My daughter just finish been in preschool with Miss Helen, and I have to say that within the few weeks of her starting she learn how to spell her name and started to identify the shapes and etc and also been more interactive with her classmates as she was shy at first because of the language barrier but everything worked out amazing she even learn more English and she felt more confident. Miss Helen's prioritizes safety of the children and manages classroom dynamics. She truly cares about the students and works hard to make sure everyone is happy and is learning. I am beyond happy from all that she learn been with Miss Helen since 2021-2023. As now that she is in kindergarten her teachers are very happy on how she strives. read more

I totally Adore this Preschool.. My daughter and I moved from SF to Castro Valley late March. I was worried that she was the youngest one there .. She was 2 years and 3 months.. We search more than a hand full of schools.. And found Miss Helen to be the best fit for my daughter and I... It was great the other students was very caring and sweet to my daughter. I felt that the students took care of each other. Students and the parents are a so sweet!! Makes me glad that made the move to Castro Valley ;) Miss Helen, Miss Rosh, and Miss Amy are great in teaching the kids how to behave, share, what's right and what's wrong, to be patient, treat others with kindness.. Awesome in helping me with potty training my daughter. They are awesome teachers and very caring and attentive to each and every student. I've learned stuff about my daughter that I wasn't aware of. Like Her likes n dislikes.. Thank you for telling me teachers!! Grateful~ My daughter has grown so much in just 5 months. Very talkative and outgoing. She still gets sad when I leave her to go to work. But it only takes a few minutes for her to be ok. Cause she loves to go to school at Miss Helen's. I can go on and on but I have to put my baby to bed so she can bring her toy to show and tell ;) I wanted to Thank Miss Helen, Miss Rosh, and Miss Amy for all that you do. ~sarah * * New status update July 19, 2015 My daughter is now 4 1/2 and we have to leave Miss Helen to move back to SF. I wish we didn't have to. We love this school and what it has done for my daughter. She is leave this school knowing how to write her ABC's, 1 2 3's up to 30, adding and take away, sights words, Phonics, and she know to write her name even my name ;) We are so sad to leave.. The teachers are awesome, understands, listens, and tries to help in any way they can.. They care about not only the students but the parents ;) We will miss you!! Thank you for everything!! Miss Helen, Miss Rosh, and Miss Amiee... read more

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This preschool is a gem! Miss Helen, her teacher aides Miss Aimey (sp?) and Miss Darlene are all fantastic. They greet my daughter and I in the mornings with big smiles and warm hearts. Each day my daughter comes home so happy and lively, excited to share her creations and new songs with me. Miss Helen's prioritizes safety of the children and manages the classroom dynamics extremely well. She truly cares about the students and works hard to make sure holidays are special for the class. Even though this school rents a space in Unity Church of Castro Valley, this is not a religious-based preschool. I feel confident my child will be very prepared for kindergarten in the Fall. I highly recommend Miss Helen's preschool! read more

I thought now that my daughter has gone through her initial assessment and received her first report card in kindergarten, it would be a good idea to give others an idea of just how far ahead Miss Helen's Preschool is looking into your child's future. My little girl started at Miss Helen's at the age of 3 and stayed for two years. Thanks to the preschool's early focus on math and reading, my daughter had already met or 95% of her requirements at her assessment by October, two months into the school year. Her kindergarten teacher was so impressed she asked for the preschool's address and contact info so she could check it out herself for her own son. Now we're in Spring and my daughter is still flourishing and exceeding all expectations for the Common Core curriculum, and I know a lot of it is thanks to her foundation she built in preschool. Going beyond just the educational requirements, my daughter loved the preschool, her teachers, her classmates, and all the activities. The school is very clean and organized, and the children are taught to maintain that. All the students are guided not just in learning their basic manners with "please" and "thank you", but also just showing kindness and acceptance for all. The schedule is well-structured for kids, and even separated for a period for the kids preparing for kindergarten. My daughter still asks to visit Miss Helen's on days off, and pulls out the little photo album Miss Helen made of her and her friends, a little gift Miss Helen was so kind enough to make for every graduating student. read more

