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Program Highlights

areas to explore ALL five senses

Language and Communication encouraged through music, play & stories Hands-on activities that build on children's natural curiosity Patient and supportive environment that supports independence Activities designed to foster kindness, empathy and trust Daily practice in fine and gross motor development Support in building peer relationships

FAQs

Tiddlywinks Program

“Through play, children are naturally exposed to concepts like colors, shapes, letters, numbers, rhythm, and movement.”

(18 Months-2 Years)

Piedmont Recreation Department

2026/2027 School Year

2026/2027 SCHOOL YEAR OPEN ENROLLMENT Online Registration OPENS via CommunityPass Piedmont Residents: January 26 Non-Residents: February 9

REGISTRATION DEADLINES: Piedmont Residents: Friday, February 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm

Non-Residents: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm

*Effective 2026/2027

Let's Get Closer Address

401 Hampton Road, Hampton Park Bldg Piedmont, CA 94611*

prdpreschools@piedmont.ca.gov

Website

piedmont.ca.gov/preschools

TIDDLYWINKS PROGRAM $500 Deposit Due at Enrollment Monthly Payments based on $19.75/hour* *monthly tuition based on sample 4-week month Preschool Open Enrollment occurs prior to adoption of the City’s annual budget. Updated hourly rates will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Tiddlywinks Program Deets Caterpillars Program

Butterflies Program

August 25, 2026–May 25, 2027 Tues/Thurs | 9:00 am–12:00 pm Ages: 18 Months by August 25 no older than 23 months as of December 31, 2026 Monthly Tuition: Approx. R $474 | NR $514* 10 students | 4:1 Ratio

August 17, 2026–May 27, 2027 Mon/Wed/Fri | 9:00 am–12:00 pm Ages: 24 Months by August 17 and no older than 3 years as of September 1, 2026 Monthly Tuition: Approx. R $711| NR $751* 20 students | 4:1 Ratio

At Tiddlywinks, the magical year of two is celebrated as children learn through play and are provided with the tools and confidence needed for a life-long love of learning! Each day, children experience meaningful opportunities in our indoor/outdoor classroom that foster creativity and imagination through science, dramatic and sensory play, manipulatives, outdoor exploration, and art. Through play, children are naturally exposed to concepts like colors, shapes, letters, numbers, rhythm, and movement. More structured activities and routines like learning centers, circle time is introduced, and our low student-teacher ratio provides children with valuable learning interactions with a focus on fostering independence and social skills by modeling, scaffolding, and teaching self-help skills. CATERPILLARS consist of younger children, ages 18–23 months, in a 2-day per week program (Tues/Thurs) and smaller class size as they transition into care for the first time without their primary caregivers. Must be walking independently. BUTTERFLIES consist of older children, ages 2–3 years (must be 24 months by start date), in a 3-day per week (Mon/Wed/Fri) program. The Butterflies class also has a 4:1 ratio, but a slightly larger class size.

PRD Preschool 2026/2027 Programs Parent Observation Locations:

Preschool Director Alise Lanaux

Alise Lanaux is a mother of three and has been a Director with the City of Piedmont for 8 years but has over 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. With a BS in Psychology and a Masters in Education with a Curriculum and Early Childhood Education concentration, she is able to combine proven theories and research on child development with the hands-on experience that comes from working in the field in a variety of positions including mentoring early childhood educators and working as a head teacher and director in a variety of educational settings. Alise is passionate about working with children and families and loves being one of children's first teachers.

"We turn everyday moments into opportunities for learning & encouragement."

To Schedule a Parent Observation: Visit signupgenius.com and search "prdpreschools@piedmont.ca.gov"

Program Highlights

areas to explore ALL five senses

Lots of outdoor time for play & activities Themed projects based on children's interests Weekly email blasts and (almost) daily photo uploads to shared class album opening recall skills between child & caregiver

s Q A F

Skipping Stones

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning!

