North Bay Children’s Center

My son has been in the infant room for 14 months now and we love it. The teachers are all so incredibly loving and nurturing. They have really taken the time to get to know my son and his needs. He is always happy and rested at the end of the day. They have done a great job at helping me with feeding as well which has become more of challenge now that my son is becoming a toddler. Its been so wonderful to have a place where I can leave my son and have the confidence that he is not only safe but very happy and learning.

I had an opportunity to see the North Bay Children’s Center up close today. My interactions with these young kids was a highlight of my year. This is not the preschool I remember from my youth. The kids were showing me the garden and telling me why they like veggies. They were way past me at that age with reading too. But what really caught my attention was how polite and happy they all were. The work place should have such a good vibe. There was an honest rapport between faculty and students that I thought was unique. I don’t have a youngster around to care for. he’s all grown up. But it wasn’t that long ago when Gayle and I were looking for his day care. This is the place we imagined finding. Parents, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

This is for the AM Preschool only
My first contacts with the front office were with Kathy Moon. She is a busy lady and can seem curt. Having been there now for several months, I have seen a much happier side to her.
My little one is 3 and goes to the AM Preschool 9 – 12 M-​F. He receives a healthy nutritious snack, and socialization. We love the Garden of Eatin’. A wonderful exposure for kids to touch, taste and see.
The building does look run down on the outside, but the main space for the kids is well kept, clean and has great ‘toys’ for the kids — wooden play kitchen, LOTS of wooden blocks to build, plenty of puzzles and books.
My little one loves ‘teacher Michelle’ and ‘Teena’ and ‘teacher Patty’. The teachers all seem very loving and patient with the kids. I have had great communication with them have no concerns.
I would definitely recommend this to a parent if you are looking for a socialization experience for your child and not academic heavy.
They also offer scholarships if that is a concern for you.

I have to agree with Gary (below). My boy went to Pre-​school, Pre-​K, and now he is in the K-​1 program and loves it. Most of the parents stick with NBCC after pre-​k because it offers such a nice after-​school program with lots of activities and friends-​in-​common from the earlier years together.
A big plus for parents is the school has their own chef. Lunch and healthy snacks are included in the monthly fee. And in the spring, summer and early fall, the children get to work in the large organic garden.
NBCC’s structure for pre-​k is especially beneficial for single children (for an only child). The children arrive between 7:30 and 8:30 AM. Then everyone has breakfast together around a big common table before beginning the day’s activities. You wouldn’t believe how much little kids have to chatter about; how much they communicate with each other; and over the course of a year a little society is formed — a group of 16 pint-​size four year olds who eat, play, learn, nap, and exercise together. A lot happens in their 8 to 10 hour day. They learn to get along, follow rules, work out their problems (if need be) under the watchful eye of a loving, trained pre-​school teacher.
I am a teacher. I can tell a thriving environment when I see one. In my son’s class there were children of two other teaching parents and several professionals. The principal always had time to talk to me; the teachers went out of their way to do the best for me and for my son.
I NEVER saw any of the stuff that one of the posters here — Johanna H (an exceedingly negative Unilocal review) — alluded to. Not once in 3 years. Because I’ve been a teacher for so many years, parents with a laundry list like that of what’s wrong with a school (it’s never them, of course) are always a red flag for me. You listen to these parents long enough and you’d think teachers and administrators wake up in the morning just dreaming of how negligent they can be that day. Their «sour grapes» is in the eye of the beholder.
Another lady posting on Unilocal didn’t like the way the front office treated her — never enrolled her kid — but took the time to dump on NBCC anyways. Give me a break.
So…for what it’s worth in my book, NBCC is pretty good stuff. It works just fine for my wife and I. It’s conveniently located in Hamilton. My son has been part of their programs for three years now. He often asks us if we could go home and pick him up later. He was supremely prepared for kindergarten; loves his teachers, and is well adjusted.
What’s not to like about that?

Our family is so happy at North Bay Children’s Center. My children love their teacher and can’t wait to go to school every morning. I’m so grateful to have found a preschool and childcare center where my children can grow emotionally, socially and academically in a nurturing and creative environment. As a working mother I take such comfort in knowing that my children are in safe hands.

