Integrating rich traditions with a modern sensibility, Beverly Glen Playgroup offers a developmental, play-based curriculum

combined with an old-fashioned neighborhood-like community experience.

 

Children leave Beverly Glen Playgroup well prepared for the rigors of school and the wonders of life.

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Is Beverly Glen Playgroup a preschool or a playgroup?

Beverly Glen Playgroup is a preschool for children aged two to five with a full-time director and a professional staff of teachers.

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Tell us a little about Beverly Glen Playgroup.

Founded in 1946, Beverly Glen Playgroup is a parent-participation, cooperative, not-for-profit preschool that endorses a play-based, developmental approach to learning. Housed in a quiet cabin in Beverly Glen Canyon, the “Playgroup” approach recognizes the uniqueness of each child and respects individual rates of development. Beverly Glen Playgroup is a vibrant, close-knit community of families dedicated to preserving a safe, nurturing environment where educators and parents collaborate to create an enduring early learning experience for children.

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What is Playgroup’s educational philosophy?

At Beverly Glen Playgroup, children learn through play. At the center of Playgroup’s educational philosophy is the belief that it is through play that children explore, integrate and understand the world around them. Play at Playgroup is hands on and incorporates art, music, literature, science, movement, dramatic play, and more. Activities are thoughtfully designed to stimulate critical areas of development in early childhood: perceptual and motor development, cognitive development, language development, and social-emotional development.

 

Every child is unique. Children move through different developmental stages at different rates. Playgroup’s developmental approach respects and celebrates these differences. The teachers seek to meet each child where he or she is, and support each child’s individual growth. The focus at Playgroup is on fostering children’s natural creativity and curiosity, developing communication and social skills and encouraging age-appropriate independence while assessing and guiding each child’s mastery of key developmental milestones.

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How are the age group cohorts organized? What are the hours for the core preschool program?

Playgroup consists of three cohorts who meet Monday- Friday, 9:00-12:30, September through June.

 

There are up to 24 children total among the combined cohorts.

 

The first year cohort, known as the Star group, is for ages two to three.

 

The second year cohort, known as the Circle group, is for ages three to four.

 

The third year cohort, known as the Triangle group, is for ages four to five.

 

Stars, Circles and Triangles attend school together in a mixed age setting, while dividing at certain times.

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What opportunities do families have to extend beyond the core program?

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Extended Day: Extended Days are optional. They are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Extended Day allows the children to get used to longer school days and is for children who are no longer napping.

 

Extracurricular Classes:  Extracurricular classes are optional. Led by individual teachers, extra curricular classes provide another opportunity for a smaller group experience, while spending additional time on a particular subject matter or activity. Past classes have included Spanish, science, art, storytelling, dance, sports and cooking. Extracurricular classes are offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Pick up is at 2:30 p.m. for the first class and 3:15 for second class and follow Extended Day.
   
Summer Camp:  Summer Camp is available to children during the summers following their completion of the Star, Circle and Triangle Programs. Summer Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for eight weeks each summer. Families pick days to attend. Extended Day and Extracurricular classes are offered on most days in the Summer.

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Parent & Me: The Parent & Me program is designed for children to attend with their parent (s). It is designed for children who will be between 12 months and two years of age by September 1. In addition to creating a safe environment for children to socialize and experience sensory related activities, the program offers strategies for parents to feel empowered in determining the best choices for their family. Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions are typically offered. Please check the website for class sessions and schedule.

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What are the cut-off ages for the programs?

Children must be two years old by September 1 for the Star group, three years old by September 1 for the Circle group, and four years old by September 1 for the Triangle group. The Parent & Me program is designed for children who will be between twelve months to two years of age by September 1. Children who will be two by September 1 should apply to Playgroup’s Star Program instead of Parent & Me.

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What is the teacher to child ratio?

Combined age groups caps at 24.

 

Teacher to child ratio: 1 to 4 (5 teachers to 24 students) plus a parent volunteer.

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Can we wait until our child turns three to apply? Are there openings in the Circle and Triangle years for new students?

Although Playgroup is designed as a three-year program, we invite applications across all age group cohorts. The main entry point is the first year Star group for two to three year olds, who then transition into our Circle and Triangle groups for the following years. Families interested in joining Playgroup after age two are encouraged to apply, as we have welcomed many families into our community as openings become available.

