Sand Tot’s Nursery School

My 3^rd child will be staring Sand Tots in the fall. My 1^st child graduated and my middle will continue in the fall and graduate in a year. I can’t say enough positive things about the school and the teaching staff. You are required to work as it is a parent participation co op. I have learned so much from the teachers while working… I even hover near the teachers to hear what they say and how they speak to the children. In addition the school asks that you attend 2 parent education classes. There are numerous opportunities to participate in these and they happen all thru the year. Again an awesome learning opportunity.
Working in the class room is a great way to see your child interact and grown in the class room that you would normally not experience in a non co-​op.
My kids love the school and they feel so comfortable with the teachers and really enjoy going. Even my oldest who graduated a year ago comes back to visit the school and says «Mom why can’t I just stay at Sand Tots forever. It is so much fun here».

Very happy with my decision (and so are my kids!). We have all learned so much! First, I’ve learned that play based learning at this age is essential not only for preschoolers to develop and enhance their fine and gross motor skills, but also to encourage a natural inquisitiveness and intellectual curiosity in order to establish an early love of learning. Second, I’ve learned how to handle conflict between my two kids or even amongst a group of kids. I
My kids have also learned so much! Of course academics are part of everyday curriculum, but in addition, I have witnessed them successfully share or deal with someone else who is not sharing. They’ve learned how to speak up for themselves and how to relate to and accept all types of kids. Skills they will need in life.

My family has been attending Sand Tots for 4 years and we couldn’t be happier. The quality of the teaching staff is incredible and so is the philosophy they teach by. Most importantly my kids LOVE everything about Sand Tots and feel loved and safe.

Our pediatrician recommended Sand Tot’s to us since my eldest daughter’s first year at another preschool was not enjoyable. I hesitated at first since it was a co-​op school and I feared that I would be of no use working in the class room. After I learned more about what actually my role would be and the amount of time involved (not that much) I signed her up. It was the best decision I have ever made, not only for my eldest daughter but for me! My eldest daughter absolutely thrived in the school. She is now in Kindergarten at a private school but still talks about Sand Tot’s all the time and welcomes any opportunity to go back and visit the teachers and director. Her Kindergarten teacher says that she shows great leadership skills and brings many creative ideas to the classroom. I attribute much of this to Sand Tot’s helping her develop self confidence and teaching her how to problem solve. I have become a much better parent learning how to better communicate with my kids through the school’s parent speaks manual and the free parenting continuing education seminars. I love working in the classroom helping set up activities, talking with the kids and playing outside with them. All the parents become so close, working and learning together. My youngest has now been there for two years and is always asking if she has school today because she loves it so much. I really feel incredibly lucky to be a part of the Sand Tot’s community of incredible teachers, wonderful families, and an incredible play based educational program.

Sand Tots was recommended to me by a neighbor when I was in a bind and my son was having a bad time at his current preschool. I was a mom that thought I would never do a cooperative preschool (I thought it would be too much work and juggling it with 3 children intimidated me) but my neighbor really loved the school so I thought I would give it a try. Well this is our third year at the school and I am so glad I tried it because it is less work then I thought it would be. It is great to be able to see firsthand what my kids’ days are like and how much they love being there. The meetings that are required are actually enjoyable to me and I look forward to them. I also love that the school has families that live in several different cities not just my own. I have learned a great deal from the Teachers and the Director is great with the kids and parents too. I have made great friends and so have my children. I am glad to be able to give this experience to my kids, and myself.

We love Sand Tots! My son, a Sand Tots grad, is excelling in kindergarten and absolutely loves school. I credit Sand Tots for much of his love of learning. My daughter is currently enrolled at Sand Tots and would go to school every day if she could. I feel so lucky that I am able to share in their early education. I have learned so much working side-​by-​side with the amazing director and teachers. Sand Tots has made me a better parent!

My experience as a preschooler at Sand Tot’s was fantastic. As I complete my senior year at UCLA, I look back at my years of schooling and see that Sand Tot’s gave me the fundamental social and learning skills which I have adapted and applied throughout my educational and interpersonal experiences.
Not only that, but I also made lifelong friendships with my Sand Tot’s classmates. I met my best friend at Sand Tots after I saved her «blankie» from being run over by a tricycle. She is still my best friend eighteen years later, and Sand Tot’s allowed us to cultivate our friendship by encouraging individual expression and just by having fun. I was roommates at UCLA with another close friend who had been one of my Sand Tot’s classmates. Every memory I have of Sand Tot’s is a great one, and I love saying that I am a Sand Tot’s alumnus. I acquired invaluable skills and friends at Sand Tot’s, and I feel that it is a truly wonderful environment for anyone to develop in and learn.

Sand Tots has been an incredible experience for both of my daughters. This is our 4^th year at the school and I am still learning. I actually find that I work less in the co-​op than I do volunteering at my older daughter’s elementary school. I cannot say enough positive things about the staff. Both of my girls have made good friends and so have I. It is the perfect place to start school.