Summary

Contact Info

Benvenue Children's Home Preschool
3027 Benvenue Avenue
Berkeley , CA 94705
Tel: (510) 540-6550

Director: Rosemary Richie

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

Call school for specific information

Deadline for applications

Rolling

Key Statistics

Total enrollment

12

Student/teacher ratio

7:1

Age cutoff for enrollment

2 years and 5 months

Extended day

Yes

School year

Year round program

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: 1

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment

12

Student/teacher ratio

7:1

Average tenure for teachers

17.5 yrs.

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Located close to public transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

Dropoff Procedure

- 8:30 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Features of the Preschool

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

No

Some experience serving children with special needs

Yes

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Other Accreditations

B.A. Montessori certified

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

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

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 (5.0)

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	-		-	-	-
Physical activity	-	-		-	YES

Other subjects taught	Gardening and cooking.				n/a

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
There is time everyday to go outside and play in the yard and climb the structure. Also on nice days, the school will walk to a nearby park to play. Summer routine switches to a good and challenging walk to Willard Pool for swim lessons!

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (5.0)

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

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
One teacher has vast expertise in music, so music and movement are a large part of the everyday rituals and routine. On top of that, another dance teacher comes in every week and works with small groups of kids. Teachers also present an elaborate cooking project for the kids every week that models healthy eating, encourages new tastes, and impart information about other cultures through this culinary experience. The kids love cooking and dance day, each week!

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.5)

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

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
- Parents in classrooms early on

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The teachers who have been running the school and raising 7 of their own kids between them, are incredible teachers who care and love all of the children. They know how to prepare kids for later school and for life. They create a school in which all the kids like each other, play together (without clicks) respect each other and themselves. Not to mentioned the HUGE amount of cultural learning and celebrations, dance and cooking that take place EVERY week! I feel that this school has help shape my two daughter for life and have helped set them on a path of compassion, a love of learning, and confidence!

Drop-in Policy

- During school parents are encouraged to drop-in during specific times

General Parent Education

-This preschool does not conduct parent education classes

-This preschool does connect parents with services and activities that can help you help your child develop better at home

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (5.0)

Parents:

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Go on field trips

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

- 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.)

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Parents get together quite a bit socially. There is a very healthy, strong community among parents. Parents also plan lot of play dates amongst kids for more bonding and fun!

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
You can approach teachers at any time to talk about your child. They are extremely open to questions and concerns.

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

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.5)

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 2 years 6 months to 5 years	12	Mon 9:00am - 12:45pm Tue 9:00am - 12:45pm Wed 9:00am - 12:45pm Thu 9:00am - 12:45pm Fri 9:00am - 12:45pm	$600/Month

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: Call school for specific information

Parent visits tours are: Recommended

Child interview process: Possible, at school's discretion and takes the form of visit by child with parent. -Per phone conversation with staff.

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Selective based on sibling priority

Financial aid is available.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years and 5 months to enroll.

Child must be potty trained to enroll.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
Willingness to trust the teachers is important. Over the years, they have refined the processes at this school that in the end serve every child. At first, the process may seem unfamiliar to parents and perhaps rigid, but be patient because in the end you will see that it is ALL for the good of your child, and the tight community of children and families that is built at this school.