I can't say enough great things about this school. All of my kids attended here for preschool and TK. The teachers are wonderful and we really wanted a play-based program. You can't beat the outdoor space along with chickens. This is a co-op so you will volunteer more than a traditional drop off preschool, but you will build a community of like-minded families. I have made life-long friends here and after having kids, making friends can be tough. I loved getting to know the kids in the class and my own kids loved having me there with them. read more

I tried visiting their afternoon playtime to meet the teachers a couple of times before signing up. One time I signed up, showed up, and was turned away at the door because they didn't have enough sign ups to host the play time that night. A phone call or email letting me know that ahead of time would've been nice, because I had loaded my two kids in the car and my husband left work early to be there since they requested to meet both parents during the playgroup. The next time, same thing. I later found out that I can't bring my younger baby during my volunteer hours, which are required every other week. If my son were to attend. So in the long run, it really doesn't work if you have more than one child anyway. That information would've been helpful before I rearranged our lives to accommodate the school twice. read more

Lovely preschool with the kindest teachers. CPC has been amazing for our girls for both preschool and summer camps. They have a ton of fun projects, cultural programs and tons of field trips through out the year. I would highly recommend this preschool. read more

CPC is the best community and place for your kids to thrive!!! It's a co-op with a wonderful community with great leadership with staff who take pride in the preschool and community. I highly recommend this preschool as it's great for the whole family! read more

My daughter has only been enrolled for one month and she LOVES it. She doesn't like weekends anymore because she can't go to school! Lol. Options are endless for the kids during free play. Quiet reading area, block area, art area, indoor swing, indoor climbing structure along with the whole outside including sand/mud water kitchen, roller skates, scooters, typical playground structure, sensory garden, edible garden and lastly animals for kids to learn to be gentle with. I have met three teachers, I'm not sure how many there are but the three I met are great! I would never question their judgment because they truly care about the kids. I'm still getting to know the parents I volunteer with once a week. My daughters teacher has sent letters in the mail and my daughter posts them on the fridge and looks at them daily. This school is great for forming well rounded kids. read more

No words can express the gratitude and happiness my husband and I feel about CPC. Our daughter Sofia who is 4, was EXTREMELY shy, didn't participate in much, always wanted to be with me or my husband, etc. we were concerned for many reasons that school was going to be tough. So we thought a co-op would be the way to go. Having one of us there would maybe help Sofia open up more. Well story short it wasn't even us being there once a week with her it was this amazing school and the teachers and other parents who have helped our girl do a 180. Sofia has her days still but she plays with others, talks constantly, participates in circle time etc. she has grown so much and we couldn't be more proud and it's ALL BECAUSE OF CPC!!! No questions asked bringing your kids to CPC is the best decision you will make!! And I can promise that!!! read more

I attended CPC in the 80's and knew I wanted to enroll my children. My son just started in September and he absolutely LOVES it! I'm so excited for him to experience this amazing journey. read more

Creative Play Center - Daddy / Daughter Pancake Breakfast (1980's) - Elementary Schools Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

This cooperative preschool has a wonderful facility that promotes play and learning while having fun. The teachers are encouraging and patient. We love the class animals too, especially the chickens and rabbits! Our daughter thrives here and loves going to school. It's very much like a family and there is a lot support among parents to provide the best experience for all of the children attending. Glad we are a part of CPC. read more

We just love Creative Play. Our oldest is finishing her first year and we have truly found a community here. Because it's a co-op, you have to put in a good amount of time, but you get so much out! The families in each class become quite close and are very supportive of one another. The school facility itself is amazing- a great environment for learning through play. The outside area, with animals, a garden and a huge sand pit to dig in, is what put us over the top. Any kid would love to play out there. If you're curious, there are open houses a few times a year and "tot time" on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, which is meant for younger toddlers to explore the school and play, with a parent there. It's a great way to introduce your young child to the school and acquaint yourself with other likeminded families and the school's philosophies. read more

Checking it out for my kid. So far, so stellar. Super friendly teachers and staff. They have Chickens. That's awesome. Only been there for an open house. I'll report back after he actually digs into pre-school there. read more

My children went to Creative Play many years ago. It was hard work for me, but I enjoyed making friends and watching my children learn through playtime activities. My only complaint is their Kindergarten readiness test. I was not told about the test before it was administered children towards the end of the second year. Our son failed it. He was shy and uncoordinated. The teacher recommended their DK class. My husband and I couldn't afford having two children in preschool. Robert could read and was always well behaved. I cried. The first months after Robert started Kindergarten were stressful. Years later, Robert graduated from UC Davis with Highest Honors; he went USF and became a successful Lawyer. But, he has terrible handwriting. Your child will love this Preschool, but If your child fails the test, be prepared to spend another year at Creative Play. Opposing Creative Play is very difficult. read more

