Dandelion Cooperative Nursery School

Welcome to Dandelion Nursery School, a play-based cooperative nursery school located in Berkeley, California. Our school has been a vibrant part of our community for over 30 years, bringing together children and families to create a supportive and enriching environment. At Dandelion, we believe that learning is a collaborative process between children, teachers, and parents. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of child development and a commitment to providing a high-quality education that fosters independence, creativity, and social skills.

Our Approach

We are a play-based cooperative nursery school, which means that parents and teachers share in the operation of the school. This partnership is at the heart of our approach, as we believe that parents and teachers working together create a rich learning environment that supports the development of young children. Our teachers are experienced early childhood educators who have a deep understanding of child development and a passion for teaching. Our students are between the ages of 3 and 5, and our program is designed to meet the unique needs of each child.

Our Staff

Our staff is comprised of experienced early childhood educators who are dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and social skills. Our teachers are certified in early childhood education and have a deep understanding of child development. They are also trained in infant-toddler care, and our staff members are First Aid and CPR certified.

Our Program

Our program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of each child. We believe in providing a balance between structured activities and free play, which allows children to explore and learn about the world around them. Our teachers are trained to observe and document children's progress, which helps us to identify areas where children may need additional support or enrichment.

Family Participation

At Dandelion, we believe that family participation is essential to the success of our school community. We have a strong commitment to family involvement, which includes participating in classroom activities, helping with special events, and contributing to the daily operation of the school. We have a rotating schedule of family jobs, which ensures that every family has the opportunity to participate and feel connected to the school.

Enrollment

We are now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in enrolling your child in our program, please contact us to schedule a tour. We are a cooperative nursery school, and our enrollment process is designed to ensure a balance of children in each class. We prioritize equal opportunity admissions and do not discriminate on the basis of ethnic/cultural background, national origin, religion, income or sexual orientation.

Meet Our Staff

Abby Pletcher, Teacher/Director, has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. Abby has a B.A. degree in Psychology from Washington University and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Mills College. She has been part of the Dandelion family since 2002 and has been the Director of the school since 2010.

Gallery

We invite you to explore our photo gallery to get a glimpse into the daily life of our school. You will see our children engaged in play, making art, singing, and having fun. Our gallery is a testament to the wonder and joy of childhood, and we hope it inspires you to learn more about our school community.