Good to Know
BEST OF Parents Press 2024 2024
WINNER
2024 Best of Parents Press
Reader’s Choice Results Now Available!
We asked and you told us who your Bay Area favorites are, in droves! Parents Press received over 200,000 votes from you guys! Awesome! We have your places to vacation, museums to visit, restaurants, schools, medical, special needs and the list goes on and on! Best of Winners are listed, starting on page 12 of this issue. Plus, you can find even more categories online at ParentsPress. com. Mark your calendars! Voting for 2025 Parents Press Reader’s Choice starts March 1.
Playground Safety
The Most Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them
P
laygrounds are a fun and stimulating environment for kids to play and burn off energy. Although playgrounds can be fun, each year more than 220,000 children under age 14 are brought to the emergency room for playground injuries. Most injuries are a result of falling from equipment. This can include broken bones, cuts, bruises, sprains, concussions, and internal injuries. The most common injured body part is the arm.
Depending on how high the child is and the way they fall will determine what injuries they may face. This can also happen on monkey bars or swings. Children may lose their grip on monkey bars and fall as a result. Moreover, on swings, children may try to jump off of them midair. This could result in them trying to break their fall incorrectly and cause numerous injuries.
Children can also get injured if the playground area and equipment are not maintained. This can include if a slide, seesaw, swing, etc. has an exposed sharp edge. Children may not see it at first and then be playing and cut themselves. Children may also come into contact with trash
BEST OF WINNERS ARE LISTED, STARTING ON PAGE 12
or other unsafe objects that were not cleaned up in the playground, causing injury or illness.
The playground is a great place for social interaction for children and a great place for exercise. Parents can keep their child safe and allow for them to have a great time by following these simple precautions!
Grades 6-12 day • 9-12 boarding
Life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.
An Athenian education prepares students for a life of purpose and personal fulfillment
75-acre campus of rolling, oakcovered hills lies at the base of Mt. Diablo in Danville, CA just 32 miles East of San Francisco. Athenian buses transport students to and from many East Bay communities.
Good to Know
Wing It
August is full of offbeat holidays that put the emphasis on kindness (National Friendship Day on August 4 and Just Because Day on the 27th), but we’re particularly digging Be an Angel Day, which is celebrated on August 22. What a simple, sweet and fun way to remind your children about the importance of doing something nice for others,like looking out for a younger sibling or lending a helping hand to a person in need.
Back to School Anxiety
How to make the transition easier.
Feelings of anxiety are expected for children going through transitions such as going back to school. Over the summer, routines have changed and worries of the unknown may begin to stir as the school year approaches. There are ways to recognize anxiety in your child, as well as interventions that can help relieve those feelings. Some behaviors that may indicate your child is having anxiety surrounding the return to school are irritability, change in sleep patterns, continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated questions, and in some cases complaints of headache, fatigue and stomach ache. It is important for your child to attend school to learn that their fears can be overcome, as prolonged absence can worsen your child’s fears.
LISTEN
One of the best ways to make the school transition easier on your child is to acknowledge their anxiety. This can be done by listening to your child’s feelings and encouraging them to speak to you about how they feel. It is important to validate their feelings and not dismiss them. Demonstrate confidence that your child can handle the situation.
PRACTICE
Practicing school routines is another way to prepare your child for school. This can include practice walks to the bus stop, evening routines of packing the backpack and picking out their clothes, or routines that begin when they wake up such as breakfast, getting dressed and traveling to school. Having a school tour prior to the first day can be a great way to introduce the new environment, as well as finding a new friend or neighbor who will be at the school prior to the first day. During the practice runs, it’s helpful to support your child as they think through difficult points of their day such as changing classrooms.
THIS IS THE YEAR CONGRESS
DECLARED A HOLIDAY TO HONOR FRIENDSHIP, BETTER KNOWN AS NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY. Each year the special occasion, which should always be spent with your besties, takes place on the first Sunday in August. In 2024 that means you should rally your pals together for a day of fun on August 4. This is not to be confused with International Friendship Month, which falls in May.
ROLE MODEL
Another way to provide relief for your child is modeling the calm behavior you would like to see. This can feel difficult in situations where you feel stressed, rushed, or anxious yourself. To work through your own feelings, think of taking deep breaths and remind yourself that your child’s behavior is being driven by anxiety.
SLEEP
Another method to set your child up for success for the new school year is ensuring enough sleep based on their age. The new wake-up schedule for school may need to be slowly implemented 1-2 weeks ahead of the first day. Feelings of fatigue can enhance your child’s anxiety.
After the school year begins, if your child continues to display signs of anxiety such as tantrums, problems sleeping, and/or refusal to attend school or activities, speak with your primary care provider about further interventions.
