Preschools in berkeley: Early Childhood Education – BUSD Preschools
Early Childhood Education – BUSD Preschools
Maria Carriedo, Early Childhood Education Principal
[email protected]
(510) 644-4533
Josh Reed, Program Coordinator
[email protected]
510-644-2893
Distance Learning
Visit the Preschool Distance Learning website for daily live sessions and new content each week.
Take a Virtual Tour of our preschools!
Click through the slides above or download the PDF.
About the Berkeley Child Development Centers (CDC)
The Berkeley Child Development Centers (CDC) serve students from Berkeley and surrounding communities. More than 20% of BUSD preschool students qualify and participate in our Head-Start Program. In addition to students served by the state funded Child Development Funds, approximately 50 students participate in the BUSD Special Education Program in a variety of settings including full inclusion, integrated and special day classes.
Program Philosophy
The Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) Early Childhood Education Department provides preschool programs that nurture young children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as develop kindergarten school readiness skills, empower families and respect the cultural and linguistic diversity and unique characteristics of our families.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment where all children are supported in their development of academic excellence, emotional security, healthy living, and self-expression.
Goal and Objectives
- Our goal is to provide a high quality, comprehensive preschool educational program for all eligible children and their families.
- We are committed to providing an educational program and activities that facilitate a child’s individual learning styles in physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
- We strive to have centers which provide a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for young children, so that they can develop a sense of trust and belonging.
- We work to provide an environment where teachers ensure children feel safe, and where children are encouraged to explore materials as well as relationships with peers and adults that help in developing their learning experiences in a racially integrated, linguistically diverse environment.
Enrollment
To apply, please fill out our initial application here. The 22-23 income ceiling for families is available here.
School Information
During Covid-19 closures please email school site. Please see contact information below.
Franklin Preschool
Maura Blanco, School Admin Assistant
1460 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
510-644-6339
email: [email protected]
Hopkins Early Childhood
Delia Lopez-Caloca, School Admin Assistant
1810 Hopkins Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
510-644-8939
email: [email protected]
King Child Development Center
Margo Wilson, School Admin Assistant
1939 Ward Street, Berkeley, CA 94703
510-644-6358
email: joshreed@berkeley.
net
World Read Aloud Day happens each year with visitors to our preschool classrooms.
TOP 10 Preschools in Berkeley, CA
Preschools in Berkeley, CA
Description:
Frog Hollow is a small neighborhood home based preschool of twelve children per day, dedicated to creating a warm, caring community for both children and their families. We offer an emergent curriculum withlong periods of time for social play, along with the structure of daily art experiences, weekly classes in music, yoga and dance, lots of stories, and occasional trips to Totland Park. We believe in the importance of outdoor time and healthy home cooked shared meals. Quarterly pot lucks help build a sense community among children, parents and teachers….
Angel Academy
2215 Marin Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
Starting at $2200/day
Description:
Angel Academy serves children and their families in the most loving and present way.
We are based upon a heart-centered pedagogy: Helping the children find their breath, love their emotions, and stand in theirfreedom. Our teachers have over 15 years of experience in holistic pedagogy, such as Waldorf philosophy and Montessori method….
Description:
Camp Integem(camp.integem.com) is #1 AR camp for kids and teens (ages 5-18).
Take summer camp… and make it magic. Camp Integem is a unique experience for K-12 students who love STEM, Art, Coding, AI,Design, Fashion, Animation, or Gaming to turn your imagination into cutting-edging designs. Teleport into your creation to experience the magic of your Holographic AR design and prepare you for future success, all the while having fun. Learn more at https://camp.integem.com.
No prior computer, art or design knowledge is needed. Small classes with experienced instructors to provide personalized education.
Students can select classes based on their grades: Grades K-1, Grades 1-3, Grades 3-5, Grades 5-8, and Grades 9-12.
Students will learn holographic AR Coding, STEM, AI, Art, animation, game design, 3D modeling, fashion, design, interactive storytelling, space exploration, nature exploration and more.
The camp alternates class time with indoor activities, and outdoor playtime to keep campers on their toes and having fun.
