Moon Pop Play Studios
Closed today Next open Mon 8:30 AM
Description provided by the business.Moon Pop Play Studios is a preschool and TK/K afterschool that uses play-based learning that leads with curiosity and celebrates children’s creativity. We balance child-led play with adult scaffolded activities that invite children to create, climb and tinker. The Moon Pop team was a longtime classroom team at The Berkeley School. All three teachers have degrees in childhood development. Moon Pop is owned and run by Kirstie Mah, Berkeley-born with 16 years of early childhood education and an MS in Infant & Family Development & Early Intervention and an MSW.
Openings Now
Full-time (5-days a week) spots available: full day mixed age preschool, Morning Half-day mixed age preschool , Afternoon TK/Kindergarten
Location Info
Northwest Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94702
| Monday | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Financial Aid
- Offers Financial Aid
Languages Spoken
- English
Location Details
- Staff can administer medication.
- Staff are CPR certified.
- Staff are first aid certified.
- Health screenings are available at this location.
- Outdoor play space is available.
- Program includes field trips.
- No religious affiliation.
Programs Offered
Mixed Age Preschool
Afternoon TK
Schedules
Part Time, Flexible
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Potty Training
Required
Description
The TK/K children become the elders when they join in for afternoon activities such as cooking, gardening, art. We focus on life skills and making the literacy and math lessons the kids are learning in their TK/K morning meaningful to the everyday. We focus deeply on their social/emotional growth.
Education Types
- Arts-Based
- Emergent
- Mixed Age
- Nature-Based
- Play-Based
- Reggio Emilia
Tuition & Fees
Part-time: $1,710—$1,800/month
Flexible: Pricing on Inquiry
Pricing Details
Part-Time runs Monday-Friday 1:30p-5:30p
Afternoon Kindergarten
Schedules
Part Time, Flexible
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The TK/K children become the elders when they join in for afternoon activities such as cooking, gardening, art. We focus on life skills and making the literacy and math lessons the kids are learning in their TK/K morning meaningful to the everyday. We focus deeply on their social/emotional growth.
Education Types
- Arts-Based
- Emergent
- Mixed Age
- Nature-Based
- Play-Based
- Reggio Emilia
Tuition & Fees
Part-time: $1,710—$1,800/month
Flexible: Pricing on Inquiry
Pricing Details
Part-Time runs Monday-Friday 1:30p-5:30p
After Care Program
Schedules
Full Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
Offers after care services in Berkeley.
Education Types
- Arts-Based
- Blended Curriculum
- Emergent
- Mixed Age
- Play-Based
- Reggio Emilia
Licensing
Moon Pop Play Studios is a licensed child care home.
Type
Licensed Child Care Home
Identifier
013424146
Capacity
14
Issued
06/26
Parent Reviews
I felt really nervous about Emma starting preschool. She had been in a nanny share with one other child and I was worried she wouldn't bond with her teachers as much as she had with her nanny. I am so happy to say that I was very wrong. A few weeks in, Emma would run into Sam's arms every morning and would come home talking about "Kirstie" in her sweet little toddler voice. Emma is very slow to warm to others and I think spending a year in the caterpillars class really gave Emma the confidence to be in a group setting and have the voice to get her needs met. She certainly let us all know when she wasn't ready to be independent in toileting and let us know when she was :) The love and care that Kirstie and Sam provides to their students in seen in their thoughtful activities, the way the make children feel seen and supported, and the grace to just be themselves, little children. I know Emma felt safe and loved because Kirstie and Sam taught her that all feelings are welcome. For my family specifically, they helped Emma go through a big life transition and provided the stability and care which I will always hold so close to my heart.
Kirstie and Sam were my daughter’s first teachers, and they are truly the dream team; warm, experienced, and incredibly thoughtful. From messy 'flower soup' sensory bins to high-energy dance parties, they created a world where my daughter didn't just learn; she thrived. Even with her speech delay, her progress was massive thanks to their encouragement. She loved going to school every morning! I couldn't recommend them more.
Our experience in Kirstie, Sam and Molly’s class was truly exceptional. As our daughter’s first time in care away from home, we approached this transition with both excitement and some apprehension. From the very beginning, her teachers created a nurturing, thoughtful, and safe environment that made all the difference. They supported her gently through this important milestone, helping her adapt with confidence while encouraging her growth and curiosity. What stands out most is the genuine bond they build with each child. Our daughter formed strong, trusting relationships with her teachers, which gave us immense peace of mind as parents. Their attention to detail, clear and consistent communication, and deep respect for each child’s individuality truly set them apart. We wholeheartedly recommend these caregivers in any endeavor they pursue. Their dedication, professionalism, and heartfelt commitment to children and families make it clear that they will continue to create a thriving and successful preschool community wherever they go.
Our 2 year old blossomed in bold, bright new colors under the gentle and deliberate guidance of Kristie, Sam, and team. As a parent, I was struck by the level of intention and methodology that informed their work. Every routine had purpose, every object a spirit! And most importantly, their positive presence inspired authentic confidence. Our family recommends Moon Pop Play Studios wholeheartedly. 💗
Our son, Dorian, loved school, but even more he loved Kirstie and Sam and Molly. His face would light up every day when he saw them, and he would ask about them after school when we were home together as a family. Kirstie, Sam, and Molly developed such love and trust for Dorian and the other kids, and therefore they easily created an environment ripe for learning and growth. I loved how Dorian could explore his curiosities each day and week as they emerged, from cooking to painting to storytelling and dancing, in such a safe and intentional environment. If I could have Kirstie and Sam and Molly teach and care for Dorian from 2-7 years old and beyond, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. They are simply gems, and any parent would be lucky to have Kirstie and Sam and Molly as teachers for their kiddos.
They are very attentive, and the low student to teacher ratio ensures my child receives great individual attention. Even though my child didn’t understand any English at first, she still enjoys going to school every day because she loves her teachers. Now she has started to communicate a little. I feel they are very experienced, sometimes they even understand my child better than I do.
Kirstie and Sam are role model teachers to help children develop through didactic skill sets, empathy, independence, teamwork, and more. Their lesson plans that include a balance of age based education combined with social play, arts, and music are the balance of school and social skills development settings any child can find their groove and thrive. As a health care professional, it's important to me that this opportunity exists for children to truly develop in a personalized, safe, and constructive learning environment. On a personal note, my 3 year old starts every morning at home with her phrases of positive affirmations that she was taught at school and it's completely uplifting for myself as a parent too