We have so many good things to say about Skytown and its staff. Our daughter attended from age 18 months, in the Toddler Room. We were initially drawn to Skytown for the ratios (3:1 in Toddler Room), the transparency that comes from parent participation in the classroom, the respect for children that's at the core of their philosophy. We also appreciated the level of involvement that parents get in the preschool's day-to-day, without being a pure parent cooperative (the teachers/director are employees of the school with formal training in the education space). As we spent more time there, we really came to admire the staff, Allison, Nancy, and Bex who really embody the values of the school and do an incredible job at sharing their expertise with the parent community. Our toddler is highly verbal, intense, and energetic. We were reluctant to have her in school so early, but she thrived at Sktytown and learned social skills there that we/nanny wouldn't have been able to provide on our own. We were impressed with Skytown's commitment to using positive language to guide children's behavior, respecting children's autonomy, making each child feel heard and understood, and treating even the youngest toddlers as highly capable individuals with as much autonomy as they could safely have. The 3:1 ratio and small class size allowed even the youngest toddlers to be given with a high degree of autonomy in a way that wouldn't be as feasible in typical classroom. It is a great school for families who are happy to have their child come home with paint on their clothes or food from their snack still on their face because the child was given the opportunity to clean up after themselves. Skytown's commitment to making it a truly child-centric space shows in everything from the way the classrooms are structured and equipped to the way staff talk to the children. It was a joy to see the children be able to play with water, paint, wash hands on their own, visit sensory or pretend play areas, and transition from indoor/outdoor playspaces on their own accord. We have not seen anything else like it. The staff does an exceptional job at helping children learn how to problem solve on their own, and address interpersonal conflict while respecting all the children involved. Even in the toddler room, teachers and parents help the youngest children use age-appropriate methods of communicating through conflict, and use positive language to address unsafe behavior (running indoors, hitting, throwing things, etc) in a way that allows children to learn while still feeling respected and able to express themselves safely. As parents of a daughter, we are aware of when adults might be unintentionally interacting with girls differently than their boy counterparts, but this was never a problem at Skytown with staff or parents. We also noticed the staff and parent community were attuned to racial and gender inclusivity, didn't sweep things under the rug, and were proactive about diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of the school from the materials chosen to the way they communicated with one another. read more

Take a tour! Our family loves being at Skytown. This was our first experience having our son away from us (no sitter, daycare, school) and this gave me the option to finally gain some freedom, but also still be a part of his learning experience through the co-op. It's been comforting to know he is safe and supported at Skytown by child development experts with a strong philosophy, and a community of parents and families with strong values. The care and concern for his food allergies by everyone has also contributed to our sense of safety having him away from us. Beyond all this, my son genuinely looks forward to school and his favorite people now are his teacher, the parents, and his friends! Skytown has become our village - we participate in the classroom together, we play outside of school together, we work on school initiatives together. It's really a unique and special experience and I'm so glad we had this option available to us. Skytown offers the only co-op toddler program (starts at 18mo) in Contra Costa County and is 1 of 2 in the entire East Bay. Like I said there's nothing like it around! read more

Our daughter started attending Skytown a little while ago in the preschool room, and it has been great. She can't wait to go to school in the mornings and even asks to go on weekends! Their philosophy about child attachment and ensuring a safe environment (emotionally, not just physically--though that's there too) really attracted us, and it's been a great environment for us to learn as well, about being parents to a small but very determined child! Absolutely love the director and preschool teacher Allison. Still getting the hang of all the participation aspects of the coop, but I'm definitely a fan of being involved, so it is a good fit for me as a parent as well. And if you live nearby, I have to say, having a short commute to your child's preschool is a major bonus. read more

I would have to say the Skytown Cooperative Preschool has been a great experience for my son. He has done well and really loves the place. It is play-based and run by parents, who put various levels of effort in to maintain the school. A new director started in September and is a wonderful fit to this type of school environment. The staff and her let the children explore and discover through play, art, stories, and projects. The school has 2 programs - a Toddler "side" that takes 18 months to 2 year olds, and a Preschool "side" split into 2 classrooms - younger (2-3 years) and older (4-5 years). They spend the later part of the day playing together. The regular program runs from 9 AM - 1PM with an Extended Day Program running until 3 PM. This program covers additional projects like cooking and kindergarten transition activities for the preschoolers. My son loves this. For those who don't know what a cooperative school is, Skytown offers various levels of parent participation - from full participation to complete buyout. The child to adult ratio is low, because parents are consistently assisting teachers and staff everyday. The administration is run be a Board made up of parents and all families participate in membership meetings, "work" parties (to maintain the school), and various fund-raising events attract new families. We are democratic in our process and make decisions as a community. This is not without its flaws, but overall it works out for the kids. The family and I really enjoy being a part of the Skytown community. It certainly has helped our son grow in a positive way. I would recommend Skytown in a heartbeat. read more

