Parents Press October 2019 by Parenting Media

WWW.PARENTSPRESS.COM

OCTOBER 2019

Preschools and Early Education Guide Finding the Right Start for Your Child

BOOKS TO SHARE Celebrating LatinX Americans Hispanic Heritage Month

HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES Around the Bay PLUS

Family Calendar with 70+ events

School Open Houses page 27

At Prospect Sierra, our whole focus is to help your children become successful students

and caring people who strive to build a better world. Come see how weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re different.

Parents Press | October 2019

prospect

2018

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION DAYS Elementary School (TK-4) Tapscott Campus November 10, 2019 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Call: 510.809.9018

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Middle School (5-8) Avis Campus November 3, 2019 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. Call: 510.809.9025

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Contents 10

www.parentspress.com

OCTOBER 2019

Featured Special Section

PRESCHOOLS AND EARLY EDUCATION GUIDE

Finding the Right Start for Your Child

10 How to Find the Perfect Preschool YOUR 7 STEP APPROACH 22 Site Observations

7 STEAM Activities You Can Do At Home & Beyond

Mailing Address 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421, Alameda, CA 94502 Publishers | Robert and Tracy McKean Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 Good to Know

• Find the Right School • Walking Safety • Pumpkin Perfection

8 Halloween Festivities Around the Bay 4

Parents Press | October 2019

9 Bookshelf

LatinX Heritage

25 Calendar • Art, Jazz & Wine Festival

• Halloween Activities ...and lots more

27 School Open Houses

Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area. Send letters to the editor to editor@ parentspress.com Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@parentspress.com Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2019 Parents’ Press

Your Maui Home 2bd/2ba Condo Vacation Rental www.VRBO.com/439343 South Kihei Maui, Hawaii tbusson1@yahoo.com

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Good to Know

0 2019/202

e ouse Gcuhid o o Open H& es ur Child ls r P ls o Scho g the Right School for Yo s Findin

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Parents P

That’s how many apples the average person eats in one year, which seems like a lot but considering the old adage is “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” we’re all falling about 300 short! Help your family fulfill their apple fix this fall by heading to one of our fabulous area apple picking farms. To help you map out which spot is best (and closest) to you, head over to our convenient list of places to pick at http://parentspress.com/article/apple-picking-atfarms-and-orchards-in-california.html. But, hey, leave a few apples for us!

Walk the Walk … Safely

e Events •

Open Hous

• Preschools

hools

Private Sc

inding a the right school for your child is not easy. We just made the task easier with the 2019 edition of the Open House Guide for Schools & Preschools which is now available with information on a timeline for applying to a private school, information on what to look for when visiting your schools of choice, what to consider with early childhood programs and a school open house events calendar all at ParentsPress.com

hen comparing all forms of transport, pedestrians are the most vulnerable on the road. Unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for children ages 5 to 19. Teen pedestrians are more likely to be treated in hospitals for crash-related injuries than other age groups. Before your family heads out on foot, keep safety in mind.

• Use designated crosswalks or intersections. • Obey traffic signals. • Follow signs even when no vehicle is in sight. It only takes seconds for a vehicle or bike to cause damage. If no traffic signal is available, stand clear of obstacles so drivers can see you, look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with motorists even when they’re stopped. Never assume that vehicles see you or will stop. • It’s safest to walk on a sidewalk, but when unavailable, walk on the shoulder and face traffic. • Carry a flashlight or wear retro-reflective clothing to increase your visibility. Look for well-lit areas when walking at night. • Children under 10 years developmentally always need to cross the street with an adult. • Adults serve as role models for safety behaviors. Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking around cars.

Pumpkin Perfection

icking the perfect pumpkin is a little easier when you understand the difference between popular varieties. If you’re baking a pie, pick an Amish Pie or Baby Pam Sugar Pie varietal. Carving contest? Go for a Cinderella, which was reportedly cultivated by the Pilgrims and served at the second Thanksgiving.

Parents Press | October 2019

ENRICHMENT & AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Berkeley City Ballet berkeleycityballet.org

Spanish Immersion Classes & Camps Engaging curriculum uses music, art & games Experienced, dynamic teachers Ages toddlers to teens r us fo Join elling, t Small class sizes story , art, music and s game of fun TONS spañol! -in e

Call today for your FREE trial class!

2019

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20% discount when you enroll the day of your FREE trial class

www.vivaelespanol.org • 925-962-9177

Lafayette • Pleasanton • and many schools all over the Bay Area

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! (510) 848-SING eastbaymusictogether.com

Ages 2 and up Boys ballet Dance camps Birthday parties State-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment

photo : andy mogg 2018

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

On the Go

Halloween Festivities Around the Bay

alloween is my favorite thing in the entire world, ask anyone. Every year I scour the internet looking for a full month’s worth of Halloween activities to take my kids to so we can wear our costumes many times and get all the items on our Halloween bucket list checked off. Pumpkin patch, check. Corn Maze, check. Trick or Treating, Check. Spooky stories, check! This year, my enthusiastic list-making is to the reader’s benefit. If anyone loves Halloween as much as I do, take notice, because I’m about to spell it out. These are my eight do-notmiss Halloween festivities for 2019!

is. There will be live music, some entertainment, even a few treats and free samples for grown ups. 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

10/31. 4th St., at Hearst, Berkeley. www. fourthstreetshop.com

49th Annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival

Half Moon Bay might not be famous for many things, but pumpkins are one thing that has put this little hamlet on the map. The coastal air makes pumpkin magic and grows some gourds that are as big as a smart car. All ages will be agog at the marvelous and gigantic pumpkins, but will also love the rest of the festival with crafts for sale, art, live music, food, wine, and children’s activities to do too. Expert pumpkin carvers Jack O’Lantern Jamboree will amaze the crowd with Children’s Fairyland epic works of art unbelievreally throws a party the ably carved from pumpkins weekend of October 26th and gourds. There will be and 27th with the usual un- pumpkin flavored everything limited rides and fantastic from pies to cocktails, as entertainment but the big well as zip line rides, bungee deals are the balloon anijumping, and more.9 a.m.-5 mals, costumed characters, p.m. 10/19-20. Free admission. All ages. Main St. between Mill and Spruce, Half treat bags, parades, pirate school, and bounce houses. Moon Bay. 650-726-9652. Come in costume for the Goblin Jamboree extra fun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 10/26 and 10/27. $12/general admission, The Bay Area Discovery $6/members. All ages. Children’s Museum in Sausalito puts Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. on an amazing Halloween 510-238-6876, www.fairyland.org. to-do for the early childhood crowd. My two girls have so 4th Street Trick Or Treat much fun at this candy-free Berkeley’s 4th Street mer- event. Children can dress up chants, such as Peet’s, Sur and enjoy bounce houses, La Table, and MAC are open pony rides, petting zoo to trick or treat in for those friends, a small train ride, kids who are too tiny to a bunch of “everyone wins a stay up late but still want prize” games, popcorn, face to show off their costumes. paint, stick on tattoos, and Participating merchants various local parentingwill have a marking on or centered sponsors giving above their doors to let rev- out swag and providing fun elers know where the candy activities. Buy tickets online

Parents Press | October 2019

in advance to bypass the lines at the door. 10 a.m.-4:30

p.m. Oct 19-20. $20.95/general admission, $17.95/members. Babies under 6 mo. are free. All ages. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Way, Sausalito. 415-339-3932, www. baykidsmuseum.org.

Halloween Hoopla San Francisco Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosts their annual Halloween event, and it is fantastic. Local celeb Unique Derique is the Emcee. Kids will enjoy decorating candy bags while zany clowns run amok. Games, prizes, fortune tellers and more. Music and dancing are followed by a parade that everyone gets to join.

Oct. 27. Noon.-2 p.m. Free. Kids under 10. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. 415978-2787, www.ybca.org

Family Sundown SpookFari Oakland Zoo Grab your tent, bring your family, and get ready for an eerie overnight experience at Oakland Zoo! Take a trick-or-treat night tour through the zoo, make Halloween enrichment for the animals, meet creepy, crawly animals up close, and more! This year’s program also includes a special, spooky campfire song session with Andy Z!

5 p.m- 10 a.m. Oct 26/27. $80/person. All ages. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org.

“The Coolest Corn Maze on The Planet” Between the Bay Area and Sacramento is a little farm town called Dixon and it boasts the coolest corn maze on the planet. Its

actually way more than just that. There are tubs of dried corn for kids to “swim” in, giant hay bale structures to climb, and 50 acres of mazes and fun, including hay rides and a pumpkin cannon! It is open throughout the month and has free parking. There are food, drinks and pumpkins available for purchase.

$15/person for the maze, ages 5 and under are free. All Ages. Cool Patch Pumpkins, 6585 Milk Farm Rd., Dixon. 530-746-8725, www.coolpatchpumpkins.com

The Pirates of Emerson This crazy scary haunted house is for older kids, teens and adults. They mean to scare people, and it’s no joke! Its great for the crowd that’s too cool to trick or treat. There are 5 haunted attractions, including a maze, a pirate themed attraction, and some crazy Voodoo stuff! There is entertainment each night, fortune tellers, and a sideshow of oddities. Spooky! They allow all ages, but it is not for little ones. See the website for the various show times throughout October, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and Halloween, of course. $30/general admis-

sion. All ages but best for teens and up. Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park, Valley Ave., Pleasanton. (At Alameda County Fairgrounds) www.piratesofemerson.com

So start working on costumes now and make a game plan to hit all the hot spots to maximize the Halloween fun! Don’t forget to read those spooky stories on All Hallow’s Read to wrap it all up.

