1453 Fifteenth St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-395-2338
E-mail: alsm@verizon.net
Website: santamonica.assistanceleague.org

Mt. Olive Preschool is a year-round school with both full and half day programs.

New sessions begin in September. Their school opens at 7:30am and closes at 5:30pm.

Mount Olive Preschool is open to all children regardless of race, creed, color or sex.

Preschool Director: Kris Ladish
Phone: (310) 452-2342
Fax: (310) 581-6813
E-mail: mountolive@keyway.net
Address: 1343 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Interested in parenting groups. I’ve questioned these for being anything more than a pick up spot for single and -ummm married parents. However, after reading through some of their topics and classes I have to say I would not put them off as a resource. There’s got to be something to having the opinion of people in the same situation as you are. I know I have a better chance of figuring out how to get my kid to stop crying if i ask 20 people as opposed to staying at home and brooding about it.

I pulled some information from their site that I thought was interesting. The link to their site is below. Check them out, and if I’m there and should you run into me I’ll great ya with “how you doin?”

Parenting programs:

Groups for Infants and Toddlers

The advantages of groups at the Early Childhood Parenting Center:

# High ratio of professionals to children
# All group leaders are experienced professionals
# Warm, nurturing environment for you and your child
# A great place to make new friends

The groups are supportive and educational, and provide you with the latest developmental information. Some of the topics include:

# How to help your child sleep through the night
# Recovery from birth, marital changes, feeding, baby sitters and more
# How to toilet train without tears
# Secure separation
# How to avoid eating issues
# What to do about temper tantrums
# How limits can make your child more secure
# Building self-esteem
# How to deal with sibling rivalry

Infant Groups

The infant groups focus on the early adjustment to parenthood. This is an excellent way to enhance the development of your new child in a supportive setting.

Groups of eight to ten parents and their infants (birth to 1 year) meet in an informal setting to discuss topics such as recovery from pregnancy and birth, postpartum feelings, integrating the baby into your family, breast and bottle feeding, establishing good sleep patterns, returning to work, finding good child care, baby’s motor, cognitive, and emotional development, and transition to toddlerhood.

Toddler Groups

In the toddler groups, the children play together and are supervised by early childhood staff while the parents sit nearby talking together with the group leaders. Toddlers are within visual range and easy access at all times. The staff helps children develop early socialization skills while beginning the discovery of independence from their parent. Groups have eight to ten toddlers and their parents. Groups are put together according to the toddler’s age.

Some of the topics addressed in these groups are: separation, temper tantrums, sleep disruptions, beginning toilet training, travel, balancing the toddler’s need for dependence and independence, and how to manage eating issues.

Single Parent Groups

This is an evening group for single mothers and fathers. Single parents are able to explore their particular concerns such as how to manage as a single parent, issues related to divorce and custody, job stress, child development issues and many more topics. Supervised play is provided for children in an adjoining room.

Working Parents

This is a discussion group for working parents of young children. Groups of eight to ten meet once a week in the evening. Parents are able to talk about the stress and confusion they experience in their multiple roles. Some topics explored in the group include: finding competent child care, the difficulty of saying good bye, the impact of two working parents on the family, and coping with guilt and exhaustion.

Daddy and Me Discussion Groups

This group focuses on the role of the father in his child’s emotional and social development. Fathers and their children ages 0 to 3 meet to discuss topics important to the role of fatherhood.

Parenting Skills Group

Parents without their children meet with professional leaders in a group setting to talk and learn how to be the best parent they can be. Groups meet either during the day or the evening.

This is the perfect group to continue learning parenting skills, after your child completes the toddler program. All parents are welcome, even if this is your first group with us.

These guys also provide their classes on CD

Early Childhood Parenting Center
1440 Harvard Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Check out all the wonderful information that i have provided for you from the Trinity website. Please enjoy and let me know any questions or comments, especially if you have children attending.

Trinity Baptist Children’s Center exists to help children develop to their full potential academically, intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Provides an environment that will enhance the child’s Pre-school and Pre-Kindergarten experience in a rich, satisfying and constructive way.

Offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children ages 2 to 6 years old. The school is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Offers a variety of schedules including half days and full days.

The focus in the toddler class is potty training and socialization. The children learn a daily routine that is followed every day. They are also introduced to art, puzzles, music and dramatic play.

The transition room is where children go when they are potty trained and ready to take on more challenges of the same learning centers that the toddlers have. What is added in this class to enhance their fine motor skills is learning to use age-appropriate scissors.

