Ucb - Harold E. Jones Child Study Ctr/Childcare

We had unpleasant experiences in this daycare, specifically in the West classroom. After knowing the vibe there, we immediately pulled our kid out before finding the next daycare. Someone, an adult we knew, visited my kid’s class (the West classroom) regularly and shared these observations- (1) Teachers’s favorite kids can never do wrong. Hence inappropriate behaviors happen daily without adult intervention. Kids excluded and grabbed other kids constantly and freely. Many kids say negative words excessively, are rude to others, and take toys while others are still playing. (2) Teachers run the class using minimal effort: a kid has a self-harming tendency, and the teachers stop such behaviors in slow motion, even when seeing the kid hit his/her head hard against the pillar. (3) Kids saying lies are considered “age-appropriate,” according to the teachers. For example, claimed a speech-delayed kid caused certain mess since that kid cannot speak up for him/herself yet. Teachers knew it was not true and did not even try to discuss or guide the children altogether. We had meetings with teachers and the director, and all we can say is that the meeting served its purpose- we decided to leave immediately. Other daycares around UC Berkeley are more friendly, positive, and inclusive. Luckily, we found a good fit for our kid soon enough.

I know this is a daycare, and I know that kids are going to scream, but this is a residential area and the kids scream for hours on end with no apparent intervention from the adults. Makes living nearby quite a joy. I would never have been allowed to do that, even in preschool!