Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool (LBCP) has been a Piedmont fixture for more than 80 years. At LBCP we emphasize the development of each child through independent and group play-based activities. Our school was founded on the belief that children thrive in an environment rich with age-appropriate stimuli and caring adults. Our classroom adults always include two teachers and two or three parent volunteers. This allows for a maximum 5:1 child to adult ratio. Our nurturing atmosphere also promotes social development, allowing children to expand their awareness of themselves and others.
We offer gymnastics classes which are supervised by teachers and parent volunteers, but instructed by outside providers. These classes allow for children to grow better body awareness and strengthen their gross motor skills. Our M/W/F (4 year old) program also provides Spanish classes where the children are introduced to the Spanish language and culture by native Spanish-speaking adults. Families are also encouraged to participate in our field trips to Tilden’s Little Farm, the Piedmont Fire Station, and Roberts Park.
Our cooperative preschool not only provides families the opportunity to watch their child grow in the classroom, but it also allows families to build and further develop their parent network. It is through this community that you’ll laugh and cry about the exhilarating and exasperating preschool years and ultimately form forever-friendships. Through the experience of classroom participation, approximately once a month, parents have the unique opportunity to see their child in the context of their peers and to receive feedback from teachers and other parents about their child. You’ll also find support at our school coffees, parent meetings, and family picnics.
All of our teachers became involved with Linda Beach as parents! Our much loved director, Shelley Kelly, has been an integral part of our school for thirty-three years! Ms. Kelly takes the time to get to know your child but also your family. You’ll frequently observe parents taking a minute just to check in, or ask her opinion on just about anything. Jennifer Walker, our assistant director, also known as our art table guru, has encouraged fine motor skills through paint, glue and crayons since 2017. Lastly, Diana Almanza joined our staff last year after her child graduated from Linda Beach. Ms. Almanza incorporates Spanish language throughout her time in the classroom while also providing regular small group sessions where children dive deeper into Spanish vocabulary and culture through puppets, music, and books.
We welcome families from Piedmont, Oakland, Berkeley and surrounding areas to come to our Open House Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and tour our warm and welcoming classroom. You’ll also get a chance to meet our teachers and a few of our families. If you’d like to sign up, take a tour or learn more about Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool check out our website HERE or email membership@lindabeach.org