Back to School 2024 We Love NAPPA Awards
By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards
I AM DIFFERENT, I AM GREAT
Mei Mei loves school, but sometimes she feels a bit out of place. She speaks with an accent that makes her stand out from everyone else. When she tells Mommy her worries, Mei Mei finds that she’s more than just her voice. $14.99, ages 2-8 years, www.amazon.com
CHATTERTIME CONVERSATION CARDS
Create moments of connection through answering playful conversation prompts. With six question categories, you can explore all kinds of memories, favorites, dreams for the future and more. $22.99, ages 4+, www.pennycake.com
COLOR
SHEEN METALLIC COLORED GEL PENS –SET OF 12
Make note taking or journaling a radiant and colorful affair. These metallic ink pens can write on both white and black paper and glide along the page. Made from acid-free ink. $12.95, ages 6+, www.ooly.com
YOU ARE A SOCIAL DETECTIVE!: CURRICULUM GUIDE STORYBOOK
Introduce social and emotional learning through this storybook and its accompanying easy-to-use K-5 curriculum. Provides 10 fun, structured lesson plans. $59.99, ages 5-10, www.socialthinking.com
DREAMLAND: RELAX & IMAGINE
DETER’N’DETANGLE LEAVE-IN
Made with natural detangling herbs such as slippery elm, flaxseed, marshmallow root, and native Australian Tea Tree oil, this conditioner will leave your kids’ hair feeling soft and manageable. $28.00 AUD, ages 3+, www.eekoloks.com
Offers nine soothing and enchanting songs to help kids unwind, plus a special guided relaxation exercise. Perfect for bedtime or quiet moments, this album makes it easy for kids and adults alike to breathe deeply, smile, imagine and dream. $15, www.jenncleary.com
TROOMI - SAFE SMARTPHONES FOR KIDS
Provide kids with guardrails for the digital world. Features flexible safety controls that allow parents to customize their children’s phone based on individual needs. Give them everything they need (like apps for school), and nothing they don’t (like social media). $199.95, ages 6-16, www.troomi.com
CAMPS
ACADEMIC CAMPS
TOP 5
• Academic Talent Development Program
• Bishop O’Dowd Summer Academy
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley - Camp Été
• Friends of Camp Concord WINNER
• Academic Talent Development Program
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER CAMPS
TOP 5
• East Bay SPCA
• Lindsey Wildlife Experience
• Oakland Zoo Camp
• Sienna Ranch
• Tilden Little Farm Camp
WINNER
• Oakland Zoo Camp
AQUATIC/MARINE CAMPS
TOP 5
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Eco Adventures - US Berkeley
• Kids For the Bay
• Sail Alameda
• Trackers Bay
WINNER
• Kids For the Bay
ARTS AND CRAFTS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Dancing Paintbrush Studio
• Mocha
• Monkey Business Camp
• Mr.D’s Music Club
• The Crucible WINNER
• Mr.D’s Music Club
BALLET CAMPS
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• Berkeley City Ballet
• DA Dance Center
• Kids N’ Dance
• Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School
WINNER
• Alameda Ballet Academy
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CODING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Integem
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• CodeREV Kids STEAM Camps
• Coding Doja
• TechKnowHow
WINNER
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
CULINARY CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bliss Belly Kitchen
• Cooking Round The World
• Kids Cooking for Life
• Kitchen On FireBerkeley Kitchens
• Sur La Table
WINNER
• Kitchen On FireBerkeley Kitchen
DANCE CAMPS
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• Dance 10 Performing Arts Center
• East Bay Dance Center
• Kids N’ Dance
• Mr. D’s Music Club
WINNER
• Alameda Ballet Academy
FAITH-BASED CAMPS
TOP 5
• CCCYO Summer Camps
• Frontier Ranch Camp
• Holy Spirit Preschool & School
• Mount Hermon
• Sacred Heart Cathedral SF
WINNER
• Sacred Heart Cathedral SF
FOREIGN LANGUAGE & CULTURAL IMMERSION CAMPS
TOP 5
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• KSS Immersion Schools
• Shu Ren International
• Viva el Espanol WINNER
• East Bay German International School
GENERAL & TRADITIONAL CAMPS
TOP 5
• Creative Play Center
• Camp Kee Tov
• Children’s Fairyland
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Monkey Business Camp
Orthodontics for Children & Adults
WINNER
• Creative Play Center
GYMNASTICS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bay Aerials Gymnastics
• Bay Island Gymnastics
• Diablo Gymnastics
• Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
• UC Berkeley Gymnastics Camp
WINNER
• Bay Island Gymnastics
HOLIDAY & VACATION CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bladium
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• East Bay SPCA
• Monkey Business Camp
• MOCHA
WINNER
• Monkey Business Camp
HORSE RIDING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Castle Rock Arabians
• Five Star Equestrian
• Kenilworth Stables
• Sienna Ranch
• Skyline Ranch
Equestrian Center
WINNER
• Skyline Ranch Equestrian Center
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
CAMPS
TOP 5
• Go Girls! Oakland
• Monkey Business Camp
• Salesian College Preparatory
• Walnut Creek Arts & Rec
• UC Berkeley ATDP
WINNER
• UC Berkeley ATDP
LEGO CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bricks 4 Kidz
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Off the Block STEAM
• STEM4kids
• Tech Know How
WINNER
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
MUSIC & SINGING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Berkeley Playhouse
• Crowden Music Center
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
• Village Music School
WINNER
• Crowden Music Center
NATURE & OUTDOOR CAMPS
TOP 5
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Monkey Business Camp
• Roughing It
• Oakland Zoo Camp
• Trackers Earth Bay Area
WINNER
• Oakland Zoo Camp
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Chrysalis
• Camp Tawonga
• Cazadero Music Camp
• Friends of Camp Concord Youth Camp
