Creative Habitat Children's Center

Telephone: (408) 374-4442
Website: www.creativehabitat.biz

Summary

Contact Info

Creative Habitat Children's Center
1190 W. Latimer Avenue
Campbell , CA 95008
www.creativehabitat.biz

Tel: (408) 374-4442
Fax: (408) 374-4327

Director: Jeanette Brosnan
director@creativehabitatchildrenscenter.com

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

While child is in utero, after a face-to-face meeting at the school

Wait list

Yes

Deadline for applications

Rolling

Key Statistics

Total enrollment

Student/teacher ratio

8:1

Age cutoff for enrollment

1 months

Extended day

Yes

School year

Year round program

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Baker, Harker, St. Francis Cabrini, Capri, Palo Verde

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: 9

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment

Student/teacher ratio

8:1

% of teachers with:

- Bachelors

40%

- Teaching credentials

100%

- CPR

100%

- First aid

100%

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

- Located close to public transportation

Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

- 6:00 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year

Yes

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

Affiliated with a religious institution

Some experience serving children with special needs

Yes

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Other Memberships

Professional Association for Childhood Education

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (2.9)

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

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
My daughter attended this preschool and we loved it. The teachers were always friendly, and the director addressed any concerns we had privately and professionally. I was always concerned about how she was doing academically. The proof was in how well she did in Kindergarten. She made new friends and did well in class, too. The food is freshly made which I loved. Itâ??s different from what we eat at home, but she ate it happily. She went to a different preschool before this one where all the food came from a can or a box, and she hardly ate anything there. It was important to me to know she was eating well away from home. I highly recommend this school.

Parent #2
Safe, fun environment and experienced, caring teachers.

Parent #3
we have been very disappointed to hear teachers regularly yelling & being sarcastic to children & then completely changing the attitude once we go in the room or out to the playground to drop off our child. In the mornings when we drop off we see the same teachers standing around talking instead of watching or interacting with the kids & only a couple of teachers actually trying to fill in where everyone else is not paying attention & take care of the kids.

Parent #4
Infant care is wonderful! Great projects for toddlers. Meals provides that are homemade. My children eat their veggies and love it!

Parent #5
Teachers are always open to suggestions from parents. Academics - they really focus on making learning fun and on building the children's creativity/imagination.
The parents are great - friendly, open. My son has had many playdates with his classmates.

Parent #6
Strengths: Super nice teachers. Everyone is always so cheerful when dropping off and picking up. One of the few centers I know that have a chef on site and everything is cooked from scratch. My kids are picky eaters but have no problem eating everything at school and will be sure to let me know I don't make their food like Ms. Christina does. A BIG plus is picking up on cookie day!

Parent #7
The teachers at this school have little knowledge of the foundation children's learning has on their lives. There are no boundaries and children are allowed to do what they please. I have noticed some teachers feeling they need to overcompensate for the poor management the director performs. I wouldn't reccommend this school to my dog!

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"We provide a warm, stable, environment with low ratios, appropriate curricula, activities, and attention to individual differences. Creative Habitat Children's Center is located on a residential street in Campbell, CA. Our tree lined setting offers a tranquil environment, with little vehicle traffic. As a result, classes can go on walks through the neighborhood rather than be confined entirely to the playground. We also have 'around the block' parades for the Fourth of July, Halloween, and other more spontaneous events. The building itself, encompasses about 6000 sq. ft of which 3500 sq. ft is activity area. The building was originally a convalescent hospital which gives it several unique architectural features. It has a large central hallway where physical education activities are conducted as well as events such as the school 'feast' on Thanksgiving where all classes sit at a long communal table. All rooms have 'Dutch doors' which allow the top half to be open while the bottom is closed. This permits viewing the classroom without having to enter and promotes free air flow through the building. We have three age appropriate playgrounds. There is ample shade, grass play areas, play structures with Fibar impact surfaces, and cement walks. The school is licensed for 100 children, 24 infants and toddlers, and 76 preschool children. Classes are assembled by age and each class has its own classroom. We are licensed to accept children from 4 weeks old to entry into first grade, which permits us to offer before and after school care to kindergarten students. The owners are Desiree Kimball and her husband Michael, who purchased the school in January, 2005 and whose youngest daughter attends the school. Desiree is a licensed registered nurse who specialized in neonatal intensive care and brings her knowledge of nutrition and heath care to the management of the school. The fundamental core of the school is its director and teachers. Some of the teachers have been with the school since its inception and have over 20 years experience in early childhood education. They are all cheerful, friendly, and dedicated to the children. You may drop in for a tour at any time although tours from 11:00 to 3:00 are difficult as they impact lunch and the nap period. Prospective clients and their children may visit and spend time in their classroom prior to joining the school. Creative Habitat Children's Center is a safe and happy environment for your child. We know that choosing a preschool, even making the decision to send your child to preschool, can be difficult and stressful but we have a staff that is adept at welcoming your child and easing the transition." Extracted from www.creativehabitat.biz/school.html

