Testimonials
We have had three of our children at Shimmy over the years, they all remember their time there very fondly and we made some wonderful friends through the co-op who remain our greatest friends to this day. Shimmy enables parents to be part of their kid's pre-school experience and to share their unique gifts with the kids, be it music, drama, art, playing games, creating, reading great books, taking them on field trips, helping them navigate the social side of things. The kids enjoy the freedom of un-pressured play time inside and outside--the occupation of children! They are guided by a wonderful Montessori-trained teacher to manage their own things and their space and to work individually and in groups. Each of our children has been treasured for the person they are.
Erica, Spring 2013
Our son had been a member of another preschool before coming to Shimmy, but when we saw the school in person for the first time, we knew that he would thrive here, and he has. I was particularly struck by how well the children were able to communicate their needs with each other and with adults, even when they were clearly upset about something. I value the time I'm working with the kids as opportunities to learn how much they really can be responsible for and how much I can help my son to identify his feelings and needs in appropriate and effective ways.
Tracy, Spring 2013
I can't say enough about the lead teacher (Tati) at Shimmy. She is amazing with the children and a wonderful role model for the parents. I clearly remember one day when I corrected my own daughter in a "please don't do that" kind of way, and Tati quickly followed up with "I like how you do ... But could you ..." I was so impressed with how positively she even frames misbehavior! My daughter absolutely adores teacher Tati and it is clear how much Tati loves being around the children. This preschool is definitely a place where children feel free to express themselves and contribute to their experiences. I also remember another day when a couple of children said they wanted to make a slide, and Tati quickly ran with that suggestion, and a slide was in working order 1/2 hour later with natural materials readily available. The possibilities are endless at this school!
Kellicia, Spring 2013
Shimmy has been a great place for our son and family. I have loved the co-op aspect as it has allowed us to really get to know the other families and their children. The cost is extremely affordable for its value; there are decidedly less parent participation days than other co-ops in the area. Tati has a gift with children and has facilitated a wonderful place for play and learning and we've grown as parents as a result. Our son has thrived under her leadership and made great friends. Highly recommended.
NSY, Spring 2013
In response to the person who commented about the inappropriateness of asking parents who currently have their kids in preschool to comment on it, I would say probably the most honest answers you're going to get are from parents who have already left a school. For instance my son attended two area preschools and I would not hesitate to give a very negative review to the Alameda school and a raving positive review to the Albany one (Shimmy Shimmy Co-op). Because we moved three times in a short period I've actually been a participant in four cooperative preschools, so I have a lot to compare it to. Shimmy had all of the things I was looking for in a school: a teacher who effortlessly guided my son to appropriate behavior in his first social experiences, play-based learning that focused on creative thinking and exposure to arts, and a bonus for me, great sense of community created by the parents who were also attracted to the first qualities.
Theresa, March 8, 2012, quoted from the Albany Patch website
Shimmy Shimmy Co-co op, has been the most wonderful place for my daughter. The play based environment that allows her to be self directed, has given her a love of school!
Alicia S., Thursday, March 8, 2012, quoted from the Albany Patch website
[Shimmy] has been a great place for our daughter as well. She is forming her first friendships here and is learning how to negotiate play with others. Her self confindence is growing every week. The teacher is wonderful at directing a positive, creative, fun, play-based day. The co op is serendipitous. Each participating family makes it a richer experience. One parent is now teaching music. The more we put into the co op, the better it gets! It's a wonderful environment (indoors and outside) for preschoolers.
Kara H., March 8, 2012, quoted from the Albany Patch website
My son loves Shimmy Shimmy Co Co-op! Sometimes, he even requests to go there on the weekends (when it's closed!). The teacher is excellent at directing energy towards fun, interesting activities (often tailored to the child) in the most gentle, nurturing way possible. The days I work there are filled with joy and harmony -- all the kids play so beautifully together as a result of the teacher's gentle instruction on healthy social behavior. And the play-based environment allows the children to follow their own interests at their own pace. One child may be playing a pre-reading game while another is outside on the climbing structure. An art project may be going on during an informal storytime. Kids may be discovering salamanders under the rocks outside while others may be doing a writing activity indoors. I love the flow of the day -- where the children's rhythms and interests determine their activities. And this freedom helps the children's independence and self-confidence grow and grow. We're in love with Shimmy.
Caroline A., March 9, 2012, quoted from the Albany Patch website
Ditto on the above comments about Shimmy Shimmy! It's a play based, loosely structured 'curriculum' wise, where the kids have the run of a great big back yard space for climbing, playing in sand, searching for salamanders, sliding, water play, driving cars around and more. The teacher really understands kids and they learn to gain some independence, but rely on the structure. My older son loved it and my youngest is doing great now, too. We highly recommend it!
Laurian R., March 9, 2012, quoted from the Albany Patch website
