Learning Through Play - Together

The purpose of our parent nursery school program is to best nurture the development of the young child through the magic of play, and to support parents in their understanding of the child’s development. Our curriculum embraces a play-based, child-centered approach, providing a fun and loving atmosphere for your child to develop self-esteem, stimulate the mind, learn cooperation, and nurture their personality. By using age appropriate materials and associating with children of similar age, a child's confidence grows. Through play, children learn about themselves and their world.

 

Why Child-Led, Play-based?

At Broadmoor, we believe that children learn best through play—authentic, hands-on, messy, joyful play. Inspired by the teachings of Bev Bos, we honor curiosity, creativity, and discovery as the foundations of early childhood education. Our classrooms are filled with opportunities to experiment, explore, and problem-solve, all within an environment where children feel safe, supported, and valued.

We know that skills like conflict resolution, empathy, independence, and resilience can’t be memorized; they’re practiced in real time as children interact with peers, teachers, and their environment. This is why play-based learning is not just fun—it’s essential. As Bev Bos reminded us: “If it’s not in the hand and the body, then it can’t be in the brain.” At Broadmoor, we extend this to our whole community—children, parents, and caregivers alike—learning by doing, side by side.

Why 2 Years Instead of 1?

Broadmoor offers a two-year preschool program through our partnership with the San Leandro Adult School .

  • 3–4 year olds: Our younger class provides a gentle introduction to preschool, focusing on building social skills, confidence, and a sense of independence.

  • 4–5 year olds: Our older class deepens learning through more complex projects, collaborative play, and preparation for the routines of kindergarten.

By keeping children with similar-aged peers, we ensure that learning is developmentally appropriate and that each child gets to fully experience the joys of being both a younger and then an older child in their class community.

The Unique Co-Op Difference

Broadmoor is more than a school—it’s a community. As a parent participation preschool, we believe that education doesn’t stop with children; families grow and learn right alongside them. Parents and caregivers work in the classroom, support one another, and take part in the daily life of the school. We also proudly belong to CCPPNS, aligning us with a network of high-quality, parent-led preschools across California.

This model ensures that:

  • Children see the adults in their lives as partners in their education.

  • Families form strong, lasting bonds through shared responsibilities and joys.

  • The school is sustained by the collective effort, creativity, and care of its community.

At Broadmoor we believe in:

Play as a learning tool

Respecting individual differences

The importance of interaction

A child-centered approach

 

Curriculum

Cooking

Children can cook! With parental supervision, kids participate in food preparation while learning about safety and nutrition.

Skills: fine motor, motor planning, cooperation, sequencing (recipes/steps)

Art

Process over product! Creativity abounds when children are able to experiment with media, color, and texture.

Skills: fine motor, motor planning, sensory awareness, creative execution

Outside

Play big! Children get their synapses firing while expending abundant toddler energy.

Skills: large motor, motor planning, proprioception, strengthening vestibular apparatus, crossing midline, social interaction, imaginative play

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math)

Explore the worlds of math and science through hands-on experiences.

Skills: fine motor, pre-math concepts, sequencing (steps of an experiment), making predictions, critical thinking, observation

Music & Play

Develop social skills by sharing and cooperating, and enhance creativity with imaginative play.

Skills: fine motor, turn-taking, following rules of a game, social interaction, creativity

Floater

One-on-one interaction! Children revel in the power to hold an adult’s attention for an extended period of time. As the floater is not anchored to a station, there is opportunity to provide extended attention, conversation, and support.

Fieldtrips

  • Elkus Ranch. Half Moon Bay

  • Lawrence Hall of Science. Berkeley

  • Freight & Salvage Theater Musical Storytime. Berkeley

  • Sulphur Creek Nature Center. Hayward

  • Joan's Pumpkin Patch. Livermore

  • Tilden Nature Area & Little Farm. Berkeley

  • Adventure Playground. Berkeley

  • Crab Cove. Alameda

  • Ardenwood Historic Farm. Fremont

Let’s get messy and have fun!

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