Bookshelf

By Mary Ann Scheuer

LatinX Heritage

e celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of LatinX Americans, to honor their experiences and to uplift our LatinX children and families. Enjoy sharing these stories: “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” by Juana MartinezNeal (Candlewick; ages 4-8; $15.99; 32 pp.). Alma helps us all feel like we are special for being unique. Alma Sofia Esperanza Josi Pura Candela worries about her long name until her father tells her family stories, one for each person she’s named after. Soft and gently sweet illustrations show the distinctive essence of each ancestor. “Dreamers,” by Yuyi Morales (Holiday House; ages 4-8; $19.99; 40 pp.). Morales’ vibrant picture book draws on her experiences immigrating from Mexico to San Francisco as a young mother. Evocative language and gorgeous artwork is filled with love, passion and imagination as Yuyi and her son discover themselves and language in stories. “We are two languages./ We are lucha./ We are resilience./ We are hope.” A must-read book full of hope. “The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora,” by Pablo Cartaya (Viking; 256 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-13). Every Sunday, 13-year-old Arturo joins his extended Cuban-American family at their restaurant La Cocina de la Isla. When a shady land developer threatens to put up flashy high rise

condos, Arturo joins forces with his cousins and friends to fight back. Cartaya delightfully navigates Arturo’s awkwardness, humor and conviction as he develops his first crush and fights for his family’s restaurant. “The First Rule of Punk,” by Celia C. Pérez (Viking / Penguin; 336 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-13). María Luisa wears Chuck Taylors, listens to punk rock, makes zines, and goes by the nickname Malú. She’s devastated when she has to move to Chicago, leaving behind her dad and his record store. At her new strongly Latino school, Malú must navigate finding new friends, balancing her Mexican culture with her interests, and speaking out against unfair rules. A fun, fresh story about claiming your own style. “Juliet Takes a Breath,” by Gabby Rivera (Dial; ages 1418; $17.99; 320 pp.). In this vibrant queer coming of age story, Latina native Juliet Palante leaves her native Bronx for an internship in Portland, Oregon with her favorite feminist author. Juliet explores her understanding of freedom and identity, pushing readers to embrace

the power of one’s own voice and being true to yourself. “My Papi Has a Motorcycle,” by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña (Kokila; ages 4-8; $17.99; 40 pp.). When Papi gets home from work, young Daisy rushes to give him a huge hug and then grabs their helmets, eager for a ride on Papi’s motorcycle. Whether they’re roaring past or cruising along and greeting family and friends, young Daisy is noticing all of the sights, sounds and smells, in Quintero’s homage to her papi and her hometown of Corona, California. “The Only Road,” by Alexandra Diaz (Paula Wiseman / Simon & Schuster; ages 12-16; $8.99; 336 pp.). Twelve-year-old Jaime flees his home in Guatemala after a local drug gang kills his cousin Miguel. Jaime and Angela, Miguel’s sister, travel north alone, navigating the treacherous journey by bus, train and foot. This gripping novel not only shows the violence and abuse Jaime and Angela survive, but also how painful family separation is for children.

“Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Méndez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation,” by Duncan Tonatiuh (Abrams; ages 7-10; $18.95; 40 pp.). Sylvia Mendez and her family fought their Orange County school district for placing Sylvia in the “Mexican school” school because of her skin tone and surname. Tonatiuh adeptly combines clear text and folk-inspired art to bring this important story to children, showing how important it is to stand up for what’s right. “We Set the Dark on Fire,” by Tehlor Kay Mejia (Katherine Tegen; ages 13-18; $17.99; 384 pp.). In this intriguing fantasy infused with a LatinX setting and characters, Dani is pulled between her own striving for a better life as the new wife of a top political leader and supporting the rebel group who’s fighting for social justice. It’s complicated by Dani’s own past, coming illegally from across the wall. In her debut, Mejia weaves together moral compromise, blossoming love and exciting action, echoing today’s headlines. Mary Ann Scheuer is a high school librarian. Find more books she recommends sharing with your children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com. October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Featured

PRESCHOOLS AND EARLY EDUCATION GUIDE Finding the Right Start for Your Child

PARENTS’ PRESS TAKES THE GUESSWORK OUT OF FINDING THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD, FROM START TO FINISH. Following are excerpts from the 2019/20 Annual Guide to East Bay Preschools. Covering “7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Preschool” and “What to Look for at the Site Visit”. The complete 2019/20 East Bay Preschool Guide leads parents along the preschool selection path beginning with how to determine if you child is ready for preschool, what options and different teaching philosophies are available, questions to ask a preschool and more. There are preschool profiles and a comprehensive list of regional preschools. Your road to the ideal early education program just got easier! Get your copy today of the free resource at ParentsPress.com.

How to Find the Perfect Preschool Your 7 Step Approach

START EARLY. It takes time to research different styles of preschools and become familiar with common terms used in preschools. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years.

DETERMINE WHAT CRITERIA IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY. Is it location, faith, type of program offered, language immersion, special-needs options, year round program, extended hours, cost? What are the most important factors and options? Rate these so you have a clear picture of where and what programs to focus on and what is the best fit for your child.

Parents Press | October 2019

UTILIZE LOCAL PARENTING RESOURCES. Local parenting magazines, like Parents’ Press, offer lots of preschool information and open house announcements. These will help you to become familiar with what preschools are available in your area and the program options being offered to help with your selection process. Visit school websites that look interesting to find out admissions information. More information can also be found at www.PreschoolsBayArea.com

ASK AROUND. Talk to other parents in your area to see what programs they were part of, and if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least about the school. How long did their child attend? Did they experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like? How did they handle sick days, potty training and behavioral issues? How

involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and children still in contact with others from the preschool?

ATTEND A PRESCHOOL FAIR. Having the ability to attend a fair and have an initial conversation with prospective schools is an efficient way to quickly determine which preschools are a good fit and rule out those preschools that are not. It’s like speed-dating with the option of choosing who is sitting across the table from you. Use this time to find out the preschools’ enrollment process, when open houses and tours are held and to understand the basic culture of the preschool.

CONTACT THE PRESCHOOL. Arrange to take a tour or go to an open house to learn about the school philosophy and the admissions process. Most schools prefer for you to pre-register for these. Have your list of questions ready (see page 10 for Questions to Ask) and observe. Look for signs that the preschool is well run. Also, this is a time that the preschool uses to determine which families will be a good fit for their program.

APPLY TO YOUR TOP CHOICE. You have done your research, established your criteria and taken the tour — now it is time to apply to your top choice. Some preschools have ongoing enrollment but most follow the school year format. Acceptance letters go out in the spring for the following fall. Before you apply, find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled. Also, find out from the preschool when you can expect to hear from them, one way or another. It is okay to be persistent and let them know you and your family are interested, but don’t be a pest. If your child is waitlisted get specifics from the preschool. What number on the wait list is your child and does the preschool have a commitment from all returning families? If the school is accepting a total of 15 new children and you are way down on the wait list, it is time to consider another option. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots it would be a wise idea to apply to more than one preschool even though there may be an application fee. Continued on page 22 >>> October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?

PK - 1st grade Up to 70 children

$555 -$1,730 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

$555 -$1,730 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$555 -$1,730 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Tiny Treasures Preschool

2 - 5 yrs

Varies

Center

1803 N Loop Rd Alameda • 510-995-5383 www.ttpreschoolalameda.org

6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Alameda The Child Unique Montessori School - Encinal Campus 2226 Encinal Ave. Alameda • 510-521-9227 http://www.thechildunique.org

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Child Unique Montessori School - Pacific Campus 2212 Pacific Ave. Alameda • 510-521-9227 http://www.thechildunique.org

18 mos - 3 yrs Up to 70 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Child Unique Montessori School - Taylor Campus 1400 Sixth St. Alameda • 510-521-0595 http://www.thechildunique.org

PK - 1st grade Up to 70 children

Special Needs Accepted

Albany Albany Preschool 850 Masonic Ave Albany • 510-600-3416 http://albanypreschool.org/

The Creative Play Center 1151 Portland Ave. Albany • 510-524-9399 www.CreativePlayCenterAlbany.com

HeadsUp!

$328 - $440

Center

3 yr - 5 Up to 14 children

PT and FT options

Home

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Transportation Available

8:00 am - 6:00 pm



Child Development Centers

Pleasanton San Jose Palo Alto

• Year-round, full-day program for ages 0-6 • Individualized Montessori curriculum • Bilingual Chinese-English classroom option • International curriculum (Chinese, Spanish) • Focus on thinking skills & personal values • Cultivation of gifts & talents

Cultivating Astonishing Potential!

www.headsup.org

2.75 yr - 5 Up to 24 children 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Schedule a tour today!

Fountainhead Montessori School Since 1972, our authentic Montessori schools provide children ages 18 months to 12 years old with individualized, self-paced learning through discovery that fosters a love of education.

Danville • Dublin Livermore • Orinda Flexible schedules Year-round enrollment

Visit fms.org or call us at 925-820-1343.

Schedule a classroom observation to see our approach and to ensure Fountainhead Montessori is the best match for you and your family.

We provide a Year Round Program Infant and toddler care for ages 12-24 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Extended Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Full-day program: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Visit our website to book a tour!

510-652-7021 Helpingyour yourchild childexcel excel Helping a warm in ainwarm and and nurturing nurturing environment environment

www.RockridgeMontessori.org Close to Rockridge Bart 5633 Manila ave – Oakland 94618 Lic. 01213520,013417669 & 013417787

Parents Press | October 2019

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?

