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San Francisco, CA
La Piccola Scuola Italiana
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
neighborhood: Potrero Hill · Telephone: (415) 558-9006 · Website: www.lpsisf.com
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.4) | 
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year | 
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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source:
Director's Comments
There are many ways in which we adults stay on the same page about the kids. Before school starts, there are phone conversations and a whole-group parent meeting (during which parents and teachers agree on a set of 'goals' for the year together). During the year, teachers and parents communicate informally on a daily basis during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as by email as needed. At any time, if either the parents or the teachers want, an in-person conference can be arranged. In addition, in the 2s, 3s, and 4s groups, we also hold semiannual (2x per year) parent-teacher conferences which include written documentation of the child's experience at school. In the Spazio Gioco Mommy and Me playgroup, parents have to be very involved and most of the communications are informal in nature. We keep portfolios for the children while they are at LPSI, the contents of which are given to the family upon 'graduation.' We have several community-wide events each year including a fall picnic, a big Christmas party, and a spring picnic. In addition, many parents take our Italian for Parents classes (all levels).
Separation
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions
- Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
- Parents in classroom early on
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
source:
Director's Comments
This depends very much on the individual circumstance. We work with each set of parents and caregivers to create a plan that will work for each child. Our goal is harmonious separations. Parents are never rushed when saying good-bye. Children are never left to cry alone and are always looked after and held when upset.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
La Piccola offers parents many opportunities to be involved with their childrens' experience. Parents also have the chance to sign up for 'Parent-language' classes which are fun and also a good way to learn the songs/stories etc. in Italian that the children are being exposed to on a regular basis.
Parent #2
They did not provide guidance on kindergarten because our daughter was not attending kindergarten the following year.
Parent #3
This school handles special requests from parents extremely well. If a parent has concerns about his/her child's adjustment to school or any concerns/questions at all, the teachers and director are extremely accessible and helpful - regardless of whether there is a specific procedure set up to deal with the issue.
Parent #4
Both the director and teachers were very accommodating with my oldest child, who had quite a case of separation anxiety. They let me stay in the classroom for as long as I deemed necessary, and recommended slow separation as she felt increasingly comfortable. My youngest child has next-to-no separation issues, but she's always warmly embraced by the teachers who lead her to play as I walk out the door. It's like leaving your child with a loving, Italian family! I remember being favorably impressed with my oldest daughter's conferences. The remarks were very thorough, including examples of her work and progress throughout the year. There was always good advice on how to deal with problems. I have had no conferences with my younger one yet!
Parent #5
There is a strong cultural aspect that is supported by the school. Involvement in the school's activities is voluntary, but the majority of families get involved because they enjoy supporting the school.
Parent #6
Warm, caring, personalized, and flexible. My son doesn't want to go home at the end of the day!
Parent #7
La Piccola Scuola Italiana would be willing to work out any problems the child may be having getting adjusted to the school. It would require the parents & teachers to strategize on the individual's needs.
Parent #8
We receive regular communication from the school via email and well thought out newsletters.
Parent #9
La Piccola Scuola Italiana is a terrific school that emphasizes a home-like environment. The children are very well cared for and receive continuous one on one attention. I find this to be invaluable.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.9) |
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Parents:
- Hold social events at the school to build community
- Fundraise
- Are able to visit the school anytime we want
- Go on field trips
- Volunteer in the classroom
- Receive newsletters
- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)
- Encourage play dates out of school
- Shares information on matter related to our children (e.g. babysitter lists, pediatricians, extracurriculuar classes, etc.)
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
We can take Italian language and cooking classes and classes geared specifically for parents.
Parent #2
Are part of volunteer committees.
Parent #3
Hold social events/fundraisers off school grounds. Participate in holiday parties and picnics off school grounds for social events to build community.
Parent #4
Holds evening Italian lessons for parents who would like to learn Italian at a lower cost than other language lessons
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
- Notes
- Phone Calls
- Voice Mail
- Special Meetings
- Two or More Regular Conferences
- Drop-Off
- Pick-Up
- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Regular email updates and briefings.
Parent #2
Social events, dinners, etc.
Being Savvy Today
Kids Around the World
It's well known that if you want to get your preschoolers interested in something, the best way is to show them that other kids are involved. This rule holds for almost everything, even geography! Think about it this way: if you were to take your kids on a
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.
Today's “Preschool’s Out” Activity
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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