Summary

Contact Info

Cedar Creek Montessori
1600 Sacramento Street
Berkeley , CA 94702
Tel: (510) 525-1377

Director: Kerry Woodward

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted

After a face-to-face meeting at the school (tour, conversation with director, etc.)

Wait list

Yes

Deadline for applications

November 1

Key Statistics

Total enrollment

38

Student/teacher ratio

9:1

Age cutoff for enrollment

2 years and 9 months

Extended day

Yes

School year

Year round program

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Park Day, Prospect Sierra, Windrush, Marin, BAM, Berkwood Hedge , Cragmont, Black Pine Circle, Thousand Oaks, Malcolm X, Jefferson, Rosa Parks,

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: 5

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

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

Step One Nursery School
The New School of Berkeley
Montessori Family School
Centro VIDA Children's Center
Center for Education of the Infant Deaf (CEID)

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment

38

Student/teacher ratio

9:1

Established

1978

Average tenure for teachers

10 yrs.

% of teachers with:

- Bachelors

65%

- Masters

15%

- Teaching credentials

50%

- CPR

100%

- First aid

100%

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Near North Berkeley BART

- Located close to public transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

- 7:30 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Late Pickup Policy: Late fee of $10 per each ten minutes or fraction thereof.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year	Yes
• The Montessori classroom has activities designed for all ages and abilities. The oldest, most mature students have a Nature Studies class while the younger children are napping.

Affiliated with a religious institution

No

Teach religious concepts

No

Some experience serving children with special needs	Yes
• This is dependent on the child's needs. We work closely with the parents, and work toward developing each child's independency and self-sufficiency.

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children

No

Other Memberships

PACE

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.0)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached)

Classrooms (with kitchenette attached)

Music room

Art room

Library

Art area during afternoons.

Playground

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
All of the teachers are warm and enthusiastic. They are very good at dealing with separation anxiety and tears, by giving the child special attention, distraction, etc.

Parent #2
I am impressed by the teacher's at Cedar Creek. They have made great observations about our daughter and have alleviated our over anxious parent tendencies, concerning development of our child. The school has been an ideal place for our child.

Parent #3
The teachers really impress upon the children that respecting others' feelings is essential. They also help them learn how to deal with their conflicts on their own. The academics are available for the kids to learn, but nothing is forced upon them. The Montessori method allows the children to choose their activities most of the day. There are quite a few circle times, which my kids loved, but could be a problem for some.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Cedar Creek Montessori School provides a safe, nurturing environment based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, where young children learn through exploration and discovery, develop creativity and self-reliance, and expand their social, cognitive and motor skills to their full potential.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

The day begins with indoor and outdoor free play.

At about 9:30 the children come into the Montessori classroom, which is a prepared environment with many choices of activities, from pouring water through funnels and building with blocks, to reading and math.

There is more outdoor play time in our large, well equipped yard, before and after lunch, and again after nap.

For the older children who no longer nap, there is a Nature Studies class.

Art is available throughout the day, and story/song/game circles during transition time.

The day ends on a relaxing note with Tea Time.

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 (4.2)

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	-	-		-	YES

Visual arts	-		-	-	YES
Physical activity	-		-	-	YES

Other subjects taught					n/a

Director's Comments

The Montessori classroom is set up with a broad range of educational materials in areas such as daily life, sensorial, language/reading, math, art, culture, and nature. They choose their own activities in the classroom and learn at their own pace. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, they develop skills arising from their own concrete experiences with the materials. .

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Cedar Creek follows the Montessori principles, but with more structure than other Montessori schools in the area, which fit well with our child.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.8)

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

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Individualized Teaching

Description of how teachers work with children who are
"behind," "excelling" or "different" from the majority of students

Montessori education is based on each individual child's own interests and development, and because our classes are mixed age, the children learn at their own pace.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
There are morning teachers and assistant teachers and afternoon teachers and assistant teachers, which allows them to be full of energy and patient all day long. The turnover among head teachers is extremely low, and all the teachers are great! They offer a music class and dance class once a week, and art every day.

Parent #2
The school has a great music program weekly, in addition to several teachers who sing during circle time. My child has learned a variety of music. In addition there is an art program daily and dance once a week.

Parent #3
Cedar Creek offers art, music and dance classes. They also bake bread every Friday.