I was researching pre-​schools and heard great things about NBCC. I decided to stop in at the office to introduce myself and get some info to take home.
The lady at the front desk said I’d need to make an appointment to discuss the school and have a tour. She took my name and number down and said she’d pass my info onto the lady who does the appointments. I never received a call. I waited one week. I called back. Spoke to the lady at the front desk. I told her that I had come in the previous week. She was kind of rude and annoyed. She said she didn’t know what happened. She took my info– again. I waited another week. No call back.
I guess they can’t be bothered calling anyone to make an appointment. How does one get their child signed up there if coming by in person and making phone calls to contact them doesn’t work? Strange. Annoying. Very rude. How are they running that place?
You think I want them looking after our child? I think not!

Wow! A few bad apples can really spoil the bunch! The few bad reviews on here certainly are the exceptions.
Both of my children have attended NBCC, each of them starting as early as 6months old. Each of them continued through until they attended Kindergarten. Once they got into Kindergarten it was obvious they were ahead of the curriculum. NBCC does a terrific job getting children prepared for their next level of education and life by exposing them to real-​life lessons/​situations.
In 2005 I started touring and interviewing tons of child care schools/​programs from North Novato to San Rafael. I attended events, tours and orientation programs at several of them (around 9) and took notes. I was able to quickly see several things which I liked and did not like about each school. I’m meticulous about the care I select for my children and their well-​being comes first. I prefer to pay more and drive further for my children to receive better care, enhanced educational curriculum and terrific realistic real-​life circumstance/​situations.
Instantly, NBCC stood out in numerous ways. Before I continue, there were other schools which were comparable. However, NBCC made a last impression, which was difficult to replicate at their competition.
The facilities are constantly being upgraded and worked-​on. It could be something small like painting, re-​arranging/​updating the furniture, displaying student art/​pictures or even as far as building new structures. They regularly hire professionals to clean their carpets and fix any of the schools facilities.
The administrative staff are easily seen and communicates well with parents via face-​to-​face, email and by mail. They distribute materials, help with forms/​paperwork and are accountable for the actions/​communications with parents and teachers. They are sensitive, caring and aware of each family’s individual situations.
The teachers are terrific. They all are well educated and trained. They have regular staff meetings and receive coaching and support from inside and outside the organization. As with life, some are better than others but that’s just personal opinion. I like oranges better than apples while others may like apples better than oranges… if you get what I’m saying. I read other reviewers comments about teachers leaving and they made some very opinionated remarks. I run a business myself and am also a hired consultant for other businesses. There are many reasons employees, including teachers/​staff, would leave the school. If you’ve ever worked, you would know people’s lives change as do their dreams and goals. Several of the staff has left for various reasons, such as going back to school, to help their families and/​or to retire. One of my favorite teachers left to retire with her husband and as sad as I was personally I was happy for her to reach her goal! It would be selfish for me to want someone to stay instead of leaving for their own reasons. Furthermore, the teacher to student ratio is great and the children get plenty of attention.
The food… where do I start?! I’ve love to be fed as nutritious and tasty meals/​snacks as they regularly serve. Every morning when I drop off, I would smell and see delicious homemade breakfasts. I’ve commented numerous times to the chef and her assistants how wonderful it smells and the kids love it! Most importantly, the food is prepared at the school and not out of a package with tons of preservatives. They use organically grown fruits/​vegetables and many of which are grown locally and/​or at the school! They purchase from local farms to support locally and work with outside non-​profits to promote healthy eating and living!
The Garden of Eatin’ is fabulous! It’s beautiful, educational and an incredible learning tool to the children to experience. They get hands-​on experience with all aspects of the garden. From planting to tending to the garden and reaping the benefits of the fruits of their labor, literally! They love getting their little hands dirty in the sand, dirt and mud! They get to learn how to fertilize and nurture «their» garden and experience all the wonderful things about growing fruits/​vegetables. Seasonally, volunteers are asked to help in the garden and it’s an incredible opportunity to participate with the staff and best of all, kids are welcome to help too! Throughout the year it’s great to experience the seasons in the garden. Watching its metamorphosis is a great educational tool and life lessons for the children.
The cost is affordable but not cheap… however you definitely get what you pay for at NBCC! There were several cheaper alternatives but I wasn’t going to «go cheap» on my kids. I’d rather skip a few dinners out at restaurants than compromise my kids child care! NBCC has grants which families can apply for in certain financial situations.
Overall NBCC = A+ for my kids