I can't say enough about CPC...what a wonderful place to let your little one spend some important years! I'm glad I did more research with my second daughter and found this gem. The wonderful thing about CPC is that everyone there really wants to be there and create a positive environment for the kids to play, explore, and grow. CPC is a play-focused school, so you won't find too much time spent sitting with lessons (my older daughter had more of this at her other preschool, back in 2011/12), and early childhood researchers are learning more about the importance of free play for children's development. The strong community of the school really enriches the experience for both child and parent. My daughter benefits from closer friendships because I am also friends with the other parents and we coordinate activities outside of school as well. One of the things I will miss about CPC is the outstanding parent ed. I have most definitely become a better parent having been a part of the school. We have outstanding speakers come in for presentations and I have discovered some parenting experts that I really value and continue to read and follow. Also, being in an environment with so many wonderful parenting and coaching examples really fosters that approach. I can't remember the last time I have yelled at my kids, we've become so accustomed to talking things out and explaining, which is so much more productive! Overall, CPC is a fun, nurturing place for your little to spend these important years and I am so grateful my daughter got to be a part of it! read more

We went for tot time and absolutely loved it! We are looking forward to going again and meeting new friends.

My daughter is about to start her third year at CPC, and we love it. It's a co-op preschool, which means there's a time commitment, but it also means there's a really tight community of parents. The families in our preschool class have become some of our closest friends over the last couple of years. They also offer a 'developmental kindergarten,' which is really a third year of preschool that's sort of a bridge to kindergarten, getting kids ready for the culture shift by instituting some more structure in their day. read more

This is our third year at the school. As the other reviewer mentions, it's a co-op, so there is a greater time commitment than at drop-off preschools, but what you get back is so much more than what you put into it. We have a very close, tightly-knit group of parents. I have no doubt, as others have experienced in a co-op community, that many of these families will be our life-long friends. We are always there for one another, which can be a huge bonus to those of us who don't have family in the area. The teachers are rock-solid in their knowledge of early childhood development. I have called on each of them for different reasons over the years and have been thoroughly impressed with the depth and breadth of their knowledge. Being a co-op, not only does the school give you the opportunity to be actively involved in your young child's education, but there is also a strong parent education component that many have found to be a life-line in the occasionally difficult task of raising little people. If you're even possibly considering a co-op preschool, you should check this one out! Call their Membership Line at (925) 974-6820 for more information! read more

We were newcomers to this school last year and we were welcome with open arms. We have now been at cpc for a year and couldn't be happier with where our kids go to school. The parents that are drawn to such a school are parents so want to be a part of their children's education. Parents who would give their time and attention to their children and their school. Each class is truly a family and in an emergency I know that I have 20+ families that would care for my child if I needed them to. We are surrounded by an amazing community of families that truly amazing. While cpc relies heavily on parent participation, and it takes a lot of extra effort, the reward is well worth it. read more

Three of my 4 children have attended this school. All that this school has to offer is truly amazing. The backyard is like no other!! Truly the best. This school has a play based curriculum and offers developmentally activities to enhance the brain development of the children. I haven't met anyone who has visited this school who doesn't want their child to attend. In addition to all the school offers, the parents get just as much out of it as the children. There is parent ed available. There is a chance to make new friends and build your support system as a parent! I truly encourage a visit to the school if you are a parent of a child entering preschool or who has a preschool aged child now. CPC also has a fabulous Development Kindergarten program for the child who is age appropriate to enter Kindergarten but just needs some extra time to grow. read more

We have been at CPC for over three years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am so happy to be part of the CPC family. It is chance to spend more time with your child, make great friendships and participate in a wonderful preschool environment. read more

We have been here almost one year and as a former elementary school teacher, I must say this place is AWESOME. It is very well-run, organized, friendly and positive. The whole family is part of the school, not just the child. There is an indoor play structure (Stegel), outdoor play structure, various animals (chickens, bunnies, fish, etc), a garden that the kids can pick produce from, creative activities... I just can't say enough great things about this place. It was referred by a friend who went to another parent participatory school then switched after seeing CPC and how it is run! read more

