Montclair Community Play Center
a play-based parents’ co-operative preschool in oakland, ca
We acknowledge that MCPC is located in Oakland, formerly known as Huchiun, on the unceeded land of the Ohlone People. We wish to pay respect to Ohlone leaders both past and present. Read more about our commitments here: Land Acknowledgement and Equity Statement
Let’s Play!
Each year since 1933, our beloved play-based school has created community with up to 30 diverse families, working together to facilitate our children's development in all areas. Working in community, we create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment, in which our children can learn to resolve conflict, build self-esteem and value diversity.
Our campus is located in Montclair and nestled among beautiful redwood trees. Our space includes a nature area with chickens, two large outdoor play spaces, an all-weather outdoor art space, a large playroom, a stand-alone learning annex and a snack area.
Why choose a co-op preschool?
At no other time in your child's life will you have the opportunity to be so involved and influential in your child's development. You will experience your child's joy of discovery, power of independence, and pride in their accomplishments.
As MCPC parents, we truly believe that we have found an excellent learning environment for our children. Though participation in a cooperative preschool can be time consuming, we find the rewards of a close knit community and the time spent interacting with our children are well worth the effort.
One of our parents shares in a brief interview below what it’s like to participate at MCPC - we hope it gives you a brief glimpse of how wonderful a co-op can be.
What families say about MCPC…
“MCPC was a wonderful experience for my shy kid. He blossomed into a happy confident kid, thanks to the amazing teachers and warm community.”
“I learned to be a better parent and live in the moment with my child. He had a good time too.”
“I had all three of my kids in MCPC. I was there 6 consecutive years. It was a lot of work and a big commitment for our family, but we chose MCPC for its play based, loving environment. All the various teachers were wonderful, and my children who are now teenagers, learned valuable life lessons that have served them well as they entered grade school and still stick with them now as teenagers. Thank you, MCPC!”
“If you understand the importance of play-based education, and agree with the idea that kids are best served when they are respected and honored as themselves, then MCPC is the place for you.”
“Play-based REALLY works! Preschool kids are at an age that meant to explore and learn about the world through play, we are so glad MCPC embraces this philosophy”
“Why would anyone want to go to any other preschool? Doesn’t everyone know how awesome MCPC is?”
“Three years post preschool, my son and I continue to benefit from the MCPC community — rich with life-long lessons and friends.”
“After more than 80 years in existence MCPC has gathered volumes of collective wisdom and experience in play based early childhood development. It’s been and amazing education for both our children and our whole family, indeed!”
“I never thought I would get my best friendships as an adult made at my kid’s preschool. MCPC is the epitome of community.”