Since writing my last review, my son no longer attends NBCC. There is a huge turn-​around with both teachers and children, they call you to pick up your child if he or she is being «bad,» (I’ve spoken with other parents who have experienced this also), and I felt as if the children’s outside time was being limited. The office personnel is great and knowledgeable, but this school does make a lot of changes that do not get to the parents. A few examples: When my son’s teacher had her last day on a Friday, the new teacher started the following Monday. This may not seem like a big deal, but to a 3-​year-​old transition is everything. I really think the two teachers should have worked together for that last week. Secondly, due to budget cuts, the young preschool room (2year olds) and the older preschool room (3 – 4 year olds) were combined in the morning and late afternoons. It was a month before a letter went out to the parents and this «combining» of rooms and constantly changing rooms was not suitable (in my opinion) for children of this age. Also, I know a few of the teachers that used to be employed by NBCC and they all had very negative things to say about the way things were run. All-​in-​all, NBCC ended up not being the right-​fit for my child as I believe NBCC got a little sloppy with how they handle situations and children. I truly hope they improve the quality of care they are giving.

I can’t say enough great things about this center. My infant currently attends 5 days per week, and is thriving. The teachers and staff all know her — and me, and seem genuinely interested in her health, progress, and overall safety both at school and at home. The teachers are knowledgable, kind, and seem to have the ability to multi-​task all the time. Wow, I feel so lucky to have found this place!

We love North Bay Children’s Center! We have two children enrolled in the school. We started our son in the Young Preschool program and he is now in Pre-​k and our daughter in the Infant program and she is now in the Toddler program. Our children are well loved and cared for. They have such a fun time at school doing art, reading, singing, visiting the garden, doing science and learning so much!
While there have been some recent teacher turnaround, we as parents must understand that NBCC is striving for greatness and as such is demanding a higher caliber teacher. Until you really know the truth with what is happening, please do not be so quick to judge the decisions made to improve the care for our children. Change is hard for everybody but is often times very necessary. With that said, I think NBCC should have done a much better job at communicating to the parents the changes. But no one should complain when improving quality of care is the end result!
One reviewer mentioned «fancy fundraising»…how do you think the school can afford to offer so many financial aid scholarships? The last time I looked, neither the state nor anyone else was giving money out very readily! The only way to sustain a non-​profit program that provides hot meals, has an amazing garden, and affords parents the opportunity to return to work (so they can support their family) while their children are cared for in a loving environment is to FUNDRAISE!!! If NBCC is to improve it’s facilities, how else do you think this is going to happen? I say, the more fundraising the better… new school equipment, chairs, tables, supplies, etc. do not magically appear!
I would whole-​heartedly recommend NBCC to ANY parent!

I’m pretty disappointed in the reviews that I see on here. Granted out of the hundreds of families that are being served or have been served, two icky comments is actually doing pretty good.
I have an inside view to NBCC, I am an employee with the center. I have enjoyed working with the teachers, administration and families. I see a lot of what goes on in all areas and I have to say that overall I am pretty impressed. The curriculum is constantly being improved as well as the surroundings. NBCC is a non-​profit organization. It takes a lot to keep things running and as everyone knows, with the economy as it is, it’s a tough job to say the least.
I like the sense of family that NBCC has. I love seeing the happy children come in and out on a daily basis. There is a great reward to working with such an organization. There are so many that go above and beyond to improve this center. I only wish more could step up to the plate to help out in any way they can.
I am proud to say that NBCC serves as a wonderful employer to me. I am currently expecting my first child and have been completely supported since day one. The admin, staff and families are generally excited to see me stay with this company and look foward to me adding to the NBCC family. My husband and I are excited to have our baby enrolled this next Spring!
I have several friends that are parents to NBCC kids and hope others get to hear their reviews as well. Some people have NO idea how NBCC helps shape their children and how they help so many families. NBCC has several subsidy programs that enable people I know to afford childcare. That is definitely not an easy thing to find!!!