The preschool (3 year olds) class adds a writing center. The children are exposed to letters, numbers and writing with different sorts of writing implements. The cooking center is also added for math and science.

In the older preschool class (3 1/2 year olds) the computer center is added. The children learn age-appropriate learning games. This is the class that starts going on field trips.

The pre-kindergarten classes are doing everything at a more advanced level. They are busy working in centers where the teachers have orchestrated the props, so the children will use their cognitive skills to figure how things work, all by themselves. This gives them a sense of achievement. Basically, they are being prepared for kindergarten.

Trinity Baptist Children’s Center exists for the sole purpose of caring for young children. We believe that children who are loved and allowed to explore their environment will develop a love of learning in a natural and developmentally appropriate way. Children learn through their play. Educators at Trinity provide children with a wide range of experiences that allow children to explore their world by taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing.

The program offers a balance of classroom and out door experiences. The classrooms are divided into Centers supplied and enriched with all the things a child needs to step into a world of discovery. When a child plays in the block center, they begin to understand about size, shape, comparison and numbers. When a child plays in the living home center, they draw on their home experience and are able to work through feelings, develop language and form relationships in a familiar setting.

Outdoor play gives children opportunity to develop strong, healthy bodies through physical activities such as – running, jumping, swinging, climbing, and riding tricycles. Social skills are a part of negotiating sharing equipment on the playground.

TBC believes that a child’s self image is vital to his growth and development. Educators work hard to help children develop a strong sense of independence and positive self-esteem. TBC also believes in helping the children to problem solve. By challenging children to try new things, explore new interest and praising their successes, children begin to see themselves as capable and unique individuals.

TBC believes that children learn best through positive interaction and clear boundaries that give respect to both the individual and the community of learners.

The children hear Bible stories, told at a level appropriate to their age. They will also learn the fruits of the spirit:

Teacher qualifications:

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control

1. Cleared background check

2. Cleared fingerprints

3. Minimum of 12 ECE units (core classes) or higher/ degree in Early Childhood Education or in a related field.

4. First Aid and CPR

5. TB test

6. 2 years minimum experience

7. Familiar with Title 22

8. Familiar with planning and implementing curriculum

9. Working with ages 2 to 5 years old

Admission Policy

Waiting List Fees
Waiting List Fee: $50.00
◊ A waiting list fee is taken when applying to the pre-school to hold your child(ren) a place. This fee is for paperwork processing, and is transferable to the registration fee upon enrollment.

Enrollment/ Paperwork Fees
• All papers in the enrollment packet must be filled out completely before your child is admitted to the preschool, along with the following enrollment fees. All fees and paperwork must be received in full before any child is accepted into the school.

• Educational/ Registration Fee : Toddlers: $35.00 Pre-K: $35.00
This fee is due annually in the month of September. This fee helps to pay for curriculum supplies in the classroom from September to June months. This annual fee is required for a child to remain enrolled for each upcoming school year. Failure to pay will result in dismissal until payment is received.

• Summer Activity Fee: All children: $75.00
This fee is paid each May for children staying for the summer months. This fee includes special events, a summer camp T-shirt, and additional activities for children during the summer months.

• Tuition Deposit: $200.00** (Refundable upon leaving the school)

Note: Deposit is only refundable upon a 30 day written cancellation notice and the Director’s approval.

• Tuition Payment: See your admission agreement
All parents will receive a yearly copy of their signed Admission Agreement Form. Tuition is increased once a year in the Fall.

• Earthquake Kit: $15.00 (stored in Bike land shed for emergencies.)
• Photo/ Scrap book Fee: $35.00
This fee is due annually for each child. This fee is for the purchase of a photo album and pictures that the teacher will put together for each child. This photo album will be given to each child in the month of June.

Tuition Policy and Related Fees

Tuition Fees/Contract
Trinity Baptist Children’s Center’s tuition is due on the 1st of each month, for the month ahead. After a 5 day grace period, a fee of 10% of your total tuition will be added to your account. Your child will be terminated from TBCC if payment is not received five working days from the 5th of the month. Lack of payment is a breach of contract. The last month’s deposit will not be refunded and legal steps will be taken. Tuition is based on time and space reserved for your child, therefore tuition credit will NOT be given for any absence due to illness, vacation, or early withdrawal (as stated in admission agreement signed in child enrollment folder).

Before and After Care
There is a 10 minute grace period prior to the time your child is scheduled to begin in the morning. There is also a 10 minute grace period in the afternoon (excludes closing time) when picking up your child. Once the grace period reaches 11 minutes you will be billed for a 15 minute early drop off or pick up fee.

