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October 2023 by Angela N.
We LOVE our school. Our daughter who is now 3 has really come out of her shell since starting here. It's so nice to have her go somewhere that parents feel and are very involved. It makes us feel very much like a big family.
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September 2023 by Scott Tousley
Our daughter started at LVPPP when she was 2.5 years old. She had been primarily in home daycare prior and we wanted her to experience a little bit more structure but not a traditional pre school. The staff is wonderful and our daughter loves it here
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April 2023 by Phil Ebiner
We are so happy that we found LVPPP for our 3 children. It has been the perfect introduction to preschool for our children. We love the outdoor play-based style. Our kids are always happy to go to school, and being a parent-participation school, we're able to help out in the classroom a couple times per month. This gives us an inside look into what preschool is like for our kids, and it's such a great experience to see them interacting with other kids their age.I would highly recommend LVPPP for anyone in the San Dimas, Glendora, La Verne, Claremont, Pomona and beyond area.What initially sold is was a visit to the school where we saw the kids playing together in their beautiful backyard playground. So go visit and see if it's the right fit for your family!
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October 2022 by Michelle R.
This school has changed for the worse with the addition of the director Liz. Previously, while this school was play based & focused, there was some learning that occurred. Currently the children play 95% of the time. This isn't an issue if you just want to your child to be around peers & gain experience being away from home. However, the environment is unsafe due to behavior problems that aren't addressed properly. We noticed the issue while volunteering. Children played very roughly & bullied other children. Yes, some of it was your basic social issues like not sharing toys, etc. But then there was a lot of physical aggression/ intimidation. Kids would grab from other kids & when that child would try to speak up, they were treated badly by some kids. Kids told other kids "hate yourself" "I'm going to break all of your toys", some kids told other kids to pick on certain kids, etc. As for the phyical aggression, kids were punched in the face, pinched, poked in the eye, choked, pushed, etc by other kids. The adults in charge would mention "problem children" which were the children who were always doing these things to other kids. At first we understood that this kind of thing happened when children are new to school, be we noticed that the issues were mostly with the kids who had been in the program longer than the fall session.When these issues were brought up to Liz, there was not a lot of communication about what was done to address the issue. But I was assured that it would be addressed. Several months later, the atmosphere is the classroom was less chaotic but not welcoming to say the least. By December the issues had begun again & after winter break the issues escalated. A handful of parents were concerned. We had become friendly since we were in the classroom a lot & we were around each other's kids. We all had been witnessing the same issues & our children had all be victims at some point. When I brought the issues the the board (made up of parents) I recieved a surprising response. I was basically told that we should not be discussing these issues amongst ourselves. It didn't make sense because the point of the school is to have a community, so of course when we had a share experience the natural thing was to discuss it. It's not like we were talking about it in class. We were talking about it outside of the school. That became the focus. We wanted to meet to discuss the issues as a group but we were told that they would not meet with us together. They said that "Keeping the meetings 1:1 helps to protect the privacy and safety of the child/children involved." And it would violate a policy: " "confidential school matters should never be discussed in the community." By bringing together a group of families, we are breaking that very policy."My interpretation of this response is that it would be easier if they didn't have to address a group of parents with the same concern at the same time because if they made up meet separately maybe some parents wouldn't want to go through with setting up a meeting. It's easier to attend a group meeting that is planned than set up a one on one meeting, less pressure in a group setting. What they didn't seem to understand or care about was that the important part was that we had all be experiencing the same issues, witnessing the same aggression, and all the pieces together create a concerning picture.During my 1on1 meeting I wanted to know specifics that were being put in place to keep the kids safe. The focus from what they said was that they wanted to create a nurturing environment for all kids, even the ones that needed special attention (the ones punching and fighting with their peers). I asked what about the safety and welfare of the other kids. At what point is it too much? There was no answer. They said that we never know what a kid is going through at home. My concern is that that is true and they also don't know what is going on in
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September 2022 by Karena B.
