Pasadena, CA
Cottage Co-Op Nursery School

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.7)
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job
Patient and affectionate with children
Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children

source:

Parents' Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parent #1
This is a play-based, child-directed school, meaning that the children don't follow cookie-cutter ways of playing or doing art. There is no "right" way to paint a snowman or assemble a cardboard and feather flower. Also, the feedback to children is more "narrating," as in talking about what the child is doing. "Oh, I see you mixed the green with the red ... what happened?" Instead of the rote, "Oh, that's beautiful!" Or "Great!" Children grow tired and suspicious of everything they do and create being "Great! Beautiful!" Teachers and parents are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions about what is happening or being created.

Parent #2
I find that since my child is totally comfortable in her first year of pre-school, I'm getting very little feedback?I feel a bit removed, even though this is a co-op, since I'm not needing to deal with social or behavioral challenges?not really a criticism, just an observation.

Parent #3
I only really know one teacher at the school, and he is an amazing teacher?truly gifted at connecting with the children (and not so bad at managing parents, either!).

Parent #4
The teachers are Cottage are passionate about teaching! They are there physically, mentally, and emotionally everyday to CONNECT with the children. They are so loved by the children and parents.

Parent #5
The school has extremely creative and talented teachers. The teachers are particularly skilled at assisting the children to gain the language skills and confidence necessary for them to express their thoughts, desires and needs; to learn to problem solve and resolve conflicts with their peers; and to express themselves creatively. The teachers participate in ongoing training activities to hone their skills.

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.

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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