A $15.00 late fee will be charged per hour if you drop your child off before the 10-minute grace period or pick up your child after the 10-minute grace period (excludes closing time).

The school is CLOSED at 5:30 p.m. After 5:30 there will be a $1.00 per minute charge. Please be advised that our staff must stay after hours to watch your child. You will need to provide a cash payment that evening to the staff member/teacher caring for your child.

Toddlers on a half day schedule: Toddlers staying through naptime will be charged an hour rate.

Refunds
In the event of an emergency in which the school needs to be closed, no refunds will be given.

Fail to Sign or Input
A $6.00 fee will be charged for each day if you fail to sign your child in or out. A full signature is required per state law, including a printed signature and drop off/pick up times. All late fees will be posted on Tuition Billing Statement.

$$$
Tuition Statement and Billing
At the end of each month, a statement of fees will be placed in your child’s mailbox. The statement will show the amount of tuition owed and when necessary early/late fees, and/or fail to sign fees.

Payment Upon Absence/Vacation
If you plan to be absent during the 1st week a payment is due, please arrange with the Director to make payment in advance so your account will not become delinquent. If you will be on vacation for a month you may pay a reservation fee to hold your child’s spot. Trinity Baptist Children’s Center is open all year round and we enroll all year round, therefore we require families, that want to ensure a spot in the fall and leave for the summer, to pay a $200.00 reservation fee for the fall season. This $200.00 is only applicable for families leaving for the summer months and returning in the fall. This fee is not transferable or refundable. This is a fee to reserve a spot at TBCC. This fee is only good for one spot; multiple children will be charged $100.00 each after the initial $200.00 is paid.

Financial Questions or Concerns
It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the Director of any inaccurate amounts on the statement of fees. If you have any questions or problems regarding tuition fees or paying on time, please address them to the Director.

Check out their website info!

Please see below for some information on Pilgrim Lutheran. As soon as i get some more info from them ill post my review.

REGULAR HOURS & SUMMER PROGRAM

The preschool is open five days a week from September – June, except on specified holidays following local school district calendars. Hours are from 6:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Monday – Friday. Academic instruction runs from 8:30 a.m. – noon. The summer program runs from June through August. Program information is distributed each spring for the coming summer. Extended hours are offered in the summer as well (6:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.Monday – Friday).

Your child will be exposed to a variety of daily activities, including:

* Creative story telling and storybook reading
* Kindergarten reading readiness (numbers, letters, name, etc.)
* Bible story lessons
* Fine motor skill development
* Music appreciation
* Movement and physical education
* Free play in small groups
* Outdoor play
* Cooking experiences
* Table grace at snack and lunch
* Nap time
* Birthday and holiday celebrations

In addition, your child will enjoy field trips to the local public library and fire station, as well as bus rides to Green Meadow Farm in the fall and to our Annual Mini-Olympics and barbecue held at a local park at the end of the school year.

NUTRITIOUS SNACKS:

Your child will receive a nutritious morning and afternoon snack such as crackers and cheese, fresh fruit, raw vegetables, bagels, etc.

CLASS PARTIES:

Class parties are held for holidays, such as Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving. Parent¹s support is requested and greatly appreciated. In addition, your child is encouraged to celebrate his or her birthday with the class.

Pilgrim Lutheran Preschool

* Over 20 years of experience
* State licensed
* Credentialed Early Childhood Development teachers
* Full-time director on-site
* Organized and developmentally appropriate curriculum, activities and crafts
* Christian environment/loving atmosphere
* Low student/teacher ratio
* Indoor/outdoor activities (secure grounds/play area, full-sized gymnasium, and field trips)
* Extended hours (6:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.)
* Nutritious snacks
* Summer Programs
* Fall and spring parent/teacher conferences

Pilgrim Lutheran Preschool accepts all children, ages 3 and older, based on program availability regardless of their race, creed or nationality. Children must be fully toilet trained. All students must have a health exam and have current immunizations, including a TB test (California Law).

They ask all parents to be members of their Parent Service Organization (PSO). Individual conferences with teachers are available any time. To schedule an appointment to visit the school call: (310) 829-2239.

Check out the website

Rustic Canyon Parents Nursery School was first organized in 1950 by a group of local parents to provide a participation experience for themselves and their children. Rustic Canyon Park has provided the facilities for the school since its inception. This school was incorporated in 1956 as a nonprofit educational corporation that is licensed by the State of California. Over fifty years later that tradition still lies at the heart of all we do. By choosing a cooperative preschool, parents make a commitment to participate in their child’s preschool program. This involvement will prove invaluable to our children as it is carried on throughout the elementary levels of education and beyond. see Rustic Canyon website.