2 yr - 5 Up to 33 children Christian 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

$437 - $800 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

2 - 4 years old, AfterSchool

Please call for rates; Subsidized State Preschool avail. for qualified families. Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

2.5 yr - 5 Up to 14 children 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Ext care avail

$1,000

Home

2 yr - 5 Up to 53 children

$680 - $1,700

Antioch Hilltop Christian Preschool 2200 Country Hills Drive Antioch • 925-779-9297 www.hilltopcs.org

The Child Day Schools 112 E. Tregallas Road Antioch • 925-754-0144 www.tcdschools.com

6:30 am - 6:30 pm

Transportation available (for school-age)

Berkeley Benvenue Children’s House 3027 Benvenue Ave Berkeley • 510-333-3198

Gay Austin School 1611 Hopkins St Berkeley • 510-526-2815 GayAustinSchool.com

Special Needs Accepted Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

8:30 am - 5:30 pm

The Model School

3 months to 6 years Up to 80 children

2330 Prince St. Berkeley • 510-549-2711 TheModelSchool.org

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Little Elephant Too!

3 - 6 yrs 21-22 children

2008 McGee Ave Berkeley • 510-679-5056 www.littleelephant.net/

Center

Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Varies

Center Snacks Provided

Education Based 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Join Our

WHEN YOU INSPIRE THE JOY OF LEARNING

THE EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENS

OPEN HOUSE

every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

At Stratford, students accomplish extraordinary things. Discover a school that inspires children to become creative problem-solvers, imaginative innovators, and confident leaders.

Schedule a campus tour today! StratfordSchools.com/tours

Now Enrolling Preschool THROUGH

8th Grade*

ASSOCIAT I

SCH

Accrediting Commission for Schools

WE S

*Grades offered vary by location. Preschool State License Numbers: 073402482, 073406680, 013420588, 013423042, 434404890, 434413440, 434410816, 434408056, 013420939, 414004014, 384001837, 384004006, 434407977, 434408877, 434410807, 434404336, 434406722. Copyright © 2019 Stratford Schools, Inc.

CAMPUSES THROUGHOUT THE BAY AREA AND CO

Education is a lifelong commitment

Les Petits Francophones French Dual Immersion Preschool

Experience the Quarry Lane difference.

At Quarry Lane, we understand the value of high-quality early childhood education. We offer academic-based preschool programs in a supportive and nurturing environment. Quarry Lane offers full, half and extended day schedules at our two campuses in Pleasanton. TODDLER PRESCHOOL PRE-KINDERGARTEN

To learn more, visit • Emphasis on French Language • Affordable • Year Round • Play-based

• • • •

Nurturing environment Enrichment Programs Part-time and Full Time Extended hours available

4101 Park Blvd Oakland, CA 94602 510-214-6711 www.lespetitsfrancophones.org

www.QuarryLane.org/Preschool

The

Quarry Lane Preschool

CA Licenses: 013411303, 013411304, 013411305, 013417681

PLEASANTON EAST CAMPUS 3750 Boulder St.

925.846.9400

PLEASANTON WEST CAMPUS 4444B Black Ave.

925.462.6300

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?

18 mos - 6 Up to 120 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$1,150

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Special Needs Accepted

Castro Valley Montessori School at Five Canyons 22781 Canyon Court Castro Valley • 510-581-3729 www.montessoricastrovalley.com

Concord First Lutheran Preschool 4006 Concord Blvd Concord • 925-798-5330 flpsconcord.org

Step by Step Montessori Preschool 1507 Heather Drive Concord • 925-825-4364 stepbystepschools.com

2 yr - 5 Lutheran 6:30 am - 6:00 pm 2 yr - 6 Up to 40 children

Center Diapers Accepted Education Based Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Danville Fountainhead Montessori School 939 El Pintado Rd Danville • 925-820-1343 www.fms.org

Stratford School - Blackhawk 3201 Camino Tassajara Danville • 925-648-4900 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School - Sycamore 2615 Camino Tassajara Danville • 925-648-0500 www.stratfordschools.com

2 yr - 6 Up to 90 children

Please call for rate

7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2.6 yr - 5 Varies Non Denominational Half-day and full-day sessions

Varies Accredited

Center

PS - Grade 2 Varies Non Denominational Half-day and full-day sessions

Varies Accredited

2 yr - 6 Up to 90 children

Please call for rate

Education Based Center

Education Based

Dublin Fountainhead Montessori School 6665 Amador Plaza Rd Dublin • 925-829-2963 www.fms.org

7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Award Winning Program

Old Firehouse School www.oldﬁrehouseschool.com

Serving ages 1-5 Lafayette Campus 984 Moraga Road Lafayette 925-284-4321

ofslafayette@gmail.com

Parents Press | October 2019

Center

*Reggio Emilia Inspired *Primary Caregiving *Extraordinary Faculty

Walnut Creek Campus 55 Eckley Lane Walnut Creek 925-934-1507 ofswalnutcreek@gmail.com

A loving place to play and learn!

• Experienced staff • Three large playgrounds • Flexible schedules • Open 7am to 6pm year-round

Happy Days Learning Center www.HappyDaysLafayette.com 3205 Stanley Blvd • Lafayette 925-932-8088

A loving place to play a

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?

Joyful Kids Academy Bilingual Preschool

2 yr - 5 Up to 60 children

Please call for rate

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

7250 Amador Valley Blvd Dublin • 925-560-8603

7:30 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Casa Cerrito Preschool

3 - 5 yrs

Call for rates

6927 Portola Dr. El Cerrito • 510-559-7032 www.el-cerrito.org

8:30 am - 5:30 pm

El Cerrito

El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC)

3 yr - 5 Up to 28 children

7200 Moeser Lane El Cerrito • 510-526-1916

Center

Center Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Emeryville East Bay German International School Early Education 1070 41st St. Emeryville • 510-679-2199 www.ebgis.org/

2 - 5 yrs Co-Ed Non Denominational 8 am to 2 pm (extended day until 6 pm)

$1,979 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided

Preschool - Middle School Up to 220 children Non Denominational Half-day and full-day sessions

Varies Accredited

Center

2 yr - 5th grade Up to 84 children

Please call for rate

Fremont Stratford Schools 38495 Fremont Bl. Fremont • 510-713-8900 www.stratfordschools.com

Education Based

Lafayette Happy Days Learning Center 3205 Stanley Blvd. Lafayette • 925-932-8088 www.happydayslafayette.com

Old Firehouse School 984 Moraga Rd Lafayette • 925-284-4321



12 mos - 5 Up to 80 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based



 Engaging curriculum uses music, art & games

 Experienced, dynamic teachers  Small class sizes  Ages toddler to teen

Transportation Available Center Meals Provided

Helping to make childhood a journey, not a race.



Spanish Immersion Classes & Camps

for Join us ing , story tell ames rt, g a , c si u m of F U N & TONS ñol! a sp e in -

Diapers Accepted Education Based



7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Center Meals Provided

Dynamic Programs for Children with Caring, Supportive Staff • Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving • Art & Creativity • Social Skills

18 mos. through 6th grade

Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers

multi-age classroOms Educational exCellence

Family operated since 1976

20% discount when you enroll the day of your FREE trial class

Viva el Español

925-962-9177 • www.vivaelespanol.org Lafayet te • Pleasanton • Mill Valley & schools all over the Bay Area

www.t cdschools.com Preschool • Toddlers • Pre-K • Jr.-K Kindergarten • School Age ANTIOCH 925-754-0144

PLEASANTON 925-462-1866

MORAGA 925-376-5110

Lic# 073406638 073406639

Lic# 013420524 013420525

Lic# 073406850 073406849

SAN RAMON 925-820-2515 Lic# 073406846 073406845, 0734066634

LAFAYETTE 925-284-7092 Lic# 073406632 073406633

since 1978

Sign up online for a tour today! www.grandlakemontessori.com 466 Chetwood, Oakland 510 836-4313 October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?

The Child Day Schools

2-3 years old (Preschool); Fours (Pre-K); Kindergarten 6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Please call for rates

Center Meals Provided

1 yr - 8th grade Up to 36 children

$155 - $275

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

18 mos - 5 Up to 132 children

$1,500 - $1,800

1049 Stuart Street Lafayette • 925-284-7092 www.tcdschools.com

Viva el Español 3451 Golden Gate Way Lafayette • 925-962-9177 www.vivaelespanol.org

Diapers Accepted Education Based Center

Livermore The Child Development Center Building 2300, 3000 Campus Hill Drive Livermore • 925-424-1560 www.laspositascollege.edu/childdevelopmentcenter

Fountainhead Montessori School 949 Central Avenue Livermore • 925-820-1343 www.fms.org

Valley Montessori School 1273 N. Livermore Avenue Livermore • 925-455-8021 www.valleymontessorischool.com

7:30 am - 5:30 pm 1.8 yr - 5 Up to 54 children 7:00 am - 6:30 pm 18 mos - Grade 8 Up to 425 children

Center Meals Provided

Diapers Accepted Education Based Please call for rate

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based $980 - $1,450 Accredited Diapers Accepted

Center Meals Provided

Toddlers (12 months); Preschool (2-3 years); Pre-K (4 years); Jr.-K (young 5’s) 6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Please call for rates

Center Meals Provided

3 yr - 5 Up to 32 children

$1,450 Accredited

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Play-Education Based

infant - 5 Up to 85 children

$1,310 - $2,700 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted

Please call for rate

Center

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Moraga The Child Day Schools 372 Park Street Moraga • 925-376-5110 www.tcdschools.com

The Saklan School 1678 School Street Moraga • 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

Diapers Accepted Education Based Center Snack Provided

Oakland BlueSkies for Children 3021 Brookdale Avenue Oakland • 510-261-1076 www.blueskies4children.org

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Chatham School - 39th Ave 4359 39th Avenue Oakland • 510-531-1534 www.chathampreschool.com

7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Chatham School - Redwood 4500 Redwood Rd Oakland • 510-531-1302 www.chathampreschool.com

Grand Lake Montessori 466 Chetwood St. Oakland • 510-836-4313 grandlakemontessori.com

Les Petits Francophones 4101 Park Boulevard Oakland • 510-214-6711 www.lespetitsfrancophones.org

The Renaissance International School 3650 Dimond Ave. Oakland • 510-531-8566 www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org

Please call for rate

7:30 am – 6:00 pm 18 mos - K Up to 180 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 2yr - 5 Up to 40 children

Diapers Accepted Education Based See website for tuition

Center

Diapers Accepted Education Based $850 - $1,985

Center

Diapers Accepted 2 yr - 9th grade Up to 160 children

$2,183 - $3,397

Center

7:30 am - 6:00 pm infant - 5

5633 Manila Av Oakland • 510-652-7021 www.rockridgemontessori.org

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Parents Press | October 2019

Center

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Rockridge Montessori School

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center Diapers Accepted Education Based

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?