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How does Playgroup handle separation?

Separation is an important part of the preschool experience. Some children separate right away and others need more time. Playgroup takes a gentle approach to separation, supporting the needs of each individual child and family.

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Does my child have to be potty-trained to attend Playgroup?

No. Playgroup’s developmental philosophy means that the staff follows the family’s process with regard to toilet learning.

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What makes Playgroup’s co-op experience unique? What are the work requirements?

As a co-operative preschool, Beverly Glen Playgroup offers families the opportunity to be highly engaged in their children’s early education experience. Playgroup parents are empowered and integrated into nearly every aspect of school life. A parent board of directors works closely with the school director to set and implement school policy and every current Playgroup family is required to participate in a variety of ways, both in and out of the classroom.

 

Playgroup parents spend approximately one day per month at school as the “working parent” and a second day each month “on call” to come in if necessary. In addition to working in the classroom, each Playgroup family holds a school job. Parents are also required to participate in other school functions throughout the year including several all-school meetings, two fundraising events, a neighborhood fair, two school cleanup days and a few field trips.

 

While fulfilling their Playgroup commitments, families find that being part of a co-op is fun, brings people closer, and helps them demonstrate to their children that working together is a rewarding experience.

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What are some sample parent jobs?

Parent jobs vary widely. Jobs include fundraising committee member, school photographer, membership, repair team, and school librarian. Every effort is made to accommodate specific job requests and make matches that suit families based on the skills and time required.

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Is it possible for families to meet co-op requirements if both parents are employed outside the home?

Yes. Many Playgroup families include two employed parents and find the experience both manageable and worthwhile.

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How does Playgroup prepare children for the demands of kindergarten? How does Playgroup integrate academics into play?

Playgroup focuses on preparing children with the versatility and resourcefulness they will need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond, helping children foster their innate curiosity, build their confidence and communication skills as well as academic skills. Preparation for kindergarten is woven into all the play-based learning activities at school. In their last year, children spend more time on specific Kindergarten ready skills during “Triangle Work,” all designed as play infused with learning.

 

Where do children enroll for kindergarten after Playgroup?

Recently students have been admitted to or enrolled at:

Adat Ariel     

Brawerman School

Brentwood School

The Buckley School

Campbell Hall

The Center for Early Education

Crossroads School

Curtis School

Dixie Canyon Community Charter

Fairburn Avenue School

Good Shepherd Catholic School

Hesby Oaks Leadership Charter

The John Thomas Dye School

Lanai Road Elementary

Laurence School

Los Encinos School

Mirman School

Oakwood School

Roscomare Road Elementary School

St. James’ Episcopal School

St. Paul the Apostle School

Warner Avenue Elementary

Westland School

Westwood Charter

Wildwood School

The Willows Community School

Children’s Community School

Wonderland Avenue School

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Are Playgroup families only from Beverly Glen?

While many families are from the Beverly Glen community, Playgroup attracts families from many areas of Los Angeles including the Westside, the Valley, and Beverly Hills.

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If we live in the Glen, are we automatically accepted to the school?

No. All families seeking admittance to Beverly Glen Playgroup must complete the application process. As a neighborhood school, Playgroup’s Admissions Committee tries to accommodate Glen residents who meet the admission requirements and are able to fulfill all co-op responsibilities.

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What are our chances of getting in?

Multiple factors are weighed when making up a new class. The Admissions Committee tries to identify families who would most benefit from and are best matched to its co-operative orientation while considering other factors that will make for a dynamic class. While some priority is given to siblings of current or previous Playgroup children, children of alumni, and residents of Beverly Glen, new families consistently make up a significant part of the incoming class. Families who have no prior connection to the school but believe the Beverly Glen Playgroup experience would be a good fit are encouraged to apply.

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Tuition:

Please refer to our website tuition section for current rates.

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How do we apply?

Applications are available at beverlyglenplaygroup.org and can be submitted via the website. You must take a tour and submit a completed application, including a $100 non-refundable application fee and a recent family photo and current immunization record by December 1. Selected interviews are conducted beginning in January. Admissions decisions are emailed in February or March. Families who do not meet these deadlines are still encouraged to apply. Questions? admissions@beverlyglenplaygroup.org

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Contact:

www.beverlyglenplaygroup.org/contact