Berkeley Hills Nursery School

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Summary

Contact Info

Berkeley Hills Nursery School
1161 Sterling Avenue
Berkeley , CA  94708
www.berkeleyhills.org

Tel: (510) 849-1216
Fax: (510) 849-1214

Director: Franca Cioria / Terry Gillen
berkhillsschool@earthlink.net

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Check Mark Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted From october before the year a child is eligible to enroll.
Wait list No
Deadline for applications Rolling

Key Statistics

Total enrollment 40
Student/teacher ratio 7:1
Age cutoff for enrollment 2 years and 9 months
Extended day Yes
School year 9/14/2009 - 6/8/2010
Summer Program 6/15/2009 - 7/24/2009

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Prospect Sierra, Black Pine Circle, Windrush, Bentley, Head-Royce

Parent Ratings

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

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  10

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment 40
Student/teacher ratio 7:1
Established 1950

% of teachers with:

- Bachelors 50%
- CPR 100%
- First aid 100%

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school


Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

- Teachers/director meet children at their cars and walk the children into the classroom

- 8:45 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Late Pickup Policy: Late fees apply after 10 minutes.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year Yes
Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program No
Affiliated with a religious institution No
Teach religious concepts No
Some experience serving children with special needs Yes

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children No

Other Memberships

NAREA, NAEYC

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.8) Three and Half Stars
Building, bathrooms, hallway Three and Half Stars
Classroom equipment and furniture Four Stars
Outside play equipment Three and Half Stars

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached) Check
Classrooms (with kitchenette attached)
Music room
Art room
Library
Playground Check

Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Having just started kindergarten with my first child, i feel like i have a new perspective on Berkeley Hills...and that is that it is even more wonderful than i realized when attending. The teachers offer wonderful, inspired learning which is age appropriate for the two rooms (younger kids in red room, older in blue). The fact that the two rooms are separate and have their own play area, each with unique playground items is a wonderful asset. The dedication of the directors to making the school a great place to start your little one off is worth mentioning. But what i miss the most is the special community the school offers. Both my child and i made long lasting friends and now being at a big public elementary school i miss that even more. BHNS is a very special place. I feel lucky to have found it and thrilled that my child stared life out with such a wonderful experience.

Parent #2
We love BHNS! Engaging, interactive, nurturing....and just plain fun. The facilities are lovely with plenty of indoor/outdoor space and the teachers are absolutely wonderful with the children and the parents. The community is fabulous. Strenghts include the nurturing teachers, engaging curriculum/activities (music, drama, art), and the play-based, emergent philosophy. I love the way the teachers interact and speak with the children - they really empower our children to be self-reliant and realize their capabilities.

Parent #3
Fabulous teachers, cozy setting, wonderful & interactive projects for the kids, strong parent network. A GREAT school.

Parent #4
The only real negative is the high cost.--$9,000 plus extras for 2006-2007 for a ten month program 9-1 5 days/week. the after school care is so expensive that parents always complain about it--$20/2 hours. The latest you can stay is 3PM. There are more vacation days than other schools--September and June are VERY short months that charge full tuition. They also take a full week off in fall and in spring and two weeks over the winter. The teachers make the school wonderful. The directors have been there for so long, they are great. The other 4 teachers have been there around 8 years each, and one new teacher started fall 2006, but seems wonderful too. It is one of the most expensive, and the tution is going up every year. The parent community is a group of really nice people, and the kids have become amazing friends to each other. Everyone tends to be well off, because of the high tution, but the atmosphere is not competitive, aggressive, or pretentious. Kids go on to a variety of private schools and public schools (especially Prospect Sierra and Kensington Hilltop.)

Parent #5
This is a great school

Parent #6
I think the school's greatest strength is the stability of its staff. The teachers are wonderful and clearly love being with the children and helping them explore their world. The teachers really focus on the socio-emotional growth of the children and I feel my daughter has greatly benefited from this focus.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

The purpose of Berkeley Hills Nursery School is to nurture the growth of a well-rounded child with a positive self-image by enhancing and stimulating his or her development socially, emotionally, mentally and physically. Through the medium of play in art, music, drama, and conversation, and with rich experiences and materials for exploration, we provide and environment in which each child can develop as an independent responsible, thinking and caring person. (Information from the Director)



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Because our curriculum is based on ideas which emerge from the group, projects or interest groups are carried out during a large block of indoor free play time followed by a group time with snack followed by a large block of outside time followed by lunch and again a group time to close the day's program. (Information from the Director)

