Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.6)

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 (4.3)

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

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This is a year-round school so there is not an official start date for all children. While most children new to the school start in the fall, the school tries to stagger their start dates so that they can give more attention to the needs of the new students. The staff handles separation issues beautifully, showing respect for the child's needs, acknowledgement of feelings, as well as encouraging the child to realize that they will be okay. Each situation is handled individually to meet the specific needs of each child.

Parent #2
Parents are encouraged to have children at school either before or after morning and afternoon group (circle) time and before and after nap time so as not to interrupt the groups learning and relating dynamic - or sleep - whichever applies to the situation.

Parent #3
The learning summary is developmental in nature. It is a written summary of my child's personal development in areas such as small motor skills, language, etc.. there are no standards to meet. Each child is honored for who they are and encouraged to develop at their pace. The environment is enriched and there is always support to try something new, to be successful, and to stretch understanding.

Parent #4
There is an extremely strong connection between home and school which is evidenced by the elaborate narratives (written by the teacher) a parent receives about his child twice a year. Also, a very thorough newsletter is sent home each month dealing with both general, school related topics, as well as each teacher's lesson plans for the month. There are also messages posted on the outside door of the school, announcing births, asking for supplies, and reminding parents about important dates.

Parent #5
The school does not operate on a traditional school year. There are conferences 2x a year. At those times, parents are given a written summary in developmental growth areas as well as observations of the child during the specific centers. Grandparents and families I have referred to the school have stated how impressed they are with the thorough written summaries and numerous examples of projects or other exhibits of growth areas. All of which are contained in a portfolio.

Parent #6
The separation process with our daughter was very difficult because of her level of shyness and difficulty with transitions; the Campbell CDC staff were very loving and patient, and went the extra mile to help her through the process.

Parent #7
The school is open year round, therefore it is possible to enter into the program at times other than the usual September beginning. As was the case for my child. We might have experienced some of the meetings and conferences in a different order, but were always informed on the program's policies and goals.

Parent #8
I love this school, as it is geared toward teaching children what they are interested in and not on a curriculum. My twin boys have matured and learn so much being at this school. I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to attend.

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

Since our ultimate goal is self regulation and meta cognition, we support children in learning what is and is not safe. Redirection is a tool frequently used with children to help build an awareness that almost everything has a place. i.e. throwing sand...throwing a ball.

Teaching child to communicate their needs and preferences with others is an important goal of our program. So we narrate, facilitate, observe, and guide with kind words to describe what we see happening and gaining more information about the child or children's views.

We set clear limits with children and help them to follow through safely and appropriately.

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.'

If Child B is ok with that I would not make it an issue. If Child B is sad then I would support him/her in sharing his/her feelings with Child A. I would also encourage Child A to continue to play with Child C. I might suggest or ask if there is room in the game for more children. If there is I would ask Child B if he/she could think of something to add to the activity that Child A&C were engaged in. If the children were very young I would probably redirect Child B to other fun activities

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
Children are encouraged to use their words with each other. This behavior is modeled, and it is the expectation for everyone: children and adults.

Parent #2
My favorite part about this school involves the life lessons that are encouraged and taught. Children are spoken to with respect, and are taught to be independent starting at the age of two. They are also encouraged to use their words to work out issues and teachers make sure students follow through with their agreements made to teachers, peers, or both. I used to teach kindergarten and I can't underscore enough how important social development is for a child during the preschool years. I have looked at many preschools and have never found any that compare to CCDC in this regard. I can also say that my first grader graduated from CCDC and is now a very successful student in all areas, which I owe in large part to this school.

Parent #3
It is clear that the staff thinks about the set up of the facility to best meet the needs of the children. The outside play area is amazing. They have an amazing garden that all children get to experience hands-on.

Parent #4
I toured several schools before visiting this one and I was blown away by the stellar quality of the outdoor play area. It's truly a kid's paradise: bike paths, huge sand pit (with retractable cover to provide shade), lots of water play, beautifully crafted play/climbing structure w/ slide, fruit and vegetable gardens, a gazebo....

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Campbell CDC is a year-round school, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Several full and part time schedule options are available.

Application Process

Admissions Process

Director's Comments

Parents are welcome to come observe unannounced at any time. If you would like a tour please call me in advance to schedule one.