Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC) is a play-based parent's cooperative preschool in Oakland, CA. Each year since 1933, our beloved play-based school has created community with 25 diverse families, working together to facilitate our children's development in all areas. Working in community, we create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment, in which our children can learn to resolve conflict, build self-esteem and value diversity.
Our campus is located in Montclair and nestled among beautiful redwood trees. Our space includes a nature area with chickens, two large outdoor play spaces, an all-weather outdoor art space, a large playroom, a stand-alone learning annex and a snack room. At no other time in your child's life will you have the opportunity to be so involved and influential in your child's education.
Our campus is located in Montclair and nestled among beautiful redwood trees. Our space includes a nature area with chickens, two large outdoor play spaces, an all-weather outdoor art space, a large playroom, a stand-alone learning annex and a snack room. At no other time in your child's life will you have the opportunity to be so involved and influential in your child's education.
Services
MCPC provides an expansive play-based curriculum, with new activities and reliable favorites available each day (sand box, outdoor play structures, dress up, etc.). Our curriculum emphasizes play and hands-on experience. We create a stimulating and inclusive learning environment that balances sensory, cognitive, and fine- and gross-motor activities.
As a parent cooperative, parents and children grow and develop together in our two-year program. We provide morning, play-based classes, and require parent involvement at the school one day per week. Our Toddler Playtime program provides experiential classes for young children and their parent or caregiver, and are the perfect introduction to a preschool environment.
Described here is the enrollment process for the main MCPC preschool program. Please visit the Programs page for details about our other programs such as summer camps and toddler time. We serve the needs of children during the two years prior to kindergarten. Enrollment is limited to 25 children, and we strive to create a gender-balanced and age-balanced mix of children.
At MCPC, we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work in our curriculum and how we build our community. We know that this is an ongoing process that evolves year to year. A core belief at MCPC is that it is healthy and good to talk about our differences, whether those conversations are simple and positive, or more complex and challenging.
This fall, Montclair Community Play Center is looking to family, friends and community to help raise funds to support our favorite local co-op preschool! Your tax deductible donations will help fund school programs, preschool upkeep, supplies, and teacher benefits. Our preschool is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where our children learn to build self-esteem and value diversity.
Reviews (1)
Magda M. G. Cooney
Oct 09, 2018
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Both our girls went through MCPC, we cannot say enough good things about the school. The teachers are the best around, the play based philosophy has helped our kids thrive and we have learned a lot as parents through the coaching and support of the community. Being part of a co-op is hard work, but I am glad we put in the effort: it is paying off big time as our kids are graduating preschool being experts at conflict resolution, using all the social-emotional tools they have been taught to use and being all around happy kids ! If you have time to put in the work DO IT!!!