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

Savvy Source's Comments

We believe that children learn best through free play and exploration of materials with the guidance of well trained professionals who observe each child and situation and address those particulars needs. (Information from the Director)

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.6) Four And Half Stars
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions Four And Half Stars
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
 Four And Half Stars
Ability to be a part of a group of children Four And Half Stars
Self-sufficiency and independence Four And Half Stars
Awareness of others’ feelings Four Stars
Cooperation with other children Four And Half 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 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 Our curriculum is emergent so necessarily part of our program will involve the discussion of social issues which arise in the group. (Information from the Director) n/a
Director's Comments

We provide all of the above in our program. These aspects of the program are explored individually by children and in groups with the guidance of teachers. (Information from the Director)

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This school is play based, but with more directed instruction in the room where the older kids are placed.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.8) Four And Half Stars
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job Five Stars
Patient and affectionate with children Five Stars
Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her Five Stars
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior Four And Half Stars
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day Four Stars
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate Four Stars
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses Four Stars
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off Four And Half Stars
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute Five Stars
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them Five Stars
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn Five Stars
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts Five Stars
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children Five Stars

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.1) Four Stars
Conducts an open house at start of school year Five Stars
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year Three and Half Stars
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences Four Stars
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year Three and Half Stars
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year Three Stars
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools Five Stars
Director's Comments
Savvy Source's Comments

- Open House - Conferences Available anytime, but regularly 1 or 2 per year - Parent Education (Information from Director) Provide guidance and fill out evaluations for schools. (Information from Director)

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.7) Four And Half Stars
Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Parents in classroom early on
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

Teachers talk with parents and help the process. (Information from Director)

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This is a wonderful school. There are none of the 'issues' that my friends at other schools talk about. The teachers have 20 plys years of experience and the kids love it. My son has thrived at Berkeley Hills and I couldn't be happier with it.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (4.7) Four And Half Stars

Parents:

- Sit on the board of trustees

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

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

- Encourage play dates out of school


Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Pairs old parents with new parents

Parent #2
Pairs old parents with new parents

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

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.6) Four And Half Stars
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


Children are talked to individually or as a group. We emphasize that no one may hurt another or anything and the consequences that these actions may have on themselves and the group. (Information from the Director)

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 try to work with A, B and C to see if they all could play together. If that isn't working in spite of efforts, we ask that A tell B another time when he or she will be able to play again. (Information from Director)

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I'm not sure what the policy is regarding screening of employees, but this is a very small preschool (40 students total, 7 full time teachers) so I'm sure they screen employees well. Most teachers have been with the school for many, many years.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.8) Four And Half Stars
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable Four And Half Stars
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided Five Stars
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly Four And Half Stars

Food Allergies

- We do not allow certain foods in the classroom

Medications

- We keep their medication on hand at all times

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.4) Four Stars
Screen and identify all visitors Four Stars
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others Four And Half Stars

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages Class Size Days Tuition
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $881/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
5 years 		20 $970/Month
From 2 years 9 months to
4 years 		20 $853/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to -- 20 $812/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $838/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month
From 3 years to
5 years 		20 $924/Month

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

schedules and tuitions shown above do not cover all available options.

all students attend from 9:00 - 1:00

optional extended care from 8:45 - 9:00 and 1:00 - 3:00 (Monday - Thursday)

younger kids can attend 3, 4, or 5 days
older kids attend 5 days

Calendar Year

School Year

9/14/2009 - 6/8/2010

Summer Program

6/15/2009 - 7/24/2009

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: From october before the year a child is eligible to enroll.

There is no wait list for upcoming school year.

Parent visits tours are: Mandatory (after application is complete)

Child interview process: None

Parent interview process: Director-parent

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $0

Admissions Process

Notification occurs: In March

Deposit required:

Parents must submit deposit within the following timeframe of receiving notification of acceptance: One week

Financial aid is available.

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 October 1 onwards.

Director's views on diversity:
Yes, the diversity of North Berkeley, west to Albany and north to Kensington. We have visiting professor's children from around the world from time to time. (Information from Director)

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Prospect Sierra, Black Pine Circle, Windrush, Bentley, Head-Royce

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
Visit and see if it is a good fit.

Parent #2
Brought child to visit--we were a good match.

The Savvy Source for Parents © 2006
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