2 yr - 6 Up to 90 children

Please call for rate

Center

Orinda Fountainhead Montessori School 30 Santa Maria Way Orinda • 925-254-7110 www.fms.org

7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Piedmont The Renaissance International School

2 yr - 9th grade Up to 160 children

5201 Park Blvd. Piedmont • 510-531-8566 www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org

$2,183 - $3,397

Center

Please call for rate

Center

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Pleasant Hill Choice in Learning

2 yr - 6 Up to 90 children

490 Golf Club Rd Pleasant Hill • 925-687-5321 cilmontessori.org

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Creative Play Center

2.8 yr - 4 20-22 per class

2323 Pleasant Hill Road Pleasant Hill • 925-974-6820

Diapers Accepted Education Based $127 - $276

Center

Diapers Accepted

Special Needs Accepted

Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Montessori Based

Center

Varies

Pleasanton HeadsUp! Child Development Center

infant - 6 Up to 27 children

4671 Chabot Drive

Pleasanton • 925-463-2885 www.headsup.org

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

CHATHAM SCHOOL

FUN CHILD-CENTERED PRESCHOOL

Chatham SChool

F4500 un Redwood Child-C entered PreSChool Road 4359 39th Avenue Oakland, CA Road 94619 4500 Redwood Lic#013418176 Oakland, CA 94619 Lic#013418177

Oakland, CA 94619 4359 39th Avenue Lic#01341436 Oakland, CA 94619

013418177 6 mo.Lic# - Kindergarten (35mo. 1 0 )- Kindergarten 531-1302 fax: (510) 531-1301

2 yrs. - Kindergarten extended care 2 yrs. - Kindergarten

Lic#013418176

(510) 531-1302

Educating Global Citizens Our Preschool and Kindergarten programs are open to all, no prior knowledge of German is needed. Visit us!

Lic#01341436

(510) 531-1534

• We do Potty Training • Snacks/Hot Lunch Time/Full 7:30 am-6 pm We doPart Potty TrainingTime • Snacks / Hot Lunch Part Time / Full Time 7:30am - 6pm www.chathampreschool.com

www.chathampreschool.com

2019/2020 Campus Tours Oct 11 Nov 15 Dec 5 Jan 10 Feb 6 9 am - 10:30 am

Open Houses Oct 26 Feb 29 10 am - 1 pm

1070 41st Street Emeryville, CA 94608

ebgis.org

(510) 679-2199 contact@ebgis.org

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

blaze

TRA T FIND OUT HOW A

OPEN

HOUS

Saturday, October 19

S A C R E D H E A RT C AT H E D R A L P R E PA R ATO R Y â&#x20AC;¢ 1 0 5 5 E L L 18

Parents Press | October 2019

OUR IL

Discover why SHC is a place where innovative academics, a modern urban campus, and a supportive community will pave the way for your brightest future.

9–11 am

RSVP AT SHCP.EDU/OPENHOUSE

L I S S T R E E T, S A N F R A N C I S C O , C A 9 4 1 0 9 • 4 1 5 . 7 7 5 . 6 6 2 6 October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Preschool Address City • Phone Website

Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care

Monthly Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?

Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?

Quarry Lane School

15 mos - 5 Up to 250 children

Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$788 - $2,357 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 170 children

$788 - $2,357 Accredited

Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

2.6 yr - 5 Varies Non Denominational Half-day and full-day sessions

Varies Accredited

Preschool (2-3 years); Pre-K (4 yrs); Jr.-K (5 yrs); After-School

Please call for rates

3750 Boulder St. Pleasanton • 925-846-9400 www.quarrylane.org

Quarry Lane School 4444B Black Ave. Pleasanton • 925-462-6300 www.quarrylane.org

Stratford Schools 4576 Willow Road Pleasanton • 925-737-0001 www.stratfordschools.com

The Child Day Schools 883 Rose Avenue Pleasanton • 925-462-1866 www.tcdschools.com

Education Based

Diapers Accepted Education Based

6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Viva el Español 4455 Del Valle Parkway, Room A204 Pleasanton • 925-962-9177 www.vivaelespanol.org

Center

Center Meals Provided Transportation available (for school-age)

3 yr - 6 Up to 30 children

Please call for rate

Center

9:45 am - 3:30 pm

Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 125 children

Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

2 yr - 6

Please call for rate Education Based

Center

2.5 yr 5 Up to 40 children

Please call for rate

Center

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

18 mos - 6 Up to 46 children

Please call for rate

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Education Based

Toddlers (12 months); Preschool (2-3 years); Pre-K (4 years); Kindergarten; After-School 6:45 am - 6:15 pm

Please call for rates

Richmond Nomura Preschool 1711 Carlson Blvd. Richmond • 510-526-7847 www.nomurapreschool.com

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

San Leandro Broadmoor Pre-School 951 Dowling Boulevard San Leandro • 510-569-5360

San Ramon Happy Days Preschool 20801 San Ramon Valley Blvd San Ramon • 925-828-8007 www.happydaysinfo.org

Teddy Bears Children’s Center 210 Porter Drive, Suite 110 San Ramon • 925-838-4148 www.teddybearschildrenscenter.com

The Child Day Schools 18868 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon • 925-820-2515 www.tcdschools.com

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Center

Center Meals Provided Transportation available (for school-age)

Walnut Creek Old Firehouse School 55 Eckley Ln Walnut Creek • 925-934-1507

The Seven Hills School 975 North San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org

Parents Press | October 2019

12 mos - 5 Up to 80 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2.75 yr and up 21 in PS; 24 in PK PS 8:30 am - 12:45 pm PK 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Annual $16,050 - $17,095 FA Available Accredited Education Based

Center Meals Provided Center Meals Provided

Enrolling now: a NEW Montessori school in Berkeley Ages 2.5-6 • Immediate start • Year-round

Preschool

Our core ideals • • • • •

Hands-on learning in a small, group environment 12– 14 children ages 3 – 5 years The Creative Play Center’s program provides a rich, nurturing environment in which creative play and learning takes place. Preschool is 9 am until 1 pm - (extended hours available)

compassion and kindness supporting creativity building community passion for learning peace

CPC is currently accepting applications for Fall, 2019

(510) 524-9399

www.CreativePlayCenterAlbany.com

1151 Portland Ave., Albany, CA 94706

Lic. #010204748

Part/full/extended day available • Limited financial aid available 2008 McGee Ave • Berkeley • 510.679.5056 • www.littleelephant.net

510-652-7021 admin@rockridgemon tessori.org www.RockridgeMontessori.org

Helping your child excel in a warm and nurturing environment

Close to Rockridge Bart 5633 Manila ave – Oakland 94618

Visit our website to book a tour!

Lic. 01213520,013417669 & 013417787

Dynamic Education The Optimizing Each Child’s Potential Child Now Enrolling Fall 2019 Call for a Tour Day Schools, LLC Family operated since 1976

• Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving • Art & Creativity • Social Skills Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers

www.t cdschools.com Preschool • Pre-K • Jr.-K • Toddlers • Kindergarten • School Age ANTIOCH 925-754-0144 Lic# 073406638 073406639

SAN RAMON 925-820-2515 Lic# 073406846 073406845, 0734066634

PLEASANTON 925-462-1866

LAFAYETTE 925-284-7092

MORAGA 925-376-5110

Lic# 013420524 013420525

Lic# 073406632 073406633

Lic# 073406850 073406849 October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

<<< Continued from page 11

How to Find the Perfect Preschool

Site Observations

Be prepared with this question checklist before you step foot into the school

FIRST IMPRESSIONS. Is the preschool clean, organized and does it have a good feeling about it? Is the staff friendly, and are the teachers in control of the classroom? Inside, are there play areas? Are toys and books in good shape and organized? Outside is there enough room? Are there play areas and toys for all of the kids? Does the preschool feel safe inside and out? Does the preschool feel like a place your child can thrive in?

THE BASICS. What are the start and end times for the core program? If extended care is an option, who manages this, and, where is it held? What is the daily schedule, as well as the school holiday schedule? Are lunch and snacks provided? If not, is refrigeration available? Is the bathroom safe and centrally located with toddler sized facilities? What are the illness policies? Is the facility up to code? What are the emergency protocols?

TEACHERS AND STAFF. Is there enough supervision? Does the teacher-child ratio match or exceed standards? Teacher turnover? What experience do the teachers have and how long have they been teaching at this school? How were they trained? Do the teachers seem happy? How is their interaction with the children? How do they balance the different needs of the children? Do they have a specific approach for teaching social-emotional skills? How do they communicate with the family on concerns? How often are parent-teacher conferences held?

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. Are the children doing the same project or do the children work independently? Are there a variety of

If you could give your child one gift to last a lifetime, what would it be?

learning materials in which children can explore their interests and learn new skills? Is there a focus on reading? How do children decide what to do, when to do it and with whom? What support do teachers provide when a child gets stuck on a project? How are children motivated to participate? How are holidays integrated into the learning experience?

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT. How involved are the families in the dayto-day operations of the preschool? What opportunities or organized events are available to meet other families during the school year? Is there a parent association? Are there required volunteer hours or monetary commitments beyond the tuition? Are there fundraising events and what is the money raised used for? Are there opportunities for classroom observation? How do family members participate in celebrations?

