Business Details
Trusted Cooperative Preschool in Redondo Beach
Sand Tots is a cooperative preschool where parents play an integral role in their child's education. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning through play, fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Parents participate directly in classroom activities and contribute to school administration through roles like serving on the Board of Directors. This collaborative approach ensures a high-quality educational experience while building a supportive community. We maintain a non-discriminatory policy, welcoming families of all backgrounds. Our curriculum is designed to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills through structured play and cooperative learning.With programs for children aged 2-5, we offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate family needs. Our facility in Redondo Beach provides a safe, nurturing environment that encourages exploration and creativity. We prioritize building balanced classrooms that reflect diverse backgrounds and abilities. Families are actively involved in shaping our programs, creating a unique partnership between parents and educators. Our admissions process focuses on mutual understanding of educational goals and philosophy. Through this model, parents gain valuable insights into early childhood education while directly supporting their child's development.
Services
2/3s Program
3/4s Program
4/5s Program
Stay & Play Program
Parent Participation Classes
Highlights and features
- Parents actively participate in classroom instruction and school governance
- Proven cooperative learning model with 40+ years of educational expertise
- Non-discriminatory policy ensuring inclusive, diverse classroom environments
- Balanced approach combining structured curriculum with child-led exploration
- Community-driven model fostering family connections and shared growth
Services
2/3s Program
Designed for children turning 2 by September 1, this twice-weekly program (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) focuses on foundational social skills through structured play. Sessions run 9:15am-11:45am with monthly tuition of $410. The curriculum emphasizes sensory exploration and early childhood development through parent-guided activities.
3/4s Program
For children aged 3-4, this four-day program (Monday-Thursday) offers comprehensive early education from 9:00am-12:00pm. Monthly tuition of $730 includes access to our Stay & Play extension program. The curriculum balances academic preparation with creative play, fostering both individual and group learning experiences through parent-teacher collaboration.
4/5s Program
Our most advanced program prepares children for kindergarten with four-day weekly sessions (Monday-Thursday) from 9:00am-2:00pm. At $1,125 monthly tuition, it includes extended learning opportunities and social development activities. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and collaborative problem-solving in a cooperative learning environment.
Stay & Play Program
Available to 3/4s and 4/5s students, this afternoon program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00pm-1:45pm. Priced at $140-$280 monthly depending on frequency, it provides structured enrichment activities that extend morning learning experiences while maintaining our cooperative educational philosophy.
Parent Participation Classes
Required parent participation includes classroom assistance and administrative roles. Parents contribute 10-15 hours monthly through teaching support, committee work, or board service, creating a unique partnership that enhances both educational quality and family engagement in early childhood development.
Questions
What makes Sand Tots different from other preschools?
Our cooperative model uniquely involves parents in classroom instruction and school governance, creating shared learning experiences between families and educators.
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Children must be 2 years old by September 1 for our 2/3s program, 3 years old for 3/4s, and 4 years old for our 4/5s program.
How does parent participation work?
Parents serve as classroom aides, participate in school administration through board roles, and contribute to policy decisions affecting their child's education.
What is the admissions process timeline?
Tours are available October-March, with applications accepted year-round. Priority notifications occur by mid-March, with rolling enrollment afterward.
Are there extended care options available?
Our Stay & Play program offers extended care on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00pm-1:45pm for 3/4s and 4/5s students.
Reviews (5)
Velvet A.
Nov 21, 2018
Report
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
Report
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
Report
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
Report
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
Report
My family has been attending Sand Tots for 4 years and we couldn't be happier. The quality of the teaching staff is incredible and so is the philosophy they teach by. Most importantly my kids LOVE everything about Sand Tots and feel loved and safe.
