When can I apply?
You can apply any time.  It is a good idea to visit the school and meet the director before your child is admitted.

Where is the school located?
We are in the youth building of the Piedmont Community Church.

How do I arrange a tour of the school?
Call the school 547-4242 and speak with the director to arrange a visit.

How old does my child need to be?
For the T/Th program, a minimum of 2 years 9mos.  at the start of the school year.
For the MWF program a minimum of 3 years 9 mos. at the start of the school year.

Does my child need to be potty trained?
Yes. 

What should expect from the application process?
Once you submit an application your child will be placed on a waiting list.  We will notify you of your childÕs enrollment status the spring before the school year starts.  If a space becomes available for your child we will let you know.  If there is no space available, your child will stay on the waiting list. 

Once my child is admitted, do any younger siblings need to go through the same application process?
Younger siblings are given priority enrollment.

What is the background and experience of the staff?
Our director has been at Highlands for 23 years.  Our full time teachers have been on staff for 12 and 4 years respectively.  All have backgrounds in early childhood education and continue to take classes in the field.  All are certified in first aid and CPR.

What are the safety standards?
The church building has recently been seismically retrofitted.  We have emergency training, plans in place and occasional drills with the children. 

Where do the families at Highlands come from?
All over Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, San Leandro, Alameda and even through the tunnel!

Do you take the children on field trips?
No, our field trips come to us.  We have visits from the zoo, Crab Cove, Sulphur Creek, the dentist, the Nutcraker puppet show and many others!

Is there flexibility in the days my child attends?
No.  We are set up as 2 distinct programs.  3 year olds on T/Th and 4 year olds on MWF.

Are Younger siblings allowed to come on my co op work days?
Younger siblings are not permitted to stay during school hours because of a state mandated 5:1 ratio of children to adults.  They are welcome to come for the circle time that starts each day with parents.  When there are problems with work days, we provide a list of substitutes you can pay to work for you.

What kind of food do the kids have at school?
We have snack time every day around 11:15.  Each child brings a lunchbox packed for snack time.

What is the academic philosophy of the school?
We are a play based program.  Our monthly themes are reinforced through exploration and play. 

What is the discipline philosophy of the school?
We have a class mascot named Smokey who helps teach the rules of safety and respect.  We re direct behavior as a tool to teach inner control.  Children are given choices and taught through consistency.