No longer dreading "Back to School" with Berkeley Hills Preschool!

I am looking forward to the first day of school for the first time in my life.  

Like many of you, I was never a fan of the first day of school when I was a kid because it interrupted my summer fun. Last year was my son's first day of school and I was dreading that because it was another sign that he is growing up fast.

This year is different....this year I am counting down the days until his school starts and I can enjoy some peaceful mornings! It's been a fun summer....a busy summer....a tiring summer. I'm ready to get back into a routine as well as have a few mornings of quiet so that I can hear myself think.

My son attends Berkeley Hills Preschool which is located in the off of Sangree Road. I don't think that many people realize that it is there because they don't really advertise. Unless you drive past the church, know someone that is attending preschool there, or know an alumni family, you aren't likely to hear about it. It really is one of the best kept secrets in the North Hills area.

We chose Berkeley Hills Preschool over several others for numerous reasons. I won't list them all here because I think each family chooses to send their child to preschool for different reasons.

I will give you a little bit of insight into the program from a parent's perspective though......

Berkeley Hills Preschool is a private non-profit organization that has been operating for over 30 years. (Chances are that if you grew up in the North Hills, you either attended the preschool or probably know someone that did!) They offer a class for 3 year olds (who attend 3 days a week) and a class for 4 year olds (who attend 4 days a week). Class runs from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. two days of the week, the 3 and 4 year olds attend together, which gives them some experience interacting and playing with kids that are older/younger.

The kids spend the first part of their day in "free play" where they can decide what activity to engage in. With "free play" they can paint in the art room, build a road with giant blocks, dress up and play pretend, participate in a "special project" (my son LOVED the cookie decorating projects!), go on a nature walk, or other different activities. It is a time when the kids are encouraged to make their own choices, be creative, and explore.

When "free play" comes to a close, the kids are guided through the clean up process as teachers work with them to develop a sense of responsibility. The kids need to clean up their play area and are encouraged to help others clean up.

In the second half of the day, the kids enjoy cognitive/academic time. Three-year- olds work on social skills and communication while the 4-year-olds focus on academics with pre-reading, pre-math, and other basic skills that are needed for a smooth transition into kindergarten. They also enjoy a snack during the second half of the day. Check out their website which is more detailed on what the kids experience during cognitive time: http://www.berkeleyhillspreschool.com/Cognitive.html

They also have many special programs throughout the year. They have a Halloween parade in October and a Christmas Pageant in December that even Santa attends. They visit foreign cultures on International Days and learn how to help the environment on Recycling Day. The 4-year-olds take field trips to the post office, the fire station, and the Carnegie Science Center. The 3-year-olds have a big outing to the fire station. The kids are active and engaged while they are nurtured and supported.

The motto of Berkeley Hills Preschool is "We Start from the Heart" and it is one that they have followed for the last 30 years.  

My son thrived in this environment and is anxious to get back to school. He spent most of June blowing dandelion puff balls and saying "I wish I was back in school....I wish I was back in school." He is excited to embark on another adventurous year there and is looking forward to seeing his friends. I'm excited for some peace and quiet a few mornings of the week!

I know that they have a few more open slots in the 3- and 4-year-old classes. If you are in the area, check them out. Even if your child is enrolled in another preschool, you may still want to visit and see what they have to offer. The tuition prices are competitive (if not better) with the other preschools in the area and their curriculum is top notch. Plan a visit soon though as the spots can fill up quickly!

Check out their website for more information and to set up a time to visit the school: http://www.berkeleyhillspreschool.com