Parent and Child Programs for 2.5 year old
Looking for programs for my 31 month old that allow for socialization and/or some "preschool setting" exposure that is not a daycare or preschool. I'm hoping to find a program for parents and children due to cost and since I am not working and able to be home. The programs I've found so far are the Berkeley Rose Waldorf (Nursery) and Broadway Children's School Oakland (PACT). It would be great to hear from anyone who has been involved with either of those programs. Also curious about any other similar parent and child programs in or near Berkeley ideally.
I've also seen the 'Tots Around Town" program through the city of Berkeley which is different because it's drop off but only for 2 hours and seems more affordable for my family situstion. Any experiences or thoughts about that program as well would be helpful.
Thanks for taking the time!
Parent Replies
My child did the toddler time at Montclair community play center and we’ve been part of the community since. It’s about an hour and a half in the afternoons on week days or on Saturday mornings for kids 18-36 months . It’s a preschool setting where they get a feel for preschool and play with other kids with a parent present. We loved it. Mcpc kids.org
My two children (6 and 5) have been going to Berkeley Rose Waldorf School since nursery (3 years old). We love it there.
BR offers various parent-child classes. I know many parents who did Sweet Peas with their babies and loved it. https://www.berkeleyrose.org/parent-child/?et_fb=1&PageSpeed=off
I did Little Ferns (a walk through Lake Temescal ending with a puppet show). It was such a sweet way to spend time with my kids and other parents. The teacher—Bonnie—was very helpful and knowledgeable.
We then eased into Berkeley Rose preschool with 3 days of the primary nursery program from 8:30-12:30 (kinder is 8:15-1), then 5 days, and now we use aftercare. I felt like it was such a gentle way to introduce my kids to a classroom setting, and worked well for our family.
I am not sure if this answers your question, but feel free to follow up if you need more information. I hope you find what you are looking for!