Summary
Contact Info
Solana Beach Child Development Center
309 North Rios Avenue
Solana Beach
, CA
92075
www.sbsd.k12.ca.us/District/CDC/CDC.htm
Tel:
(858) 794-7160
Fax:
(858) 794-7165
Director:
Suzanne Blackwood
cdc@sbsd.k12.ca.us
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
After a face-to-face meeting at the school |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
1 years and 6 months |
| School year |
Year round program |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
6
Savvy Source survey: Yes
Parents who send their child to this preschool also like the following preschools:
- Horizon Prep Preschool (Rancho Santa Fe)
- Sandy Hill Nursery School
- The Gifted Preschool
- Sanderling School (Waldorf in North Coastal)
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General Info
Basic Stats
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
Yes
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
No
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.5) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The teachers seem to have low energy towards activities with the children. There is a slight tension between the staff, which affects the behavior of the children. I think the director could improve on communication skills with teachers and parents, when she is there.
I love the events ideas, but not the attitudes of the staff.
Parent #2
The director has a great philosophy but doesn't seem to implement it evenly in the school. You would think that a preschool in an elementary school setting would be higher quality. We were very disappointed and had to withdraw our child for safety reasons.
Parent #3
Extraordinary director. Teachers possess warmth, energy and creativity. SBCDC is a special place. There are excellent resources for learning and play. The entire staff knows the children as individuals and does a great job of educating and caring for them.
Parent #4
I cannot imagine that there would be anything that you would be dissapointed with in this school. I always felt that my children were well looked after and safe while in their care. I feel as though they helped us, as parents, lay a strong foundation for learning and gave them a fair understanding and blueprint of what to expect and how to behave in a school enviornment. I HIGHLY reccomend this school.
Parent #5
The toddler center at this school is very good. One of the few that takes kids at the age of 18 months. Very flexible hours and good teacher to student ratio. The preschool program is okay, but not as strong. Large and somewhat impersonal.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
The Solana Beach Child Development Center (CDC) was established in 1980 and operates under the authority of the Solana Beach School District Board of Trustees. CDC is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services.
The CDC administers several distinct programs. The Preschool and Toddler programs provide services to children from 18 months to 5 years of age. The School Age program provides childcare services to students in grades K-6. We offer afternoon care at all Solana Beach School District elementary schools. In addition we offer an after-school enrichment program at Solana Pacific Elementary School.
(excerpted from website)
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.1) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
If interested in the school, schedule a tour with the director. She is a gem - high quality educator with years of experience!
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (3.3) |
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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 and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
This school has an excellent Special Needs program. Allthough we personally never attended any Group Sessions or Activities geared towards helping our children in specific areas, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that if requested, this school would conduct any reasonable 'meeting' needed to make us feel comfortable.
Parent #2
The director and teachers provide verbal updates on the children's development. Informal communication is a constant here. Staff always available to discuss children's growth and learning.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (2.4) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (4.0) |
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| 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
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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The school used to be an Elementary School, so the grounds are quite large, and they have a HUGE play area, where the children ride tricycles, play on equipment such as swings, slides, climbing walls, etc. There are sand boxes, TONS of action figures, dolls, play houses, horses, etc. for imaginative play. There are a few different areas to play in and the very small children have their own sandy/grassy area to play in seperate from the older children. The grounds and building were always in great shape and clean.
Parent #2
Nut free school environment. SBCDC takes allergies very seriously. Incident reports are provided for all accident. Teacher will review incident with parent and explain resolution and care.
Parent #3
The toys and cots were not disinfected on a daily basis, and my child was sick with fever and virus at least once a month. Since my child was removed there has been no sickness.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.2) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
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Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.4) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
I believe that this school is fair and just in determining their enrollment.