I first met Miss Helen eight years ago (before she owned the current preschool site) when I was in desperate need of last minute care as the daycare my two year old daughter had been in was closing down due to child abuse. We had had our share of negative experiences so finding Miss Helen and Mrs. Rosh was a breath of fresh air and hope. My daughter (who is now ten) blossomed within a few weeks of starting with them and even had her potty trained within a few months! Mrs. Rosh's approach in teaching was unbelievable. My daughter was reading, writing, and doing addition/subtraction within the first year. She graduated at the age of five and transitioned smoothly from preschool to kindergarten as she was used to a school like setting coming from such a well structured preschool. In 2009 I had my second daughter and naturally knew that she would be attending the same preschool her older sister did. By enrollment time in early 2011, we were thrilled to learn that Miss Helen was now the proud owner/director of Miss Helen's Preschool and that Mrs. Rosh was still there! Miss Helen added on another great teacher to her staff, Miss Aimee. My youngest lucked out even more compared to her sister in terms of phenomenal experience at the preschool. Having Miss Helen now as the Director only enhanced the curriculum and allowed her to freely run her school as she knew best. The preschool may seem small to some but it is amazing how well structured the teachers are. I have seen first hand the power of rules, discipline and fun within the preschool and I can't help but feel lucky to have had the opportunity to have both of my girls under their care. I absolutely love this school and it breaks my heart to know that my youngest daughter's final days are soon approaching as she is heading to kindergarten herself. But, I know that she is heading well prepared in reading, writing and even with her additions and subtractions, and not to mention her amazing social skills - just like her sister was. I have and will always recommend Miss Helen and her staff (especially Mrs. Rosh and Miss Aimee). Any new setting for a child is scary but this preschool is very well equipped to handle any type of transition a child may need. We would like to thank Miss Helen for the wonderful years and the beautiful friendship she has developed with myself and my children. We wish her the ultimate best and appreciate absolutely everything that she and her staff has done for my family. We love you all! read more

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I really hate writing this negative a review about this preschool, however I feel I should let others know that if you have a child who is special needs or bordering of I suggest you do not allow them to attend here. My daughter is four and higher functioning Autistic she attended Mrs. Helen's preschool for over a year. I pulled her out to attend an Autism preschool, so while waiting for her to begin her new preschool I called Helen to ask if my daughter could come to their Halloween party. Helen sounded happy to have my daughter. I even offered to pay her extra and offered to come with her. Sadly, a week later Helen called me to tell that since Anita seemed to be afraid of the crowd last year that she should not attend the Halloween party because it was going to be a packed house. Keep in mind Helen hasn't seen my daughter in four months. Nor does my daughter have problems with crowds or sensory related issues, she also hasn't been diagnosed with having problems with "crowds." Helen did offer for her to come Thursday. She then said Halloween wasn't good for her first day back, so I said "so if I bring her Thursday, she can come Friday?" Helen said "no." She can only come Thursday. I'm sad for my daughter because I promised her a party and she's walking around saying "I'll be Dora for Helen's party." I mean it's heart breaking. I seriously will never use this place again or suggest it to anybody I know. I am very disappointed to see her single out a single child for having Autism I feel very sorry for my daughter. read more

