Contact information
We always welcome questions and visits from interested parents. Call the Community Center if you need more program information, or to schedule an observation of one of the classes. Below are a few comments from parents.
In addition to the camaraderie of the parents and the playful development and socialization of the kids, the leader of the class Susan Press has created a warm, wonderful setting for preschool. Nowadays, there are so many schools of thought surrounding early child development and preschool that it can be mind-boggling. Rather than set her own agenda or project her personal views, she welcomes each in coming group with open arms in September and let’s things evolve within the unique dynamics of that assembly of people. Through her watchful and experienced eye, she creates an environment where everyone can march to the beat of their own drummer, and it works beautifully and harmoniously.
And the toys and playthings! They are so fabulous and imaginative. Everything from nostalgic toys that baby boomers will remember to homemade gizmos and imaginary play environments that are hard for even the parents to kept their hands off of. All the while, our kids are learning about the world and the people in it in a warm, welcoming and loving place.
Linda 2007My daughter is really enjoying her time at Marinwood Morning School. Here is a preschool that pays attention to your concerns as a parent as well as your child’s individual needs. I love when my daughter comes home singing a song they have learned or telling me about something they have done.
Susan Press is warm, caring, fun and creative and her school is a cheerful, happy environment. The teachers are excellent and the emphasis is on learning to enjoy school.
As this was Mary’s first school experience I attended with her for a short time to ease her into preschool and I was very impressed with every aspect of the school including how comfortable and welcoming the instructors are with both the children and the parents. Patience and calmness are prevalent in the teachers and make me very confident having a daughter in their care. The greatest endorsement is that she comes home happy!
Deborah Fowler
I am not a mother who finds it easy to leave my children in someone else’s care. I visited many preschools before I saw Susan’s wonderful program at the Marinwood Community Center. When I observed my first class there, I was immediately struck by how calm and sweet the children were and how in tune the teachers were with each individual child. There was none of the craziness and confusion (and aggressive behavior by the children) that I had observed at the other schools I had visited. Once I got to know Susan, I understood why. Her approach is always guided by the principles of love and respect for others. She has carefully hand-picked an amazing group of loving, dedicated and talented teachers for her programs who provide a seamless environment of acceptance and support for the children as they progress each year.
Susan’s wise, gentle and happy approach to teaching and parenting has been an enormous gift in my life and in my children’s lives. My oldest daughter started in Parent/Toddler and “graduated” from the Morning School, passing her kindergarten readiness test with a rare 100% score, and a love of learning. She is almost eight now and continues to take art classes with Susan, and often tells me she wants to take classes with her ‘everyday, okay Mommy?’
My younger two children, who have been with Susan since Parent ñToddler will graduate in June from the Morning School Program. They are already happy and enthusiastic learners, due in large part to the safe, nurturing and stimulating environment Susan and the other teachers have created.
There will certainly be a feeling of loss when “we” graduate out of the Marinwood Morning School. We have all learned so much from this beautiful program. All these years later, there is still a very short list of people who I feel totally comfortable leaving my children with, but each and every teacher at this school tops the list.
Thank you Susan, Debbie, Ceci, Jenny, Lynda, and Annette!!!
Beth Ellenberger February, 2005
The Marinwood Community Center in Marinwood Park on Miller Creek Road offers an excellent preschool program overseen and taught by Susan Press. My two sons were fortunate enough to attend Susan’s classes. Even I got to go, to the Parent and Toddler Class! It was great because you get to watch your child begin to play, socialize, and interact with other kids their own age. They also love the different assortment of toys that are put out for them each class to explore and experience.
There, you will meet the other moms (or dads) creating long-lasting relationships because of all the bonding from sharing stories, tips, and even venting. They completely understand! To this day, even though some of our children attend different schools, we still keep in touch!
Threes Together was good for me, because it gave me a little free time to myself, while teaching my son independence. Both of my boys were ready for the separation, but for the children who are not, there classes allow the parent to stay in the class for as long as the child needs them, and as long as the parent is willing.
I loved it when my sons came home, and would singsongs that I wasn’t familiar with. I knew they learned them from preschool. It was also fun hearing them speak of other kids in their class, and even mentioning the teachers.
What they liked best, though, were the arts and crafts! Parker, my youngest, who is currently in the Marinwood Morning School, always looks forward to project time. He thoroughly enjoys creating beautiful handmade works of art. The different projects that he brings home showcase his creativity. Spenser, my older son, had the same pride when he would display his latest creation!
Naturally, when the children spend this much time wit the instructors, the teachers really get to know your child. One day, I received a phone call on my cell from Jenny, one of the teachers from Threes Together. She told me that Parker didn’t seem his usual, energetic self, and seemed tired. I picked him up early from class, and had just strapped him in his car seat, when he promptly fell asleep. I was amazed that Jenny had “read” him that well, but I was grateful, too, because it meant that the teachers really do watch out for our kids!
The small class sizes help the children to not feel overwhelmed. They get attached to each other, and to the instructors. The teachers get attached to the students too. I saw tears in Ceci’s eyes (the other teacher in the Threes Together) at the end of the year party. It was refreshing to now that the children had meant that much to her, especially after teaching so many classes, year after year.
I highly recommend the preschool programs here. My boys were always anxious to go to class (‘Is it time to go to school yet?’) and sad when they had to miss it due to illness. They felt safe here. They learned how to act with other kids, and how to listen to other authority figures other than Mom and Dad. I felt comfortable there, too. It’s very important to me that I am able to approach all the teachers, and be able to discuss anything. They give that to me, completely. I always felt welcomed, that my comments and opinions mattered.
Thank you Susan, Debbie, Ceci, Jenny, Lynda, and Annette for all that you do for our children. Your dedication, devotion, time, and energy mean the world to our kids. Their very first years of schooling will always be remembered with much affection, as it was a very positive, happy, and fun environment. It is a wonderful introduction to, hopefully, a life-long love of learning and education!
Jim, Lorrie, Spense, and Parker Wednesday, January 26, 2005
My daughter has just entered the Three’s Together program and I could not be more trusting and excited, about all she will learn in her year here at Marinwood.
Thank you Susan, Ceci, Jenny, Debbie and Annette for your enduring love and patience.
Monica Snell