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Berkeley, CA
Berkeley-Albany Headstart
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
neighborhood: Berkeley West · Telephone: (510) 848-9092 · Website: www.baymca.org
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.9) |
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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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Director's Comments
There are 2 home visits and 2 parent conferences per year.
Parents are encouraged to participate in daily activities as their time allows.
Monthly parent meetings are run by parent leaders (training provided).
The Policy Council meets monthly and consists of parents from each center and community representatives.
Parents sit on hiring committees and must approve all hires and fires.
We offer classes onsite sponsored by Merritt and Vista colleges at no cost to parents with child care available.
We offer onsite services for children with disabilities.
We provide parent workshops and training.
Representatives from elementary schools come to preschool to meet with parents and review kindergarten enrollment process. Parents are strongly encouraged to visit schools before placing their children.
Separation
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
- Parents in classroom early on
- Extra staff dedicated to handle seperation
- Small group sessions
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Home visits by teachers
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Director's Comments
We handle separation via home visits, meetings with parents, encouraging parents to stay and gradually phase out of class. Children are phased in - small groups to start.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
My daughter's school handled wonderfully the emotional challenges of starting school and separation. Couldn't have been better.
Parent #2
As a parent (grandparent) of a set of twin grandsons with special needs, I am very proud to be a part of this community. It is very special to me. This program has truly gotten my boys kindergarten-ready and for that I am truly grateful.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.5) |
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Parents:
- Sit on the board of trustees
- Are able to visit the school anytime we want
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Meetings
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
- Notes
- Phone Calls
- Special Meetings
- Two or More Regular Conferences
- Drop-Off
- Pick-Up
- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school
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