Moving to Berkeley from Europe, don't understand childcare system
Hi,
I am relocating with my family to Berkeley from Europe in March and we are not familiar with US kindegarten (childcare) system.
Our 2,5y old daughter is currently attending kindergarten (8am to 5pm) and we would like her to visit kindergarten also in Berkeley, so that she does not lose her habits.
What options do we have?
Do I understand it correctly, that public childcare is not available and our only option is a private childcare?
Which areas of Berkeley are best for families with small kids taking into consideration vicinity of childcares?
Thank you in advance.
Jan 24, 2024
Parent Replies
Welcome to Berkeley!
You are correct, childcare works very different here than in most European countries. For example, Kindergarten is a specific term only for the year before kids start 1st grade and it is part of the school system. Your daughter being 2.5 means she falls in the age range for preschool.
Where are you moving from? I am originally from Europe too and would be happy to help you navigate all the options. Feel free to message me and good luck with the move, Heike.
There are some state-funded child care options, but they tend to be reserved for low-income (and especially homeless) families, or those who qualify due to a disability. Mostly, you are on your own.
If you will be in Berkeley, the child care referral agency for our area is Bananas. You can find a lot of information (but not "recommendations") there. https://bananasbunch.org/
Let’s sort out the vocabulary first. In the USA kindergarten is part of elementary school. It’s the grade before first grade. What you are looking for, is called preschool.
If you are looking for a German-speaking preschool, there is Bay Area Kinderstube (BAKS) in Albany and the preschool of EBGIS in Emeryville.