RC is a developmental two-year school program. Children entering our program should be three years old.

At present they offer five-day, four-day and three-day a week attendance options.

Rustic Canyon School follows a traditional school calendar. The school year runs from early September through early June. Summer school is offered from late June to early August.

All classes are from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm.

Tuition schedule at present is as follows:

2007-2008 September through June school year -

Three days a week: $4,350 a year.
Four days a week: $5,820 a year.
Five days a week: $7,350 a year.

Due to operating cost increases, tuition may be increased up to 5% the following school year.
Fundraisers throughout the year is another way the school gets support.

Rustic Canyon is a parent participation school. A parent, step-parent, legal guardian or grandparent must participate.

Currently, one parent of each child must work approximately one day per month at school during school hours. Tasks are at the periphery of the two teachers conducting the class. However, interaction with the children is very much part of the parent’s role while a “stay parent” for the day.

Parents must attend all parent meetings held approximately once a month during the school year, and they must accept a committee position or hold a position on the Board of Directors. There are clean-up days during the year, one of which parents must partake in. School fundraisers should be supported in some manner.

Located in the Rustic Canyon Recreation Park, between Sunset and West Channel Roads in Santa Monica, California.

Rustic Canyon Cooperative Nursery School
601 Latimer Road, Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 459-1049

The Westside Waldorf School was established in 1988 because a group of dedicated teachers, parents and community members wanted to bring Waldorf education to the west side of Los Angeles. Today they offer Nursery, Kindergarten and Elementary Grades 1 through 6.

Waldorf education provides children with a rich experience of learning that gives context and meaning to knowledge. Waldorf education produces critical and flexible thinking, a compassionate world view, and the will and confidence to make things happen.

Enrollment Director, Sumaiya Yusuf, at (310) 576-0788.

www.wswaldorf.org.

A little more on preschools. Here’s what I’ve been able to find out about Garden of Angels Preschool. Garden of Angels School was established in 1993. Their site states that their mantra is to provide a creative and exhilarating educational alternative for West LA parents.

K-1 Program

“The Garden of Angels kindergarten and first grade program provides students an opportunity to leap into the adventure of lifelong learning. At Garden of Angeles, K-1 students learn and play together, giving younger students the opportunity to learn from their slightly older peers.”

Tuition for the program: K-1 is based on an annual fee of $12,980 which may be broken into 11 monthly payments of $1180.

They also offer an extended program 7:30AM to 5:30PM for an additional $90 per month.

They have 2,3, and 5 day programs. Tuition varies on the number of days and hours attended.

I’ll try to get some real figures on this soon because the information that this school has posted is confusing at best.

Cindy Lunn: Director (310) 453-4680

Kim Buckingham: Admissions (310) 453-1710

Contact email: gofaschool@yahoo.com

Today is the day. All of you Brentowwdites, or Brentwoodians, not sure which or if it is either. However, and indeed here are the preschools that fall into your area. If you may be or if you are, a resident of the area please let me know if my list is complete. I appreciate and will incorporate any information you provide. BTW if you have experience with any of these schools let me know as well so that i can incorporate that into my reviews.

Bel Air Presbyterian Preschool
16221 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (818) 990-6071

Brentwood Presbyterian School
12000 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 826-2020

Crestwood Hills Co-Op Nursery
986 Hanley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 472-1566

Early Childhood Learning Center
11960 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 472-0603

John Thomas Dye School
11414 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811

Sunshine Preschool
11942 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 472-2212

Turningpoint
1300 North Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-8585

Continuing on with our preschool fanfare. I’ve added what I found for Venice beach. I’m sure that this list is not all inclusive so if you know of others please let me know so i can include them here. I’ll shortly be developing all of these in detail.

Delta Sigma Theta Head Start
1020 Victoria Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 397-2659

Delta Sigma Theta Head Start
625 Vernon Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 392-5955

First Lutheran School
815 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 823-9367

First Years Preschool
1010 Amoroso Place, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 399-3120

Las Doradas Children Center
804 Broadway Street, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 450-0327

Morning Glory Preschool
2552 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 827-0502

Susan Sims Bodenstein Preschool
201 Hampton Drive, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 396-7733

Westminster Avenue Children’s Center
(LA Schools – Child Development Division)
Principal: Jacqueline Williams
1010 Main Street, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 392-4581