LVPPP is truly a hidden gem in the Foothills area. It is magical, beautiful and a super special place for littles (and their families, too). ***Please don't be alarmed by all the old reviews from 5 plus years ago. I've heard that LVPPP was indeed a very different school back then! Totally different leadership and teachers.***First off, a little background on me- I have a degree in childhood development and early education, but first and foremost, I am a parent. And I want to be as involved and connected with my child's life as much as possible. I also fully understand that every child and every family's needs are different. So for us, LVPPP was an ideal fit and we are so happy with our decision to send our daughter there. This preschool fulfills all my wants and prayers for my child's first school experiences outside of our home. Some main highlights: 1. Teachers who are loving, nurturing and care about every single child's life and sees them as whole individuals and unique. My daughter absolutely LOVES her teacher and that's saying a lot for a child who is extremely attached to her mother and has separation anxiety. LVPPP teachers help prepare children and their parents for the transition being "away" from their families for a few hours at a time. They are so patient, so empathetic and really take the time to honor each child's feelings and individuality while modeling cooperation, co-regulation and communication. It is a very warm and home-like environment.2. Community of caregivers, parents, families who all are working together for the school and the children. LVPPP is a co-op school and is part of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools, which is a network of organized co-ops focused on the principle that the best education will result from an active partnership among parents, teachers, and children. Being a volunteer in my child's classroom 2-3 times a month really has allowed me to get to know the people who actually see my child- I know the teachers very well and also know every single parent and child closely, much like extended family. We have playdates and help watch each others children outside of school as a result, and this has been invaluable benefit being part of this school- where lifelong relationships are fostered.3. Child-directed, PLAY and inquiry based learning philosophy. PLAY is the work of the child. LVPPP is Reggio Emilia inspired and we love that. It follows my child's natural curiosity and focused on the process versus end product in learning and development. LVPPP's director is extremely knowledgeable and passionate in this area and empowers both students and families to be active agents in their environment. The environment is set up to invite play and exploration. Children engage in messy play, engage all their senses, challenge their fine and gross motor skills, and really tinker and experiment in open-ended play. There's also a big emphasis on social emotional development and regulation. The campus itself is beautiful and every detail has been well thought out to provoke exploration, discussion and creativity.4. It's a non-profit that's trying to serve the community, providing high quality early childhood education to families in the area. It strives to be very accessible, diverse, inclusive and welcoming to all. All backgrounds are celebrated and family structures. I appreciate the fact that the tuition is quite reasonable and allows families from various levels of means still be able to access a preschool with the bells and whistles you may find at higher end preschools, but it's due to the joint effort of hard work that the families and teachers have contributed from their own time, effort and dedication to make the school what it is. 5. Health and safety is taken seriously especially during this COVID era. The director and leadership stay atop local health authority recommendations and goes above based on the input of the families and what they're comfortable with. We have
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August 2022 by Courtney W.
I wasn't looking for a co-op preschool for my son. But I was attracted to the outdoor classroom especially in light of covid and the child led Reggio Emilia curriculum. I'm really glad I decided to enroll my son in LVPPP. The teachers, Ms. Brooke, Ms. Norma, Ms. V and Ms. Vanessa, are all so kind and warm and welcoming. They have the kind of energy that make children feel comfortable and invited. They are patient with the children especially toddlers experiencing big feelings. When there is an issue, Ms. Brooke really takes the time to get down to the child's eye level and listen to them and respond to them. Liz, the school director, is extraordinarily knowledgeable about early childhood education. She hosts a parent education meeting each semester which is really interesting and packed full of information about toddlers, children, behaviors, early childhood development. Since my son started at LVPPP, the outdoor classroom has come a long way. There is a sandbox with a digger, tricycles, balance bikes, a play house, a play structure with a slide, reading corner, easels for painting and lots more. Each day there are different activities set up for the children which they can choose to participate in or not. There are different themes according to the season and holidays. This is not a traditional preschool by any means but the children learn through playing. They can get messy (or not) and put their feet in the sandbox and walk around on the grass and just be a kid. By participating in the school and volunteering, we were able to meet several lovely families and learn so much valuable information about early childhood. It just feels so communal at LVPPP. I think that's what makes the school so special. They also use an app called Brightwheel to send messages to parents, share photos of your child, and check the kids in and out and more. It's so convenient especially for parents on the go.
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June 2022 by Amanda L.
We attended the holiday photo fundraiser and we're super impressed with the active parents, outdoor classroom layout, and overall ease and friendliness.They work so hard to make school enjoyable, hands on, and work with the parents. Highly recommend!
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June 2022 by Phil J.
We are so happy that we found LVPPP for our 3 children. It has been the perfect introduction to preschool for our children. We love the outdoor play-based style. Our kids are always happy to go to school, and being a parent-participation school, we're able to help out in the classroom a couple times per month. This gives us an inside look into what preschool is like for our kids, and it's such a great experience to see them interacting with other kids their age. I would highly recommend LVPPP for anyone in the San Dimas, Glendora, La Verne, Claremont, Pomona and beyond area. What initially sold is was a visit to the school where we saw the kids playing together in their beautiful backyard playground. So go visit and see if it's the right fit for your family!
