My daughter is now in her second year at Glenridge, and she'll also be doing her third (TK) year…read morehere. Knowing she has many school years ahead, I wanted to give her one more year free from rigid schedules and structure. When I was searching for preschools last year, I worried about whether she would be okay without me--whether her needs would be met, and whether her voice would be heard. I was concerned that, as the youngest in a mixed-age group, she might be pushed around or overlooked. I wanted play to stay at the center of her days, with her choosing where her interests took her. Glenridge eased all of my concerns. They have an incredible focus on guiding children through social interactions. Even though she was the youngest, and her voice was soft at times, the parents in the classroom are trained to observe, narrate conflicts, and help them resolve issues on their own. And when words fail, we give them the language they need. Glenridge isn't just a place where kids are cared for--it's a place where they truly develop and thrive.

My child is wrapping up his second year at Glenridge, and I'm a little broken hearted it's ending…read more The teachers are phenomenal and I've learned so much modeling the Glenridge style of conflict resolution and consideration for others. I am so, so glad we gave our kiddo another year of play and hikes into the canyon with friends rather than stricter school environment. Granted, we're fortunate that I am flexible and able to ferry him in and out, and work during the parent shifts-- and I know that can be a big lift for some families. But I hope you'll consider Glenridge, take the tour, etc if you're curious about coops. It's been fulfilling, beautiful, hard, challenging and more. And I'm so grateful for the amazing parents and friends we've made. And I don't want to let go of Jessie! thank you Glenridge.

All three of our kids attended Wind in the Willows, and we couldn't have asked for a better…read morepreschool experience. The teachers create such a warm, loving environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Our kids grew tremendously during their time there, and we really appreciated being part of such a welcoming and supportive community. We're incredibly grateful for everything Wind in the Willows has given our family.

Bravo to the group of teachers at WITW! Like a lot of kids, my little one had to adjust being away…read morefrom home. The teachers at wind in the willows stayed diligent and strategized how my little one would be able to handle being away from their mom and dad. But over these years, my child would finally grow into their own and if it weren't for the staff at WITW, I don't know how well they'd be prepared for kindergarten. As for the teaching goes, this school educates through play and it goes for show that my kid did learn better this way and was able to find a passion in arts and crafts. So when learning is part of their play, it feels like everyone naturally enjoys what they are doing. The projects the kids come out with at the end of their day are so creative and the conversations I have with my child on what happens during the day are amazing! Just like the staff here!

Everything was fabulous. The people who care for the children are wonderful at Gwigglesread more

Our daughter was at Gwiggles from when she was 18 months old until she graduated to go to…read moreKindergarten. At Gwiggles, the teachers were extremely effective in helping her grow both academically and socially, and we couldn't have asked for a better program for our child to have been in for the last four years! On the academic side, we were regularly informed about how our daughter was progressing in writing and math, and we were constantly asked what our daughter wanted to learn more about. She loved that the children would give input on subjects they were interested in every week -- learning everything from how cheese is made, to the solar system. The teachers did an incredible job nurturing and encouraging her innate curiosity. In addition, the teachers were very attentive to developing her social and emotional skills. For example, she came home informing us about the "peace path" that they used to resolve disputes between classmates, which she then tried to make us use as a family. (Both very sweet and useful.) Even as we have started adjusting to Kindergarten, the teachers have still been available to help us, as they truly got to know our daughter and have had so much advice for us as parents to help guide her when she's gone through some tough spots. Would highly recommend Gwiggles!

Our family had an absolutely fantastic experience with Music Art Adventure! My daughter (13 yo)…read morejoined a 2-week camp as a Junior CIT (Counselor-in-Training), and it was an incredible opportunity for her growth. She gained wonderful, hands-on experience learning how to interact, lead, and connect with the younger children in a warm and supportive environment. The kids made beautiful, creative crafts that they used in the final performance. It was truly outstanding! Seeing the children sing and perform, accompanied by exceptionally talented, professional musicians and singers, elevated the entire production to a whole new level.

Our kids had an amazing week at Music, Art & Adventure camp! This camp is a great mix of outdoor…read moreactivity, arts & crafts, and music! We would get updates via WhatsApp throughout the day with pics or videos of the kids. And every time we would pick the kids up at the end of the day they were tired, dirty, but not ready to go home!! ...a sign that a good time was had . Thank you to the camp counselors who were so friendly and upbeat. You really made the week of camp special for our kiddos!

We've been part of the MB community for the past 4.5 years, as 3 of our babies started going here…read morein the early days (our oldest just recently graduated to go to TK)! One of the best aspects of this school is that they have incredible teachers like Miss Kristana, who played a big role in our oldest's development, and Miss Emily, Miss Sofia, Miss Ivy, Teacher Lane, Miss Dai, Miss Sassa & Miss Shenna who were pivotal in their early infant years! Alongside incredible teachers and staff, they do a great job with preparing a curriculum that caters to the development of each of child's specific age group and milestones. While it's definitely a big financial investment to send multiple kids here at the same time, we are very grateful for how wonderfully they've all developed and the community that we've fostered along the way. Thank you Ms. Luisa, Ms. Carmen & All Laguna and Taraval staff for creating such a special space for our kiddos to develop and thrive!

The whole team at Meaningful Beginnings is on top of it! We are continuously impressed by the…read morededication to development, engagement, and safety, led by Luisa & Carmen. Our kids love all their teachers, including Ms. Kristana, Emily, Lane, Achala, who show great warmth and care for them. We're lucky to have found MB!

