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January 2024 by Kelley Schwartz
The most loving, wonderful child care in the bay area. Tara, the director, is amazing and chooses the best teachers. Will never take my kids anywhere else!
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November 2020 by Stephanie Y.
#ThankyouThursday. I can't imagine sending more gratitude to any local business more than Cornerstone. My son has been going here for a little over a year now, albeit the 6 months or so while they were closed down due to COVID and us not sending him back until we felt ready. This is a gem of a child center that ranges from infant to pre-school. They aren't super expensive as the Bay Area goes and it's filled with wonderful, caring and able people. First, they are doing a tremendous job during COVID and adhering to the constantly changing parameters. This is such a tough time and they are doing the best the can, and it can't be easy. The teachers are all so lovely and caring, and I can't ask for better role models to have my son learn from each and every day. It's a diverse group of teachers, which is just additional appreciation for the quality of care and knowledge my son is getting. It's quite a big school, and your child graduates to each class by age, with different instructors (although this may be on hold a little bit as they deal with COVID parameters). The facility is part of a church (with some prayer involved), and they run a tight ship. They have rules and guidelines for both children and parents, and it makes the school run on time. They facility itself is wonderful: large classrooms, they have a gym for the kids when it rains, an outdoor play structure with bikes & scooters, a sand box, water feature, etc.. They have a free parking lot for parents for pick-up and drop off, so no need to think about parking. All the children are wonderful, and I even built a little community with the parents. I get to drink a cup of coffee, take my time writing this review and enjoy quiet time during a global pandemic, while my son is being taken care of, growing, and learning at Cornerstone, and for that, I'm forever thankful.
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August 2019 by Kelley S.
I'm not sure why Cornerstone only has 7 reviews - maybe because all of us parents want to keep it our little secret?! So here's my raving 5 star review. In short, I wouldn't send my kids anywhere else, this place is absolutely amazing! My oldest started here at 13 months. I had trouble finding a place that would take him due to a severe dairy allergy. And I was really picky with where I'd leave my son for full time care. When I called Cornerstone, Tara answered the phone and was SO helpful and informative. I drove down with my deposit within hours based only on what she'd said on the phone! Fast forward 2 years, my oldest is still there, my 8 month old just started, and I couldn't be happier. Cornerstone directors and teachers treat my kids with almost all of the love that I have for them. As an educator myself, I know that's hard to do sometimes! The teachers are top-notch. They're super knowledgeable, extra loving, and work on building relationships with all kids, not just the ones in their classes. EVERY teacher has known both of my kids names since we started. It's such a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing that everyone knows and loves my babies! Despite the anxieties we all have as parents when away from our kids, I feel so comfortable leaving my kids in their care every day. I never question their safety, happiness, or well being while at Cornerstone. Not to mention, they learn so much, are treated with so much respect, and their curriculum is always above and beyond with strong emphasis in creative play, social emotional practices, communication, music, arts, and reading. Kids leave here extremely ready for Kinder, which allows little minds to better access elementary curriculum. My kids will stay here until preschool, for sure! And if you're looking for a place for your little ones, look no further! Thank you, Cornerstone Family! We love you!
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May 2018 by Lauren M.
Great daycare center. Good prices. Much happier here than previous center. Good communication, kids are happy, fun activities, physical activity twice a day. Some people might be turned off by the (Christian) religious education, but it works for my family. Thrilled we found them!
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September 2017 by Anita W.
