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Alameda, CA
Kiddie Kampus Co-op Preschool

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Review this preschool

Telephone: (510)-521-1218 ext. 5303735  · Website: www.kiddiekampusalameda.org

• Summary
• General Info
• School Philosophy
  & Day-in-the-Life
• Curriculum &
  Teaching Approach
• Quality of
  Teaching
• Home/School
  Connection
• Discipline,
  Health & Safety
• Ages, Schedule
  & Tuition
• Application &
  Admissions
• Kindergarten
  Placement&Tips

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.4)
Conducts an open house at start of school year
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

source:

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:

- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

- Extra staff dedicated to handle separation

- Parents in classroom early on

source:

Director's Comments

We start with the parent accompanying their child, then gradually weaning them from the parent as they start to integrate with the school community and bond with individuals. Children need the assurance that the parent will return and that they will not be abandoned. They also need to bond with another caring adult.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
We allow our parents to stay at the school for as long as it takes for their child to feel comfortable on their own. Our students start through-out the year so the teacher and working parents are able to focus on each child's individual adjustment period. We have 3-5 parents working each day and one is assigned to help the new child adjust and adapt to our program.

Parent #2
Although we are a 'PLAY BASED school', Kiddie Kampus actively TEACHES children to be curious explorers of the world around them. Most of our four year old students, for example, will readily explain experiments/activities they have done that were lots of fun (and educational): gardening, counting in different languages, art projects, learning their ABC's in more interesting ways than just memorizing the good old abc song, learning about music by observing and dancing to live music, finger painting/story making, learning about different cultures--trips to Chinatown, pinata making, black history month, etc... . Most importantly, our kids learn by doing, putting to use ALL their senses--getting their fingers and bodies into the lesson and not just tracing letters or gluing ready-made cut-out 'projects'. Our school is as diverse as our community is and each parent brings their own professional and lived experience as their contribution and template for 'lesson plans' they wish to share with the community.

Parent #3
Because this is a co-op, you get to know the other families and kids in a way that you just can't in other environments. And your child gets to know the other parents and kids in a way that they just won't in another school. People are really supportive of each other.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (4.4)

Parents:

- Sit on the board of trustees

- 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

- 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
Are required to work at least once a week for 3 hrs--this allows us to interact and be a part of our child's experience; it gives us an opportunity to actively contribute to the environment he's in; lets us observe our child's interaction with other children; makes for a weekly connection with the Director and other parents as part of a team committed to ensuring the best possible learning experience for our children.

Parent #2
We swap sibling care while we work at the school, look after each other's children in the afternoons, help one another in times of difficulty (sick children, maternity leave, etc.), share/swap our professional skills.

Parent #3
Our community is supportive during difficult situations which may impact one's work duties.

Parent #4
Pairs old parents with new parents

Parent #5
Pairs old parents with new parents

Parent #6
Pairs old parents with new parents

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
We work in the school side-by-side with our teacher so we are able to have an ongoing communication with her as our children progress through the program.

Parent #2
By speaking directly to the director or board of directors' members.

Parent #3
Online web forum

Parent #4
Anonymous suggestion box