Preschool

[Loralienn]

I was hoping some of you great moms could assist me. My daughter is closing in on 3, only child (and will remain so), and I've been home with her the whole time. My mother-in-law currently takes her a day or two a week, where she gets to play with her almost 2-year-old cousin.

Lately though, she has shown great interest in school. Everytime the topic comes up she asks when she gets to go. I'd really like her to get in some time socializing with kids her own age (we do the park and stuff, but it isn't the same kids regularly...)

So, I've been thinking about finding her a preschool a couple mornings/days a week. I've had a horrible time finding out objective opinions as I don't know a bunch of other parents around here. I want something that will continue reinforcing the skills we work on at home, maybe a place that works on some foriegn language basics. Other than that, I'm not really sure what else to look for. Anyone have suggestions for me? :)

Thanks so much <3

[DreamSpell333]

I was hoping some of you great moms could assist me. My daughter is closing in on 3, only child (and will remain so), and I've been home with her the whole time. My mother-in-law currently takes her a day or two a week, where she gets to play with her almost 2-year-old cousin.

Lately though, she has shown great interest in school. Everytime the topic comes up she asks when she gets to go. I'd really like her to get in some time socializing with kids her own age (we do the park and stuff, but it isn't the same kids regularly...)

So, I've been thinking about finding her a preschool a couple mornings/days a week. I've had a horrible time finding out objective opinions as I don't know a bunch of other parents around here. I want something that will continue reinforcing the skills we work on at home, maybe a place that works on some foriegn language basics. Other than that, I'm not really sure what else to look for. Anyone have suggestions for me? :)

Thanks so much <3


I really dont have much advice,because im in the same boat as you. I also have a 3 year old,looking for a preschool in this area and I also dont know anyone around here. We just moved from New Hampshire to indiana,and i dont have any friends yet here, no babysitter etc. We only have my mother in law to rely on and she's not always available. Good Luck! :) Im also going to try to find some type of mom group to meet other moms.

[Dragensong]

for starters, make sure you are allowed to show up un-anounced. If they have a policy that you have to call 1st to observe your child, steer clear. Secondly, find out what there curriculum is, If you like it, good. 3rd, find out what their time out policy is, ask what behavior recieves time out and for how long, and if they teach the kids how to avoid the unwanted behavior in the future (a rule of thumb I'm sure you know is time out is 1 min per yr of age). Ask the Cost, make sure you can afford it, see if they have a payment policy, some places charge even for missed days. And last but not least see what your county/states laws are number of children per adult, if a class is over crowded and understaffed your child might not always get the best care. I Hope the helps. (IMHO I think the most important thing is being able to show up w/out having to call 1st, places with a call 1st policy make me nervous, b/c you don't know if your seeing is the real deal or a set up.)

Elizabeth

P.S. I hope you find a place you and your child like.

[Faery-Wings]

Great list of criteria, Dragensong.
Add in - sick policy. You don't want your child getting sick every other week because the school doesn't implement a sick policy.
You might also want to consider a preschool rather than a day care/pre-school combo. This is not a knock against working mom's since I have BTDT myself, but working moms are *usually* more apt to send a sick child in to daycare inhopes of getting a few hours in of work. And I totally get that, but if you don't have to be part of that, that is better for your child.

Also ask about how they clean and disinfect toys.
Ask about potty training if that could still be an issue.

And definitely chat people up inthe supermarket, playground, library. Other moms can be your best source of info ont he local level.

Good luck!

[Loralienn]

Ooo, I didn't think of the showing up unannounced thing, or the daycare/sick thing. I'm going to drop in on my top 2 once or twice before deciding, I think. Most of the places I am looking are strictly preschool, but a few of them were daycare too. I think I'll stick with the preschool :D. Thanks everyone for your advice.

I actually found this preschool program for advanced kiddies (no annoying pressure though, just really open options for learning which I appreciate) through a local private college. My daughter qualifies, but we'll have to see if i can budget enough cashola.

Thanks again everyone. If anyone else has any other advice, I'd certainly appreciate it! :)

[Loralienn]

I really dont have much advice,because im in the same boat as you. I also have a 3 year old,looking for a preschool in this area and I also dont know anyone around here. We just moved from New Hampshire to indiana,and i dont have any friends yet here, no babysitter etc. We only have my mother in law to rely on and she's not always available. Good Luck! :) Im also going to try to find some type of mom group to meet other moms.
Totally feel your pain. :( Luckily I have a few inlaws around here, but none of my family and haven't met any other moms with kids Brynn's age. My sis-in-law has a daughter a year younger (and they play together a lot) but it isn't the same. At least I have the occasional baby-sitter available. I'm excited that Brynn wants to go to school a couple days a week, even though I will miss her. But it will let me get in some more classes and hours at the library (I work occasionally filling in for missing shifts).

Good luck you, too!