Here are a couple of recommendations from Sandcastle families:
**From Anne Phillips – 2010-2014
Midway through my child’s third and final year at Sandcastle Preschool, I reflect upon how much Reid has grown! Physically, he is bigger and stronger and taller than ever before. He can take credit for that achievement, but I’ve got to thank Sandcastle for helping him develop and further his social, cognitive, and behavioral skills.
He’s had the opportunity to develop relationships not only with his peers, but with a team of skilled professionals who have been nurturing and guiding him throughout his first school experience. Every teacher and support person has been a delight, and the fact that we have seen the same faces every year speaks volumes about the stable and supportive atmosphere at Sandcastle.
A day at preschool is often described as “fun!” or “awesome!”. Sometimes it’s difficult to name just one favorite daily activity. Free play, music time, playground antics, and crafts are frequently mentioned, and field trips to the pumpkin patch, sheep barn, or just a walk around the block are always big hits. As a parent I love having the after school “Lunch Bunch” option if I need an extra hour to get things done. We’ve also taken advantage of the Summer Session, which includes some extra field trips (city bus to the library last year- I still hear about it!), and lots of fun outdoor play.
Next year Reid is headed to Kindergarten. While we will really miss Sandcastle Preschool and all of the wonderful staff, I’m excited for this next chapter and know that he has had an outstanding foundation upon which to build the rest of his scholastic career.
Another recommendation:
I have two children that have benefited greatly from the Sandcastle Preschool program here in Corvallis, Oregon. (2003-2008)
We looked for two years for the appropriate environment to ensure that our children would be respected and cared for just as they are at our home. Sandcastle provided that atmosphere and it has only provided positives out of our children over the years.
The philosophy behind Sandcastle provides an environment for all children to feel loved and respected by the teachers, while learning social, intellectual and developmental skills necessary to transition out into the world.
Sandcastle prides itself on having small classroom, with a Teacher and Assistant provided for each classroom. With this low ratio of child to teacher, it provides much needed one on one time to the children that help the staff identify strengths and weaknesses within the child. With that said, this allows the staff to work hard to all areas of development to insure that the child will come out of Sandcastle a stronger and more confident individual.
Here is a quote from one of our children:
“Well Mom, Teacher Barb was my favorite, but I liked all the other teachers too. Playing was always fun, but I really loved to draw pictures, read my books, work in my handwriting book and make my beautiful sun catcher that is in my window. It was fun to go to new classrooms and have new friends each year. I really liked to help the tiny kids when I was the big kid. Oh, and fieldtrips to the park, sheep barns and pumpkin patch were so fun!” – Sydney (5-Kindergarten)
Note from Mom here….Sydney is ready to start her Handwriting without Tears Cursive book – and she is only in Kindergarten. We credit this huge leap in skills to Sandcastle and the time they take to really help the child be the best they can and succeed beyond the norm.
One of the things that, as parents, we truly loved to be involved in the school itself. Sandcastle Preschool is a non-profit, so it was always a pleasure to help out with fundraiser events to ensure that our kids would continue to get the wonderful materials that are available to help with their learning skills. We believe that it is VERY important for parents to be involved with their childrens teachers and schools, no matter what grade they are in.
We will continue to recommend Sandcastle Preschool to anyone that is looking for a stable, loving and nurturing environment for their child to grow.
Nicole Beachboard, Corvallis