(2.9-3.8 Years)

-Diane Ackerman

Piedmont Recreation Department 2026/2027 SCHOOL YEAR OPEN ENROLLMENT Online Registration OPENS via CommunityPass Piedmont Residents: January 26 Non-Residents: February 9

REGISTRATION DEADLINES: Piedmont Residents: Friday, February 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm

Non-Residents: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm

*Effective 2026/2027

Let's Get Closer Address

711 Highland Avenue, Lower Level Piedmont, CA 94611*

prdpreschools@piedmont.ca.gov

Website

piedmont.ca.gov/preschools

2026/2027 School Year

SKIPPING STONES PROGRAM $500 Deposit Due at Enrollment Monthly Payments based on $19.75/hour* *monthly tuition based on sample 4-week month Preschool Open Enrollment occurs prior to adoption of the City’s annual budget. Updated hourly rates will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Skipping Stones Deets 2026/2027 School Year: August 17, 2026–May 27, 2027 Monday–Thursday | 9:05 am–12:00 pm Drop-off: 9:00–9:05 am Ages: 2.9 years old by August 17, 2026 and no older than 4 years as of December 31, 2026 Monthly Tuition: Approx. (12 hr/wk) R $948 | NR $988* Max Enrollment: 10 Students | Child to Staff Ratio: 5:1

For curious 3 and 4 year olds who love to play, imagine, and explore! Skipping Stones is a play-based program where learning grows from children’s interests and individual developmental needs. It’s a warm, welcoming space where kids can be kids—curious, creative, and full of wonder. At Skipping Stones, we believe that PLAY is the best way to learn. Our days are filled with hands-on fun that lets children follow their interests, try new things, and grow at their own pace. Whether they’re painting a masterpiece, building with blocks, pretending to be chefs or astronauts, or singing songs with friends—every moment is a chance to explore and discover something new. In our classroom, children engage with art, science, dramatic play, music, puzzles, and stories. We explore together, work on group projects, and spend time in small group play to build friendships and practice teamwork. Early math and literacy skills are naturally woven into play, guided projects, and everyday experiences—helping children learn in meaningful, joyful ways. *Participants MUST be toilet-trained prior to program start

PRD Preschool 2026/2027 Programs Parent Observation Locations:

Preschool Director Fallon Spencer

Fallon Spencer is a mother of 2 (and a half with a pet Maltipoo), has been with the Piedmont Recreation Department for over 8 years (7 as Director) and has a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She enjoys classroom dance parties and her favorite saying to hear after a class end is, "this was the best day ever!"

“Most of what children need to learn during their early childhood years cannot be taught, it’s discovered through play.” - Ruth Wilson

Locations: Tiddlywinks & Pre-K: Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Avenue, Lower Level Hillside Playschool: 801 Magnolia East Wing, 801 Magnolia Avenue Skipping Stones: 400 Highland Avenue (entrance near bus stop) To Schedule a Parent Observation: Visit signupgenius.com and search "prdpreschools@piedmont.ca.gov"

Program Highlights

areas to explore ALL five senses

Process Art Sand, Water, & Mud Play Building Gardening Cooking Reading Music & Movement Science

s Q A F

We strive to support self-confidence & independence while encouraging empathy and positive social skills.

Hillside Playschool (3.8-5 Years)

Piedmont Recreation Department

2026/2027 School Year

2026/2027 SCHOOL YEAR OPEN ENROLLMENT Online Registration OPENS via CommunityPass Piedmont Residents: January 26 Non-Residents: February 9

REGISTRATION DEADLINES: Piedmont Residents: Friday, February 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm

Non-Residents: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm

Let's Get Closer Address

801 Magnolia Avenue, East Wing Piedmont, CA 94611

prdpreschools@piedmont.ca.gov

Website

piedmont.ca.gov/preschools

HILLSIDE PLAYSCHOOL $500 Deposit Due at Enrollment Monthly Payments based on $19.75/hour* *monthly tuition based on sample 4-week month Preschool Open Enrollment occurs prior to adoption of the City’s annual budget. Updated hourly rates will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Hillside Playschool Deets 2026/2027 School Year: August 17, 2026–May 27, 2027 Monday–Thursday | 9:05 am–1:00 pm Drop-off: 9:00–9:05 am Ages: 3.8 years old by August 17, 2026 and no older than 5 years as of December 31, 2026 Monthly Tuition: Approx. R $1264 | NR $1304* Max Enrollment: 16 Students | Child to Staff Ratio: 5:1