Since 2018, we’ve taught K-12 students from more than 20 countries in-person or online. Thousands of students from over 200 local schools have joined our on-site programs in the Bay Area.
We take safety seriously. During Summers 2020 and 2021, thousands of the Bay Area students have enjoyed our in-person summer camps, and none has reported a case of COVID-19.
Spaces are limited to keep it fun, educational, and healthy….
Description:
Nia House is inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Maria Montessori. Nia is a Swahili word, meaning purpose. The purpose of our “house” (a reference to Dr. Montessori’s “Children’s House”) is to provide aprogram that meets the needs of all children.
We believe that given a properly prepared environment the natural unfolding of the child will occur and their experiences with the world will be enriching and strengthening.
Professionally trained Montessori teachers staff Nia House. The diversity of the staff provides an authentic reflection of the greater community. The harmony and cooperation of this diverse staff is an example to the children of how people of different backgrounds can respect each other and work in harmony.
Currently, Nia House receives funds from the City of Berkeley and parents fees. The City money fluctuates year to year and is targeted for poverty-level families. Nia House also provides scholarships to 37% of our families. Qualifications for scholarships are based on family size and income for those below the state median income. These scholarships enable Nia House to support families who are struggling to economically stabilize their families….
Description:
Child Educational Center in Berkeley, California is a non-profit organization and dedicated to providing the highest quality services for children and families, and to demonstrating success in clear andmeasurable ways.
The center provide care for families and kids of all ages….
Description:
Berkeley Hills Nursery School is a small, private, non-profit preschool in Berkeley, CA dedicated to the total development of each child. The school serves children ages two years and nine months to five yearsold using an emergent and enriched curriculum….
KIDS IN MOTION
2955 Claremont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Starting at $235/day
Description:
Kids In Motion provides a supervised environment that encourages group activities while allowing the kids to pursue their individual interests. Established in 1989, it is located at 2955 Claremont Ave.Berkeley, CA….
Description:
Our Learning Center located in Berkeley CA offers child care services and early childhood program for the children of the community. It provides a safe, family-oriented environment and age-appropriateactivities that enhance children’s social, emotional, mental, and physical abilities.
The center promotes programs designed to produce happy, enthusiastic, and confident children….
Description:
Dandelion Nursery School is a community of parents and teachers collaborating to provide the best possible care and education for children. It is a parent cooperative preschool that offers a play-based approachthat provides children with plenty of fun learning activities. Dandelion Nursery School is accepting children ages three to five years old and is open from Monday through Friday, 9am to 2pm.
Tuition:
3 days/wk $299/mo
4 days/wk $398/mo
5 days/wk $498/mo…
JCC Camp Tzofim
1414 Walnut St, Berkeley, CA 94709
Starting at $650/day
Description:
JCC Camp Tzofim located in Berkeley, CA is an inclusive summer day camp, building community from Kindergarten to High School. The camp offers traditional camp experiences with an emphasis on fun and campers getto celebrate community based Jewish values while developing meaningful relationships with new friends and camp counselors.
…
Description:
Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement, located in Berkeley, California, is an extended day care facility that offers various after-school programs for school-age children. The company admits children ages5 to 10 years old, kindergarten up to 4th-grade students. The company is state-licensed to accommodate a maximum capacity of 65 children….
BAHIA, Inc.
1718 8th St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Starting at $1160/day
Description:
BAHIA, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation that receives funding from the State Department of Education Child Development Division. They offer early to school age care and education to children ages 2years to 10 years. Their curriculum and programs are designed to promote and enrich the child’s self-image and enhance his/her feelings for cultural diversity….
Description:
Sunshine Preschool located at 1035 Grayson Street, Berkeley, California, offers basic childcare and learning services.
It provides programs for infants, toddlers, preschooler and kindergarten prep. It offersbefore- and after- school programs, including summer camps and winter breaks. The school is open from seven AM to six PM, Mondays through Fridays….
Description:
Children’s Community Center, Incorporated, is a parent participation cooperative school and has been providing early childhood programs for over 85 years. The center offers Morning Preschool Program, withclasses from Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, and Early Morning/Afternoon Program, which is available from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm….