• Mount Hermon
WINNER
• Camp Tawonga
PERFORMING ARTS
CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bay Area Shakespeare Camp
• Berkeley Playhouse
• Crowden Music Center
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Village Music School
WINNER
• Mr. D’s Music Club
PRESCHOOL AGE CAMPS
TOP 5
• Child Unique Montessori
• Children’s Fairyland
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Creative Play Center
• Ecole Bilingue - Camp été
WINNER
• Ecole Bilingue - Camp été
SPORTS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Bishop O’Dowd Athletic Camps
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Julia Morgan Girls Sports Camp
• Legarza Kids
• Salesian College Preparatory Sports Camps
WINNER
• Bishop O’Dowd Athletic Camps
STEM CAMPS
TOP 5
• AoPS Math, Science and Language Arts Camps
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Creative Play Center
• Off the Block STEAM
• Salesian College Preparatory
WINNER
• Creative Play Center
TEEN FOCUSED CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• AoPS Math, Science and Language Arts Camps
• Bay Area Shakespeare Camp
• Head-Royce Summer SportsOhlone For Kids And Teens
• Ohlone For Kids & Teens
• UC Berkeley - Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)
WINNER
• UC Berkeley - Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)
CLASSES & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
ART CLASSES
TOP 5
• Cass Ceramics
• City of El Cerrito
Recreation Department
• Kids N Clay
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
• The Crucible
WINNER
• Mt. Diablo CARES
Expanded Learning Program
BALLET CLASSES
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• Berkeley City Ballet
• Katie’s Dance Studio & Co.
• Shawl-Anderson Dance Center
• Tutu School
WINNER
• Alameda Ballet Academy
CLASSES FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTION
TOP 5
• Bradley School of Music
• Crowden Music Center
• East Bay Music Together
• Lamorinda Music
• Village Music School
WINNER
• East Bay Music Together
COMPUTER SCIENCE & CODING CLASSES
TOP 5
• Berkeley Coding Academy
• codeAtorium
• Fremont Coder Dojo
• theCoderSchool
Berkeley
• Young Gates
WINNER
• theCoderSchool
Berkeley
DANCE CLASSES
TOP 5
• Alameda Ballet Academy
• Dance 10 Performing Arts Center
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• New You Dance Company
• West Coast Dance Theatre
WINNER
• Mr. D’s Music Club
EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY MUSIC CLASS
TOP 5
• Aguacate Music Kids
• Crowden Music Center
• East Bay Music Together
• Kids Go Mandarin
Fearless, We COMMUNITY
• Musically Minded WINNER
• East Bay Music Together
ENRICHMENT & AFTER-SCHOOL
TOP 5
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Holbrook Language Academy CARES
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
• Piedmont East Bay
Children’s Choir
WINNER
• Piedmont East Bay
Children’s Choir
FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
TOP 5
• Alliance française de Berkeley
• Bay Language Academy
• Holbrook Language Academy CARES
• Language Fun Club
• Viva el Español
WINNER
• Holbrook Language Academy CARES
GYMNASTICS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Bay Island Gymnastics
• Encore Gym
• Head Over Heels
• I Flip Gymnastics
• Liberty Gymnastics Training Center
WINNER
• Bay Island Gymnastics
MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• America’s Best Karate
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Dragon Rhythm Shaolin Kung Fu
• Han Martial Arts
• Kung Fu Infinity Martial Arts
WINNER
• Han Martial Arts
MATH PROGRAMS –AFTER SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Classroom Matters
• FireCracker Math
• iKidZ Learning Center
• Mathnasium
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
WINNER
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Bricks 4 Kidz
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• codeAtorium
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
• Off the Block STEM WINNER
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
SPORTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Bay Island Gymnastics
• Bladium
• Calphin Swim Academy
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
WINNER
• Calphin Swim Academy
SWIM CLASSES
TOP 5
• American Swim Academy
• British Swim School
• Calphin Swim Academy
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Happy Fish Swim School WINNER
• Calphin Swim Academy
THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Berkeley Repertory Theatre
• Crowden Music Center
• Mr. D’s Music Club
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
• Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir WINNER
• Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
TUTORING OR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Classroom Matters
• Mathnasium
• Mt. Diablo CARES Expanded Learning Program
• The Growing Room
• Tilden Preparatory School Albany WINNER
• Classroom Matters
FOOD & DINING
BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA
TOP 5
• Benchmark Pizzeria
• Bill & Bali’s
• Melo’s Pizza & Pasta
• The Cheeseboard Pizza
• Zachary’s Chicago Pizza WINNER
• Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
FAMILY FRIENDLY COFFEE SHOP
TOP 5
• Bette’s Oceanview Diner
• Catahoula Coffee Co
• Cole Coffee Café
• SIGNAL Coffee Roasters
• Zocalo Coffeehouse
WINNER
• Cole Coffee Café
ICE CREAM PARLOR
TOP 5
• Fentons Creamery
• iScream
• Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery
• O’Brien’s Ice Cream
• Tucker’s Ice Cream
WINNER
• Fentons Creamery
PLACE FOR DINNER WITH THE FAMILY
TOP 5
• Grand Lake KitchenDimond
• Lin Jia Asian Kitchen
• SAJJ Mediterranean
• Sichuan Style Restaurant
• The Preacher’s Daughter WINNER
• SAJJ Mediterranean
PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE / CUPCAKES
TOP 5
• doodlecakes
• Lavender Bakery & Cafe
BEST OF PARENTS’ PRESS 2024
An Authentic Montessori Experience for Ages 12 Weeks to 12 Years
Mission Montessori provides an educational experience young learners love.
