Summary

Contact Info

Sandy Hill Nursery School
1036 Solana Drive
Solana Beach , CA  92075
www.sandyhillnurseryschool.com

Tel: (858) 481-1378

Director: Emily Auer
director@sandyhillnurseryschool.org

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Parent Ratings

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

Quality of teaching

Development of social skills and work habits

Home-school connection

Parent community

Discipline

Facilities

Health

Safety

Handling of separation

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  1

Savvy Source survey: Yes

Parents who send their child to this preschool also like the following preschools:

• Bright Horizons Family Center (Carlsbad)
• Rainbow Kids Integral School

General Info

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.7)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Unique because it is alternative education at the nursery school level

more than a school
extended family
community
a network of people who share a common philosophy of education

Because of the setting

a natural playground
hands-on laboratory for nature and science exploration
fits in beautifully with our child-centered program which allows for exploration

Because we have a child-centered program – philosophy

letting children be children
allowing children the time and space and freedom to learn at their own pace and in their own style
without adult goals
letting children create and define their own experience
offering experiences which are appropriate for each developmental level
room for individual styles – individually reinforced positively
open-ended activities – environment

Goals for the program

1. For children to grow in a holistic way – socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively: "whole child"

2. For children to become self-motivated learners

3. For children to discover and develop their own creativity

artistically
cognitively

4. Focus on emotional growth

to help children acknowledge and deal constructively with their feelings – positive and negative

5. Focus on social growth

to help children learn to communicate effectively with adults and peers
to respect their own needs and those of others and learn to negotiate
(excerpted from website)

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

This school has increased my child's:

Ability to listen and follow directions

Ability to sit still for longer periods of time

Ability to be a part of a group of children

Self-sufficiency and independence

Awareness of others’ feelings

Cooperation with other children

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Language					YES
Oral language	-		-	-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-		-	-	n/a
Storybook reading	-		-	-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-		-	-	n/a
Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense	-		-	-	YES
Time & space	-		-	-	YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-		-	-	YES
Music	-	-		-	-
Visual arts	-		-	-	-
Physical activity	-		-	-	YES
Other subjects taught					n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (5.0)

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

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

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

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
- Parents in classrooms early on
- Small group sessions

Drop-in Policy

- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Safety

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Screen and identify all visitors

Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Application & Admissions

Kindergarten Placement & Tips