My daughter has been attending Miss Helen's school since May 2013. We visited several schools with our daughter in tow. Our daughter made the choice easy. At the other school visits she hid behind one of us and didn't want to check it out. At Miss Helen's, the kids came up to her, started chatting with her and whisked her away to the toy kitchen. My daughter loves school & her teachers & so do I. Initially, I was planning to put her in 3 half-days a week. But, since she loves it so much we went for 5 half-days! (I work part-time and she does full days on the days I work) I think the regular routine & positive social interactions at school are good for her. I feel Miss Helen's is a wonderful school. The 3 teachers are kind & caring, but still strict with school rules. My favorite things about Miss Helen's school in no particular order: 1) the teachers. Kind, caring & loving. Miss Helen, Miss Rosh, Miss Amie. I have NEVER seen them texting or on personal calls during school hours or playground time. They are always interacting with the children. Countless of my friends have complained about this at other schools. 2) the small class/school size. especially for safety. the teachers all know the kids really well. They know their allergies and any other issues. 3) mixed age setting. I love that my daughter socializes with children both older & younger. And the older children are well behaved & caring as well. They are like a big family. All the kids watch out for each other. 4) the extended hours 6:30a-6:30p. I had to find a school that would allow me to pick up just after 6pm when necessary. 5) manners, consistency, respect and discipline. there are basic class rules that the children must always follow or there are related consequences. For example, not talking while classmates are doing show and tell, otherwise you cannot do show and tell. In this case teaching respect for others and following the rules, with consequences. 6) help with potty training we were struggling. the teachers are patient and helpful and have given me good advice to take home. read more

My daughter went to Miss Helens preschool with lots of anxiety issues when she was 2 1/2. She is going to kindergarten in a couple weeks with excitement and confidence she has gained from the school. We have another baby coming this year and definitely going go send our baby here. read more

My daughter started at Miss Helen's pre school last fall. It was a last minute decision, because I got a job offer. It turned out to be the perfect fit. My daughter loved Miss Helen's from day one, and it never changed. She asked if it was a school day every single day and wasn't really happy about saturdays and sundays. Miss Helen's is conveniently located in downtown Castro Valley, with a big parking lot. The school has one really big, airy and bright room, and a fenced nice and shady playground behind the school. What I liked best about the school is that Hiss Helen and her team provide a stable, nurturing environment for the children. No unknown subs, no fluctuation. You will never come in and see the teachers playing with their cell phones, computers or anything, they interact with the children. No TV either. The children have a reliable, reassuring daily schedule, but they have a bunch of great festivities and special days throughout the year, every holiday is celebrated. They went on a field trip to the post office to post a letter to themselves - my daughter was so exited about this amazing idea - a petting zoo came to the school, a dentist came to visit them and tell them about "sugar bugs", Santa Claus came and they had a wonderful Christmas Celebration with a Secret Santa toy swap. My daughter made great progress - both academically and socially - during the year she has been at Miss Helen's and is very good prepared for starting school in fall. I liked Miss Helen's so much, I waited very long to make the decision wether or not my daughter will start TK in fall. I really like that the children are in one mixed age group, like it is done in Germany and much all over Europe, so the younger ones can learn from the older ones and the older ones can learn how to be nice, kind and patient roll models for younger children. I' ve seen little two year old "babies" come to school and start talking and interacting confidently with all of their new friends in no time. I had several chances to witness how Miss Helen and her teachers, Miss Rosh and Miss Amy, interact with unruly and crying children and was very impressed with their patience and nice, warm, caring attitude. For the parent, Miss Helen offers very gracious operating hours - from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm - , very compatible rates and the school is only closed on a handful of days - the mayor holidays, the school was even open on Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, and the Friday after Thanks Giving, what is really important if you are a working parent and can't afford to take of those days. Both my child and I had great contact with other children and their parents. This is a really great school for working parents who wish for a preschool that offers reliability and a nurturing, warm environment for their child age 2 to 6. read more

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Miss Helen's Preschool is phenomenal! Our daughter has had a really great experience here! Not only does Helen provide exceptional care for these little ones, her staff are like a second parent to these kiddos as well. I was amazed that our two year old came home one day and was reciting the pledge of allegiance. It made my heart sing, not many schools teach the pledge of allegiance and it was truly awesome to know that the values that were instilled in our childhood was being instilled in our daughters childhood as well. Miss Helen takes special care of each child's needs and helps them feel welcome and apart of the class, truly teaching them values they need to be great people. read more

If you have a child in the CV area I could not recommend this school enough. The teacher is on top of her game.