Authentic Montessori curriculum for each age group
Professional educators passionate about helping children thrive
• Love at First Bite Bakery
• P.S. I Cake You
• Sweet Adeline Bakeshop
WINNER
• Sweet Adeline Bakeshop
FUN & ATTRACTIONS
AMUSEMENT PARK
TOP 5
• California Academy of Science
• Children’s Fairyland
• Exploratorium
• Lawrence Hall of Science
• Oakland Zoo
WINNER
• Oakland Zoo
ATHLETIC CLUBS
TOP 5
• Bay Club
• Claremont Club & Spa
• ClubSport
• The Hills Swim & Tennis Club
• U.C. Berkeley Rec Sports
WINNER
• U.C. Berkeley Rec Sports
BIRTHDAY PARTY RESOURCES
Diverse learning environment that welcomes everyone
Spanish immersion program rooted in Montessori principles for students ages 6-9
Beautiful campus designed to enhance learning
“The children of today will make the discoveries of tomorrow.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori
Give your child an education with impact at Mission Montessori. Schedule your tour today!
We offer full-time programs from the infant stage to 5th grade.
Schedule your tour today!
www.missionmontessori.org
50 Fell St. San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 942-5012
TOP 5
• Brian Scott Magic
• Fur, Scales and Tails Animal Shows
• Kiddos Chu Chu
• Primetime Interactive
• STEAM Powered Learning
WINNER
• STEAM Powered Learning
BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES
TOP 5
• Bladium
• Children’s Fairyland
• Lindsey Wildlife Experience
• Pacific Pinball Museum
• Pump It Up Oakland
WINNER
• Pacific Pinball Museum
MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
TOP 5
• California Academy of Sciences
• Exploratorium
• Lawrence Hall of Science
• Pacific Pinball Museum
• UC Botanical Garden
WINNER
• Exploratorium
ZOO OR AQUARIUM
TOP 5
• Aquarium of the Bay
• CuriOdyssey
• San Francisco Zoological Society & Gardens
• Steinhart AquariumCal Academy
• Oakland Zoo
WINNER
• Oakland Zoo
RETAIL & SERVICES
BABY/CHILDREN GIFTS & GEAR
TOP 5
• 5 Little Monkeys
• Lauren’s Closet
• Mr. Mopps
• Silver Moon Kids
• Toy Safari
WINNER
• 5 Little Monkeys
BOOK STORES
TOP 5
• A Great Good Place for Books
• Books Inc.
• Moe’s Books
• Mr. Mopps Children’s Books
• Walden Pond Books
WINNER
• Books Inc.
CONSIGNMENT STORES
TOP 5
• Grove Street Kids
• Lauren’s Closet
• Mommy’s Trading Post
• Plato’s Closet
• Silver Moon Kids
WINNER
• Grove Street Kids
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS
TOP 5
• Amelia Plumb
Photography
• Bespoke Photography
• Gretchen Adams
Photography
• Nissa Brehmer
Photography
• Yuri Pettengill Photography
WINNER
• Gretchen Adams Photography
HOUSEHOLD HELP AND NANNY SERVICES
TOP 5
• A Nanny Connection
• Aunt Ann’s In-House Staffing
• BA House Cleaning
• The Nannie’s & More Inc
• Trusted Nanny Match
WINNER
• A Nanny Connection
KIDS HAIRCUTS
TOP 5
• Cool Tops Cuts For Kids
• Kristine’s Kut
• La Petite Hair Salon
• Pony Tails
• Snippety Crickets
Preschool Program (ages 18 months to 5 years old) Kindergarten Program
Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (or 4:00 p.m.)
Full-day program: 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
WINNER
• Snippety Crickets
TOY STORES
TOP 5
• Five Little Monkeys
• Mr Mopps’ Toy Shop
• Silver Moon Kids
• The Toy Store
• Toy Safari
WINNER
• Toy Safari
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BIRTH CENTERS AND MATERNITY CARE
TOP 5
• Alameda Health Systems
• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
• John Muir Health
• Pacifica Family Maternity
• Sutter Health
WINNER
• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
FAMILY DENTISTS
TOP 5
• Alameda Pediatric Dentistry
• Aloha Pediatric Dentistry
• Berkeley Children’s Dentistry
• Children’s Dentistry - Nicholas Ching, D.D.S.,Inc.
