Playgroup Echo Park

My daughter spent 2.5 wonderful years here, and we are already on the wait list for our son to go when he is old enough. The staff is really wonderful and caring, with strong leadership from Director Adriana. This place has a strong sense of community — We really felt a part of a community institution. The school itself is historically connected to the Center for Nonviolent Parenting, and has been around since the 70’s. Honestly, I love this place! It is not often you find preschools where some of the teachers have been there more than 30 years. It is a really special place.

My daughter now goes to kindergarten with a few kids from this school. One day a mother of a girl (who went to Playgroup) told me how teacher «A» showed her a «weird» picture this little boy (who also went to Playgroup) had drawn. I couldn’t believe that a teacher would show a «weird» picture drawn by another persons child, and sit there discussing how «weird» and «strange» it is. If a child draws something concerning you discuss it with the child’s parent, not some random parent just to gossip. If you are a mother who loves to gossip about other mothers and their children, then you will love this school. If you want people who are professionals, go else where.

Damian S. and Ford A. have got it right!!! The school, also known as Playgroup is fantastic!!! I visited so many schools (both on the Westside and Eastside) and all the work was well worth it.
Playgroup’s a diamond in the rough and a well-​kept secret. You, fellow Unilocalers, are lucky I’m sharing it with you! I would’ve been fine keeping it all to myself but I’ve got to give credit where it is due! Playgroup was established decades ago and is undergoing somewhat of a revival under their director, Tina. She’s passionate, vibrant, and educated (a Trojan — but I won’t hold that against her). ;) Under Tina’s leadership, I feel that Playgroup is just going to get better and better. The school’s teachings are based on RIE, Reggio Emilia, and are child-​centered. Basic concepts are children are curious learners and active participants, and thrive in an environment that is safe, challenging, nurturing.
Playgroup is located in the hills of Echo Park in a former residence. The rooms have all been converted to classrooms. It’s really quaint. The playground is composed of a large slide structure and ½ of the ground is covered in a nice, rubbery material that absorbs shock and is almost spongy, whereas the other ½ or so is a large sandbox. There is also a little garden and I believe they will start composting soon. Students regularly paint and play with the organic playdough Playgroup makes. Also, every week there are additional (free) activities such as yoga, dance, music, soccer, and nature walks. Unheard of!!! I Most schools charge for these «extras»! Note: Tina, if you’re reading this, please don’t get any ideas. LOL!
My daughter loves her teachers. The teachers all speak Spanish and English. They vary in age, which means there is a good mix of experience. Teacher Irma sends a daily handwritten note with a summary of events, and any important reminders. Teacher Betty sends a weekly e-​mail to wrap up the week.
The student-​to-​teacher ratio is amazing! On any given day, my daughter’s class has 5 – 8 students and there are always 2 teachers. That is seriously unheard of in Los Angeles! Believe me when I tell you this is incredible. The best preschools in LA (including UCLA and LMU) don’t have this! So what does this really mean? It means that (a) your child gets a lot of attention and (b) your tuition money is very well spent. Speaking of which, tuition is very reasonable given the (a) student-​to-​teacher ratio, (b) flexible hours (7 AM — 6 PM), and © nutritious breakfast and snacks are provided.
I can go on and on, but I’m sure you get the idea!
We heart Playgroup!

People say that preschool is nothing more than just expensive babysitting. Because all children do is play and adults watch them. Its only educational when children are sitting at tables doing dittos and a teacher is directing them. If they are doing art projects or the such its NOT learning! If people truly saw the value of preschool and play then preschool teachers would have the same benifits and
sad that people like Ronin E. (who i don’t know HOW, is an elite) cannot see that real school involves actual learning like this. Not dittos, teachers dictating etc.
sorry but in reality the early years are the most formative time of a child it is when a child learns the most. PLAY is very important because it is a child’s way of learning the world around them, hell even scientists play its a form of experimentation. Teachers are supposed to encourage this play by asking open ended questions, getting down and dirty and actually also playing as well, and bringing in new and exciting hands on activities for children to play with, and where the teachers and director work hand in hand to see where the children are in their development and what their interests are. That is what lessons should be based on, what the children’s needs and interests are. NOT what some man-​dated testing is about and NOT any of that!
Playgroup is all about. Play, emergent curriculum (learning about what comes up through a child’s play), Reggio, Waldorf, a nurturing environment and a supportive community. That and where discipline means to TEACH and inform not to punish or humiliate.
i cannot stress how great this school is. I saw all the children being cared for and taught in the true esccense of preschool. It was an early childhood educators dream and a Parents dream!
the filterd reviews, which i do not understand why they are filtered because they speak the same thing I do about this school, reflect exactly what i am saying. especially what Anonymus e. said.
One of the teachers I highly recommend is Teacher Irma! She was there for the children always and not just in her own class, she was down reading a book to a child, playing in the sand with them, saying wow what does it feel like? very nurturing and very hands on. Even when two children were hitting another child she did not punish at all she calmly asked each of them what happened and what can be done.
Teacher/​Director Tina, runs the school with a gentle yet firm and loving hand. She truly knows the field of early childhood education and is there for everyone, she is not always if at all stuck behind a desk, she is there in the classroom assisting the teachers playing with the children and interacting with them having fun with them. Along with giving parents tours and all the other director duties! shes a super director! :D

The center, known also as Playgroup, is the absolute best daycare around. The staff to student ratio is the highest I have found. The philosophy of the school is called «non-​violent education» and is based on empathy for the child’s point of view. Ruth Beaglehole, the school’s founder, is also the director of the Center for Non-​Violent Education in Echo Park.
We can bring our 3 year-​old son at 8 am and pick him up at 6 pm if we have to. As it is we usually get there at 10 am and pick up at about 5:30 pm. But it is nice to have the option of longer hours if our work week is intense.
Our son has really blossomed since he started at Playgroup the very day he turned 2 years-​old. What was also great is that he didn’t need to be potty trained when he started. He uses the potty now and I feel like training was so much easier because he saw other children doing it and modeled their behavior. Anyway, it is an a great place for children and the other parents are cool, so the social aspect is good for adults as well.
There are also a dozen or so subsidized slots for families with moderate incomes. And the prices are not bad for full and part time students even without subsidies, considering what we paid a babysitter before our son was 2 just so we could work a few hours a week.
I highly recommended this school and suggest you call right away to get on the waiting list and come visit Playgroup.