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

"The school is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Tuition includes breakfast (before 8:00 AM), lunch, and an afternoon snack. Most of the students are full time but half day and part time schedules are available. Ratios for the infant and toddler rooms are 1 teacher to 4 children. We strive to keep the ratio for 2 year olds at 1 to 8, and 1 to 10 for the pre-k children, all lower than the state allowed ratio of 1 to 12." Extracted from www.creativehabitat.biz/school.html

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 (3.5)

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	"We offer several optional programs and services including: Little Movers(TM) A mobile sports physical education program that offers children a structured form of exercise and helps them develop better control of their large muscle groups, helps develop spatial awareness, and helps them develop respect for their bodies. At this time, this program is available for children who are a minimum of 2 years old, and it is currently offered on Monday mornings for an additional charge which is paid directly to Little Movers. Hair Cuts as a time saver to busy parents, a licensed cosmetologist comes to the school about every 6 weeks to cut hair. This service is offered on Tuesdays and the fee is paid directly to the cosmetologist Summer Program Academics are still taught during the summer but the focus is on play. Activities vary year to year but there are always field trips to Happy Hollow, the Discovery Museum, and other places of interest. We also schedule visitors like the fire department who introduce the children to a fire fighter wearing his gear and let them climb through the truck. We believe that signing with babies and toddlers is a very important aspect of their development. The image of teaching hearing babies sign language may seem strange, but babies have control of their hands long before they develop the fine motor skills required for speech. They also understand a considerable amount of what is being spoken before they themselves can speak. The primary benefit to signing, is that it allows for early communication and reduces much of the frustration for child, parent, and teacher in trying to figure out what the child needs or wants. We teach over 20 signs to our infants and toddlers. We use American Sign Language (ASL) because it is the standard in nonverbal communication. ASL, however, has its own structure as a language that is different from verbal English, so we are not teaching full ASL, but individual signs and phrases. Babies may learn to signs for 'milk' instead of 'water', or ' help', or 'more' many months before they can speak. One child, during a period of multiple ear infections signed that she had 'pain' in her 'left ear'. A trip to the pediatrician confirmed that she had an infection in the indicated ear. It is important to note that signing doesn't delay verbal language development. Signs are always accompanied by verbal input when they are taught. The amount of signing a child will do, and when they start depends on the individual. Some children are ready to sign before others, some use it a lot, others use it sparingly. Being taught in a group setting has the advantage of peer reinforcement. At mealtimes for example, a teacher might ask a child if they want 'more' and the whole table will sign back 'more'. Some studies have shown accelerated development in children who sign and other studies have indicated a significant increase in IQ. Not all experts agree about these benefits, but the primary benefit of early communication is quite clear. The first time your child spontaneously signs to you is a special moment." Extracted from www.creativehabitat.biz/school.html			n/a

Director's Comments

"An August, 2005 Wall Street Journal article told of a preschool in Virginia that advised a mother her 3 year old was behind because he didn't know now to write his name. The school suggested remedial drilling with flash cards which she tried until she and her child were so frustrated that she stopped. Some years later, her child is doing quite well in elementary school. We at Creative Habitat Children's Center reject the cookie cutter philosophy of preschool education exemplified by this story. Children develop at different rates. Furthermore, preschool is about more than academics. Equally important are social and emotional development. That being said, however, every child needs to attain a certain level of academic development prior to kindergarten, and our purpose is to insure your child is fully prepared socially, emotionally,and academically to succeed and enjoy kindergarten when they leave us. If you haven't been exposed to kindergarten recently, you may be surprised. Children learn to read and write in kindergarten. They keep written journals and are expected to have rudimentary punctuation knowledge, such as the significance of periods, exclamation points and quotation marks. There is a heavy emphasis on phonetics to decipher words. In math, they learn addition and subtraction, and they are exposed to art, computers, history, science, and a variety of other subjects. Our academic program begins at the infant stage and progresses to our pre-k class. On a typical day at Creative Habitat, the children have outside play after breakfast, to burn off some energy prior to their classroom work. Midmorning is devoted to teacher directed academics. The afternoon typically has both teacher directed activities and child directed play. Every week has a theme to maintain continuity across all classes in the school. Themes are influenced by national theme weeks, holidays, events, and seasonal changes. We encompass a variety of activities both serious and simply fun. We also meet with local kindergarten teachers to understand what incoming students are required to know and what changes are expected in the future. The director and teachers are always available to discuss your child and his or her academic progress." Extracted from www.creativehabitat.biz/school.html

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
There is no curricular approach

Parent #2
The school focuses on free play to allow for the children to develop creativity and use their imagination. They also have teacher-led instruction where they learn all kinds of stuff from the alphabet to art to science to writing.