• Uptown Pediatric Dentistry, Denise Bass
WINNER
• Berkeley Children’s Dentistry
HOSPITAL/MEDICAL CENTER
TOP 5
• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Summit Campus
• John Muir Health/ UCSF Health Berkeley Outpatient Center
• Kaiser Permanente
• Stanford Health Care in Emeryville
• UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital - Oakland
WINNER
• UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital - Oakland
OPTOMETRIST
TOP 5
• Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice
• UC Berkeley School of Optometry
• Walnut Creek Eye Care
WINNER
• Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice
ORTHODONTISTS
TOP 5
• Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
• Ciao Smiles
• Hillside View Orthodontics
• I Song Orthodontics: Dr. Immi Song
• San Ramon Orthodontics
WINNER
• Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
PEDIATRICIAN
TOP 5
• Bayside Medical Group
• Berkeley Pediatrics
• East Bay Pediatrics
• Tri-Valley Pediatrics
• Walnut Creek Pediatrics
WINNER
• Berkeley Pediatrics
SPORTS MEDICINE PRACTICE
TOP 5
• Bell Sprots Medicine
• East Bay Orthopaedic
• Golden State Orthopaedics
• Tice Valley Physical Therapy
• UCSF Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic
WINNER
• Golden State Orthopaedics
EARLY EDUCATION
BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL
TOP 5
• Broadway Children’s School
• East Bay German International School
• KSS Immersion
• Nomura Preschool
• The Renaissance International School
WINNER
• East Bay German International School
CHILD CARE FACILITIES
TOP 10
• Broadway Children’s School
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• Creative Play Center
• Danville Montessori School
• El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC)
• KLA Schools Walnut Creek
• Larson’s Children’s Center
• Old Firehouse School
• Rockridge Little School
• Springfield Montessori School
WINNER
• Choice in Learning Montessori
FAITH-BASED PRESCHOOL
TOP 5
• Contra Costa Christian Schools
• Holy Spirit Preschool
• King’s Valley Preschool
• Quarry Lane Preschool
• Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
WINNER
• Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
INDEPENDENT PRESCHOOL
TOP 10
• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
• Broadway Children’s School
• Child Unique Montessori
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• Clayton Valley Parent PreSchool
• Creative Play Center
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC)
• Nomura Preschool
• Saint Philip Neri School
• The Renaissance International School
WINNER (TIE)
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• Nomura Preschool
LARGE PRESCHOOLS
TOP 10
• Broadway Children’s School
• Creative Play Center
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• East Bay German International School
• El Cerrito Preschool Co-op
• Grand Lake Montessori
• Nomura Preschool
• Old Firehouse School
• Step One School
• The Renaissance International School
WINNER
• Choice in Learning Montessori
MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Choice in Learning Montessori
• Fountainhead Montessori School
• Grand Lake Montessori
• The Child Unique Montessori School
• The Renaissance International School
WINNER
• The Child Unique Montessori School
SMALL PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
• Clayton Valley Parent PreSchool
• Duck Pond
• Genius Kids
• Larson’s Children’s Center
• Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC)
WINNER
• Clayton Valley Parent PreSchool
SCHOOLS — ELEMENTARY
BILINGUAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
• Holbrook Language Academy
• The Renaissance International School
WINNER
• East Bay German International School
FAITH-BASED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Coastline Christian School
• Corpus Christi School
• School of the Madeleine
• Saint Mary School
• Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
WINNER
• Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• East Bay Montessori
• Montessori Elementary School of Alameda
• Springfield Montessori School
• The Renaissance International School
• Valley Montessori School
WINNER
• Montessori Elementary School of Alameda
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5 (TIE)
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Park Day School
• Prospect Sierra
• The Crowden School
• The Seven Hills School
WINNER
• Prospect Sierra
PROGRESSIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berkwood Hedge School
• Black Pine Circle School
• Park Day School
• The Berkeley School
• The Crowden School
WINNER
• Black Pine Circle School
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Crocker Highlands Elementary School
• Lighthouse Community Charter Public School (K-12)
• Oxford Elementary School
• Redwood Heights Elementary School
• Urban Montessori Charter School
WINNER
• Redwood Heights Elementary School
SCHOOLS — MIDDLE
BILINGUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• East Bay German International School
• East Bay Montessori
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
• The Renaissance International School
WINNERS (TIE)
• East Bay German International School
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
FAITH-BASED MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Contra Costa Christian Schools
• Corpus Christi School
• Quarry Lane School
• Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
• St. Joseph School Pinole
WINNER
• St. Joseph School Pinole
MONTESSORI MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• East Bay Montessori
• Montessori Elementary School of Alameda
• The Renaissance International School
• Urban Montessori Charter School
• Valley Montessori School
WINNER
• East Bay Montessori
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT
MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 10
• Berkwood Hedge School
• Black Pine Circle School
• East Bay German International School
• East Bay Montessori
• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
• Park Day School
• Prospect Sierra
• The Crowden School
• The Renaissance International School
• The Seven Hills School
WINNER
• Park Day School
PROGRESSIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berkwood Hedge School
• Black Pine Circle School
• Park Day School
• Prospect Sierra
• The Crowden School
WINNER
• The Crowden School
PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Diablo Vista Middle School
• Holbrook Language Academy
• Longfellow Middle School
• Piedmont Middle School
• Sequoia Middle School
WINNER
• Piedmont Middle School
SCHOOLS — HIGH
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING STYLE HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Holden High School
• Maybeck High School
• Millennium High School
• Orion Academy
• Tilden Preparatory School
WINNER
• Millennium High School
FAITH-BASED HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Berean Christian High School
• Bishop O Dowd High School
• Holy Names High School
• Saint Mary’s College High School
• Salesian College Preparatory
WINNER
• Salesian College Preparatory
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5 (TIE)
• Athenian School
• Bentley Upper School
• Bishop O’Dowd High School
• East Bay German International School
• Salesian College Preparatory
• The College Preparatory School
• WINNER
• Bishop O’Dowd High School
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Alameda High School
• Berkeley High School
• Millennium High School
• Oakland Technical High School
• Piedmont High School
WINNER
• Millennium High School
Dyslexia and Your Child
By Jill Plantedosi
In speaking with numerous teachers and parents I have worked with over the past 25 years, a consistent question that I am asked is, “how do I know if my child or student is dyslexic?”
