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Chicago, IL
Black Bear Preschool
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
neighborhood: North Center · Telephone: (773) 244-0700 · Website: blackbearpreschool.com
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.1) |
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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
homework, formal reports and conferences, cameras in each classroom for parents to observe, caregiver training, parent laison boards and open door policy. We also provide parent feedback after each class.
Separation
| OVERALL RATING (4.4) |
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Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Small group sessions
- Parents in classroom early on
source:
Director's Comments
However both child and parent feel the least amount of stress initially. We always attempt to have the student "anchor" with the teacher for support. Additionally, as much as we can, take away the unpredictability by using picture schedules, transition songs, counting, visual timers etc.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Although there was no 'open house' meeting with both parents and teachers, all prospective parents meet with the Director for a comprehensive tour which exposes parents to teachers as well. The Director explains in great detail the philosophy of the school and the 'curriculum' of each class. Once registered for class, our daughter was scheduled for a developmental assessment (one hour, one-on-one with a teacher), and after each session this initial assessment is updated to reflect skills that our daughter has mastered in the session.
Parent #2
Black Bear gives parents immediate visual access to classrooms through closed circuit TV in the spacious and comfortable common area outside each of the classrooms. The teachers enjoy teaching and are very energetic. As the parent of a 3.5 yr. old who has attended 1-2 days/wk. since 18 mos., I enjoy seeing the attention the small classroom size (2 teachers:8 kids) enables interaction and attention to chosen subject areas for the week. At the end of class, my son frequently hugs his teacher. He is really comfortable here.
Parent #3
separation process questions irrelevant as that wasn't even addressed, even for children whom that was a big problem.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (2.4) |
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Parents:
- Are able to visit the school anytime we want
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Written feedback for each class period
Parent #2
None
Parent #3
Informal parent network.
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
Daily written reports from the teacher about specific activites done that day and my daughter's accomplishments.
Parent #2
Form at the end of each class that gives highlights of his day.
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