I tell everyone I meet asking about childcare of the special time we had at Marianna's. Her and her…read morehusband Igor are very special people. We consider them now family and miss them so much now that our daughter is in Kinder. We stop by to visit when we can. We have no family nearby and knowing she was in such safe caring hands during the day was honestly priceless. Forever indebted to Marianna for the care she gave us. Our daughter was there a couple days a week from age 2-5.5. They cook very healthy meals for the kids, play outside often, do cooking and gardening lessons and it's very play and social/emotional-wellness based which i love. If I could give 10+ stars i would!!!!!

I found Mission Possible through the Children's Council. It was my first choice out of the list of…read moreproviders I was given because it easily outperformed all the other providers in terms of education and experience. My son loves this place. He is always in a positive mood when I pick him up at the end of the day. We're bilingual in the family, and the kids at this place speak many different languages, which is awesome for my child to better understand how different languages can co-exist. It's affordable, the program director has 200% of my trust, and I highly recommend this place to parents looking for a culturally-stimulating environment for their little one.

I am immensely grateful to Katherine and Caroline and their wonderful colleagues for contributing…read moreso strongly and positively to my son's development in every way. Perhaps I can explain it best like this: when I pick him up at the end of an afternoon session, I'd expect him to be cranky and exhausted, like with everything else! But the opposite is true. He is ruddy-cheeked, bright-eyed, dirty, happy, energized, peaceful. This program installs more confidence, courage, and sense of capability than anything else he does. Not to mention nourishing a deep curiosity about nature and wonder and awe. For a kid that grows up in a city, I know instinctively that this kind of program feels necessary for his little human body and soul. I am a cheerleader for these women and their amazing program. One of the best parts is the intimate nature of the program, the facilitators really know, respect, and nurture your child. It is a small ratio much of the time. My son loves his teachers. They listen to him intently, are cheerful, and guide him expertly. And in return he shows them his very best self. It is really amazing. I still can't get over how he doesn't whine about anything here. It's his happy place. And he always has creations he is excited about and brings home. He even tried to guide us on his own hike to share with us his caring creatives experiences, and be a leader! He also surprises my husband and I already by his knowledge of science - botany, for example. We are constantly delighted with the myriad benefits of this program, and I have a strong feeling we are doing him (and our family) a lifelong favor by this early connection to nature in a safe, nurturing environment. My daughter turns 3 this summer and she is soooo excited to go to "cweeatives." She knows what a special place it is. It is a lot of money to spend, and I gulp at it, admittedly, but we know it is possibly the best money we spend. The expense is the only con, however. It is convenient drop off-pick up, facebook posts with pictures of every session, newsletters - even an amazing mothers day card! the program-home connection is so well nurtured, so kudos to the Coleman sisters for understanding how important it is for parents to be connected to what goes on. What your child will gain is immeasurable. We are so grateful.

I first stumbled upon Caring Creatives a few years ago in the Presidio, when my son was…read more2-going-on-3. That summer, he was getting a little restless as we attended many of the activities intended for kids his age, all of which still required parent participation (which I understand). When I saw this small group of kids enjoying the outdoors with 1 or even 2 group leaders who really had them engaged and totally under control, I asked what they were all about. After checking out their website and learning even more about their offerings, I vowed to enroll my son as soon as he was 3 and potty trained (those are the requirements)! That first summer, we started with 3-hour day camp - just the right amount of time for the average 3-year-old. He was tentative at first (he's not the type to dive into new situations - especially not when he was younger). The group leader at that time, Vanessa, was sooooo sweet. She helped him feel safe in this first "away from Mommy/Daddy" activity, and helped him discover many joys of the outdoors. It wasn't all smooth - he didn't want to potty either outside or inside (there are "proper" bathroom opportunities, as I understand it) - but they were patient with him and I really appreciated what this program was exposing him to. I continued to re-enroll him for day camps during the school year and summers, working up to the 5-hour day camps, and this summer, the 6-hour camp option. One of the best things about this program for parents is that it is incredibly flexible. Those pesky days off from school that aren't holidays for those of us who work are often saved by Caring Creatives, with very little advance planning on my part. There are so many scheduling options, it really is considerate of different families'needs. The biggest gift from Caring Creatives has been the progression in my son's comfort not only with an outdoor experience that might challenge his tolerance of the "elements" (yes, there have been a few rainy and/or very cold days - dress them appropriately and trust Caring Creatives to take care of the rest); but his flexibility in new environments. This summer, he truly blossomed with Jaclyn and the rest of the leaders. He was so excited to go to camp every day - making new friends and challenging himself physically and creatively. And wouldn't you know, this is the only program I've found that offers camp the week before many of the schools start this year after Labor Day - so we'll be joining them again! Truthfully, it is pricey. And the cancellation policy is a little rigid (many are), though it's never posed a problem for me. But in this environment of camps that are often very restrictive in their offerings (age and otherwise) and not year-round, they really are providing something most others aren't (not to mention, you can check up on what your child really was doing all day by perusing their daily Facebook photo posts). Bravo!

I'm a huge fan of Crissy Field Center. All of the money that the summer camp generates goes to…read moreproviding camp scholarships for underprivileged youth as well as supporting the Center's outstanding educational programs. The camp helps connect urban youth to the "wilderness" in their own backyard. If you are looking for a fun place to send your kids this summer, give this camp a look. Our children are the future stewards of the environment. The Center makes sure they're ready for the job!

When I have kids when I am a little older I would let them have a Crissy Field Center Summer Camp…read moreexperience! I was a intern for Nicole J. at the Sustainable Art Lab whom review is on the bottom. I wished my parents would've sent me here when I was little. Everything that the campers learn during their session at the camp is useful! They learn about the environment a lot because each workshop has environmentally consciousness in mind! They have FOOD CAMP also, where campers learn to make REAL food that is healthy and good!