FINAL IMPRESSION OF THE VISIT. This is your gut check. Do you feel this preschool is a great fit for your child? Did you feel comfortable with what you saw and the people you interacted with? Did your concerns get addressed? Any red flags you need to check up on? Were you encouraged to contact the school with any questions? Is there a clear next step in the process? Every family has specific needs and many preschools can accommodate most needs. It is important to ask questions now. Don’t be afraid to discuss personal matters, one on one. Chances are the preschool has encountered a similar situation before and is up to the task or may be able to give you direction to an alternative resource.

The Model School

Comprehensive Humanistic Learning Center

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool Multicultural, Multiethnic Environments • Se Habla Español!

www.nomurapreschool.com

Lic. #070209834

We have availability for Toddlers and Preschoolers Flexible Scheduling Loving, Developmental, Child-Oriented Classrooms Year’round Enrollment, Reasonable Rates 2330 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA 94705 Lic. 010211122 & 010211112

(510) 549-2711

H e l p i n g t O m a k e c h i l d h o o d a j O u r n e y, n O t a r a c e .

Now Enrolling for 2 year old class

• Preparation for Kindergarten • Music, Art, and Language Programs • Nurturing Academic Environment • Expansive Outdoor Play Area • Ballet, Hip Hop Dance, Gymnastics, • Hours: 7a.m. – 6p.m. (Year-Round) • Ages 2-5 Years and Bridge K Class Violin, Piano, and Soccer

2019

Winner

Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847

S i g n u p o n l i n e f o r a t o u r t o d ay !

1711 Carlson Blvd., Richmond Annex 94804

www.grandlakemontessori.com

Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847

18 moS. tHrough 6th grade multi-age classroOms educational exCellence since 1978

Parents Press | October 2019

466 Chetwood, Oakland (510) 836-4313

7 STEAM

SCIENCE • TECHNOLOGY • ENGINEERING • ART • MATH

Activities You Can Do At Home & Beyond

hat would you guess is the most important ingredient for valuable STEAM learning? It’s not fancy lab equipment, complicated engineering books or the latest high-tech gadgets. Every kind of STEAM learning out there actually hedges on one much simpler concept: curiosity. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math, but beyond that intimidating acronym, STEAM simply represents a hands-on approach to exploring the world, examining how it works and solving

Join the maker movement. Celebrate the ultimate creative activity: making stuff. Your kids don’t need expensive equipment or special instruction manuals to start making – just their own creative minds, a few easy-to-find materials and some encouragement. Here are a couple of ways to get your kids making: • Turn a regular craft table into a maker space by piling it with any materials you have on hand, including paper straws, rubber bands,

craft sticks, cardboard, toilet paper rolls, plastic foam, tape, glue and other odds and ends. Ask your kids to build. If they need a little boost, find some ideas online and help them build their first creation. • Start collecting large cardboard boxes and encourage your kids to find new ways to use them. Kids can make anything imaginable from recycled cardboard – castles, houses, cars, vending machines, robots and rocket ships – the sky’s the limit!

real-life problems. So if you have curious kids, they can practice STEAM! Research shows early STEAM learning benefits kids across multiple subjects. So while you’ll undoubtedly see more STEAM activities popping up in the classroom, don’t let the learning stop there. Get in on the fun and support STEAM learning at home with these simple activities (for ages 5 & up) that turn your kiddos into the super-solvers of the future. Having “ready to- go” materials around helps kids create the moment inspiration hits. Plus, it gives them firsthand experience with the design process.

in our digital age. Simply head online together and investigate the answer. When you see your kids playing with their favorite toys or eating their favorite treats, ask them to guess how those items were 2 made. After they come up Turn wonder into with a solid guess, research discovery. Every little question your curious kids How It’s Made videos on YouTube that give kids ask – and we know they ask a lot – presents a prime an up-close look at the manufacturing process of opportunity for STEAM their favorite products. Not learning. Whether they only will this help foster a ask how the toilet flushes healthy sense of wonder, it or how the refrigerator will also help kids build up light turns off, you can their “bank of knowledge.” answer tons of questions Continued >>> October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Ask your kids to sketch their new and improved tool and explain what they’ll change and why it’s an improvement. When you see your kids playing with their favorite toys or eating their favorite treats, ask them to guess how those items were made.

Have your kids imagine a world without electricity, medicine or even chocolate chip cookies! Tinker with everyday tools. A child’s daily routine includes tools, gadgets and inventions that all resulted from a design process, and therefore, can be improved. Have your kids brainstorm how they might design even better versions of things they use every day. They might make scissors more comfortable to hold, design a toothbrush for fun brushing or even improve a spoon handle to minimize dribbling. Ask your kids to sketch their new and improved tool and explain what they’ll change and why it’s an improvement. They can even create a working prototype! For example, kids can work with clay or play dough and old spoons to create a spoon handle for a steadier grip.

Then have them test out their new design and watch them get a huge kick out of using something they invented. As they design and test, they’ll feel just like real engineers – with the power to improve things and invent from scratch.

Take advantage of community workshops and events. Your local hardware stores and craft stores probably provide workshops for awesome make and take projects just for kids. As kids delve into these exciting workshops, they’ll handle tools and materials they don’t have at home; the more tools kids can use, the more opportunities they have to invent, improve and innovate. Check out local events, camps and science fairs that offer STEAM activities so your kids can get even more hands-on experience with exciting new tools and materials.

Have your kids brainstorm how they might design even better versions of things they use every day. 5

Meet the inventors of the past at your local library. Have your kids imagine a world without electricity, medicine or even chocolate chip cookies! Tell them people from the past invented many things we enjoy today. What did those people all have in common? They asked questions, examined possibilities and introduced solutions to improve their world. Ask your kids what invention they want to learn about from bicycles to computers and even candy bars! Head to the library and help them find books to answer a few simple questions about their

invention: • Who invented it? • What inspired the inventor’s idea? • What materials did the inventor use to create something completely new? After learning about reallife inventors, kids will be inspired to see if they can be inventors too!

Learn up-close at a museum. Nothing brings learning to life quite like your local museum. If your kids love dinosaurs, they’ve probably enjoyed books and movies on the topic, but a museum can awe them with real dinosaur bones. Plus, kids can discover exciting STEAM career paths they never knew existed, like becoming a paleontologist.

Observe workers in action. The next time something around the house tragically stops working, turn the disaster into a learning experience. When your plumber, electrician or mechanic arrives, ask if you and your child can observe their work. As you watch, encourage your child to ask questions about their tools and the problems they discover as they work. Kids can learn so much from watching a worker’s process of tinkering to detect and correct a problem. As kids observe and question, repairing a toilet turns into an educational experience. Plus, since your handyperson will stick around until they solve the problem, kids also learn the importance of persevering to solve problems – an essential STEAM skill.

Eric Chyo is the Director of Early Development at Lakeshore Learning Materials.

Parents Press | October 2019

Calendar 25th Annual

PHOTO BY SHAUN ROBERTS

Dias De Los Muertos

PHOTO BY CLIFFORD BLUEITT

Saturday 10/19 and Sunday 10/20 Oakland Museum of California 50 10th St., Oakland. â&#x20AC;¢ Noon -4:30 p.m. 510-318-8400, www.museumca.org

oin OMCA featuring varied performances ranging from Contemporary Latino Hip Hop to Traditional Folkloric Dance, Mesoamerican Cooking Demonstrations, Community-Created Altars, and More. See website for ticket info.

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

1 | Tuesday

2 | Wednesday

Rosh Hashanah and Picnic - Berkeley 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley. Join Urban Adamah and Torah of Awakening to journey together into the new year. The Rosh Hashanah services include chanting, meditation, dancing, and more! Led by Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks, guest teachers, and the sacred music ensemble BRIAH. Adults $54, children 2-12 $18, www.urbanadamah.org

Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum — Sausalito 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Bay Area Discovery Museum, 577 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Enjoy free admission and all the fun activities and displays at the Bay Area Discovery Museum today. FREE. 415-339-3900, www.baykidsmuseum.org

High Holiday Services — El Cerrito 11 a.m., Chabad of El Cerrito, 7422 Seaview Place, El Cerrito. It’s not just a service, it’s an experience! Open to all, regardless of affiliation, level of observance or background. English explanations and inspirational reflections accompany the traditional Hebrew services. No Hebrew knowledge necessary. Donation. 510-455-2770, www.chabad.org

Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland 9:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch, 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. Walk through the Halloween store into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October; www.pumpkinpatch.info

Monthly Mini Model Build —Pleasanton 5 p.m. Lego Store, Stoneridge Shopping Center, 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton. Visit a local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One free per child. See store for more details. FREE. Ages 6-14 only. 925-737-0704.

Music and Market —Concord 6:30 -8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, Grant St. at Willow Pass Rd., Concord. Farmers’ Market and free music concerts in the Park with a great line-up of wonderful Bay Area musicians. Salsa, jazz, zydeco, blues and more. FREE. All ages. www.cityofconcord.org

3 | Thursday

Free First Thursday at the Berkeley Art Museum — Berkeley 10am–7pm, 2155 Center St, Berkeley, Through art and film programs, collections, and research resources, the University aspires to be locally connected and globally

The GRAMMY Winning

PACIFIC BOYCHOIR ACADEMY Invites you to

Inspiring students through fearless learning, service, and diversity.

Come sing with us! Day school for boys, grades 3-8

PaciﬁcBoychoir.org/DaySchool Schedule a visit for you & your boy today.