I love Ms Helens Preschool! My son attended for almost 3 years until he started kindergarten in August. Ms Helen, Ms Rosh and Ms Amy are all so loving with the kids. They taught him so much he's very well prepared for kinder. All of the activities they do with the kids are awesome. I also loved that I could call whenever or walk in whenever to check on my son. read more

I have had my two sons with Miss Helen's Preschool for over a year and I couldn't be happier. Miss Helen and her staff are always friendly, and teach the kids to respect each other. You can tell that they genuinely love working with children. The class room is kept very clean and it is always designed to be a happy environment with lots of different ways for the children to learn and have fun. They take time to communicate with the parents and have always been very accommodating. My family is so thankful that we found Miss Helen's Preschool. read more

Miss Helen is super great with kids. I am so happy she has opened her own preschool. She was my kids preschool teacher years ago. They lover her so much and still talk about her. read more

Miss Helen and the other ladies (Miss Rosh and Miss Amy) do an amazing job of keeping the kids educated and disciplined. The kids are well mannered and always learning when ever I drop by. I don't know about Sarah M.'s situation but this is not a special needs preschool even though they are very accomodating. She heats up lunches (not done by all preschools) and is very flexible with working parents and special situations (early/late drop off/pick up, doctor appointments, behavior modfications, and etc). She has been great with helping both of my kids with potty training. Both my son and daughter love their teachers. read more

I was introduced to Miss Helen's Preschool through several moms who were in my same playgroup. I thought it was great that my kids had friends they already knew but what I've appreciated more was how the teachers encouraged my kids to grow their friendship circle. I'm amazed on how consistently I've seen most of the children demonstrate being patient, sharing, and caring to others. One of my kids absolutely loves singing as a result of the fun and memorable songs she's learned at school. I know it's a direct reflection of the teachers and the environment they've created. The classroom is functional and flows well. I like the ease of dropping off the kids without any parking or traffic issues. I like the location and its vicinity to all the places I run errands in the Hayward and Castro Valley area--before and after school especially since their hours are perfect! It makes a huge difference when all the little conveniences add up; the fees are already extremely reasonable! I know the owner, Helen, has been in the business for many years and it's a reflection of the high standards she holds for herself and her business. read more

My son went there and it was great! Miss Helen goes above and beyond in teaching and activities. She always recognizes special holidays and gears the activities towards those days in teaching. Love Miss Helen's preschool! read more

I really wanted to like this place, but they gave me little incentives. My daughter attended at 2 years old. The first day she had a scratch across her face and no one had an explanation. Way to go on someone's first day of preschool. I then asked how she's doing and always got the 'she's fine' response. No details because they were too busy. Later, my daughter tells us she's getting hit by another girl and names her. The school takes no accountability and says its impossible for them to keep an eye on everyone. I later ask for email updates. I get none. Receipts had to be requested and were always wrong. I ask to help with recognition of a holiday. No response. Then at the end we get picked on for my daughter's backpack. Although it fit neatly in the cupboard, the OCD owner wanted no backpacks. I was then blocked from putting the backpack in my child's cupboard by the assistant on my way to work. Talk about rude. My child never fully warmed up to the place and never was adequately potty trained here. I really wanted to like the place, but they made it impossible. Warning, don't send your child here! read more

My daughter has been attending Miss. Helen's preschool for 4 months now & she LOVES it and looks forward to going there. Miss. Helen is a fabulous teacher with over 20 years of experience, she takes the time to talk to me in the AM & addresses any questions or concerns immediately. Her prices & hours are fabulous, very convenient! My daughter is 4 years old & preparing to enter Kindergarten this August, I am fully confident that this pre-school is doing a wonderful job at preparing her for the next step in her education. I was very nervous to leave my daughter under anyone else's care but my fears have very well been put to rest & I love dropping my daughter off at Miss. Helen's because I know she enjoys her days there. When I get there early in the AM Miss. Helen is always sitting down with the children working on a project & preparing them for the day, the kids all seem to love her. I especially love the respect Miss. Helen teaches the children, she is very consistent. I have not a bad thing to say about this school or this teacher. Thank you for all of your long days & hard working in making a difference in the life of many children Miss. Helen! A+ read more