Like any new parent, I was completely up in arms about sending my sweet baby to a daycare center. He had been at home for 10 glorious months, but the time had come where it was necessary for him to attend a local nursery. My husband and I used Yelp to narrow down our choices. This is why I'm writing a review now, for future parents, as well as a way to say thank you to Cornerstone's teachers and staff, for all that they have done for my son and our family. Cornerstone has been a home away from home for our little one. He began in the Waddlers group, and he received so much individualized attention - and genuine affection from all of his teachers. When I say "all of his teachers", I mean that he had three teachers who were with him and his classmates daily throughout the day, and there were additional caretakers who would come in at different times to watch and interact with the children while the main teachers were on break, or ill, etc. This is a perfect setting, because the children become familiar with all of the teachers at all of the levels, which eases the transitional process. Because of our jobs, we would drop off our little one for early care at 7:30 AM. He was able to enjoy his breakfast there, and even when he "graduated" to the next group (Cubs), he was still able to see his favorite teacher from the Waddlers every morning. This was amazing in the sense that it was a profound comfort for him. Tara and Grace were instrumental in facilitating communication between parents and teachers. There was never a moment when I was concerned that I would not be told about my son's day; any accidents or incidents that took place were shared with me in real time, either via a phone call, text message, or email. I was especially happy to receive occasional "just because" photos of my son enjoying his day. There is a genuine sense of gentleness throughout the daycare. The children are calm, yet boisterous, happy, friendly, and full of laughter. They are simply at peace and seem to enjoy the freedom to be themselves as they discover and explore their school environment. It may sound a bit strange, but once you visit the facility, perhaps you'll understand what I mean. Each child is honestly celebrated as an individual, and it's beautiful to see that the teachers are seemingly content, focused, and emotionally vested in the children's needs. They care about our babies and children. The teacher-child ratio is very low, which is ideal. Our family recently relocated from the Bay Area, and during this stressful time, Tara (the Director) actually took the time from her busy schedule to interview other daycares in our new area to give us peace of mind that our son would be transitioning to a place that was as similar to Cornerstone's views and values as possible. I will forever be astounded by this TREMENDOUS act of generosity and grace, and it proved to me that there was genuine love for my son at this beautiful daycare. Our experience with Cornerstone has been life-changing in the most positive ways! We are incredibly grateful for all that we've experienced there and highly recommend Cornerstone Children's Center to all.
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June 2017 by Gerhard W.
Our toddler is visiting the "Cubs" group, which is the group for 16-24 month olds, and he and we love it. He's been at cornerstone for a year now, and we couldn't be happier. We moved through different groups and the teachers are phenomenal! They care so much for the kids and we couldn't as for better care. They develop a genuine connection to the kids and help them grow, develop and most importantly, be happy! The school is run very professionally by the directors and the communication is top. If you're looking for a great school for your most precious, this is the place.
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May 2015 by Jess W.
Our daughter has been attending since she was 6 months old, and is about to graduate to the 1-2 year old group. She absolutely loves going to school, loves her teachers, and is well taken care of. We are extremely happy with cornerstone and recommend it highly!
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April 2013 by Michelle C.
I shopped the Berkeley/Albany/El Cerrito area for a good preschool and this one came out on top. My daughter immediately took to the teachers and classmates. It is a warm and very well run facility. The equipment was in great condition and the classrooms were well stocked with supplies for the children. The education and teacher-student ration was the best I'd seen. The administration was professional and communicated clearly to me the costs and extra costs associated with the inevitable emergency early or late drop-offs. My daughter attended for a few months and I am still sad we had to move to a more convenient location. Her new preschool was fine, quite good, actually, but Cornerstone really was the best. Darn the impossible foot & car traffic during rush hour. Some nice perks: * Very convenient parking garage in downtown Berkeley - a bumper sticker is your "pass" to drop off and pick-up and park free here. * Secure - passcode protected main doorway to facility is a plus for peace of mind. * Playground equipment very new, spacious play area within the courtyard area of the church building complex. I highly recommend with no reservations. This place is a find. Quality care & education all the way.
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February 2012 by Jeff H.
The best of the best of caring, educational, spiritual, (not religious) childcare you can imagine. This school was referred to my wife and I by friends and we traveled across the bay to deliver our young lad. It was a wonderful decision. Highly, highly recommended. Katie Spangler is a true gem and someone I trust with my son.
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August 2010 by Jennifer K.
I recently moved to the area and heard that this might be a good place for my 3 year old son. A woman I know at work said her daughter had attended many years before. I made an appointment and was given a tour in March of this year. I thought the facility looked nice and it's on the same grounds of the church so it should be good - right? The person giving me the tour led me to believe that they would have room for my son in the fall and gave me an application packet. I quickly filled it out and returned it with my $50 application fee - which they cashed immediately. I waited for some time and decided to inquire about it's status with an email. I got no response. (I sent it to the same person who gave me the tour.) Then I left a voice mail. Still no response. Now it's August. I felt like I was scammed for $50 bucks. Nice business.
