Ratios/Class Size - Step One offers low child to teacher ratios in all of its programs, which allows for experience based learning for each developmental phase.
Step One offers light filled classrooms with many spaces for creative outlets that encourage learning “without knowing it”. Most classrooms have lofts and all offer spaces for convergent activities, such as puzzles, and divergent activities like exploration, construction, dramatic play, and hands on science.
Our outdoor environment provides opportunities for exploration of many different mediums like sand, water, gardening, tricycles, and climbing structures. A favorite activity is walking the many nature trails on our hillside. Our Reggio-inspired garden encourages children to create and explore many sensory experiences. Every year, after Winter Break, we use donated trees to create an Enchanted Forest in our sandbox. This provides a multi-sensory experience for the children that they love!
Tuition/Financial Assistance - Step One strives to maintain a diverse community that includes economic diversity. Currently 15-20% of families at our school receive financial aid, which covers up to 50% of total tuition.
Schedules - The standard schedule for all programs is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited morning only options are available. Early morning drop off is available as early as 8am, and late care is offered to 6pm..
Allergies/Snacks - Step One is sensitive to food allergies, and offers nutritious, tasty snacks served throughout the day. Whenever possible, our food is organic, locally sourced (sometimes from our garden!) and introduces children to a wide variety of new tastes and cuisines.
School Calendar Year - Step One believes in providing continuity for all children. We offer a year round schedule to achieve this end. Our school year starts right after Labor Day, and continues until the middle to end of August. Our vacation breaks mirror the Berkeley school system.
During the summer months, each program offers more outdoor and summer themed activities. The Bridge K program has themed “camp” weeks, such as Discovering Movement or Kite Making.
- Two Year Old Program – One classroom, up to 16 children, ratio 1:5.3
- Nursery School Program – Three classrooms, up to 23 children per room, ratio1:7.7
- Bridge K Program – One classroom, up to 22 children, ratio 1:11
- Afternoon Arts Enrichment – Five classrooms, ratio 1:6 to 1:8, depending on age
Step One offers light filled classrooms with many spaces for creative outlets that encourage learning “without knowing it”. Most classrooms have lofts and all offer spaces for convergent activities, such as puzzles, and divergent activities like exploration, construction, dramatic play, and hands on science.
Our outdoor environment provides opportunities for exploration of many different mediums like sand, water, gardening, tricycles, and climbing structures. A favorite activity is walking the many nature trails on our hillside. Our Reggio-inspired garden encourages children to create and explore many sensory experiences. Every year, after Winter Break, we use donated trees to create an Enchanted Forest in our sandbox. This provides a multi-sensory experience for the children that they love!
Tuition/Financial Assistance - Step One strives to maintain a diverse community that includes economic diversity. Currently 15-20% of families at our school receive financial aid, which covers up to 50% of total tuition.
Schedules - The standard schedule for all programs is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited morning only options are available. Early morning drop off is available as early as 8am, and late care is offered to 6pm..
Allergies/Snacks - Step One is sensitive to food allergies, and offers nutritious, tasty snacks served throughout the day. Whenever possible, our food is organic, locally sourced (sometimes from our garden!) and introduces children to a wide variety of new tastes and cuisines.
School Calendar Year - Step One believes in providing continuity for all children. We offer a year round schedule to achieve this end. Our school year starts right after Labor Day, and continues until the middle to end of August. Our vacation breaks mirror the Berkeley school system.
During the summer months, each program offers more outdoor and summer themed activities. The Bridge K program has themed “camp” weeks, such as Discovering Movement or Kite Making.
