Part-time openings in Berkeley for two year old
Hello! We are currently looking for a part time play group, preschool ( in home or not ) for our just two year old son. He is very active, social and adventurous. We are looking to start him ASAP or at the least January. We are having a hard time finding the right fit for him or an opening at all. If anyone has any recommendations in the Berkeley area it would be greatly appreciated.
Ali
Nov 5, 2019
Parent Replies
I just saw an announcement for an opening at Garden Day Montessori in central Berkeley. They only do part-time and I think they have good reviews (no personal experience because we are a full-time preschool family!)
There may be an opening in wawasi (just over the border in Albany) because we are leaving end of November. We LOVE the school and teachers, but got a spot at a place just a couple blocks from our house, which makes our commutes much easier. Happy to talk if you have questions!
I have been looking for less-than-full-time care for my 7 month old, and so I'm very familiar with all the preschools in my area! As you said, for the most part they're full and have waiting lists. However, I happen to know that Dwight Way Wonderschool, 1218 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94702, has openings right now and that they are interested in less than full time. They were open to to three or four days a week. I took a tour and thought it seemed just fine, but it's too far from my home so we're still looking. Good luck!
Hi Ali,
While not in Berkeley, both of our daughters attended Broadway Children's School of Oakland for 2+ years each and we cannot say more amazing things about our time there as a family. They have part time programs for ages 2+ and are incredibly nurturing and supportive. Most of the teachers there have been teaching at Broadway for decades, and many of them have ended up retiring from there. Sadly, there have been a few retiring teachers the past few years, but their replacements have been above and beyond what you'd expect for an average preschool teacher.
Broadway teachers supported both my children and myself when BOTH of them went through separation anxiety, and they stress a "Family First" approach to their school. I would highly, highly recommend you look into touring the school and seeing if there are any available spots for your son while you can! :)
-Sharon
The Model School in Berkeley should have an opening too. Good luck!
We're at Griffin Nursery School for my 4 year old in the Pre-K program, but we are loving it there! It is a play-based curriculum with compassionate and warm teachers. We couldn't be happier and plan to send our next one when she's older. The minimum age is 18 months or 2 years, I believe so it's a true preschool, not just a daycare.