Petaluma Village Preschool is owned by teacher and Petaluma native Casey Arntz. It utilizes the Reggio Emilia Approach, which focuses on education as a process and places the student's experience at the center of the learning environment. In keeping with the Reggio Emilia Approach, the teachers document the student's work in a number of ways, including photographs, teacher commentary and transcriptions of student's speech in order to give parents a window into their child's education, allow teachers to evaluate the learning process and emphasize to the children that their work is valued. Students at Petaluma Village Preschool have the opportunity to learn through art, gardening, storytelling, yoga, language studies in English and Spanish, music and more. This school is also in the preliminary stages of implementing a green school campaign.
Little Oaks Montessori specializes in educating children ages 18-months to 6-years-old, according to the Montessori philosophy. Montessori education was developed in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, and focuses on guidance as opposed to discipline, choice, and responsibility. Interested parents can learn more about Montessori education by visiting the Little Oaks Montessori Web site. In addition to traditional Montessori activitities, children attending Little Oaks have the opportunity to play and learn using music, yoga, art, and even begin learning Spanish.
Little Shepherd Lutheran Pre-School is a ministry of Elim Lutheran Church and is licensed by the State of California, Department of Social Services. The program is open to all children between 2 years old and 4 years old. The school's philosophy is to "strive to provide a loving Christian atmosphere in which the child can grow physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. We hope to develop within each child a loving respect for each other and for the wonders of God's world."
The school's curriculum includes art, music, poetry, dramatic play, nature experiences, personal care, cooking, use of manipulative toys to build coordination and dexterity, puzzles, blocks, games, and both indoor and outdoor play.
Shining Star is a home-based day care owned and operated by Bob Prichard. Originally opened in the East Bay in 1981, Bob moved Shining Star to Petaluma in 1996.
It's is the goal of Shining Star to provide a healthy and safe environment for children to learn at their own pace. Bob and his staff use puzzles, games, books, role play and music as well as local field trips to places like parks and the library to create a fun and educational experience for students.
Healthy meals are prepaired on site. Staff are first aid and CPR certified. Shining Star also offers a school newsletter for parents.
Petaluma Parent Nursery School is a parent participation nursery school program for children 2 to 5 years old. The program is directed by credentialed teachers and is part of the Petaluma Adult School in the Petaluma district. The program's goal is to strengthen families by building self-esteem in children and adults through education.
The North Bay Children's Center - Cherry Valley offers preschool as well as before and after school care including special programs like Garden of Eatin'. The goal of the Garden of Eatin' program is to help children experience the connection between how food grows, is harvested and brought to the table. NBCC maintains a relationship with the principal, Kindergarten teachers, first through sixth grade teachers, administrative staff and counselors of their respective schools. The school offers opportunities for parent involvement, including family potlucks and Parent's Night Out, a respite for families.
Susan Gilmore is the executive director of this North Bay Children's Center. It has six locations in Marin and Sonoma County and two locations in Petaluma. Child care and educational programs for six months to 12 years old. The offer educational programs and family services. Family services has partnered with the Sonoma County Child Care Planning Council, the Sonoma County School Readiness Initiative (First Five and CAPS), Early Learning Institute, SCOE and others.
The W.H. Pepper Preschool was founded in 1894 by W.H. Pepper upon his return to the U.S. from Germany. Pepper was inspired by the work of Fredrick Froebel, a pioneer in the early childhood education movement. Originally a kindergarten program, the preschool has a philosophy that stresses respect for children's interests and personal engagement in the learning process. Director Carolyn Wasielewski is an early childhood education and music specialist. The school focuses on music and movement, art, literature, multicultural activities, nature programs and field trips using an integrated Montessori approach. Tuition assistance is available through co-op positions. W.H. Pepper does not serve lunch or offer before- or after-school care. Students must be toilet trained to be enrolled.
Located a 10-minute drive from the center of town, the Red Barn school was founded in 2000 by Andree Young and Angela D'Ambrogi to provide a Montessori education in a farm atmosphere. The rural setting affirms the values of gardening, science, and sensitivity to local environment. School is year-round, open to children ages 3-6. Admission gives priority to siblings of children already enrolled.
Spring Hill Montessori provides bilingual and global Montessori education to toddlers, preschoolers and elementary students that focuses on the the individual development of each student. Its multi-age classes and small student-to-teacher ratios (12:1 for preschool and elementary classrooms and 6:1 for toddlers) allow students the opportunities to learn from classmates under the professional guidance of experienced teachers.
Programs at Spring Hill Montessori include the bilingual Toddler Program which exposes children to learning and assists in making this first transition away from home a positive experience, Primary Program (preschool and kindergarten) that provides a curriculum that includes music, art, drama, math, science, language, geography, botany and zoology, Elementary Program which introduces technology, culture and Spanish instruction with a full-time native speaking teacher, creative thinking, problem solving, community building and more.
For more information, be sure to visit the website provided.
Play & Learn Preschool is an early childhood education program. The school offers a safe and welcoming environment for children and offers programs for children, including day care and half-day options. Some lessons and activities include age-appropriate subjects, toys and games, circle time, music activities, arts and crafts, social activities, counting, ABCs and more.
St. John Lutheran Pre-School is located in the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church just south of downtown Petaluma. The pre-school offers a large outdoor play area and is connected to the congregation. The congregation offers Bible Studies as well as Sunday Services and other events. In addition to the Pre-School, the church has recently added a Kindergarten as well and is offering generous scholarships to families.