Peter Pan Co-Op Nursery School

We went there several years ago and left shortly after we started. I liked the activities.
We just really wanted a place that role modeled better communication skills. We saw side comments among the adults but not a lot of clear direct dialogue when concerns arose. Granted, it takes a lot of effort to make this happen ongoing.

Peter Pan co-​op Nursery School in Oakland is a most remarkable place. With my 4 y.o. grandboy having begun there in Sept., I have been able to observe the exciting, warm, supportive environment that Gail, the founding Director creates. She believes that the major task of the pre-​schooler is to play and learn how to play well with others. Gail trains the parents (as a co-​operative, each child’s parents agree to work one day/​week at /​for the school) to really get to learn about each child, as she does, and every parent treats every child (and others) with respect. She is free with her time in discussing how each child is managing the transition to school, offers suggestions, but mostly encouragement. After talking with Gail, a parent feels successful and prepared to move on to the child’s next stage.
The setting adds to the success of the school. They are in an old house whose separate, but adjoining, rooms allow spaces to be labelled, eg library, block room, game room, arts center, snack porch and provides ample room for children to have many choices, explore, climb, or have quiet time.
Outside are 2 large play spaces, one being a beautiful public playground and the other the school’s own well-​designed play area for all ages.
When I visit Peter Pan, the sounds are of laughter, calling out to each other, running, riding Big Wheels, with parents posted attentively at their assigned stations observing for child safety, or engaging a child in expressing reactions to some interaction. Peter Pan Co-​op Nursery School is a magical place, and it’s for real.