Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.9)

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

There are 2 home visits and 2 parent conferences per year.

Parents are encouraged to participate in daily activities as their time allows.

Monthly parent meetings are run by parent leaders (training provided).

The Policy Council meets monthly and consists of parents from each center and community representatives.

Parents sit on hiring committees and must approve all hires and fires.

We offer classes onsite sponsored by Merritt and Vista colleges at no cost to parents with child care available.

We offer onsite services for children with disabilities.

We provide parent workshops and training.

Representatives from elementary schools come to preschool to meet with parents and review kindergarten enrollment process. Parents are strongly encouraged to visit schools before placing their children.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
- Parents in classroom early on
- Extra staff dedicated to handle seperation
- Small group sessions
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Home visits by teachers

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

We handle separation via home visits, meetings with parents, encouraging parents to stay and gradually phase out of class. Children are phased in - small groups to start.

Parent #1
My daughter's school handled wonderfully the emotional challenges of starting school and separation. Couldn't have been better.

Parent #2
As a parent (grandparent) of a set of twin grandsons with special needs, I am very proud to be a part of this community. It is very special to me. This program has truly gotten my boys kindergarten-ready and for that I am truly grateful.

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.1)
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

The BAYMCA discipline policy is based on what is appropriate for children based on their age and developmental level.

The staff respond to a two year old who bites differently than they respond to a 4 year old who hits. The staff encourages children to use words to express their feelings such as, 'I'm mad,' or 'You're hurting my feelings,' rather than hitting, biting, or other less acceptable forms of expression.

To support children's rights to be treated with dignity and respect, specific steps are taken for handling aggressive and hurtful behavior of young children. This includes hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, punching, shoving, or any violent act that results in bodily harm to another child or staff person.

No corporal punishment (hitting, grabbing, or other aggressive action) is used in disciplining children in the program. Staff works in partnership with families to address behavioral concerns.

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.'

Depending how Child B responds, staff may do nothing and let the children work out this fairly typical interaction. If Child B is upset by the interaction, the teacher would probably intervene by inviting Child B to play with other children. There may be a discussion at small group or circle time about friends.

Extended Care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

The schedule at all sites runs Monday through Friday, but specific hours vary by site. There are 8 sites throughout Berkeley, Albany, and Emeryville. Extended day-both earlier and later-is available at select sites. Contact the main office for details.

Application Process

Admissions Process

Director's Comments

Child must be 2 yrs and 9 months to enroll in September - UNLESS THEY ARE TRANSITIONING FROM EARLY HEAD START - OUR INFANT/TODDLER PROGRAM. Family advocates meet with families to complete an in-depth intake process. There is no cost for services for eligible families; there is a sliding fee scale for families enrolled in state funded child care programs. It is important for families to get on the wait list as early as possible. Some centers fill earlier than others. We offer part- and full-time programs. Families must meet eligibility requirements for services.