St. Paul’s is an independent K-8 day school steps north of Lake Merritt. Tours weekly Open Houses • October 19 & November 9 510-285-9617 • www.spes.org

Parents Press | October 2019

Choirs for boys, ages 4-18, and girls 4-16

PaciﬁcBoychoir.org/OurChoirs All experience levels welcome. Come ﬁnd your voice. 215 RIDGEWAY AVENUE, OAKLAND 510-652-4722

relevant, engaging audiences from the campus, community, and beyond. FREE. (510) 6420808, bampfa.org

Open House Events More Events Online at www.ParentsPress.com

4 | Friday ALAMEDA Fall Day Camp at Saint Philip Neri Catholic School MOCHA— Oakland Come Play in TK and K 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. MOCHA, November 13, 2019 @ 8:30 am 1221 Broadway LL-49, 1335 High St Oakland. Each day of Fall www.school.spnalameda.org/ Art Camps we immerse our ALBANY campers in thematic artistic mediums where they can work Tilden Preparatory School Open House within a structured environOctober 24, 2019 @ 6:00 pm ment while being free to test 1231 Solano Ave the limits of their imagination. www.tildenprep.com Each day is designed to put the camper in an environBERKELEY ment where play, creativity The Academy Science Discovery Day and expression is validated through the process of making November 2, 2019 @ 1:00 pm Open House art. 5 to 12 yrs old. Children November 13, 2019 @ 6:00 pm Only. $75. Mocha.org

First Fridays @ Chabot — Oakland 6- 9 p.m. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Each $5 First Friday at Chabot is an exciting and immersive experience for all ages! Join us each month for hands-on activities and live demonstrations that are fun for the whole family. Each month there will be new things to explore! Some activities have limited capacity and are first come, first served. $5. chabotspace.org

5 | Saturday

2722 Benvenue Ave www.theacademyschool.org/

Bayhill High School Open House October 5, 2019 @ 1:00 pm November 2, 2019 @ 1:00 pm 1904 Virginia St www.bayhillhs.org The Crowden School Community Music Day October 20, 2019 @ 10:00 am Open House November 11, 2019 @ 8:00 am 1475 Rose St www.crowden.org Maybeck High School Open House October 26, 2019 @ 10:30 am 2727 College Ave www.maybeckhs.org/

Art, Jazz, and Wine DANVILLE The Athenian School Open House Festival — Pleasant Hill Upper School: November 9, 2019 @ 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Downtown pm Pleasant Hill, 60 Crescent Dr., 1:00 Middle School: November 10, 2019 @ Pleasant Hill. All weekend 1:00 pm long enjoy free live music, and 2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd an expanded kids area. Food, www.athenian.org beer and wine will be available St. Isidore School for purchase. There will be TK-8 Parent Information Meeting more than 70 arts and crafts vendors. FREE. All ages. 925- October 18, 2019 @ 10:00 am 435 La Gonda Way 687-0700; www.pleasanthillwww.stisidore.org/ chamber.com Break a Sweat for Education — Walnut Creek 8 - 11 a.m. Heather Farm Park, 301 N. San Carlos

DUBLIN

Fountainhead Montessori Elementary School Open House October 22, 2019 @ 4:00 pm 6670 Amador Plaza Road www.fms.org/

The Quarry Lane School Dublin Open House Jr. K through Grade 12 November 3, 2019 @ 1:00 pm 6363 Tassajara Rd www.quarrylane.org/

EL CERRITO

Prospect Sierra School Middle School (5-8) Inform. Day November 3, 2019 @ 12:30 pm Elementary School (K-4) Information Day November 10, 2019 @ 1:00 pm 960 Avis Dr www.prospectsierra.org/

EL SOBRANTE

East Bay Waldorf School Open House November 2, 2019 @ 10:00 am 3800 Clark Rd www.eastbaywaldorf.org/

EMERYVILLE

East Bay German International School Open House October 26, 2019 @ 10:00 am 1070 41st St www.ebgis.org/

LAFAYETTE

Bentley School (Grades 9-12) Open House October 26, 2019 @ 2:00 pm November 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road www.bentleyschool.org

OAKLAND

Bentley School Kindergarten Open House October 26, 2019 @ 10:00 am Lower School Open House (Grades K-5) November 16, 2019 @ 10:00 am Sixth Grade Open House October 26, 2019 @ 2:00 pm Middle School Open House (Grades 6-8) November 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm 1 Hiller Dr www.bentleyschool.org Holy Names High School Open House November 3, 2019 @ 10:30 am 4660 Harbord Dr www.hnhsoakland.org/

Park Day School Open House November 17, 2019 @ 10:00 am 360 42nd St www.parkdayschool.org/ The Renaissance International School All School Open House October 19, 2019 @ 9:30 am 3650 Dimond Ave www.therenaissanceschool.org/ St. Paul’s Episcopal School Kindergarten Family Open House October 19, 2019 @ 10:00 am Lower School (K-5) Open House November 9, 2019 @ 10:00 am Middle School (6-8) Open House October 19, 2019 @ 2:30 pm November 9, 2019 @ 2:30 pm 116 Montecito Ave www.spes.org

PIEDMONT

Corpus Christi School Open House October 1, 2019 @ 8:15 am November 5, 2019 @ 8:15 am 1 Estates Dr www.corpuschristischool.com/ The Renaissance International School Elementary/Middle School Open House October 24, 2019 @ 6:30 pm 5201 Park Blvd www.therenaissanceschool.org/

RICHMOND

Salesian College Preparatory Open House October 20, 2019 @ 1:00 pm 2851 Salesian Ave www.salesian.com/

SAN FRANCISCO

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Open House October 19, 2019 @ 9:00 am 1055 Ellis St www.shcp.edu

WALNUT CREEK

The Seven Hills School Campus Tour October 16, 2019 @ 8:45 am October 24, 2019 @ 8:45 am November 19, 2019 @ 8:45 am 975 N San Carlos Dr www.sevenhillsschool.org/

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Drive, Walnut Creek. It’s time to lace up your sneakers and Break a Sweat for Education. FREE Kids Fun Run (10 years of age and younger). Registration required. 925-973-2500; www.yourshumanly.org Hoes Down Harvest Festival — Guinda 11 a.m.-11 pm. Full Belly Farm, 16090 Country Road 43, Guinda. This Harvest Festival, held at Full Belly Farm, is voted the best children’s area in the state. There will be nature walks, arts and crafts, petting zoo, hay rides and fun contests for kids. Food, farmers market, and dancing for the grown-ups. Check website for pricing. 530-796-2214; www.fullbellyfarm.com

Hercules, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Oakland etc.) Home Depot Stores have a free first Saturday program for kids to learn to use real tools to make a take-home project with real wood, such as a birdhouse or a boat. Home Depot pros will supervise and assist kids with the tools so little fingers don’t get smushed. Please check the nearest Home Depot store and call ahead to reserve a spot. FREE. Ages 5-12. www. homedepot.com

6 | Sunday

Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and Oktoberfest Forest Home Farms Historic Park— San 2:30 p.m. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, Ramon the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Forest Home Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Oktoberfest features four brewerimportance of our heritage railroads in the development of ies, the Olympia Fields Brass Band, Golden Gate Bavarian California and the nation. Families can enjoy rides through Dancers, Dachshund Races and a delicious German themed the scenic east bay on a historical train. Repeats on the first lunch. 925-973-2500; www.sanramon.ca.gov and third Sunday of each month. Free under 3. $9 ages 3-12, Live. Wild. Animal Exhibition:Otterfest - Walnut Creek $12 Seniors, $15 ages 13-adult. All ages. 510-996-8420; www.ncry.org 10;30 a.m. Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Ave, Walnut Creek. Come celebrate October Otterfest First Sundays @ Oakland Museum of California — at this EXTRA furry and special Live. Wild Animal Oakland Exhibition. Meet otters and a baby beaver! Learn 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., about how these furry critters depend on clean water- Oakland. Experience all that our Galleries of California Art, ways to survive. $15 per adult, $13 child includes History, and Natural Sciences have to offer. Pick up a treat admission. 925-935-1978; lindsaywildlife.org for yourself or a loved one in the OMCA Store. Enjoy a lunch Free Kid’s Workshops —Multiple Locations or snack in Blue Oak café. $5 Suggested Donation. 510-3188400; www.museumca.org 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Various Home Depot Locations. (Concord, PreK-8th Grade Since 1980 AT W I L D C AT C A N YO N

Progressive, “whole child” education On 90 Acres in El Sobrante

More than smart

Join us for a tour or open house!

Academics • Art • Foreign Language • Gardening • Movement • Music • Science • Woodwork

Schedule your visit at eastbaywaldorf.org | 510.222.3297

CollegePrep

grand lake Montessori eleMentary Sig n up on a to ur to dline fo r ay !