Skytown Coop Preschool - Preschools Near Me - Richmond, California

Our son started in the Toddler Room at Skytown when he was 18 months old and we couldn't be happier with the school! Our son has really blossomed here, developing language at a rapid pace and learning how to interact with other children AND - just as important - other adults. After just 8 months, he now knows how to ask for help, take turns, and communicate his needs verbally. Of course there are conflicts that arise (hitting, grabbing, biting), but they are always dealt with in a very loving and caring way towards all parties involved. My favorite thing about Skytown is the parent education component. I have learned to be a better mother to my son and I have also learned how to help him navigate social interactions with other toddlers, such as sharing and turn taking. I am so much more comfortable interacting with other children now and also having other adults interact with my child. The teachers and the director talk to us a lot about child development and why they take the approach they do; this has really helped me to figure out my own philosophy when it comes to children. And the parent cooperative aspect is also wonderful. It's a lot of work, but it's very rewarding. We have met a wonderful group of parents who have so many amazing talents to offer to the school and our family job obligations are actually more fun than work! If you're interested in a co-op preschool, I highly recommend Skytown! read more

Skytown Coop Preschool - Skytown's yard is beautiful, even in the rain! - Preschools Near Me - Richmond, California

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My daughter has been attending Skytown's toddler room for the last three months and we could not be happier. There is a warm, inviting community who supports one another and the teachers are great as well. It has been fun participating the the co-op and the parent duties have been more manageable than I anticipated. I love Skytown's philosophy and that they they follow a developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum. read more

Skytown Preschool has been amazing for my 2 kids (the youngest is just about to graduate) and for our family. I don't how else to describe it except to say that is a magical place for both the children and the parents. The children are treated and spoken to with respect for their individual abilities and personalities. There are no mistakes, only learning opportunities to practice empathy, kindness, creativity, and their unique strengths. The children graduate from this preschool with a strong sense of self, understanding conflict resolution and how to advocate for themselves and others. They also have the time of their lives! Almost 5 years later, my eldest child still talks about Skytown with wistful fondness. For the parents, you get a warm parent community, education on early childhood development, and access to supportive and knowledgeable teachers. The director, Martha, has been such an important resource for my thousands of kid-related questions. She speaks at conferences, is a published author on early childhood education, and is currently pursuing her Education Doctorate Degree. And she is completely down-to-earth and approachable. Teacher Roland is just as wonderful, and I've often been in awe of his unwavering patience and calming presence no matter the situation. He was also a "Bay Area Preschool Teacher of the Year" in 2017, an award given by Habitot Children's Museum. Both of my children also attended the toddler program at Skytown. The toddler teachers are gifted at guiding the youngest learners to speak their needs and learn how to help themselves and each other. As cheesy as this sounds, the sky is truly the limit at Skytown. The teachers and parents work together to create a safe space for our kids to discover their physical abilities, confidence, and the amazing things they are capable of understanding and creating both on their own and with their friends. I can't recommend this preschool more. read more

Skytown Coop Preschool - Skytown Preschool re-opening for Fall 2019. - Preschools Near Me - Richmond, California

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We and another European family started with our kids in the toddler room..we both left within 2 months and found sthg much better. Skytown might be a better school for preschool kids: they have a bigger playground and more toys - they even have shadow places in their garden. And when we had to collaborate at the work party, all the efforts only went to the preschool side. The toddler side on the other hand is terrible: There are rotten toys (e.g a dino with 3 legs, a montessori marble run that is missing some tracks and thus won´t work anymore - when we asked to repair it, it never appeared again)..the kids don´t have enough sand in the sandbox..and as already mentioned above no shadow in their garden. When we had a look at the preschool (before enrolling) we were told, that the toddler kids can once in a while go and play on the big playground as well - never happened. That they would provide snack - that´s not true. Another thing: They also told us, that they would do some walks in the nearby park...well I proposed it several times, that´s why it eventually happened. But otherwise it´s always the same boring routine that is going on there. My son was so bored, he always started crying when I brought him there. Of course they told me that it was normal, as it is in the transition period. Funny enough, that we neither had any problems in his European school..nor in the American daycare where he is now going..no, he loves it there and walks off with a smile. Update 03/19 Funny that on the same day I wrote this, someone answered with a 5 stars review ;) It is true that they follow Reggio Emilia..and that you can buy out. However the parents participation has never been any problem for us..as we have already gone through parents-coops with both our kids. It is rather the management at Skytown that is the problem...and the lack of interest on the toddler side. At the end both sides pay the same tuition fees, but it seems like the money only goes into the preschool side. I mean, I had to pay $100 material costs and then they made my son paint on old cardboard pieces - like from a box? read more