Sprouts Preschool
1910 Hopkins St, Berkeley, CA 94707
Starting at $850/day
Description:
Located at 1910 Hopkins Street, Berkeley, California, Sprouts Preschool is a small, play-based preschool that provides a warm and safe environment. The school can accommodate 14 children with 2 teachers toattend to their individual needs.
Sprouts Preschool is open from Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M….
Description:
Sheffield Preschool Program is designed to make the child’s first educational experience that is nurturing, enriching, and rewarding for the whole family. Established in 1983, it provides preschool andchildcare services. Located at 2347 Stuart St Berkeley CA, they are open weekdays from 8:00am to 5:30pm….
Description:
The Gay Austin School is a private school dedicated to providing quality education for 2-, 3-, and 4-year olds, regardless of race, nationality, or religious belief. We are located on Hopkins Street in NorthBerkeley, near a small group of shops and parks, and in a neighborhood of tree-lined streets. Our experienced faculty is dedicated to nurturing the emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of young children.
Our philosophy is based on Piaget s observation that play is the work of the child, and incorporates Vygotsky s theory that children learn from their peers.
We use dramatic play, games, artwork, songs, and group activities to help children develop emotionally and socially, and to lay the foundation for later skills in math, reading, science, and writing. Our programs build on the natural curiosity of young children, and instill an excitement for learning. We recognize that children develop differently, and value each child as an individual.
All classes are small. The two-year-old program accommodates eleven children each day; the three-year-old program, fourteen children; the four-year-old program, sixteen children, and the extended day is limited to twelve children. Each class is led by two teachers….
Angel Academy
2215 Marin Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707
Starting at $2400/day
Description:
Angel Academy was founded by me, Halimah Harden. I’m an an educator, speaker, and storyteller. I’m a graduate of Florida s honor liberal arts college, the New College of Florida.
From Waldorf education andthe Reggio Emilia Approach to mindfulness in education, my pedagogical studies are vast.
I’ve worked as a lead preschool teacher in Sarasota, Florida for 5 years. In 2011, I relocated to California in order to pursue a degree in Waldorf education at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training. I’ve embraced my own love of learning, immersing myself at the Hearts Leap School in Berkeley California, one of the Bay Area’s leading Reggio Emilia schools for 5 years….
Description:
Woolly Mammoth Childcare & Preschool is a full-year, full-time childcare center providing care to infants and preschoolers up to five years of age from 8:00am to 5:30 pm. Founded in 1987, they provide highquality care for children in a loving and stimulating environment….
Description:
Akidemia in 1232 Neilson St. Berkeley, California is a non-profit organization and dedicated to providing the highest quality services for children and families, and to demonstrating success in clear andmeasurable ways. The center provide child care for families and preschool kids.
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FAQs for finding preschools in Berkeley
In 2022 what types of preschool can I find near me in Berkeley, CA?
There are two main types of preschool programs you can send your kids to in Berkeley, CA. The first is a full-time preschool program that usually works well for parents working full-time shifts. The second is a part-time preschool program where you can enroll your child for 2-3 days per week and typically choose between a morning or afternoon shift. A part-time preschool can be a great option if you want to ease the transition of this new learning experience for your child. You can also check your options in Berkeley, CA for traditional preschool centers, or private home-based preschools.
What should I look for in a good preschool program in Berkeley, CA?
When you begin looking for preschools in Berkeley, CA ask about the ratio of learning time to supervised play time so you can get a good sense of whether you believe your child’s needs will be met. From there, ask about what a typical day consists of, what the safety protocols are and how discipline will be handled. Also, make sure to check directly with the preschool for information about their local licensing and credentials in Berkeley, CA.
How can I find a preschool near me in Berkeley, CA?
There are currently 447 preschools in Berkeley, CA on Care.com and you can filter these local results by distance from your zip code. From there, you can compare between preschool programs by traditional facility-based preschools and private, in-home preschools. Be sure to check reviews from other families in Berkeley, CA who have previously sent their kids to any of the preschools you are interested in.