Broadway Children's School

Neighborhood: Piedmont Avenue / Adams Point
Telephone: (510) 763-9337
Website: broadwaychildrensschool.org

Summary

Contact Info

Broadway Children's School
394 Adams Street
Oakland , CA 94610
broadwaychildrensschool.org

Tel: (510) 763-9337

Director: Debbie Beck
jkbeck@pacbell.net

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.), after a face-to-face meeting at the school

Wait list

Yes

Deadline for applications

January 31

Key Statistics

Total enrollment

Student/teacher ratio

6:1

Age cutoff for enrollment

2 years and 9 months

Extended day

Yes

School year

9/1/2007 - 6/10/2008

Summer Program

6/15/2008 - 7/20/2008

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Oakland and Piedmont Public Schools

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: 4

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

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

Temple Sinai Preschool
Growing Light Montessori School
Gan Avraham

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment

Student/teacher ratio

6:1

Established

1952

Average tenure for teachers

15 yrs.

% of teachers with:

- Bachelors

60%

- Masters

10%

- Teaching credentials

30%

- CPR

100%

- First aid

100%

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

- Located close to public transportation

- carpools

Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

- 9:00 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Late Pickup Policy: Late pick up is okay ONLY in an emergency, charged extra $.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year	Yes
• THEY MAY REPEAT A YEAR IN EITHER OUR 3 YEAR OLD/SUNSHINE ROOM OR OUR PREK/RAINBOW ROOM.

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

Affiliated with a religious institution

Teach religious concepts

Some experience serving children with special needs	Yes
• Depends on each child and recommendations.

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children

Other Memberships

NAEYC

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.3)

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

Playground

Director's Comments

Question to director: Do you have any additional thoughts on what parents should consider when looking at your school? Is there any advice that you would like to provide to prospective parents?
We prepare your child with the social skills of getting along with others, that is our #1 Goal. We feel if they have their social skills in place they will be ready to be in a classroom and know how to get what they need or want in an acceptable way. We have had lots of feedback in the past that Kindergarten teachers are very happy with the behavior from the children coming from out schools. Of course, we believe that the parents are the first teachers and we support them here.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
It is a very high quality program, with a rich and engaging curriculm and a dedicated staff.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Broadway Children's School's programs are based on the belief that each child who comes to us is different from any child we have seen before or will ever see again. Each is unique and special and we want to nurture and encourage that individuality so that each one will grow and develop within his or her own framework.

We want to help each child develop competency in all aspects of his or her person: in the social, emotional, intellectual, creative and physical selves that are the whole child. We want each one to learn to work and play independently and yet be able to accept help from other children and from adults and to offer help to others. We want children to broaden their language skills, both listening and speaking, to be curious about the world in which they live, to feel free to explore that world in appropriate ways, and to develop a self-confidence that allows them to make mistakes.

We provide an exciting, creative environment that is often changed by the children themselves. We open doors to new experiences, encourage participation in all activities, holding the hand of a hesitant child, and letting go of the child who no longer needs us. We listen to the child expressing his or her feelings, both positive and negative. We help the child grow in his or her ability to control or direct inner destructive impulses.

However, we have a basic belief that a child learns best when he or she can make some choices about the day's activities. Sometimes there are limits to the choices available: safety, destructive behavior, and interference with others are some of the factors which are considered in determining these limits. There are times when children seem to make only inappropriate choices and then the teachers must decide for them what they can or cannot do, but always, the goal is to move to a point where children make appropriate choices themselves.

We approach each year in partnership with the parents. We are a supplement to what is accomplished within the home. We respect parents as we respect their children, recognizing that all parents must develop their own frameworks within which they will raise their children. There is not one way, but many ways.

We hope to add a new dimension to the lives of parents and children who come to Broadway Children's School.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

9:30 Parents arrive, workers put on aprons. Snack parent sets up snack in kitchen. Sign in. Indoor activities. You may say Good Bye.
10:15 Warn about clean up. CLEAN UP SONG
10:20 Music time, sit on floor with children
10:35 Washing hands time, snack-all children sit at tables.
10:45 Outdoor time.
11:20 Clean up outside. Story time inside.
11:30 Good Bye Song.

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Director's Comments

We feel children learn most what they are interested in. We come prepared with a Developmentally Appropriate Curr. and add to it with the children's interests or concerns.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (3.8)

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	Block Play, Large motor activities Creative art/drama/play time. We are a typical play based program, with a lot of curr. evolving from the children.				n/a

Director's Comments

We have teacher planned activities every day but the children have choices in them. We, also, listen to the children's interests and concerns and make sure they are met. We do have formal music/circle time and formal story time.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.4)

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

Each child at Broadway is looked at as unique and is worked with to develop every skill in every possible way. Our staff meetings are discussing each child and how we can move them forward. If we feel a child is not developing as should, we will talk with parents and come up with a plan for eveluations, etc.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.1)

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 Ed meetings Newsletters emails Parent conferences in PreK year. We try to talk with parents at drop off and pick up times. Teachers will conference anytime! Both-Advises in general on which kindergartens and elementary schools might provide the best education for their child and Actively advises parents on which kindergartens and elementary schools might provide the best education for their child and works to secure a slot for their child. Some parents need and want more direction than others.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.8)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Home visits by teachers
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

We have a Home Visit to meet the child/parent before the child ever steps into the school, then a picnic with their class, then we ask parents to drop and leave 1st month so child can build a relationship with teachers.

Drop-in Policy

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

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (4.5)

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)

- Encourage play dates out of school

- Shares information on matter related to our children (e.g. babysitter lists, pediatricians, extracurriculuar classes, etc.)