According to Drs. Shaywitz from the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, dyslexia affects 20 percent of the population and represents 80-90 percent of all those with learning disabilities.
Teachers have become increasingly concerned about diagnosing dyslexia as early as possible in order to put together a roadmap for success. Educators need to identify children who are at risk for dyslexia and catch them before they fall. So many children are not getting a definitive diagnosis of dyslexia, but are given a checklist of strengths and weaknesses, stating only the word “learning disability” on their evaluation. Success begins with identifying this complex problem and knowing the best interventions to put into place. These dyslexia guidelines provide a set of screening recommendations for all students, as well as a framework for intervention. These guidelines can be quite helpful in providing information needed to support students with dyslexia.
Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
According to the International Dyslexia Association, (www.interdys.org), “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” (Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002)
The basic deficit in dyslexia, is the result of persistent difficulties with phonological processing. If your child has a phonological impairment, and struggles with the individual sounds of spoken words, he/she may have problems with:
• Spoken language linked to a child’s phonological skills, (Either delayed early on and/or word retrieval later on).
• Phonemic awareness (understanding by the child that spoken words are made up of smaller units of speech)
• Difficulties with pronunciation of words
• Rapid automatized object naming
• Identifying letters of connecting letters to sounds
• Ability to use expressive language
• Decoding difficulties that impact accuracy
• Hearing and repeating rhyming sounds
• Encoding sounds into letters and spelling
• Learning the sound system of a foreign language
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT DYSLEXIA
• More boys than girls are dyslexic-Dyslexia affects comparable numbers.
• Dyslexia will be outgrown-Dyslexics will be able to learn to read accurately, but will continue to struggle with fluency and automaticity.
• ntelligence is related to dyslexia- Dyslexics often have a high IQ.
• Dyslexia is a vision problem-Dyslexic children are no more likely to have vision problems than non-dyslexic children.
• Mirror writing is a symptom of dyslexia-This is very common in all children at the early stages, as young children commonly reverse letters.
• Dyslexia doesn’t show up until elementary schoolDyslexia can show up in preschool. Often these preschoolers were late talkers and had difficulty with rhyming words.
• Dyslexic children need to try harder-Effort has nothing to do with reading success, as the brain functions differently in a dyslexic child.
• There is no way to accurately diagnose dyslexia-We can now accurately identify those at risk as early as preschool and children who are dyslexic by first grade.
• Dyslexia only happens in the English language- Dyslexia is prevalent in all languages.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA
PRE-SCHOOL (EARLY YEARS)
• Trouble with learning nursery rhymes
• Struggles to learn and remember the names of the letters in the alphabet
• Difficulties recognizing letters in his/her name
• Mispronouncing and confusing familiar words
• Difficulty producing individual speech sounds
• Struggles to blend the sounds in words
• Not recognizing rhyming words and patterns
• Having a family history of reading difficulties
KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE
• Does not associate letters with sounds
• Reading errors and miscues that show no connection to the sounds of the letters
• Difficulty reading one-syllable words
• Difficulty separating sounds in words and does not understand that words come apart
• Struggles to blend sounds in words
• Difficulty getting to the individual sounds of spoken words
• Difficulty with word retrieval
• Slow progress in acquiring reading skills
• Rarely reads for pleasure
• Complains about how hard reading is and how tired they get
SECOND GRADE AND ABOVE
• Slow reading, often pausing during reading
• Trouble reading unfamiliar words
• Difficulty getting to the individual sounds of spoken words
• Stumbling when reading multisyllable words
• Difficulty with word retrieval
• Poor fluency and prosody
• Oral reading is full of substitutions, omissions, and mispronunciations
• Avoids reading aloud
• Confuses words that sound alike
• Struggles to finish assignments
• Difficulty learning a foreign language
• Poor spelling
• Reading comprehension often superior to accuracy and speed
• Slow progress in reading skills
• Rarely reads for pleasure
Dyslexia Guidelines vary by state but, in general, provides for all students from kindergarten through at least third grade, to be screened for reading. They use a valid, developmentally appropriate DESE approved early literacy screening instrument. If your child’s screening results are below benchmark, the student’s parents or guardians will be notified within 30 days. There will be a discussion about what actions will take place within your child’s education program. Remember that a screener is not a reading assessment, but a way to help identify those students who may be at risk for dyslexia.