It's really nice to hear that this program is still going strong. My kids were at CPC many years ago. My oldest (a summer birthday boy who stayed an additional year for the developmental kindergarten program) is graduating this spring from UCB's engineering program. The CPC teachers were right to suggest he have an extra year to mature socially, and I have never regretted that decision. The school was a great fit for my family. The co-op atmosphere brings the families together into a close community of mutual support. I loved running into the other families over the years, as we watched all the kids grow up! I know the teachers have changed, but I'm happy to hear that CPC's tradition of excellence lives on. Best wishes to you and your little ones! read more

This is not just a typical preschool. It will become like a second family. We attended CPC last year for the first time with our oldest and now our second year with our youngest. The school is really a special place. It allows the kids to have fun and freedom while learning. All the family's are invested in the school because it is a co-op. You get to know the families In your class very well. They become life long friendships not only for the children but the parents as well. I highly recommend CPC. read more

We have been a part of the Creative Play Center family for the past 6 years, it has been the best parenting decision we made. We signed up wanting a wonderful caring place for our children to grow, not only did we get that but also an entire community of amazing friends, teachers and support. read more

Our child did not have a good experience here. Several teachers do not operate with good intentions and one was mean to our child. They have very, very little experience in dealing with children and their issues and their curriculum is outdated beyond belief. Oh, and if you don't join the mom's clique or are not interested they will talk about you behind your back. I even had some moms check my child off of the list that kept track of who had been to which table, when she had not been there at all. They just wanted to be done with their station so they could go chat. One teacher is the biggest talker (about herself) in the place and can NEVER stay quiet. read more

Thank you to Creative Play Center (CPC), teacher Ms. Cory, and the Pre-K co-oping parents of 2017-2018. At the orientation meeting for the co-opers, I shared that my daughter, A_____, would shy away from other children, to the point that at the park she would not climb up to the slides if other kids were near. Two kind co-oping mothers told me they made it a point to look out for A_____. As it turns out, the teacher and the co-opers made our girl so comfortable that she loved her school from the start and didn't need that much help. On day one, I returned to school to see if she was still okay. She just looked up and said excitedly, "That's my daddy." There is a great advantage with co-op schools, that co-opers parent the other kids, as well as their kids. Another great advantage is that the co-oping parents learn as much as the children do and form important attachments with other parents, at the same time their children are forming attachments with the other kids. Most of the parents brought prior co-oper experience. They shared their experience with other parents, as well as the kids. The rest of us parents learned a lot from these parents, the teachers, and from co-oping the kids. I feel 100% more prepared to help A_____ now. Ms. Cory loved my daughter and so did the co-oping parents. I also needed their patience with my blunders and to help me learn to be a good co-oper. I felt anxiety being a co-oper, at age 68, an adopting father, with little experience with children. I expect both A_____ and I will be successful now as a child and parent in kindergarten and elementary school. It is hard to overestimate what a great boost of confidence it has been for us. The co-opers also set up play dates for the kids outside of class. With all this parent and kid contact, sharing and long-term attachments are common. CPC has a wonderful long history, and most of the teachers were once inspired co-opers at the school. Many co-opers were once co-op kids at CPC. CPC organizes classes so that children are all within one-half-year in age. The "rustic" background playground of CPC is bigger than most co-op schools and, for me, more inviting. Before enrolling, we attended many of the $10.00 drop-in classes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with Ms. Chrissy, which included free time and circle time with bubbles. It was a good introduction to the school and the playground. Because of this, A_____ considered CPC her school before she attended Pre-K classes. CPC emphasizes the play aspect of preschool/Pre-K. A child can be happy at school and love school for a whole year (or years) at CPC before facing the large size classes of kindergarten. I think there is a lot of mental maturation at age five that makes academic learning more fun and appropriate for them. In my experience, four-year-old minds are more fantastical and need nurturing for confidence-building, more than a focus on academics. CPC teachers work in the academics within the curriculum in a nonthreatening and fun way. The play and non-judgmental emphasis at CPC avoids stressing four-year-olds and their parents about academics. My gratitude and thank you to the parents, the nurturers, the confident parents, generous parents, novice and experienced co-oping parents, Ms. Cory and the other teachers--a huge thank you from A_____ too. Thanks for preparing us both to be successful. read more

I can't recommend CPC enough. This is my family's 3rd year and am deeply grateful for the wonderful environment, opportunity to share in my kids' early education and, of course, the amazing teachers. I originally decided on a co-op preschool thinking it was in my 'child's' best interest. In reality, I have gained as much or more from the support and friendship with other co-op parents. I keep in touch with many of the parents/families I met in my very first year. They have become my 'village'. Thank you, thank you, CPC! read more

