Programs

ECPC has morning, lunch, and afternoon programs. Children may attend three, four, or five mornings, afternoons, or both (if available). A director, a teacher, five to six parent participators make up the staff each day. Because our adult-to-child ratio is less than 1:4, we are able to provide a wide range of activities each day.

AM Program:
8:30am – 12 noon

PM Program:
1pm – 4:30pm

Additional Programs:

Lunch Hour
12 noon – 1pm

Extended Care:
AM: 8am – 8:30am
PM: 4:30pm – 5pm

A typical morning or afternoon includes a short opening group time, free play in the large front yard and indoor areas, large group time (music, stories, games), small group time (one adult with 4-5 children playing a game, making crafts, reading), and backyard play. A healthy snack is available in the kitchen throughout the program. We offer daily open-ended art projects and frequent science and cooking projects throughout our large campus.

Enrichment

We have a fabulous music teacher who visits the classroom once a week in the morning and afternoon. Special guests–including El Cerrito firefighters, librarians, Tilden Park naturalists, The Bug Mobile, The Vivarium, and many others–provide children with hands-on presentations. Parents and special friends are also invited to share their skills in special presentations (ex. past offerings have included Stuffy Veterinarian Classes, Yoga, and Weaving). Children also go on one field trip at the end of the school year.

Highlights of our program include many exciting art and science projects. Our children observe caterpillars grow into beautiful butterflies. They also help to take care of our Native Plant Gardens and observe birds, butterflies, and insects that have made it their home.

Lunch and extended care

The lunch hour is a great way for children and parents to mingle between programs. The lunch hour also provides the opportunity to extend care for an extra hour. Children are expected to bring a lunch from home, with teachers and parents available to facilitate.

Extended care is also available in the morning at 8:00am to 8:30am, and in the afternoon from 4:30pm to 5:00pm.

*Children must be 3 years old by September 2022 for the August 2022 – June 2023 school year, regardless of the exact month they begin.