Actions parents can take if they feel their child is at risk for dyslexia
• Review the screening assessment with your child’s teacher and discuss what plan of action will be put in place.
• Listen to your child read aloud at home, and make a list of your observations and concerns. Bring your list to the meeting.
• Have your child placed in an intense early intervention reading program taught by a reading specialist, and have his/her progress monitored.
• Set up regular meetings with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress.
• If your child is not making progress and you still have concerns, ask to have a full diagnostic reading assessment done.
• Have your child taught with a scientifically—based reading program that supports his/her strengths and weaknesses.
• Your child’s reading program should include the following components: Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Set aside a designated reading time in your home to read together. Let your child select books of his/her choice and practice with repeated readings.
• Be cautious about computer-assisted instruction.
• Use every opportunity to expose your child to literacy activities
Remember that dyslexia is a reading impairment, not a thinking impairment, and that the essential of a successful reading intervention is:
• Early screening
• Early diagnosis
• Early intervention
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability with 15-20% of the population showing symptoms of dyslexia. It is crucial to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of dyslexia so that a child can be evaluated early and obtain the appropriate instruction and accommodations he or she needs to succeed in school and beyond.
Jill Piantedosi is an adjunct professor for American International College, where she teaches graduate students who are pursuing an advanced degree in reading. She has worked as a reading specialist at both the elementary and middle school level for over 30 years. She holds an M Ed. in education and an advanced CAGS degree in reading. Jill is nationally board certified in English Language Arts 6-8 and holds a Massachusetts reading certification K-12.
References
Shaywitz, J. P. & Shaywitz, S., (2020). Overcoming Dyslexia. New York: Vintage Books
Sousa, David, (2014). How the Brain Learns to Read. California: Corwin Book Company Websites
Florida Center for Reading Research- www.fcrr.org
International Dyslexia Association - https://dyslexiaida.org
International Literacy Association- https://www.literacyworldwide.org
KidsHealth - Understanding Dyslexia- www.kidshealth.org/parent/ medical/learning/dyslexia.html
Mass Department of Elementary and Secondary Education- https:www. doe.mass.edu/instruction/screening-assessments.html
National Center for Learning Disabilities- https://www.ncld.org
Parents as Teachers- www.parentsasteachers.org
Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity - http://dyslexia.yale.edu
<<< Continued from page 29
BEST PRACTICES to Protect Your Child in Sport
By Ju’Riese Colón CEO, U.S. Center for SafeSport
Private pitching lessons. Post-practice sports massage. A text message between a coach and an athlete.
What do all of these potentially have in common?
They’re one-on-one interactions between a child and an adult.
Sport should be a fun, positive experience. Yet, as a parent or guardian, you only have so much control over your child’s sport environment. By asking the right questions, you can find out if a sport program is following best practices to create a safe and supportive environment for your child.
At the U.S. Center for SafeSport, we believe athlete safety and well-being come first. We put policies in place to help parents, coaches, and the wider sport community safeguard these settings so athletes can thrive in sport and life.
Let’s explore five policies that help protect youth athletes, and which sport organizations are required to follow them.
KEY POLICIES THAT PROTECT ATHLETES.
From lacrosse practice to afternoon swim, kids are constantly interacting and engaging with adults—coaches, assistant coaches, league administrators, and parent volunteers. But what policies are in place to make sure these
adult-athlete interactions are positive, respectful, and safe?
Known as the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), these guidelines outline training requirements and limit one-on-one interactions between adults and athletes. And if your child’s sport organization is affiliated with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, it’s required to follow them.
You might be wondering if your child’s organization falls under the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Sport organizations are considered part of the Movement if they’re affiliated with one of the 52 National Governing Bodies that fall under the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, such as USA Swimming, USA Volleyball, USA Gymnastics, or USA Hockey. If your child’s club, league, or organization is affiliated, their coach—and the organization—should be following specific policies to protect athletes from abuse and misconduct.
Continued on page 32 >>>
Safer athletics starts with these five best practices.
Whether they’re shooting the hockey puck out on the ice or visiting the athletic trainer to get their ankle wrapped, MAAPP policies are in place to keep your child safe at every step. And these policies extend beyond the ice rink—they should be followed in any activity related to participation in sport, such as award ceremonies, team-building activities, travel, and competition.
Here are five key policies to know about:
1
One-on-one interactions. When a coach interacts with your child one-on-one, the interaction must always be observable and interruptible.
2
Parental consent. You must give consent for your child to take part in individual training sessions, receive medical care, meet with health professionals, or participate in transportation or lodging arrangements.
3 Individual training sessions. You must be allowed to watch your child’s one-on-one training sessions.
4 Athletic training and massage. When your child is being treated, a second adult must always be present in the room, and your child must be fully or partially clothed, with private body parts covered.
5
Electronic communications. If a coach is electronically communicating with your child, you (as the parent or guardian), another adult family member, or another adult (such as an assistant coach) must be included on all communication—including texts, emails, and social media.