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December 2019 by Gavin Holt
LVPPP is an amazing school, but you have to be the right fit.It's a non-profit parent participation preschool, which means that us as parents have to volunteer. It is a serious time commitment. It's not ideal for people looking to drop their kid off for 9 hours while they work. That's the bad part.The good part is:1. We know each and every child, which means that we know all kids that our daughter interacts with. Since we volunteer in the classes, we see the interactions and directly intervene in bad interactions. We parents all the kids together.2. We know all the parents (or at least one of them). This is really important because these are the same parents that watch our kid when we aren't around. It's really a village and it's awesome knowing that the village has your back.3. We know all the teachers, closely. We have worked next to them and see how they treat our child and all the children. We love and approve of all of the teachers and staff at LVPPP.4. There is accountability. Everything is transparent. Nothing is hidden from parents, because the parents make the school (esp through the parent board). There are no profits going to someone else; it goes to the kids.5. It's affordable. It costs a lot of time, but it's waaaaaay more affordable as a result.6. It's a family.7. It's run by a lot of heart and love for the kids. We see it all the time in the parents AND in the staff. It's different from a business that you pay. When there is a mess to clean up, we see a community responsibility to clean it up. It's like another home in a way. We care for it.8. Each person gets to contribute and add something special if they can. My wife and I are both photographers, so we use that to volunteer our time to the school. It means something giving a gift to the other parents and to the children.Book a tour to find out if it's right for you. When we saw the school, that's when we were sold on it. We also live in San Dimas, so the location is perfect.
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December 2019 by Rachel Tyler
By far the best decision I made. I can honestly say I was a first time over protective mother and no school was ever "good enough" for my child until I came here. We had been touring many schools and my son was not interested in any of them until we toured this school. He felt so comfortable and felt like he was at home. Not to mention, the office manager Mrs. Bianca was so warm and inviting. She made my son feel like he was already part of the family.Fast forward a year, and still nothing has changed. His new teacher is beyond amazing. She challenges my son in a way that works for him, and is also very loving and nurturing as well. I never enrolled my child for academic purposes, but mainly for social reasons, but I must say I have noticed a HUGE difference in his academics as well as social skills. Things so small from controlling his body when sitting at circle time, to talking clearly, using scissors, and being self sufficient.I urge anyone looking for a preschool to please come and check out this wonderful school. I can honestly say that this school is the best thing that has happened to our family....so much so that my 1 year old will be going there once he is old enough!
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December 2019 by Hannah Palpant
We've been a part of this unique community for a couple of years now. We've enjoyed being a part of our daughter's social and educational development here. We appreciate the staff's involvement and creativity in understanding child development. You are definitely known here as a family and its nice to have a community of parents and grandparents who care about my child as well. My daughter has learned a lot through play here as well as it has been able to help her focus on activities. She's gained a lot of confidence and looks forward to everyday that she can be here.
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December 2019 by Alisa Economou
This is the 3rd co-op preschool that we have been a part of and it has been the best experience. My son is 3 years old and goes 3 days a week. To say he loves it would be an understatement. Hes grown so much in the past few months and I know a lot of that has to do with the amazing staff at LVPPP. Their focus on this social emotional development is amazing. LVPPP is a place where kids are free to grow at their own pace and where developing critical social skills is encouraged in a kind and age appropriate manner. I would recommend LVPPP!
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December 2018 by Chris Dettmar
Our 2.5 year old has been going here for a month now, and he loves it! Prices are very affordable and we like helping in the classroom.
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December 2012 by Ruth Zankich
I did mommy and me with my son since he was 2 and this seemed like the natural next step for us. More like my ease of separation from my son than his - LOL!They have 3 Rooms, Room 1 is for 2 to 3 year olds (no need for potty training),Room 2 is for 3 to 4 year olds, and Room 3 is for 4 to 5 year olds. It is a PARENT PARTICIPATION School which means that you are part of the school. You are a teacher's aide 2 to 3 times every six weeks and a Housekeeper (set up snacks, wash dishes....etc) once every six weeks.This is my 2nd year at the school. My son is in Room 3 (4 to 5 year olds). My son LOVES it. We love the feeling of being part of the community and part of our child's learning. As a parent I like participating in the classroom as a teacher aide meeting my sons friends and seeing what he is learning. My son is one of those when you ask what did you learn today....says I don't know, so being in the class and getting the weekly email updates help me know what is going on and get him to open up more. The teachers have taught me how to use play as a teaching method with my son. Two major changes in my son are 1-participating in the classroom, in mommy and me he never stood up to dance or sing, 2-learning to use a pencil, with me he would act soooo tired!I haven't experienced Room 2 ( 3 to 4 year olds), but on my days of being a Housekeeper I have watched Room 1 and I love the way the teacher sets up the snack time and teaches them manners "More water....please" and they get to pour their own drinks. There circle time is great with silly songs and learning their numbers and colors.The school is really inexpensive! They supply the snacks which are always healthy, creative and yummy. At the end of the school you they give you a scrapbook on your child's work throughout the year which I LOVE since I don't ever find time to do it myself.