This is hard to give a low score. I mean the wonderful garden they have is really a showcase! On paper all that they do sounds great. For the most part, I felt like I could really depend on these people. But something really bothers me about this school.
We’ve been there for 3 years, from toddlers through school age. I have met several wonderful teachers at North Bay. Strangely, some of these nice teachers keep disappearing just as we get to know them. All of a sudden there would be a staff change– which is fine, it happens! But what is odd is that sometimes there was an announcement, but usually not.
I think the staff is afraid to talk. When I would ask where so and so was, they would actually look scared. This has happened several times over the years and it really botthered me. Why can’t they say where in the heck so and so went? I’ve actually been told, «I am not supposed to say». Ooookay! Was the teacher who was fired really a murderer or something?
This summer, however, when three great teachers just mysteriously disappeared within a short period I almost pulled my kids out totally. What really makes me mad was that there was NO mention to the parents of the change in staff. My daughter witnessed one of the teachers (my favorate teacher ever!) in tears– before she left because «she was sick» (this is what she told the class). My guess was she was either fired of forced out, which is hard to believe because she was one of those saintly preschool teachers who seem to be made out to infinate patience and kindness. My child was quite attached to her teachers, so this was pretty difficult on her. Two more teachers that I love left a couple weeks later, again no mention to the parents. It seems fishy– what are they hiding? And more importantly, if teachers x and y are gone, who exactley IS teaching my kids?
Are great teachers being forced out? Or worse, why are awesome teachers leaving this school? I can’t feel comfortable keeping my kids in a place where staff either seems to be treated like disposable napkins, or don’t feel like they can stay. These are my precious kids, and they form attachments. I also like getting to know the people looking after my kids. If staff keeps revolving and management not telling us when and why this is happening, I get nervous.
When you speak to the director, you would think this is heaven on earth for kids. They have such grandiose plans! The school is actively courting investors and holds fancy fundraisers at golf courses and such. But something isn’t right. Management has said things to me that did not ring quite true in the past.
I am glad my kids are moving on to a new a school.
Bottom line– It’s not a horrible place– my kids seemed pretty happy for the most part. No injuries. There are awesome teachers there, but I think they are probably not treated very well, and this has led to an pretty unstable environment in my opinion.
The location of the young kids school in Novato is nice, but the location of the school age site (although it is a REALLY nice building) is not as nice.
I would say give them a try, but stay involved and hope that management will foster a more stable environment.
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My son attended NBCC from the time he was 18 months to 25 months in 2008. This place as far as preschools go is a complete joke. My experience with NBCC was so bad, that I really feel horrible as a mother for waiting as long as I did to remove him.
First off, knowledgeable teachers are nonexistent. This really is just a warehouse for children. I can’t tell you how many times I have come to pick up my 18 MONTH old son and found him wandering around in the school’s playground completely alone. Each time the teachers had no idea he was even out there. I have even seen babies as young as 6 months old crying and rolling around on the floor with no provider to pick them up and soothe them. In fact, I once came in with my mother in law and saw a little baby girl on the classroom floor crying her eyes out and while my MIL changed my son’s diaper I picked up this baby and held her myself.
Secondly, I became alarmed when my child started coming home with huge bruises on his face and other parts of his body. I thought maybe my son fell alot or bumped into things as he is a very active child. It was not until I placed my son into a different preschool and he stopped coming home with bruises altogether that I started to wonder about what really went on at NBCC when I was not around. At the very least, I am sure they not were watching him as well as they should have.
NBCC serves hot lunches everyday as part of their program. This is great except for some strange reason my son would be screaming for food and eating ravenously every time I picked him up. Again this was not the case when I transferred him to a different school.
The problems go down the list including a stint where the state closed down the school for a week and NBCC devilishly sent home a letter to parents saying this was a voluntary closing because they needed to clean up the school due to a recent outbreak of some gastrointestinal pathogen at the school. The truth was (I called licensing so I should know) was they were closed by the state because a surprise inspection revealed fecal matter to be all over changing stations and also children’s bedding was found stored in potty areas! Gross! No wonder those poor kids got sick.
The final straw came when my husband and I pulled up to the school at pick up time and found our son IN THE PARKING LOT running around. Apparently the staff thought it was a brilliant judgement call to leave the front door of the school open with no baby gate and about 6 toddlers in the front office waiting to be picked up. It would not take a genius to assume that a kid bolting out the front door would happen at some point. Mean while I cried in the car all the way home because I kept having thoughts of my son being hit by some unsuspecting parent as my child ran wildly around the parking lot. When I asked why the door was open in the first place, I got «Its hot in here and we don’t have AC.» I really do despise this place and I am happy that my son got away from these people in one piece.