A private high school in Oakland

At College Prep, we value the unique time that is high school. Our blend of high academic standards, personal responsibility, and kindness creates a distinct learning community. Guided by exceptional and caring teachers, mentors, and coaches, our students acquire the skills to be positive and productive citizens in the increasingly interconnected world. 6100 Broadway Oakland CA 94618 510.652.4364 college-prep.org

Parents Press | October 2019

1st through 6th grades multi-age classroom 466 Chetwood, oakland, Ca (510) 836-4313

www.grandlakemontessori.Com

8 | Tuesday Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland 9:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch, 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. Walk through the Halloween store into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October; www. pumpkinpatch.info

11 | Friday Fall Day Camp at MOCHA— Oakland 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. MOCHA, 1221 Broadway LL-49, Oakland. Each day of Fall Art Camps we immerse our campers in thematic artistic mediums where they can work within a structured environment while being free to test the limits of their imagination. Each day is designed to put the camper in an environment where play, creativity and expression is validated through the process of making art. 5 to 12 yrs old. Children Only. $75. Mocha.org G&M Farms Cornfield Maze & Pumpkin Patch — Livermore 4-8 p.m. G&M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore. It twists, it turns, it deadends – it’s six green acres of good old-fashioned family fun! It’s the G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, the farm that is so fun it has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family – there’s harvest fun for all ages. Repeats daily until 10/31. See website for daily hours. Cornmaze $8 & up. All Ages; gmfarms.com Family Fun Night at Habitot — Berkeley 5:30-7:30 p.m. Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley. Get in the “habit” of bringing the whole family to Habitot every 2nd Friday of the month, for an early evening of playing together, art & STEM activities, and connecting with other parents of 1-5 year olds. See website for pricing. 510-647-1110; habitot.org

MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL

Berkeley’s Independent College Preparatory High School

Fall Open House: October 26 10:30am To RSVP please see admissions on our website

Bedtime Theater Unique Derique — San Ramon 6:30-8:30 p.m. San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. San Ramon. Bring your little ones aged 2 - 7 to a special performance planned just for them! Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal. Join Unique Derique, the Bay Area’s favorite Clown Prince of Fools, as he mixes classical physical comedy, Juggling and Hambone body percussion in a delightfully hippity-hop, non-stop family fun romp! $8. 925-973-3343; SanRamonPerformingArts.com Rosie the Riveter Museum — Richmond 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 1:15p.m. Visitor Center open daily, 10:00am to 5:00pm at 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. Rosie Meet and Greet. Most Fridays, a group of civilian WWII docents share their stories in an informal setting at the Visitor Center. Here is your chance to ask the experts about life and work in the Richmond Shipyards. FREE. All ages., CA. 510-232-5050, www.nps.gov/rori

12 | Saturday

2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org

(510) 841-8489

Harvest Festival EBRP — Fremont 10 a.m-4 p.m. Ardenwood HIstoric Farm 34600 Ardenwood October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Blvd. Fremont. It’s harvest time on the farm! Bring your family and join your friends for some down home country fun. Harvest the Indian corn and popcorn and help fill our corncribs. Take home a share of our colorful corn for your holiday table. Enjoy magic shows, cider pressing, old-time music and crafts. FREE. All Ages. 888-EBPARKS; www. ebparks.org Harvest Fair - Farm Fun, Music, Food & Kids’ Activities— Dublin Noon - 5 p.m. Dublin Heritage Park & Museums 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin. Enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned fall fun with farm harvest activities, lively music, and favorite seasonal foods. Take a tractor-drawn wagon ride, play in the hay, and help us harvest vegetables in the Farm Kindergarten Information Night 11.14.2019 6:30–8:30 pm Information Meeting for Grades 1 - 5 Spanish, Art, Music and P.E. Multimedia Computer Lab • Event Center/Gym Science Lab • Music Room

11.15.2019 9–11 am

Tour sign ups and applications available at Information Meetings Childcare provided for children 4 and over. Please rsvp to k_raven@sttheresaschool.org

Saint Theresa School

4850 Clarewood Drive • Oakland 510-547-3146

www.sttheresaschool.org

Yard. Children can try churning butter, apple pressing, doing laundry with a washboard, panning for gold, calf roping, and more. FREE. All ages; www.dublin.ca.gov

13 | Sunday Raptor Rally - Walnut Creek 3 – 5 p.m. Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Ave, Walnut Creek. Get up close to our birds of prey with a nose to beak experience you’ll never forget. Learn about local raptors and the conservation challenges they face. Two-hour workshop– Ages 9-12. $78. 925-935-1978; lindsaywildlife.org Patchwork Series;Your Song My Song— Berkeley 10:30 a.m. Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. Your Song My Song returns to The Freight with their collaborative musical, WATER, for another morning of rock and roll about the ocean, puppets, kiddo guest singers, sharks and whales. Come be part of the adventure! $10 adv, $12 door; 510-644-2020; thefreight.org

14 | Monday Yerba Buena Gardens; Indigenous Peoples’ Day— San Francisco Noon & 3:30 pm. Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens Mission St. between 3rd & 4th Sts, San Francisco. Part of The Continuous Thread: Celebrating Our Interwoven Histories, Identities and Contributions. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival celebrates with Native American art, music and vendors. FREE, 415-543-1718, www. ybgfestival.org

Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland 9:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch, 4414 DiscoverPiedmont why families Avenue, Oakland. Walk through the Halloween store into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house have been returning options, one being less scary. Daily through October; www. pumpkinpatch.info for generations. Mini Monday - Walnut Creek

Discover why families 10 a.m. - noon. Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Ave, TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE Walnut TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH Creek. GRADELet your child guide their own explorations of have been returning the natural world. Mini Monday is designed for children ages for generations. 2–5 to play and learn, along with an adult caregiver. Young TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE

children explore a variety of age-appropriate craft and activity stations at their own pace. Adult +1 child of any age: $20 Additional children ages 2 and older: $6 per child. 925-9351978; lindsaywildlife.org Tot Splash — Richmond 9:45- 10:45 a.m. Richmond Plunge, 1 E. Richmond Ave., Richmond. Children ages 0-5 can splash around in the Richmond Pool. Repeats Mondays. $2. Ages 0-5. 510-620-6820; www.ci.richmond.ca.us

Munchkin Mondays — Concord INFORMATION NIGHTS • Dec 1, 2016 and Jan 11, 2017 • 7PM 11a.m.-1p.m. Sky High Sports, 1631 Challenge Dr., Concord. Experience a day in TK and K • Nov 13 • 8:30am Energetic toddlers can jump for one hour or longer. Sky High OPEN HOUSE • Jan 29, 2017 • 10:15 AM – 12: 15 PM Information Nights • Dec 4 and Jan 8 • 7pm Sports features dozens of large trampolines for hours of INFORMATION NIGHTS •TOURS Dec 1, 2016 and Jan call 11, 2017 • 7PM TUESDAY Open House • Jan 26• •Please 10:15am to schedule a tour indoor bouncing fun. For kids walking up to 6 years. $6 per OPN HOUSE • Jan 29, 2017 • 10:15 AM – 12: 15 PM TUESDAY Please call to RSVP or schedule a tour child, per hour. Not valid on holidays. 925-682- 5867, www. TOURS • Please callschool.spnalameda.org to schedule a tour • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool con.jumpskyhigh.com 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787

school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787

Parents Press | October 2019

16 | Wednesday G&M Farms Cornfield Maze & Pumpkin Patch — Livermore 4-8 p.m. G&M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore. It twists, it turns, it deadends – it’s six green acres of good old-fashioned family fun! It’s the G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, the farm that is so fun it has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family – there’s harvest fun for all ages. Repeats daily until 10/31. See website for daily hours. Corn maze $8 & up. All Ages; gmfarms.com

17 | Thursday Luna Mexicana by Oakland Ballet — Livermore 7:30 p.m. The Bankhead Theater, 2400 1st St., Livermore. Luna Mexicana is one of the Bay Area’s most elaborate and inclusive Dia de los Muertos events. Like the celebration that inspires it, Luna Mexicana is a beautiful medley of exuberant dance, joyful music colorful costumes, flowers, candles, food, and – most of all – celebration of family. $2055. 800-745-3000; oaklandballet.org Gardens at Lake Merritt Autumn Lights Festival Oakland 6-11 p.m. The Gardens at Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. The annual Autumn Lights Festival in Oakland, California, is a seasonal celebration that transforms green scenery into an illumi- nated oasis. All ages. Repeats Friday and Saturday. $20 adv.,

$25 at the door, youth $7 adv. or $10 at the door, under 5 FREE. www.GardensatLakeMerritt.org Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland 9:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch, 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. Walk through the Halloween store into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October; www. pumpkinpatch.info

19 | Saturday Family Day at Forest Home Farms Historic Park— San Ramon 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Forest Home Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Make rope the old fashioned way with our replica antique machine and use it to create some fun and useful knots. Then use an old fashioned machine to test your strength hoisting a hale bale and then see how easy it is to use pulleys to help with farm work. 925973-2500; www.sanramon.ca.gov Oktoberfest — Walnut Creek 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Downtown Walnut Creek, Civic Dr., and Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. Adults over 21 will enjoy microbrew sampling, a biergarten, crafts and food. Live bands. The Kids Zone features games, rock climbing wall, petting zoo, magician, pig races. FREE admission but food and drink not included. FREE. All ages. 925-933-6778; www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

October 2019 | ParentsPress.com

Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Pleasanton 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Downtown Pleasanton Main St. Calling all little ghouls, witches, princesses and super heroes to downtown Pleasanton. Children 10 years old and younger are invited to come in costume and pick up instructions, a Halloween bag and their first clue from the starting location outside of the Museum on Main at 603 Main Street. FREE. All ages. 925-484-2199, www.pleasantondowntown.net

Music and dance. Repeats Sunday. FREE. All ages. danvilleareachamber.com

Ashland/Cherryland FamFest— San Lorenzo 9 a.m., Run, Walk Roll, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. E. 14st & 163rd Ave, Ashland. The Annual Ashland/Cherryland FamFest will consist of a 5k run/walk/roll, performances from various local groups, music, food vendors, activities for the entire family and resource tables. www.acfamfest.org

25th Annual Dias De Los Muertos (Days of the Dead) — Oakland Noon -4:30 p.m. Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., Oakland. Join OMCA featuring Varied Performances Ranging From Contemporary Latino Hip Hop to Traditional Folkloric Dance, Mesoamerican Cooking Demonstrations, Community-Created Altars, and More. See website for ticket info. Repeats Sunday. 510-318-8400, www.museumca.org

G&M Farms Cornfield Maze & Pumpkin Patch — Livermore 4-8 p.m. G&M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore. It twists, it turns, it deadends – it’s six green acres of good old-fashioned family fun! It’s the G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, the farm that is so fun it has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family – there’s harvest fun for all ages. Repeats daily until 10/31. See website for daily hours. Corn maze $8 & up. All Ages; gmfarms.com Fall Fest — Danville 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Hartz Avenue, Downtown Danville. Local street fairs and festivals draw families from all over the San Ramon Valley and beyond. Costume Parade, Art and artists,

