Kindercare Learning Center

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Summary

Contact Info

Kindercare Learning Center
2155 North Loop Road
Alameda , CA  94502
www.kindercare.com

Tel: (510) 521-3227
Fax: (510) 521-0618

Director: Wanda Sawicka
c1335@mail.kindercare.com

Application Information

Deadline for applications Rolling

Key Statistics

Total enrollment 105
Student/teacher ratio 12:1
Age cutoff for enrollment 2 years
Extended day Yes

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Amelia Earhart, Bay Farm

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. Two and Half Star
Quality of teaching Three and Half Stars
Development of social skills and work habits Two and Half Star
Home-school connection Three and Half Stars
Parent community One and Half Star
Discipline Two and Half Star
Facilities Three Stars
Health Three Stars
Safety Two and Half Star
Handling of separation Two Stars

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  4

Savvy Source survey: Yes

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

  • Bright Horizons - Garner Preschool

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment 105
Student/teacher ratio 12:1
Established 8/21/1989
Average tenure for teachers 3.5 yrs.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year Yes

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children Yes

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.3) Three Stars
Building, bathrooms, hallway Two and Half Star
Classroom equipment and furniture Three Stars
Outside play equipment Three and Half Stars

Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Very disorganized. Staff is very "gossipy". I witnessed two teachers talking about the nicknames they made for their children. The Assistant Director has never greeted me when I pick up my child.

Parent #2
This is the most dysfunctional preschool I have ever witnessed. Teachers did not know where other teachers were. The director is difficult to contact. At the end of the day infants are mixed in with older children.

Parent #3
Strenghts: hours of operation, spave, meals provided, cleanliness, structure of curriculum, national chain therefore recourse for resolution of problems, communication between teachers and parents

Weaknesses: teacher turnover, consistency in quality of teachers, cost, communciations between parents and director, location

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"We Promise
...to honor your role as a parent and to partner with you in the care and development of your child.

...you will feel completely confident and reassured when you leave your child with us.

...you will know that we value your child as a unique individual to be nurtured, protected, and respected at all times.

...you will know that committed, dedicated educators are caring for your child.

...you will watch your child develop a love of learning and a rich imagination.

...you will see your child develop strong bonds with our teachers and other children.

...you will share in the joy of your child's experiences in our center through regular communication.

...you will be treated as an important member of our family.

...you can expect us to listen carefully and respond quickly to any questions or concerns.

...you will know that it is our privilege to serve your family."
Excerpted from Preschools Website



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (2.6) Two and Half Star
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions Two Stars
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Three Stars
Ability to be a part of a group of children Three Stars
Self-sufficiency and independence Three Stars
Awareness of others’ feelings Two and Half Star
Cooperation with other children Two Stars

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Free Play Free Play Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure
Language -
Oral language - - - - n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Storybook reading - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Emerging literacy skills - - - - n/a
Cognitive Development n/a
Math and number sense - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction Not formally part of the curriculum YES
Time & space - - - - -
Sci. reasoning/physical world - - - - -
Music - - - - YES
Visual arts - - - - -
Physical activity - - - - -
Other subjects taught n/a
Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Structured based on national curriculum from parent company. Good in that you are able to know the components that children will focus on.

Parent #2
I was informed the center is trying to increase the time spent on naps to 3+ hours a day. At my child's age, he should be taking 2 hour naps. A staff member told me that the Director decided this to have more "administrative time".

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (3.8) Three and Half Stars
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job Three Stars
Patient and affectionate with children Three and Half Stars
Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her Four Stars
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior Four Stars
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day Three Stars
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate Four Stars
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses Three Stars
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off Three Stars
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute Four Stars
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them Four Stars
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn Four And Half Stars
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts Four And Half Stars
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children Four Stars

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
In consistency in teacher qualifications, preparation, and implementation of classroom curriculum

Parent #2
The teachers rotate at near random intervals so there is no consistency for the children. This hinders the growth and learning process greatly.

Parent #3
Teachers are rotated at what appears to be random intervals so the child has no sense of consistency.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.7) Three and Half Stars
Conducts an open house at start of school year Three and Half Stars
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year Three and Half Stars
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences Three and Half Stars
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year Three Stars
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year Three and Half Stars
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools Four And Half Stars

Separation

OVERALL RATING (2.0) Two Stars

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Parent/teacher interaction is not a focus at this center. I was not happy about that.

General Parent Education

-This preschool does not conduct parent education classes

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (1.8) One and Half Star

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Special Meetings

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (2.8) Two and Half Star
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

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
n/a

Parent #2
Sick children are constantly allowed to attend putting others at risk. Even though peanut free, I witness several occasions where teachers ate peanut butter. Before the staff knew who I was, I was allowed to enter the facility without being asked my identity. The Assistant Director looked at me and then went back to her meal: I was not challenged, let alone greeted.

Parent #3
My first day picking up my child, the woman at the front counter didn't know who I was. Yet, she never challenged me as to my identity. I could've been some Joe off the street.

Health

OVERALL RATING (3.2) Three Stars
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable Three Stars
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided Three Stars
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly Three and Half Stars

Safety

OVERALL RATING (2.9) Two and Half Star
Screen and identify all visitors Three Stars
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others Two and Half Star

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages Class Size Days Tuition
From 3 years to
6 years
24 Mon 6:30am - 6:30pm
Tue 6:30am - 6:30pm
Wed 6:30am - 6:30pm
Thu 6:30am - 6:30pm
Fri 6:30am - 6:30pm
$0/Week
From 2 years 6 months to
3 years
20 Mon 6:30am - 6:30pm
Tue 6:30am - 6:30pm
Wed 6:30am - 6:30pm
Thu 6:30am - 6:30pm
Fri 6:30am - 6:30pm
$0/Week

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Tuition rates vary by child's age. Please contact school for details.

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years to enroll.

Enquiries accepted on a rolling basis.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Amelia Earhart, Bay Farm

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
No

Parent #2
No.

The Savvy Source for Parents © 2006
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