Parent #3
Not all the teachers seem to be planning a curriculum. On the website it said they teach sign language in all the classes & that teachers sign with the babies & kids- definately not true in our child's room& when checking with a couple other parents it doesn't seem like its happening in their's either.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.8)

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

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Some teachers seem qualified & some have made us wonder why they are there. Some are very professional but one actually wore a tight shirt with a playboy bunny on it to the open house night which for some reason was in December. No consistency & apparently no dress code!

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.5)

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

Director's Comments

Savvy Source's Comments

null"We also meet with local kindergarten teachers to understand what incoming students are required to know and what changes are expected in the future. The director and teachers are always available to discuss your child and his or her academic progress." Extracted from www.creativehabitat.biz/school.html

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.2)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Parents in classroom early on

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
There doesn't seem to be much communication or organization for picking up at the end of the day. We never know which room to find our child in because it changes all the time and teachers don't seem to communicate well before leaving & giving kids to other teachers.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (2.5)

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (3.9)
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

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The security on the premises is extremly dangerous. Children on numerous occassions have walked out the side gate in the play yard and teachers were unaware of the action. The fencing of the playground as well brought great attention in my childs safety. As well as the immature and lack of education in the staff.

Parent #2
The playgrounds seem to need more playtoys, structures, etc

Parent #3
The building is old, but safe.

Parent #4
there are not enough toys so the kids are always fighting over the ONE box of toys that is supposed to cover 20-30+ kids! Snacks in the afternoon almost always seems to be something sugary( xtras are left in hallway) like cake or cookies. The website says they serve healthy snacks like carrot sticks but what's in the hallway tells a different story.

Health

OVERALL RATING (3.7)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Food Allergies

- allergy lists are posted in every classroom and kitchen.

Medications

- Parent's may sign medications in at the office for one week

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.6)

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 1 months to 5 years 6 months	76	Mon 6am - 6pm Tue 6am - 6pm Wed 6am - 6pm Thu 6am - 6pm Fri 6am - 6pm	$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years 6 months	76	Mon 6am - 6pm Tue 6am - 6pm Wed 6am - 6pm Thu 6am - 6pm Fri 6am - 6pm	$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years 6 months	76	Mon 6am - 6pm Tue 6am - 6pm Wed 6am - 6pm Thu 6am - 6pm Fri 6am - 6pm	$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years	85		$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years	85		$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years	85		$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years	85		$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years 6 months	76	Mon 6am - 6pm Tue 6am - 6pm Wed 6am - 6pm Thu 6am - 6pm Fri 6am - 6pm	$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years	85		$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years	85		$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years 6 months	76	Mon 6am - 6pm Tue 6am - 6pm Wed 6am - 6pm Thu 6am - 6pm Fri 6am - 6pm	$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years	85		$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years 6 months	76	Mon 6am - 6pm Tue 6am - 6pm Wed 6am - 6pm Thu 6am - 6pm Fri 6am - 6pm	$0/Year
From 1 months to 5 years 6 months	76	Mon 6am - 6pm Tue 6am - 6pm Wed 6am - 6pm Thu 6am - 6pm Fri 6am - 6pm	$0/Year

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Our academic program begins at the infant stage and progresses to our pre-k class. On a typical day at Creative Habitat, the children have outside play after breakfast, to burn off some energy prior to their classroom work. Midmorning is devoted to teacher directed academics. The afternoon typically has both teacher directed activities and child directed play. Every week has a theme to maintain continuity across all classes in the school. Themes are influenced by national theme weeks, holidays, events, and seasonal changes. We encompass a variety of activities both serious and simply fun.

(extracted from www.creativehabitat.biz)

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: While child is in utero, after a face-to-face meeting at the school

There is a wait list for upcoming school year.

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

Child interview process: Possible, at school's discretion

Parent interview process: Director-parent

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: First-come basis

Notification occurs: Rolling

Financial aid is not available.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 1 months to enroll.

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Baker, Harker, St. Francis Cabrini, Capri, Palo Verde