The Child Day Schools

My son started at 2 years old at the The Child Day Schools — Pleasanton and I am sad to say will be leaving this fall to start Kindergarten. This school has been wonderful.
By no means is TCDS a big, flashy pre-​school. Just four rooms, packed with love, caring, and understanding for kids. I was once sucked into a larger pre-​school with the fancy key fobs that electronically opened the doors, and the jumbo play yards, but this is so much better.
Here are some things I love about TCDS.
Morning Drop Off:
1. Both you and your child are greeted by a teacher each morning.
2. They have no problems if you need to spend time with your child if he/​she is shy, scared, or just having a clingy morning.
3. They make drop off fun. There is a low window where the kids can wave good bye when you exit the parking lot. The kids pretend to take your order al la fast food style. If you’re in the play yard the kids put their fingers through the knot holes in the fence for a fun game of finger in the hole with you. Peeking through the holes is encouraged. To be honest, as a parent, you look like a fool on the other side of the fence, but hearing giggles as you leave is so much better then a sobbing «I want Mommy» as you walk to your car.
Potty Training:
1. TCDS actually helps you potty train. Lots of schools claim to work with you and your child, but as any parent knows the help is pretty limited. Unless your child says «I have to go potty» you should expects lots of accidents. This school has 3 toilets in one bathroom. The little ones get to see the older kids using the potty which is great motivation.
Teachers:
1. Teacher turn over is quite low at TCDS. Preschool as a whole is a high turn over job, but here most of the teachers have been with the school for years.
2. Also, the teachers are different in their personality which is nice because some kids gravitate to the style they like.
3. In the play yard the teachers interact with the kids. The do NOT stand in the corner of the yard chatting with each other.
Activities:
1. There is a good mix of indoor class time and outside play time.
Evening Pick Up:
1. Teachers see you come into the yard and call out to your child that Mom or Dad is here. Even teachers who do not teach your child’s class know what parent goes to which kid. You can’t say that about bigger schools.
Check it out for your self. TCDS is a great school, with really loving teachers.

I’ve been a parent of two kids at TCDS for the past 5 yrs. The staff members are exceptional! The «Family» –like values and great creative and academic curriculum were my key factors in choosing this school. The buildings are quiant, cute and very clean, like a home-​school environment. The play-​yards are totally shaded with big beautiful old trees and the equipment is very well maintained and provides many opportunities for kids 2 – 5 to FLOURISH! We love this school!