Hillside Playschool is a play-based program that emphasizes learning through active engagement with the environment. With an emergent curriculum, children follow their interests and learn at their own pace with short and long term activities. We strive to support self-confidence and independence while encouraging empathy, positive social skills and emphasize kindness and respect of each other and the world around us. Our classroom has areas to explore using ALL five senses: areas to paint, work on process art, use sand, water and mud, make music, build with various loose parts, tend our garden boxes, work on cooking projects, read books, dance, run, climb and balance, discover bugs and birds visiting our garden, talk with friends, build tents, learn simple kid friendly yoga, laugh, and sing! These various areas give children the opportunity to flex their early math/problem solving, literacy and critical thinking skills through play! We take lots of neighborhood walks, including daily outdoor visits to the Piedmont Recreation Department and weekly creek exploring in Piedmont Park. *Participants MUST be toilet-trained prior to program start

PRD Preschool 2026/2027 Programs Parent Observation Locations:

Preschool Director Kara Grover

Hi, I’m Kara Grover, Director/Teacher at Piedmont Recreation Department’s Hillside Playschool. I have been working in Early Education for over 30 years! I have passionately developed, taught, and directed playbased programs while living in Yosemite National Park as well as the cities of Oakland and Piedmont. I love spending time with my two sons, camping in National Parks, walking in the hills, going to the beach, gardening, reading, and playing with my two grandkids! I have been teaching at Hillside Playschool for the last 24 years and I look forward to many wonderful years ahead!

"We love teaching children at Hillside Playschool and treasure their curiosity, imagination, hugs, and laughter!"

Program Highlights

areas to explore ALL five senses

Wall stories for early literacy skills Weekly curriculum themes Independent & Group activities allow for varied learning styles PE and Spanish classes weekly Engaging classroom with endless opportunities for discovery

FAQs

Independent and group activities combine to create a rich interactive learning community.

Pre-K Program (4-5 Years)

Piedmont Recreation Department

2026/2027 School Year

2026/2027 SCHOOL YEAR OPEN ENROLLMENT Online Registration OPENS via CommunityPass Piedmont Residents: January 26 Non-Residents: February 9

REGISTRATION DEADLINES: Piedmont Residents: Friday, February 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm

Non-Residents: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm

Let's Get Closer Address

711 Highland Avenue, Lower Level Piedmont, CA 94611

prdpreschools@piedmont.ca.gov

Website

piedmont.ca.gov/preschools

PRE-K PROGRAM $500 Deposit Due at Enrollment Monthly Payments based on $19.75/hour* *monthly tuition based on sample 4-week month Preschool Open Enrollment occurs prior to adoption of the City’s annual budget. Updated hourly rates will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Pre-K Program Deets 2026/2027 School Year: August 17, 2026–May 27, 2027 Monday–Thursday | 9:05 am–1:00 pm Drop-off: 9:00–9:05 am Ages: Must be at least 4 Years by August 17 and not turn 6 Years before December 31, 2026 Monthly Tuition: Approx. R $1264 | NR $1304* Max Enrollment: 14 Students | Child to Staff Ratio: 6:1

At Pre-K, children experience learning at their own pace and are gently guided toward kindergarten readiness. Through a balance of free play and instruction, children develop positive self-esteem, self-confidence, compassion for others and peaceful conflict resolution. The Pre-K program nourishes social and collaborative skills, emotional awareness as well as kindergarten readiness. Children learn and grow through circle time, sharing, literature, art, math, science, music, dramatic play, Spanish language introduction, gross motor activities, and outdoor discovery. Given the opportunity to make choices, Pre-K students learn that their thoughts and feelings are important, and their choices have consequences. Large group, small group, and independent activities are combined to create a rich interactive learning community.

*Participants MUST be toilet-trained prior to program start

PRD Preschool 2026/2027 Programs Parent Observation Locations:

Preschool Director Lisa Bunn Lisa Bunn is a mother of three who has worked at PRD for 14 years, 12 in Pre-K! After earning an English degree from UC Berkeley and a Masters in Journalism from NYU, she studied early childhood education in preparation for her true passion, teaching. She loves helping children learn and grow and prepare for kindergarten by fostering their creativity, imagination, compassion and confidence.

"Pre-K is a special year that allows for nurtured growth and development."