Rock the Ship at USS Hornet — Alameda Noon – 9 p.m. . USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum, 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda. Come aboard to hear live music from the Flight Deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in Alameda! All ages. $55. ROCKTHESHIPFESTIVAL.COM

20 | Sunday Crowden Community Music Day— Berkeley 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose Street, Berkeley. Community Music Day is Crowden’s annual musical carnival for all ages. Join Crowden, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and East Bay Music Together for musical fun throughout the day! Kids and adults alike explore, touch, and learn to make sounds on all the different instruments in a symphony orchestra, with the help of our young student Zookeepers! We even have special miniature string instruments for tiny hands and fingers. FREE. All ages. 510559-6910; crowden.org East Bay Mini Maker Faire — Oakland See website for hours. Park Day School, 360 42nd St., Oakland. The fair will feature rockets and robots, DIY science and technology, urban farming and sustainability, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, music and local food, and educational workshops and installations. FREE. All ages. $13 and up, eastbay.makerfaire.com Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Houses— Oakland 9:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch, 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. Walk through the Halloween store into a Pumpkin Wonderland. Two haunted house options, one being less scary. Daily through October; www. pumpkinpatch.info

Straty Righellis, DDS & Renie Ikeda, DDS Village Square at Montclair www.RighellisOrtho.com (510) 482-0600

Always Practicing The Four C’s

Care • Concern • Comfort • Convenience

For the whole family

510.482.0600 www.RighellisOrtho.com 2220 Mountain Blvd • Ste 204 • Oakland 32

Parents Press | October 2019

Sukkot Farm Festival - Berkeley 1-4 p.m., Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley. Join us on the farm for a joyous Sukkot celebration and all-ages day of play! Children 1st grade and up are invited to explore the wonders of the children’s garden under the supervision of our outdoor education team. Activities include building sukkahs out of mud for our magical farm creatures, making flower crowns to welcome our pollinator friends, and harvesting fall treats to blend on our bike blender. Octopretzel following. $15. 510-649-1595, www.urbanadamah.org Family Fun Day at the Asian Art Museum — San Francisco 10:30am-2pm. Asian Art Museum 200 Larkin St. San Francisco, On Family Fun Days, our kid-friendly gallery tours, creative art projects and immersive storytelling make

art appreciation a lively, family-friendly event. FREE. 415581-3500; www.asianart.com

food, and – most of all – celebration of family. $20-55. 800745-3000; oaklandballet.org

23 | Wednesday

Howl-ooo-ween! Trick or Treat with the Animals Walnut Creek 5:30 - 8 p.m. . Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Ave, Walnut Creek. Trick or treat with the animals at Lindsay Wildlife Experience’s most popular event for miniature ghosts and goblins and their families: Howl-ooo-ween! Come in costume and try and master our “Ookey-Spooky” obstacle course, then meet some creepy crawly friends and not-so-scary animals From spooky story time and facepainting to making crafts, there are plenty of activities for the whole family. This event sells out early. $15 per person, 2 and under, FREE. lindsaywildlife.org

Luna Mexicana by Oakland Ballet — San Leandro 7:30 p.m. San Leandro Performing Arts Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro. Luna Mexicana is one of the Bay Area’s most elaborate and inclusive Dia de los Muertos events. Like the celebration that inspires it, Luna Mexicana is a beautiful medley of exuberant dance, joyful music colorful costumes, flowers, candles, food, and – most of all – celebration of family. $25. 800-745-3000; oaklandballet.org

24 | Thursday

25 | Friday

Trick or Treat — Walnut Creek 2 p.m. Starting Location: City Hall Plaza, 1666 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek invites you and your little ones to trick-or-treat through downtown at participating businesses. Come dressed up in your favorite Halloween costume and get into the spooky spirit with your family! Children 12 and under only. Parents must accompany children under 10 years of age during the event. FREE. All ages. 925-933-6778; www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Luna Mexicana by Oakland Ballet — Pleasanton 7:30 p.m. Amador Theatre, 1155 Santa Rita Rd, Pleasanton. Luna Mexicana is one of the Bay Area’s most elaborate and inclusive Dia de los Muertos events. Like the celebration that inspires it, Luna Mexicana is a beautiful medley of exuberant dance, joyful music colorful costumes, flowers, candles,

Unhaunted House & Carnival— Hayward 6 – 9 p.m. Sulpher Creek Nature Center, 1801 D St, Hayward. This years theme is the Land of Oz. Enjoy an adventure to the Land of Oz then stick around for an evening of games, crafts, storytelling and campfire. Passes into the Unhaunted house are for a specific time so be sure to sign

Spooktacular Celebration — Danville 4 & 6 p.m. Valley Oak Room, 420 Front St, Danville. Join in for a ghoulish evening! The festivities will include arts and crafts, face painting, games, trick-or-treating, and lots of fall fun! Registration required. $6 and up. 925-314-3400; www. danville.ca.gov

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up early. Repeats Sat 4 – 8 p.m. 510-881-6747; Haywardrec. org Teen Haunted House— Alameda 5 –9 p.m. South Shore Center 523 South Shore Center West, Alameda. This annual event put on by ARPD with local teens. Repeats Sat & Sun. See website for times. $5 and up. Not recommended for kids under 5. 510-747-7529, alamedaca.gov

26 | Saturday El Cerrito Free Folk Festival — El Cerrito Noon -10 p.m. El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Ave. El Cerrito. Join in to listen, learn, play and enjoy live music in our community. This exciting event features performances and workshops from world renowned and local musicians alike, with open microphone and jam sessions. FREE. All ages. www. elcerritofreefolkfest.org/ Halloween FestiFall — El Cerrito 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Enjoy a fun and safe Halloween! Halloween Carnival, Haunted House, FREE Trunk-or-Treat, and Pumpkin Splash! Get spooked by goblins, witches and vampires! The Carnival will feature Carnival Games and bounce houses. Please be aware that the Haunted House can frighten young children. We encourage very young children to visit our “Lights On” Haunted experience. See website for schedule of events. $7-10 per person. 510-5597000, www.elcerrito.org Spooky Storytime at the Piedmont Avenue Halloween Celebration — Piedmont 10 a.m. Piedmont Branch, 80 Echo Ave., Oakland. Join in near the beginning of the parade at 10am for a slightly spooky storytime, appropriate for toddlers. Location TBA - please stay tuned! After storytime, families are invited to join the festivities and march in the Piedmont Avenue Halloween Parade. The parade begins at 11am. At the end of the parade, please join us in front of Piedmont Avenue Elementary School for Halloween crafts and candy. FREE. All ages. 510-597-5011. www.oaklandlibrary.org Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree at Children’s Fairyland — Oakland 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. The annual fun fest includes parades, goody bags, arts and crafts, two jumpers (one for little kids, one for bigger kids), pirate school, and shows by our Children’s Theatre and Storybook Puppet Theater. Repeats Sunday. Free with admission. All ages. 510-452-2259; www.fairyland.org Boo at the Zoo’ Halloween Fun— Oakland 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. Stroll the Zoo in costume and collect yummy treats. Ride the spooky boo train and join the dance party. Plus, get your face painted, make treats for the animals, and see how the animals at Oakland Zoo celebrate Halloween. Kids in costumes receive a free ride ticket. Repeats Sun. Free with Admission. 510-632-9525; www.oaklandzoo.org 34

Parents Press | October 2019

27 | Sunday Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens— San Francisco Noon – 2 p.m. Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens 799 Howard St. San Francisco. Our 19th annual Halloween Hoopla features interactive performances and games for kids under 10 and their adults, and the return of the Yerba Buena Pumpkin Patch display! The program culminates in the eagerly awaited Halloween Costume Parade, where everyone is welcome to show off their Halloween finery. FREE. 415-5431718, www.ybgfestival.org Teen Haunted House— Alameda 5 –9 p.m. South Shore Center 523 South Shore Center West, Alameda. This annual event put on by ARPD with local teens. Repeats Sat & Sun. See website for times. $5 and up. Not recommended for kids under 5. 510-747-7529, alamedaca.gov Halloween Market — Treasure Island 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Treasure Island, San Francisco. Attendees can shop 400+ craft & vintage vendors, eat from 35+ top food trucks and eateries, enjoy local libations, listen to live music and participate in other games entertainment. $7 Adults. All ages. www.treasurefest.com

29 | Tuesday Hikes For Tykes — Oakland 10:30 a.m-11:45 a.m. Temescal Regional Recreation Area, Oakland. Meet at Temescal Regional Recreation Area for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along. FREE. Ages 1 month and up. (510) 544-3187, www. ebparks. org

30 | Wednesday G&M Farms Cornfield Maze & Pumpkin Patch — Livermore 4-8 p.m. G&M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore. It twists, it turns, it dead-ends – it’s six green acres of good old-fashioned family fun! It’s the G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, the farm that is so fun it has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family – there’s harvest fun for all ages. Repeats daily until 10/31. See website for daily hours. Cornmaze $8 & up. All Ages; gmfarms.com

31 | Thursday— Halloween! Halloween On Solano Ave. — Berkeley 3-6 p.m. 1319 Solano Avenue, Albany. Trick-or-treat at local participating businesses all up and down Solano Avenue. FREE. All ages., 510-527-5358, www.solanoavenueassn.org

BENTLEY SCHOOL CHARACTER - PURPOSE - COMMUNITY

elebrating 100 years of educational excellence, Bentley School is a nationally recognized K-12 community. Our exceptional teachers inspire intellectual curiosity and a joy for learning. We empower students to build strength of character and to lead lives of purpose. Learn more and arrange a visit: www.bentleyschool.org/admissions Oakland (K-8): 510.843.2512 Lafayette (9-12): 925.283.2101 October 2019 | ParentsPress.com