Marin Preschool Guide

Located in the Terra Linda area of San Rafael, University of Play is a preschool program for children ages 2–kindergarten that encourages each child to develop through play and active expression. We asked University of Play's director, Sylvia Stowell, to tell us a bit more about what makes her school unique.

For more information on University of Play and its programs, visit www.uoplay.com or call (415) 499-0309

Please describe your school’s educational philosophy. What’s it all about?

University of Play (UOP) is an inclusive childcare program where each child's individual development is respected and valued. Children use all their senses to learn; children thrive when they feel loved, safe,and respected by the people who care for them.

The culture of UOP embraces the idea that children learn experientially, by doing rather then being instructed. UOP's enriching environment is stimulating, and encourages each child to develop through active play and free expression. Playing with their peers helps children build skills for seeing things through another point of view. The peer interaction encourages tolerance, respect, helping, sharing, and problem solving.

Marin Mommies presents a guest article by dad, parenting coach, author, and co-creator of Studio Grow Tom Limbert. Learn more about him and how he helps parents and families at parentcoachtom.com.

Somewhere in a big room with a long table and a bunch of chairs, some guys decided the way to fix our failing education system in America was to cram all the curriculum down to younger children quicker and sooner. These visionaries went on to conclude that it would be a good idea to test all those children and, based on those results, reward some schools and penalize some teachers. Teachers felt the pressure so they taught more children faster. They needed those more children to be more ready when they started kindergarten in the first place. So parents felt the pressure and decided to hold most of their children back until they were “ready” for kindergarten. If you have a preschooler right now you know all too well about this pressure. Bet you’re stressed about whether your child will be ready. Hoping your school will bring him up to speed? Me too. But there’s plenty parents can be doing at home to help prepare their children for kindergarten.

Most parents immediately think of numbers, letters and colors when they think of early childhood education and kindergarten preparedness. But any preschool or kindergarten teacher will tell you, there’s much more to it. There are social and emotional elements that are much-less quantifiable than the cognitive aspects of development, but just as integral to a child’s performance in school. The good news is there are many ways you can help prepare your child for kindergarten in your home on a daily basis. You don’t even have to go out of your way really. Just be a bit more alert to learning opportunities. Keep in mind that in order for the machine that we prefer to call our schooling system to operate effectively, children will mostly have to be able to focus, follow directions and respect others.

The Hamilton preschool programs are run by Novato Parks and Recreation and include Pre-K/Tiny Tots, Teeny Tiny Tots and Mommy and Me classes. Programs take place at the Hamilton Community Center. They offer a healthy balance of play and academics to stimulate social, emotional, and educational growth.

The Hamilton programs are taught by California credentialed teachers who have preschool and elementary school experience, and are knowledgeable in Novato Unified School District curriculum and standards and will offer necessary preparation for Kindergarten. We asked the staff to tell us more about the school and its programs and why it might be a great choice for your child.

Please describe your school’s educational philosophy. What’s it all about?

We are a quality program that focuses on social, emotional, and academic development. We provide a safe, loving, warm environment for children to play, learn, laugh, and grow. We believe children learn through their play as well as a small amount of direct instruction. We are

Corte Madera's Magical Garden Preschool is a small preschool that offers a Waldorf-inspired curriculum in the warmth of a home setting. We asked Magical Garden's owner and teacher, Lori Callies, to tell us more about her school, its programs, and what makes it special.

You can learn about Magical Garden Preschool online at www.magicalgardenpreschool.com or by calling (415) 945-9409,

Please describe your school's educational philosophy. What's it all about?

Magical Garden’s philosophy takes root in the Waldorf movement and expands into best practices of early childhood education with a university-trained, credentialed teacher. We believe that the foundations of childhood are Imaginations, Friendships and Early Skills. We address age-appropriate skills through the relentless joy that Pretending can bring. Eco-education is embedded in our curriculum. We are proud to be certified as the first Eco-Healthy Preschool & Child Care in Marin by the Children’s Environmental Health Network.

What does a typical day at your school entail?