Preschool Programs

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The City of El Cerrito offers two preschool programs for children 2-5 years of age. They are designed to offer parents an opportunity to have their young children in a safe and nurturing environment while learning school readiness skills. Registration is continuous throughout the year and forms are processed on a first come, first serve basis. Prior to submitting your registration packet, parents are required to visit the program.

Preschool Program Goals:


The Casa Cerrito (ages 3-5 years) and Teeter Tots Programs (ages 22 months to 3.5 years) are designed to promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. The staff works to create an atmosphere in which each child is accepted and supported. To accomplish this, staff members assist the children with learning to function in a group, recognizing and expressing their emotions and developing techniques for effective problem solving. Children will participate in preschool or kindergarten readiness activities.


Preschool Structure:


The preschool curriculum will include age-appropriate crafts, indoor and outdoor games and playtime, music, stories and a variety of kindergarten readiness activities. While the specific activities offered change every day, the structured daily activity routines include the following: a nutritious snack is served each day (parents sign up to provide this), toileting, crafts, circle time, clean-up responsibilities and other age-appropriate activities.

Teeter Tots


For Ages 22 Months - 3.5 Years
Location: Community Center - Teeter Tots Room
7007 Moeser Lane
El Cerrito CA 94530
Hours:  8:30am-12:30pm
Days: 2 or 3 day schedules (maximum of 3 days)

Children who participate in the Teeter Tots program learn social skills such as sharing, taking turns and using words. The program emphasizes a nurturing first experience for your toddler in a play-based learning environment that will prepare them for a preschool setting. Staff are experienced in assisting both children and families working through separation anxiety. Children are required to bring a lunch that is nut-free and easy to eat without any heating or preparation. Toilet training is not necessary.

Visits are welcome by appointment only, Monday / Friday 9:00am-9:30am or 10:00am-10:30am and Tuesdays / Thursdays at 9:00am-9:30am. Please bring your child. To arrange an appointment please contact Susan Ortega (510) 559-7000 or email.

Casa Cerrito Preschool


For Ages 3 - 5 Years
Location: 6927 Portola Drive
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Hours: 8:30am-1:00pm
Days: Monday-Thursday (2-day minimum)

Experienced and passionate staff lead a highly enriching program full of art, science, pre-reading and pre-math skills. Children practice kindergarten readiness activities in an exciting, age-appropriate setting. Casa Cerrito has a huge backyard, and outdoor environmental education is a large focus in the program. Toilet training is required.

To plan a visit please contact Casa Cerrito Director, Melanie West at (510) 559-7032.

registration packets


To register parents will need to bring:

-Registration Packet
-Payment Method for Registration Fee $73.00 (subject to change) payable by check, card (VISA, MasterCard or AMEX) or cash
-Credit/Debit Card that will be linked to your account for auto-debit
-Recent Photograph of the Child (Passport or Wallet Size)
-Emergency Contact Information
*Incomplete packets will not be accepted


Additional Information and Forms

After you have visited our program, if you would like to register for the interest list, please complete the registration packet available at the El Cerrito Community Center and submit to our office along with a copy of your child's immunization record and a passport or wallet size photo.

Other Documents:
Schedule Change/Transfer/Cancellation Form
 
To pay existing bills, print family activity calendars, renew recreation passes, and make facility reservation requests at their convenience. Create your own account or if you have previously registered for anything in office with us at the El Cerrito Community Center email us for your account username and password and visit WebTrac to access the possibilities.