Soleil Kids Preschool is also very thoughtful in their design, toys selections, snacks, and they are eco-friendly, which I really like. They also help with potty training, have extended hours, and are open all year round (which a lot of the preschool close during summer.)

The local "parent child workshops", particularly Lou Grant, in Carpinteria, and also Star King, in SB, have a unique organization that we found incredibly helpful. Parents help staff these preschools by working at the preschool 4 hours per week. In return, parents receive 1 night per week of parent EC education, and EC credit. The huge benefit of this co-op style preschool is that parents understand exactly why different elements of the preschool experience are important, and help tailor and work with the other parents and the school. In addition, parents usually relax, knowing that most typical issues that crop are things that other parents have managed, and they will receive help from their own group of peers. The directors of these programs are veteran preschool directors, experts in Early Childhood Education and instructors at the local City College.

We left Lou Grant completely transformed as a family. Instead of operating from our own family experiences (and family myths) alone, we came to a much broader perspective on what parenting is, what "normal behavior" can be at different developmental stages, and how to problem-solve educational issues throughout the school years. Potty training and other potential issues became less charged, and we saw them as simply part of the process. Our children flourished in the company of a large group of well-supervised peers. In addition, we have an extended "family" of people who became friends during our stay at the preschool. I honestly can't say enough about the experience, the support we received, or the positive legacy for our kids.