Both of my children attend/ have attended Skytown and I can't say enough about how wonderful an experience it has been this far! My son started when he was three and my daughter started when she was 18 months old. The teachers are caring and supportive of the children and very much take into account the wishes/beliefs/preferences of families. The emergent curriculum allows children to explore their world and learn according to their interests. It is also amazing to participate, get familiar with the children and parents in the community and get parenting guidance from the teachers. (My husband particularly appreciates this aspect because we have a group of people we can turn to and say, "Why is so-and-so acting this way?!?" And someone will explain the developmental aspects of where they are and also suggest VERY helpful ways we can deal with behaviors.) Having said that, it is a co-op preschool, so you DO need to want to be there, do your work shifts and be committed to being a part of the community. We are doing this together. Slackers need not apply. read more

My daughter has been at Skytown for a semester in the Toddler room. She loves it! Yoga class, dance class, shoes optional, outside play rain or shine, art everyday, music everyday, hikes, gardening, parent involvement, love love love. read more

I found Skytown when my oldest daughter was 4, she attended for a year, and now my youngest is there in the preschool. I can not say enough about what an amazing special place this is. The school itself is a happy place, with a great outside play area that has lots to do and explore, and a large class room indoors. The school is on a church campus, not affiliated religiously at all, up in Kensington. The kids get to go on walks and explore the grounds with one of the best views in the area. The teachers put a lot of thought into creating spaces that allow the kids to explore their environment. Kids always seem to be busy finding new things and exploring new spots, I can't think of a time I have ever seen a kid look bored. Now what I can really go on and on about, is how amazing the teachers are. I absolutely love Martha and Roland. They are very knowledgeable in child development and brain development of preschool aged kids. I have learned so much from watching them and listening to their interactions with kids. I pick their brains constantly for ideas and thoughts about what goes on in our kids lives. This has improved my parenting skills and also my view on children and their different stages of development. Another thing that is great is that kids are able to develop a specific interest, and Martha and Roland with work with that child to explore that interest. For instance, one kid was interested in Antarctica, and the teachers worked with him to learn more about it, finding books and helping him explore the topic. They even connected him with another parent who had recently been to Antarctica to ask questions and get more information about it. It was really neat. The kids all learn about conflict resolution in a positive way, and learn how to navigate social interactions with their peers. They also learn how to identify their feelings and talk about them. They learn how to respect other kids space. It is a play based program, however, the kids do learn about letters and numbers, and basic math, etc. in a fun abstract way. The school has a big feeling of community as well. We still do play dates with Skytown friends from my oldest daughter's year. It feels nice to be part of such a warm caring community. I love working at the school and watching my daughter play and learn. I find it so fascinating. Overall, it has been an amazing experience, I would highly recommend it to anyone. If you are interested, I would encourage you to contact the school and do a tour, where you will meet Martha and Roland and see what a nice space it is. read more

I can't say enough good things about Skytown Cooperative Preschool. We've been there just over a year. My son started in the Toddler room last January, and moved up to the Preschool room in April. He is thriving, and learning so much through their play-based approach. The teachers are superb, and complement each other. The director/teacher really knows her stuff, and has a great vision for Skytown. The other families are an incredible collection of great people that have pulled together into a cool community around our kids' education. The grounds are gorgeous, including nature trails, and amazing views of the Bay and Bridge. Nature is integrated into the curriculum. At the time we started, my wife was the at-home parent. Since April I've been the at-home parent. Skytown really taught me how to parent for this age group, and I keep learning every time I participate. Plus, about half of the participating parents are fathers, so it has turned into a really supportive environment for me as the at-home father. Like I said, I can't say enough good things... read more

