about
Slippery Fish is a cooperative pre-preschool and preschool. We believe that each child brings a unique set of skills to the classroom and we respect each child's unique gifts while we help every child develop greater social skills, problem solving skills, self awareness and a sense of wonder and creativity.
We take a relationship-based approach to learning. Our classes include opportunities for children to develop skills across developmental domains, with an emphasis on language, social skill, self-awareness, and problem solving. The curriculum is designed so children have the opportunity to learn in both small groups and large groups, and also are provided support through one-on-one interaction with teachers and peers. We foster a sense of community of care by working closely as a team of learners. Parents are learning about their own children while supporting the development of other children in the classroom. The lead teacher acts as a lead instructor at times but also supports parents in the classroom and learning from their interactions with children. Everyone is learning from each other in this model of care. Also offered are plenty of opportunities for quiet play or individual play.
Our classes are designed to offer children both small and large group activities where on any given day they are learning new concepts, ideas in relationship to each other. We are a community of learners and both parents and the lead teacher work together closely to lead and support activities within the classroom. We share the role of teacher and act as models and supports for the children in the classroom. Both parents and teachers learn from each other as we share ideas and ways of leading and supporting children in their play while we stay committed to honoring and respecting each child's unique gift and contribution to the classroom. At the same time a child's sense of wonder and creativity is fostered and supported. We have one classroom that is specifically designated to art/sensory play and our outdoor play area includes an interactive garden.
Our curriculum themes draw from our observations of children in the classroom, what they are talking about, drawn to, and interested in. Each class offers a variety of activities around a theme so that each child gets the opportunity to learn a concept from many different angles. Any one theme can be presented in a multitude of ways to encourage learning on many levels.
History
Founded by four Potrero Hill families, Slippery Fish evolved from an Axis baby group in 2005 into a babysitting exchange playgroup in September of 2006. A First Five grant facilitated the move to a larger donated play space in Axis Cafe and inspired the group to formalize their structure so they could expand and share this resource with other neighbors in January of 2008. In May of 2009, Slippery Fish moved inside a Recess Urban Recreation space. We are currently going through the licensing process and as of September 1, 2011 we moved our program to 999 Brotherhood Way across from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. This move will allow us to expand our program from infant to preschool and provide us with a great outdoor space. 999 Brotherhood Way is approximately a 10 minute drive from the Potrero and Noe/Mission/Bernal areas of SF.
Our Programs
Minnows
Ages: 12 months to 18 months
Our Minnows program is designed for 12-18 month olds. It offers an opportunity to begin to socialize with other children, to explore independent play with and without a parent, and to experience new activities and challenges in art, movement, and music.
The program is offered Monday through Friday, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Two days of attendence are required. The program size is limited to 12 students a day, keeping a teacher to student ratio of 1:2. All parents in this program work in the classroom on a consistent day either weekly or every other week.
Guppies
Ages: 18 months to 24 months
Our Guppies program is the next step serving 18-24 month olds in a morning program. The program facilitates a deepening of social relationships, stronger classroom cooperation, and longer days full of joyful, enriching activities. This program also offers more independence with an option for a lower work commitment from the parent.
The class size is limited to 12 students, keeping a teacher to student ratio of 1:3. Parent work schedules include: work once a week (“Teaching”), work once every other week (“Half-Teaching”), or drop off (“Non-Teaching”).
The morning program is offered Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 12:00 PM and there is a minimum requirement of two days.
Koi
Ages: 24 months to 4 years
Our Koi program serves ages 24 months to four years in a morning or afternoon program. This group continues with active play while still incorporating guided structure with developmentally appropriate activities. Children will be enrolled in peer groups i.e. core groups of 2-3 year olds or 3-4 year olds in a mixed age setting.
The class size is limited to 16 students, keeping a teacher to student ratio of 1:4. Parent work schedules include: work once a week (“Teaching”), work once every other week (“Half-Teaching”), or drop off (“Non-Teaching”).
The morning program is offered Monday through Friday from 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM. There are 2, 3, and 5 day participant options. The afternoon program is offered Tuesday through Thursday from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. There are 2 or 3 day participant options.
If you are interested in attending our information session, please click on the Join link and fill out our sign-up form.
Our Teachers
Angela Beeck
Angela Beeck, MA has many years of experience working with children and supporting families. She started out as a direct service provider in a variety of settings such as private homes, public agencies, and preschools. She most recently managed an inclusion preschool in Palo Alto that served children with diverse learning needs and cultural backgrounds. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and pursued three post-graduate certificates in Parent Infant Mental Health Consultation, Infant and Toddler Care, and Preschool Learning Foundations. She believes that a child’s best teacher is his/her parent and values the teacher-parent-child relationship. She has been both a lead teacher and manager and welcomes the opportunity to be a part of the community at Slippery Fish.
Patty Pervis-Miller
Patty Pervis-Miller grew up in Burlingame, CA with her parents and 3 sisters. She attended both public and private schools in her community. After graduating from Burlingame High School, Patty attended Canada College’s Early Childhood Education Program and received her ECE Certificate. All while working full time in both the preschool and school age programs at A Child’s Way Schools.
Having started working at A Child’s Way Schools when she 15 (remaining until June, 2011), Patty has had the rare experience of working every position from “Student Helper” to “acting Asst. Director”, as well as, teaching at the very preschool and afterschool daycare she attended as a child. She worked side by side with her Mother, a teacher of 30 years, whose guidance, mentorship and encouragement helped shape the teacher Patty is today.
She enjoys art in all forms and is currently working on a collection of paintings and multi medium art pieces inspired by the children she teaches and the growth they show every day.
Cooperative Responsibilities
Cooperatives require significant participation from parents. Whether parents are teaching on a weekly basis or choose a non-teaching option, parents are still responsible for participating in the cooperative in different ways. All parents provide snack, activities, or stories as scheduled, perform a co-op job, attend general and parent education meetings, and participate in at least one community outreach and/or maintenance event per year. Other responsibilities include providing standby coverage and co-hosting a monthly meeting at the school.