I enrolled my son last September and he had the best experience. At first I was choosing the school because it was a less expensive alternative (as a cooperative) and something I had more of was time than money. But as the year went on, I not only saw my son benefitting from this wonderful school, I found I was the one receiving so much benefit. I suddenly had a network of very caring and involved mothers to talk to and we became friends. It is much more than just a drop off school and more of a community. The moms would get together for casual playdates and they would invite each other to go out once a month as a group of MOMS to do fun adult activities like mexican food, maybe catch a movie or just get coffee and chat. It was so nice to be invited to these things even if I couldn't make it sometimes. I moved into the area from somewhere else and because I was not working, without an office I found it was hard to find opportunities to make friends. Once my son started this school I met the best bunch of friends faster than I ever could have before. The moms all care, and support each other. We all trade babysitting and have been there for each other in a pinch with sick kids or other family emergencies. So even if you have younger children this school is great because there is plenty of babysitting swapping going on. I am expecting baby #2 and when she is old enough she will definately be attending CPC. I almost can't say enough about my experience and how much I have learned as a parent and how well rounded and how much my son has thrived in this environment. I highly recommend it to anyone who cares about their childs education and their own growth as a parent. We are signed up again for another wonderful year before our sons sets off to Kindergarten. read more

We love CPC!! This is our 3rd year at the school and we have enjoyed every minute! Both my children and myself have learned so much and the teachers help set us up for parenting success. I highly recommend CPC to anyone looking for an interactive preschool in the Pleasant Hill/Martinez/Walnut Creek area. read more

We are beginning our 5th year there and I can't say enough good things about it. Sharing the excitement of preschool with our kids has been priceless. The co-oping community is invested in each child in a way that drop off preschools can't compare. I find the staff to be experience, supportive, patient, professional and most of all fun. Being new to the area 6 years ago, enrolling at Creative Play was a wonderful way to meet friends for the entire family and be a part of a supportive community. CPC was a gift we gave to our kids as they started their journey in school and in life. read more

We love Creative Play Center and participating in a co-op! The facility and teachers are fantastic.

I love love love everything about Creative Play Center, from the awesome, devoted staff to the great outdoor play area!!! I especially love the fact that it is a co-op because it gives the kids and the parents, (and grandparents like me) the opportunity to get to know each other in a very harmonious, collaborative and fun learning environment. My oldest Granddaughter attended last year and now her younger sister attends, and they have both flourished because of the committed staff and co-oping parents! It truly is a great place for kids! read more

i have a fair amount of co-op preschool experience. my older son went to one in sf for 3 years and we were so happy there. we since moved to walnut creek and found what i thought was a great little co-op in our new town. it ended up not being a pleasant situation. it was just not a good fit so..... my older son's 1st grade teacher recommended looking into creative play center. it was more our style. ms. kris is so good with communicating with the kids and parents. today ms. kris told me she was low on patience and i was so impressed how she handled it. i would have never guessed. i wish i could handle my low patience they way she did. she remained gentle, kind and calm the entire time. the parents are so friendly and helpful. my daughter loves it and i am comfortable there. whenever it was my work day working at my son's school or my daughter's previous school, the time dragged on and on and i would be wiped out at the end of the day. today was my first work day at CPC and i had so much fun. the day flew by and i was on cloud 9. my daughter felt secure enough to be on her own. at her old school she clinged to me and didn't want to be left alone. she cried when it was not my work day. my daughter has never been a crier. that definitely told me something was not right. our whole family is so happy to have found CPC. read more

CPC has been a life changer! Life was good before, but when presented with the choice of where to send my son for his first Early Childhood Education experience, I knew this was a VERY important decision to make. I had never been a part of a co-op before and I quickly learned that you pay with your hard work and time here, rather than your money....Which is the way I like it! Actually being in the profession myself, I knew the key aspects to look for in the school environment and teacher training. I was more than pleased to see what CPC had to offer-free parent education nights, school camp-outs, a BEAUTIFUL back yard with an edible garden that changes every season, organized parent night outs, educated and personable staff, a welcoming membership, amazing supplies for the children to use, VERY affordable, healthy and varied snack, clean...I could go on and on! I was so sad to move on to Kindergarten from the family we formed there but we were able to spend 3 amazing years at Creative Play and still keep in touch with our CPC family now. The school gave me the networking skills needed in today's school environment and one can always count on fellow CPCers to be those on the governing boards and lead volunteers throughout the rest of your child's educational years. My son is at the top of his class in elementary school and I know CPC was a huge part of that. Thank you, CPC! read more