Whether they’re shooting the hockey puck out on the ice or visiting the athletic trainer to get their ankle wrapped, MAAPP policies are in place to keep your child safe at every step.
From text-message check-ins with their coach to overnight team trips away from home, understanding these policies can help you set your child up for safer sport encounters.
But what if your child plays a sport that isn’t affiliated with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement? Asking informed questions can help you determine whether a program is proactive in its efforts to prevent and respond to abuse.
Approach your child’s coach or the league administrator with the following questions to understand what policies are in place:
• What are the criteria for volunteer and staff screening and background checks?
• What policies are in place to prevent abuse?
• Do the policies limit opportunities for coaches or other staff to be alone with children?
• Do your coaches, and other staff, receive training and education about child sexual abuse and other misconduct in sport?
Above all else, sport should be a positive place where kids learn new skills and grow as athletes and children. The U.S. Center for SafeSport offers resources and tools to help parents, guardians, and coaches create safe and supportive sport environments. Explore our MAAPP At-A-Glance document for additional resources to help you recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse in sport.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or misconduct involving a participant of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, you can make a report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/ report-a-concern/
Ju’Riese Colón is the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the nation’s only nonprofit organization committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport. As CEO, Ju’Riese leads the strategic vision and direction of the organization to ensure every athlete is safe, supported, and strengthened through support. An experienced child advocate who serves as an expert on issues related to child safety, Ju’Riese has led prevention and outreach initiatives with youth-serving organizations serving families, educators, law enforcement, and diverse communities. She earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and Spanish from Virginia Commonweath University.
PHOTO BY
Five Reasons
Why I’m a Little Bit Jealous of My Teen
By Katy M. Clark
“How many have you had?” I asked my sixteen-year-old son as he popped another buttered roll into his mouth. We were dining at a restaurant that serves rolls before the meal.
“Nnnnh,” he replied, his mouth full of doughy goodness.
I believe he meant nine. Nine rolls.
By the time our entrees came, my teen had inhaled an even dozen. All of them were slathered in butter, too. With his super-fast metabolism, he gained nary an ounce.
Meanwhile, I ate one roll with a hint of butter and instantaneously put on five pounds around my midsection.
That’s when it hit me. I might be just a little bit jealous of my teen.
It’s not just because he can eat whatever he wants, either. It’s hard to ignore the pang of envy I feel every time my teen experiences one of the many advantages of being young.
TECHNOLOGY
EYESIGHT
While I could see my son consume all those rolls, I couldn’t see the words on the menu right in front of my face. That’s because my eyesight had gone caput one day in my mid-40s.
I was afflicted with presbyopia, which is not about church, it’s about being old.
Now when I need to read a medicine bottle or look at a menu in a dimly lit restaurant, I must pass it to my teen with his bright, shiny eyes that can see everything.
The bright, shiny eyes that he usually rolls when I ask him to read aloud to me.
I went to college. I took computer classes in the last millennium. I should be able to handle technology.
Nonetheless, I’m usually in a dither as I reset passwords, confirm my identity, sign up for portals I do not want, and wonder why the Wi-Fi isn’t working.
Meanwhile, my teen is captain of technology, blissfully downloading the latest app, completing all his homework online, and solving software glitches without breaking a sweat. He moves like a stealthy panther through a jungle of apps, portals, clouds, and platforms. I want what he’s got.
SLEEP
Oh my word, I’m jealous of the way my teen sleeps.
Deep and long.
I’m awake multiple times each night due to stress—Did I buy a yearbook yet? Do we have enough toilet paper to make it to the end of the week?—or hormones. Thanks a lot, perimenopause.
And sleeping in? Once my teen started sleeping in I thought I could, too. Yet while my teen can slumber until noon, I’m lucky if I make it an hour past my usual wake-up time. It must be my age or a combination of the whining cats that want to be fed, my bladder, and the countless chores that won’t get done by themselves.
FRIDAY NIGHTS
When my teen gets a group text to meet at the bowling alley on Friday night, I’m jealous.
First, I’m jealous that he has the energy to pick up and leave the house after 9pm. Second, I’m envious that his night holds endless possibilities. I miss those evenings of utter freedom where I’d go out with friends and end up in a booth giggling over nothing while eating french fries at midnight. Don’t get me wrong. I love my Friday night pajama parties in front of the TV, but there is something so amazing about a teenager’s wide-open Friday nights, boundless energy, and no responsibilities other than to stay safe.
HAIR
This last one’s easy. I’m jealous of my teen and the beautiful, natural highlights in his hair, the same hair that has zero gray hairs. I’m most envious every 8-10 weeks as I truck myself--and my wallet--to the salon. There I spend several hours and lots of money to get the beautiful, naturallooking highlights he grows for free.
Of course, there are lots of reasons why I am not jealous of my teen. There are SATs, break ups, and breakouts. There are insane schedules jam-packed with homework, practices, clubs, and sports. Don’t forget the dangers of social media.
I realize teens are facing so many pressures and have it much harder than we did at their age.
I wouldn’t trade places with my teen for the world. But that doesn’t mean I won’t feel a stab of jealousy the next time I watch him blissfully eat twelve buttered rolls without gaining an ounce!
Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who celebrates her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.
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