Play-based preschools near Point Richmond?
My family is moving from Oakland to Point Richmond this summer. I'm from Oakland and my husband has only lived in Oakland since moving from overseas 6 years ago so we're trying to figure out our new life - it's a big leap for us! One thing I'm scrambling to do is find a preschool for my 3-year-old. We'd like something play-based, with a lot of time outdoors, open to a co-op. I applied at El Cerrito Coop, but they have a waitlist, and Albany Preschool - but that's potentially a long drive if there is traffic. I can't find anything closer on yelp though that fits what we're looking for - any hidden gems that I'm missing?? Thanks.
May 17, 2019
Parent Replies
We live in Pt. Richmond and attend East Bay Waldorf School (my son is 3). It's a bit of a drive (20 min), but it's the most beautiful, amazing place and so worth it! Welcome to the area!
Pine Crest School or Good Earth. Both located on Kensington/El Cerrito border (next door to each other). My kiddo goes to Pine Crest - very play-based, a lot of outdoor space and time spent outdoors.
This may not be feasible geographically, but Children’s Community Center in north berkeley has openings for 3yo children for the 2019-2020 school year. It is a coop preschool, lots of outdoor time, play based and has been an excellent experience for our family (our 5yo is wrapping up there now). There are families who commute from some distance every year, but whether that works for you may depend on where you work and your schedules etc.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions!
I'm following this thread because I'm in Richmond and in a similar boat myself with a 2-year old, trying to do some research for preschools in the near future. I don't have experience yet to recommend anything, but just a tip for you that I plan on going through the list on BPN for Richmond area Daycares and Preschools. When I did the search filtered on Richmond, there seemed quite a few options, including home preschools (they are often listed as daycare/preschool, probably because they do take infants as well), private preschools (usually ages 2-5), city run (WCCUSD Early Learning Program, might have a Point Richmond location, as there are several).
Hi - This might be too far for you, but Hug a Bug is a very sweet, play-based preschool in El Cerrito with tons of outdoor time. They have a great outdoor play space - and even better, their backyard has a gate that opens onto a big wooded property owned by the Boy Scouts that they're able to use and go for hikes and have playtime back there. They also take trips to Arlington Park and do little field trips to nearby spots. They have enrichment classes like yoga, music, and storytelling/puppet shows, and you can sign up kids for once weekly gymnastics where they take them to a gym. Good luck with your search!
East Bay Waldorf is where our daughter will be going in the fall. They have 3-day and 5-day preschool programs that start at 2y9months; the "formal" program is 4.5 hours, they also offer aftercare until 5pm. We chose it because we wanted something play-based, slow-paced and warm. We have several different family friends who have spent a year or two in the preschool program and LOVE it (would be happy to point you to one of them for more detailed questions if you want, PM me and I can connect you).
One caveat is that they don't offer financial aid for preschool, which I know makes the program a real challenge for some families. Kids also have to be fully self-toileting by the time school starts.
Kensington Nursery School
Thanks for all your replies!
Checking out a few of the options recommended!