We are proud to say that Sand Tots has been serving the South Bay for over 30 years. Our school has always fulfilled a niche in the community by providing a high-quality program utilizing parent involvement as our key ingredient for success. This is a special place where kids, parents and staff have developed life-long friendships.
Sand Tots was founded in 1972 by a handful of families who were committed to being a part of their children's early childhood education. In 1994, Sand Tots had been in operation for 2 years in what is now the Robinson Elementary School campus in Manhattan Beach. When the campus needed to be reopened, the search for a new location led us to Redondo Beach, where we leased space from a local church.
Sand Tots was founded in 1972 by a handful of families who were committed to being a part of their children's early childhood education. In 1994, Sand Tots had been in operation for 2 years in what is now the Robinson Elementary School campus in Manhattan Beach. When the campus needed to be reopened, the search for a new location led us to Redondo Beach, where we leased space from a local church.
Services
In a cooperative preschool, parents are an integral part. Not only do they participate during class time, but they also have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of other activities that directly affect their child's classroom experience via the administration of the school, such as serving on the Board of Directors.
We believe kids need time to be kids. You won't find any blackboard lessons here. During a child's early years, there is a greater awareness of the world around them than any other time in their life. This is a time when young children begin to explore and experience their environment.
Sand Tots' philosophy centers on the concept that kids learn through spontaneous play so that intellectual learning is balanced with physical, social and emotional development.Our staff facilitates each child's learning by creating an environment that promotes reasoning and helps children realize patterns and relationships that they have intuitively observed.
Sand Tots' philosophy centers on the concept that kids learn through spontaneous play so that intellectual learning is balanced with physical, social and emotional development.Our staff facilitates each child's learning by creating an environment that promotes reasoning and helps children realize patterns and relationships that they have intuitively observed.
Sand Tots offers classes for children aged two through five. Potty training is not a requirement for admission. Any family of a preschool-age child is eligible for membership. Sand Tots does not discriminate against any child or parent, including but not limited to discrimination based on race, religion, color or creed.
We interviewed former students of Sand Tots Coop Preschool to celebrate our school's legacy with you. In honor of our 45th anniversary of Sand Tots, we'd like to celebrate our school by introducing you to some members of our alumni. We are so proud of our graduates and their passion for our South Bay community.
Sand Tots is committed to providing children and families in the South Bay our unique educational experience at a reasonable cost. With the rising expense of operations, we rely on the generosity of our community in order to narrow the gap between tuition and the true cost of delivering a high quality program.
Reviews (9)
Velvet A.
Nov 21, 2018
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We had such a wonderful experience at Sand Tots. The director, Sandra, is incredibly thoughtful and the teachers here are the very best! We love the way Sand-Tots inspires learning through play-based activities. They also have a unique and effective way of teaching kids kindness and compassion. With all of the parent education, resources and involvement, the parents learn so much, too. I only wish I had all of this guidance and support through all the stages of parenting! Sand Tots is all about listening, communication and inspiring a life-long love of learning. We will always cherish our memories
Genevieve L.
Jul 19, 2015
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My 3rd child will be staring Sand Tots in the fall. My 1st child graduated and my middle will continue in the fall and graduate in a year. I can't say enough positive things about the school and the teaching staff. You are required to work as it is a parent participation co op. I have learned so much from the teachers while working...I even hover near the teachers to hear what they say and how they speak to the children. In addition the school asks that you attend 2 parent education classes. There are numerous opportunities to participate in these and they happen all thru the year.
Catherine S.
Jan 29, 2015
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Sand Tots is an amazing preschool and community! My children look forward to every school day and have loved each teacher they have had here. I have learned so much by working in the classes and through the various parent ed opportunities offered by the school. The work commitment for the school is completely manageable. I'm so glad that we chose this preschool!
Kerry T.
Jul 10, 2014
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Very happy with my decision (and so are my kids!). We have all learned so much! First,I've learned that play based learning at this age is essential not only for preschoolers to develop and enhance their fine and gross motor skills, but also to encourage a natural inquisitiveness and intellectual curiosity in order to establish an early love of learning. Second, I've learned how to handle conflict between my two kids or even amongst a group of kids. I
My kids have also learned so much! Of course academics are part of everyday curriculum, but in addition, I have witnessed them successfully
My kids have also learned so much! Of course academics are part of everyday curriculum, but in addition, I have witnessed them successfully
Kari C.
Oct 09, 2013
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R. P.
Sep 15, 2012
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Sand Tots in AMAZING. I toured 15 preschools in the area and when I found sand tots I knew it was the one.
It's a Co-op, so you get to be super involved in your child's education. How ever many days you child goes to classa week, that's how many days a month you get to help the teacher in the class room, so your kid goes 3 days a week, you work 3 days a omnth.. It's wonderful to get to know all your child's play mates, and their parent, and really see the teacher in action. You are truly a part of the process. My husband and I both work, so it's tricky to make
It's a Co-op, so you get to be super involved in your child's education. How ever many days you child goes to classa week, that's how many days a month you get to help the teacher in the class room, so your kid goes 3 days a week, you work 3 days a omnth.. It's wonderful to get to know all your child's play mates, and their parent, and really see the teacher in action. You are truly a part of the process. My husband and I both work, so it's tricky to make
Kathi M.
Aug 09, 2011
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Sand Tots has been a tremendous place to work for over 27 years! After all these years the goals have remained the same, the staff and parents remain dedicated to providing children with a child centered learning experience in a warm family oriented environment. Parents are a part of their children's learning experience as well as the success of the school. All the while they are increasing their parenting knowledge through their experience as well as access to a series of guest speakers. It's been a joy to watching lifelong friendships being formed for children as well as parents
Kim W.
Feb 04, 2011
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Sand Tots was recommended to me by a neighbor when I was in a bind and my son was having a bad time at his current preschool. I was a mom that thought I would never do a cooperative preschool ( I thought it would be too much work and juggling it with 3 children intimidated me) but my neighbor really loved the school so I thought I would give it a try. Well this is our third year at the school and I am so glad I tried it because it is less work then I thought it would be. It is great to be able to see firsthand what my kids' days are like and how much they love being there. The meetings
M. H.
Feb 03, 2011
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We love Sand Tots! My son, a Sand Tots grad, is excelling in kindergarten and absolutely loves school. I credit Sand Tots for much of his love of learning. My daughter is currently enrolled at Sand Tots and would go to school every day if she could. I feel so lucky that I am able to share in their early education. I have learned so much working side-by-side with the amazing director and teachers. Sand Tots has made me a better parent!
