Almaden Parents' Pre-School

Reviews

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  My older one just graduated from their 4-day class and as he moves on to Kinder, our family has made the decision to enroll our younger one into the 2-day class! What I love about APPS is not just the many well-equipped stations (opportunities) children have to explore, build, and become little scholars. More importantly, it's the dedicated social and emotional learning aspect which shapes the way these young ones care for themselves and others. I want to share one (of many many) stories that really helped me see the beauty of this school. It happened on a day I was volunteering in the classroom. I was covering the gross motor area where kids were crawling through tunnels and climbing small structures. It draws lots of excitement. So as the energy level in the classroom rises, emotions too can run high. And on one particular day, 2 children were having a conflict to the point where one was in tears. What would a typical teacher do? In this unique classroom, where another parent was available to care for one child, the teacher Ms. Sanyoo approached the child in tears, plunked herself down on the floor with him, looked him directly in his eyes and asked him if he were all right. When he shook his head emphatically, she just held him. Told him it was going to be okay. With her arms still around him, i could see his body let the frustration fall away. I could see his face soften. I could see how much her love meant to him in that moment. He really needed that moment. And as an educator myself (high school and college) -- shoot, even as a student, a product of the K-12 system -- I knew instantly the power of that connection between teacher and student. To me, it spoke volumes about the kind of radical care and understanding necessary to support our young children who will themselves grow to be respectable and compassionate human beings. And that is what you find at APPS. As volunteers in the classroom, we get to witness models of parenting; while our children as students in the classroom get to witness models of being that I believe is life and world-changing. This is way beyond what is offered at "traditional schools." My child entering Kindergarten in a couple weeks at another school is undoubtedly ready to approach his new surroundings with a strong sense of self and a mindful/heartful regard for others. For me, this is the best foundation upon which a child can truly learn and grow. Thank you APPS for this foundation for our family!
  By Melissa-Ann Nievera-Lozano, February 08, 2018

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