Enrollment Process

Membership is open year round on a space available basis. If you've reviewed our programs and philosophy and determined it is a good fit for your child and family, the first step is to submit our short enrollment inquiry form online. We will be in touch to answer any questions you may have and to schedule a time for you to visit with us in a program or open house. We encourage the whole family to attend. 

If the fit feels right to everyone and we determine we can accommodate your child and preferred schedule, we'll email an enrollment packet. A deposit equal to 10% of your annual membership is due at the time of enrollment. The balance is due by September 1 of each year.

Membership Schedule and Costs

Our 2016-17 program will take place at two locations. Mondays and Wednesdays take place at a local farm in West Berkeley, and Tuesdays and Thursdays take place at a larger, wooded park in North Berkeley.

Morning Program ~ 9 Am - 1:30 PM

2 Days Per Week
3 Days Per Week
4 Days Per Week
4,080
6,120
8,160
per year
per year
per year
Materials Fee: $100
Materials Fee: $150
Materials Fee: $200
Participation Minimum: 2 days per year per school aged child attending; 5 days per year per pre-school aged child attending as part of the childcare co-op
Participation Minimum: 3 days per year per school aged child attending; 7.5 days per year per pre-school aged child attending as part of the childcare co-op
Participation Minimum: 4 days per year per school aged child attending; 10 days per year per pre-school aged child attending as part of the childcare co-op

Afternoon Program ~ 1:30 PM - 4 PM

2 Days Per Week
3 Days Per Week
4 Days Per Week
1,980
2,970
3,960
per year
per year
per year
Materials Fee: $100
Materials Fee: $150
Materials Fee: $200
* For the 2016-17 year, our program will serve children who will be 5 on December 2, 2016, up through age 8. We welcome younger children in our morning programs, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or other adult caretaker. Some of our families with young children have formed a childcare co-op in order to share supervision duties. Contact the co-op coordinator for more information. 
Participation
Families participate a minimum of 2-4 days per year for children of school age, and 5-10 days per year for children in the childcare  co-op (under 5 on 12/2/16). Minimum requirements are based on number of  days attending. Every family member who participates must attend an orientation prior to the start of the year. You may buy out required participation days over 10, or you may opt-in for additional participation days in exchange for a discount to membership fees. Those who increase participation also commit to monthly education and curriculum meetings. 

Contract Length
Enrollment is by semester and members are required to commit to the full semester when enrolling. The billing cycle covers two five-month periods -- September to January, and February to June. There are no refunds for memberships cancelled or reduced prior to semester end and monthly installments will continue to be billed until the conclusion of the semester. Membership increases may be available mid-semester on a space available basis.

Discounts and Payment Plans
~ Payment in full by September 1 - 5% discount
~ Payment in 10 equal monthly installments, by credit/debit card or pre-written checks
~ Additional children in the same family - 10% discount for the second child
~ Alternative pricing proposal available to all families, which will be reviewed and awarded based on need and funds available

2016-17 Calendar
September 14, 2016 - First Day of Program
November 23-24 - Thanksgiving Break
December 19, 2016 - January 2, 2017 - Winter Break
January 16, 2017 - MLK Day
February 20, 2017 - Presidents Day
April 3-7, 2017 - Spring Break
May 29, 2017 - Memorial Day
June 15, 2017 - Last Day of Program