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
I'm not really 'invited'. I just talk with them when I pick up or drop off my child.

Parent #2
Yahoo group

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

Broadway Children's School of Oakland discipline policy forbids the use of corporal punishment of all children regardless of age.

We recognize that many two year olds are physically aggressive because they lack the necessary language to express their needs. We encourage and model the use of words rather than physical contact to change that kind of behavior, intervention is needed. The teacher will talk with the child, model the appropriate behvior, and tell the child that hitting, biting, whatever is not permitted. If the inappropriate behavior persists, the teacher can take the child out of activity, or sit quietly with the child until he or she is ready to modify the behavior.

AT NO TIME WILL A CHILD BE LEFT ALONE ANYWHERE ON THE PREMISIS.

If the teacher is not successful in changing the behavior, another teacher may be asked to take over or the director will be consulted.

If the child's inappropriate behavior still persists after the teacher and director have worked with the child, the parent will be called in for a conference. The parent will be asked for any information they can offer in why the child is acting in such a way and what has worked for them at home. The parents, director and teachers will come up with a plan to try for 2-3 weeks at school. If this is still unsuccessful, the director and parents should seek outside help, such a s a child therapist, nurse praction, or family counselor. If the parents are cooperating, the school will contiune to work on the behavior. If parents do not cooperate with the school, they will be given 2-3 weeks to do so. If this does not happen it will be recommended that they find a new situation for the child. They will be given until the end of the next tuition month. This will be written and put in the child's file.

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.'

We would step in and help model the 'rest' of the conversation - 'Is there a way B can be part of your play? How about if B was the Aunt?' If no takers, then would say 'Well, it looks like A&C are playing right now, maybe you can play with them later. Let's go find something/one to play with.'

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Snack is provided by parents

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.8)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Food Allergies

- We do not allow certain foods in the classroom

- We keep special snacks for allergic children

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

- We are a Peanut Free School

Medications

- We keep their medication on hand at all times

- We call parents when the child needs medication

- We work with parents with their child's medication needs as best we can for all involved.

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.8)

Screen and identify all visitors
• This is require by law.

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 6 months	12	Mon 9am - 12pm Wed 9am - 12pm Fri 9am - 12pm	$3850/Year
From 2 years 9 months to 4 years 5 months	12	Tue 9am - 12pm Thu 9am - 12pm	$2800/Year
From 3 years 9 months to 5 years 7 months	22	Mon 9am - 12am Wed 9am - 12pm Fri 9am - 12am	$3850/Year
From 1 years 9 months to 3 years 4 months	15	Tue 9:30am - 11:30am Thu 9:30am - 11:30am	$2100/Year
From 3 years to 5 years	12	Tue 9am - 12pm Thu 9am - 12pm	$240/Month
From 3 years to 5 years	12	Mon 9am - 12pm Wed 9am - 12pm Fri 9am - 12pm	$335/Month
From 2 years to 3 years	15	Tue 9:30am - 11:30am Thu 9:30am - 11:30am	$190/Month

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

2 year olds $220/month for 9 months Tues, Thurs 9:30 - 11:30

3,4 and 5 year olds all days 9:00 - 12:00
$385/month for MWF
$280/month for T TH

Class size:
2 year olds 15 students
3 year olds 12 students
4-5 year olds 22 students

Calendar Year

School Year

9/1/2007 - 6/10/2008

Summer Program

6/15/2008 - 7/20/2008

Application & Admissions

Application Process

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

There is a wait list for upcoming school year. • We call them and we don't mind their calling us.

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

Child interview process: None

Parent interview process: Tours with a Director/Question answer time

Deadline for applications: January 31

Application fee: $35

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Selective based on sibling priority, diversity, live in neighborhood
• Certain procedures must be followed before a child is admitted to one of BCSO's programs: 1. Children may be placed on the list. Visiting policies are described in detail in the brochure. 2. Parents who have had a child in the school may be given an application upon request. 3. When a parent visits the school, s/he may obtain an application form(s) which can then be filled out and returned, along with a non-refundable application fee, to the Enrollment Chair for that program. 4. There is one application and fee covering both PACT and Nursery School. 5. Preference is given to some applications: NURSERY SCHOOL CLOSING DATE IS JANUARY 31 PACT CLOSING DATE IS MARCH 31, both of the year preceding Fall enrollment. a) Because of it's focus on parent education, PACT will maintain a balance between families whose oldest child is attending PACT and families with children older than the attending child b) Nursery School children whose families have had a previous affiliation with BCSO are given priority to NS 1a) Although such families as designated are given preference, they can not be guaranteed a space. 1b) If the number of such applicants exceeds the number of places available, admission of these applicants will be chosen by lottery. 6. After preferential spaces are filled, a lottery will be held to fill any remaining spaces. 7. The Director and Enrollment Chairperson(s) have final responsibility for the enrollment process and may use their discretion, along with the Mission Statement, in applying the policies and in consideration the need for balancing sexes, chronological age, all diversity, special needs and other such criteria. 8. Nursery School age children may be placed on the application list after January 31 and PACT-after March 31 and will be considered for admission after all the application received before that date have been offered a spot. PACT-Parent and Children Together

Notification occurs: The first week in February after the lottery.

Deposit required: 1 months tuition

Financial aid is available.

Director's Comments

Comments

We like and want parents to get involved in our school. We could not run without numerous volunteers. We do give over $10,000 available for financial aid, usually 1/2 tuition.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years and 9 months to enroll.

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Inquiries accepted from January 1 onwards.

Director's views on diversity:
We aim to reflect the community of Oakland.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Oakland and Piedmont Public Schools

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
No, I don't have any advice.