This is an excellent parent cooperative preschool. Our daughter has gone there for 3 years, and is about to go to kindergarten. We feel that she has benefited tremendously from the program, and so have we. We have met many great parents, made lifelong friends, and really feel part of a community. The teachers are great and you really are part of your child's first school experiences. They have a wonderful toddler program, and our son is going to start this summer. read more

My daughter has gone to Skytown since she was 18 months old (she's five now) and has loved every day of it. The school is a parent cooperative but there are options for "buying out" of participation if needed. The school follows an emergent curriculum, mostly in line with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which gives the kids a lot of freedom over how they spend their days. There is a large, sunny outdoor space with lots of opportunity for running, climbing, social interaction, art & sensory experiences. The teachers and the whole parent community are amazing. We're going to miss Skytown when my daughter "graduates" this summer. read more

This is a fantastic pre-school that runs on the holistic philosophy that play is children's job, that adults' main roles in the early years are to encourage children's emotional, physical, and cognitive development, and that parents and teachers can -- through consistent collaboration and creativity -- create a cohesive community in which to raise healthy and happy kids.Our son has been at Skytown for about a year and a half. He started on the Toddler side and has since moved to the Pre-school side. He absolutely loves it. The Director, Martha Melgoza, has a good head on her shoulders and adeptly manages both short- and long-term plans for the school. All of the teachers are well-trained, creative, caring, and calm. The parents are committed to the slow growth of the school, and work well together to participate, run the school, and fundraise. And as another parent said, it is a lovely natural setting, with lots of space for the kids to run and play, and plenty of opportunities for the kids to take "field trips" to the hiking trails and nearby hillsides. My husband and I thought about possibly moving our son to a Pre-School closer to our home, but we're just too happy. Skytown may be a little out of the way for some folks (it is on the very top of the hill off of Moeser Lane), but If you are thinking specifically of a cooperative preschool experience for your family, it will be hard to find a better experience than at Skytown. Some other things that make Skytown unique: *Skytown takes children in diapers. *Grandparents can participate. *They introduce school-wide policies as necessary to accomodate children with food allergies. *They have a morning program (9 am-1pm, M-F, and an Extended Day Program (1-3 pm, selected days) read more

Skytown is amazing! My son started Skytown two years ago, and my daughter started last fall. I'm deeply grateful for the honest caring and depth of understanding the teachers have of supporting our kids to truly thrive and grow. I have seen how my son has completely transformed from a shy, unexpressive, and frustrated child, to being open and relaxed enough to express his thoughts and emotions, even during the most difficult of times. I feel this transformation was only possible due to the integrity of the program, teachers and community allowing my child to grow and at his own pace and feel respected so that he felt safe enough to be vulnerable and express himself from the heart. The teachers, Martha and Roland at the preschool side, and Yavanna at the Toddler side, are also very generous with sharing ideas, tips, and leads in how I can better support my children. I enjoy how down-to-earth the Skytown community is and how this hard working parent community is committed to all of our kids growing together in a sane and happy way. Skytown is more than I ever imagined it could be and exceeded my expectations of what a preschool can be, so much so that just like other parents we are left wondering where to send our children to elementary school that can continue to support them so richly and so warmly. Because of Skytown, I feel more confident as a parent that I have some guidance and clarity in how to raise my kids well. Because of Skytown, I am a better parent. read more

Our daughter has been at Skytown for almost 2 years and we couldn't be happier. She started on the pre-school side when she was almost 3 and we're starting our son on the on toddler side when he's 2. I truly feel that there's no better place for my children to be during the day. The children are allowed to move between the inside and outside whenever they like. There's a beautiful (edible!) garden for them to explore. There are classroom pets that they have named and are able to interact with and learn about (a snake, tortoise and fish). There is structure for the children, such as always having an art activity available and having circle time each day, which they can choose to join (or not). Yoga and dance teachers come to the school on a weekly basis. Yet, there's also a great deal of flexibility for the children to move freely between the activities as they wish. They're able to learn and grow in a manner that fits their needs. Teachers and parents will take the students on hikes on the beautiful grounds around the school to explore in nature. I've learned so much from the teachers' parent education component. Each week, there's a prompt that they provide the participating parents to consider as we work with the children. They also provide parent education at the monthly meetings. So, I'm learning about child development and parenting on a regular basis. I feel so lucky to have found this school! What a warm, welcoming, supportive community! read more