About School

Our Mission
We strive to develop the whole child in a rich and varied school environment, balancing structure and free choice, child-initiated and teacher directed activities, form and freedom.  We encourage children to build concepts, develop new interests and competencies, understand and express their feelings, and develop a healthy sense of self.

Type of Program
Developmental and play based (with emphasis on self-regulation in a structured environment).

Faculty Credentials
ECE Certified Teachers, many with BA and advanced degrees.  Co-director, MA Psychology, ECE Program Director Credential.  Low staff turnover.

Tuition Information
The chart of our current tuition rates is located in our Information Packet.

Ages and Class Info
18 months to 5 years
Number of children:     66

Child/Adult Ratio:  4:1 for Toddlers, 5:1 for 2 yrs., 6:1 for 3 yrs, 7/8:1 for 4-5 yrs.  Excellent ratio for afternoon program in a mixed age group, fostering a home-like atmosphere.

Classrooms are separated by age until 1:00pm.  Afternoon program (from 1:00pm to 4:00pm) for children 2-2.9 years old is in a different classroom than for children 2.9 years old and older.  Children of all ages are together in one classroom from 4:00pm-6:00pm. 

Program Hours
7:30am-9am (early morning drop-off); 9am-1pm (morning session); 1pm-6pm (afternoon session)

Our History
Mustard Seed Preschool was founded in 1979 as a non-denominational, non-profit Christian school dedicated to excellence in education and nurture.  Children from all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed.  It has been operated by the Berkeley Covenant Church since 1986.  One of the distinctive qualities of Mustard Seed Preschool is the strong sense of community and “family” created by the relationships between children, parents and teachers.  The commitment and dedication of our staff to create a supportive and nurturing environment for families with young children has been, and continues to be, the strength of our school.  We are also blessed with low staff turnover.