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

Director's Comments

- Parent Information Night - Semi-annual parent-teacher conferences - An open environment with daily interaction between parents and teachers. Each fall there is a parent meeting about choosing an elementary school.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Extra staff dedicated to handle seperation
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

First, before starting, a new child comes on a few orientation visits with a parent. Then the first few days are shorter days. We help the child feel as comfortable as possible, and teachers actively help transition the child.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I didn't answer some of the questions because 1) we haven't yet reached the end of the school year, 2) I don't remember certain things that happened at the beginning of the year. Also, the separation issue wasn't handled by any of the ways the survey suggests. My very shy daughter (who blossomed into an involved and outgoing person very quickly at this school) had a hard time for the first few days and the teachers just sat with her and held her and distracted her in a very loving way as I left the school each morning. Also, I don't know what you mean by 'dropping in.' Parents can and do come to the school at any time, but I haven't tried to stay there and hang out . . . I don't know if people do that or not.

Drop-in Policy

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

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (3.6)

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Receive newsletters

- Encourage play dates out of school

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Donate 8-hours of volunteer time (school ground maintenance, etc.).

Parent #2
Participate in parent work days to repair/improve the facility. Assist other families in need. Assist other charitable organizations.

Parent #3
We don't have a formal parent community, but we do socialize with other families from the school, arrange playdates, and attend outside activities together.

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Notes in our child's lunch box giving brief updates.

Parent #2
Any teacher or director who is available at almost any time (other than when they are involved with children or a task) to discuss concerns. This school excels at communicating with parents, especially through memos to home.

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

Overview

Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline

Based on the individual needs of the child. Typically discipline is through redirection and/or logical or natural consequences. A brief time-out may be given in certain circumstances. Montessori activities help center children and develop internal control and self-respect, which then leads to positive social behavior.

Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario

Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'

The emphasis would be on learning empathy, building caring and appropriate social skills, and developing self esteem. The teacher might first have all three children talk to each other and see if they could play together. If not, the teacher would have the first child restate, using language which would help the friend to understand they are still friends, for example, 'I'll play with you later after lunch.' The teacher would also help the second child understand that good friends don't have to play with each other all the time, and would help her/him find a new activity.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
When we first visited Cedar Creek, we were not sure if the play area was large enough. Now that we have been there a year, we realize it's a great space for the children and includes several choices for activities.

Parent #2
Regarding how my child has changed since starting this school, I think he already knew how to listen (mostly!), sit still, etc. This school did not teach him those things because he already knew them.

Health

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Food Allergies

- We ask parents to provide child-safe snacks for their allergic child

Medications

- Parents provide medication as needed.

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.4)

Screen and identify all visitors

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

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages	Class Size	Days	Tuition
From 3 years to 4 years	19		$705/Month
From 3 years to 4 years	19		$800/Month
From 3 years to 4 years	19		$1050/Month

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

3,4 or 5 full days
5 partial days

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: After a face-to-face meeting at the school (tour, conversation with director, etc.)

There is a wait list for upcoming school year. • We call parents if and when a space is expected to come available. Spaces are primarily dependent on age, gender, and schedule.

Parent visits tours are: Mandatory (in order to receive application)

Child interview process: Required for all applicants and takes the form of child is welcomed into the classroom with her/his parent.

Parent interview process: Parents meet with Director during the parent tour and again during the child's visit.

Deadline for applications: November 1

Application fee: $50

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Selective based on sibling priority, diversity, based primarily on balancing each class for age, gender, and schedule. we are proud of the diversity of culture and family structure among our students, including glbt families and adoptive families.
• We carefully consider each child trying to balance each class for age and gender.

Notification occurs: Generally late February or March.

Deposit required: one month's tuition

Parents must submit deposit within the following timeframe of receiving notification of acceptance: One week; may spread payments over a few months.

Financial aid is not available.

Director's Comments

Comments

Parents are welcome to call anytime. We will keep the information about your child on file and remind you when it is time to arrange tours for the following year.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years and 9 months to enroll.

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Enquiries accepted on a rolling basis.

Director's views on diversity:
Most of the students are from working middle class families. Most students are Caucasian or Asian, with some African-American, Latino, or mixed race children, including some bilingual children. Some of our diversity is not evident by looking at the children, such as children who have been adopted, or who have gay, lesbian or transgendered parents.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Park Day, Prospect Sierra, Windrush, Marin, BAM, Berkwood Hedge , Cragmont, Black Pine Circle, Thousand Oaks, Malcolm X, Jefferson, Rosa Parks,

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
Met all the deadlines!