through monthly meetings, work day wrap ups and occasional conferences on how to be better parents and work with all kinds of children. Dandelion is also reasonable because it is a co-op. On the less than perfect side, Dandelion starts the youngest children with only two mornings a week. There is an extended program but it only goes until 2:00. During the child's second year he/she may attend up to 5 days per week. If you work full or maybe even part-time the school will not be able to support all of your daycare.

Parent #5
At first I wasn't ready to admit the kids could resolve their own conflicts. But after seeing the gentle way the teachers manage playground spats and the occasional disagreement, my son is learning conflict management skills at age 3. Also, I feel very safe each time I drop him off there knowing he will be cared for by his teachers and other parents. It really is using the village to raise a child.

Parent #6
Dandelion is a cooperative preschool with a small staff of two teachers, one of whom is the director. The school is a very special place where children are each given the space and time to develop in their own way and learn about other children and ideas. The parents are an integral part of this process alongside the teachers.

Parent #7
Strengths: the leadership and their nearly 30 years each of expertise, the committed community. Weaknesses: no monkey bars.

Montessori? Waldorf? Play-based?

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

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