OK, now a serious question for those with preschool aged children or older

[Athena-Nadine]

Robert just had his first birthday on February 21st. Now, most of my friends and family are telling me that I need to start getting serious about looking for a preschool for him (yes, we have already decided that we will probably put him in preschool for half days when he is old enough). Preschool isn't like grade school since it's optional. I know I have to start doing research and looking into them and all at some point, so I can make a definitive decision either way, but I have no idea where to start or what to look for.

Those of you who have children in preschool or have sent your children to preschool, do I really need to start doing this now, even though he is only 12 months old?

And how on earth do I go about this? Is there someplace I can find a list of preschools in my area?

Any help or insight you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[Catiana]

Personally, I don't think you need to be worrying about preschool when he's only 12 mos old. My kids didn't go until they were like 3. I found mine through referrals from friends.

[Lyrien]

I guess it really depends on where you live, the availability of schools, when you plan on sending him, and how neurotic you want to be about it.


If you live in an area with one preschool and 50 baby mills, then sure; get on a list now. But that is typically not the case. I didn't send my DD till she was three, and my son was 4. I did have to place my son on a wait list for my first choice of school, but that was because I waited until a month before the school year started.

I honestly think that researching preschools at 12 months old is insane, but everyone is different and has different situations.

[Athena-Nadine]

I thought it was a bit nuts too, but I guess it's because some of the preschools here start at 2. I don't know that I want to put him in preschool that early anyway, though. I hadn't planned to do so until he was at least 3, maybe even 4.

[Sun Sprite]

Many daycares consider themselves preschools these days, and start "trying" to teach kids as young as age two. Basically, what they are teaching is what the parent should be teaching them.

So, if you aren't in a hurry for a kid to be in daycare (which most schools are these days), then just join or form a play group that meets a few times a week for social interaction and don't worry about it. Yes, at 12 months, social interaction with other kids is good, just it isn't necessary for extended peroids of time.

[Faol-chù]

I don't think you necessarily need to do 'serious' research now. (The kind where you take an extended amount of time searching and poring over the information.)
It probably would, though, be helpful if you started thinking NOW towards putting yourself in situations where you are interacting with others in your area who may have sent their kids to a preschool in their area, and getting opinions, etc.

Faol-chù

[Athena-Nadine]

Many daycares consider themselves preschools these days, and start "trying" to teach kids as young as age two. Basically, what they are teaching is what the parent should be teaching them.

So, if you aren't in a hurry for a kid to be in daycare (which most schools are these days), then just join or form a play group that meets a few times a week for social interaction and don't worry about it. Yes, at 12 months, social interaction with other kids is good, just it isn't necessary for extended peroids of time.

We go to Gymboree play class once a week and open gym times whenever I remember. It was more to get me out of the house and around other mothers with children Robert's age than anything else. :)

[Chesna]

Somethings to look into:
1) How many pre-school programs are in your area- the more the better as you may not need to get on lists..if they are few of them..getting on a list may be a must
2) If you are going to be a SAHM- then a pre-school program where they are just for a few days a week and you don't have to worry about care for the other days.

In our case as I work and my hubby a traditional program did not work...there was no way to get her to the pre-school as the start and end times were during my work day and I work too far to drive her during breaks. So we enrolled he rin Kindercare which is a child care center, but they do pre-school like things and we get conferences atleast 3 times per year to monitor her progress.

Chesna

[Morr]

As mentioned in the other thread, I am no expert, but having been working for a while now at a preschool (which belongs to a Reform Jewish Temple), I know that the youngest they need to be for enrollment is 2.

So, for next school year (beggining around September), the youngest grade for preschool (the toddlers) need to be at least 2 years of age that month (September 2007).

So, I would say that you have about 11 more months until Robert is qualified to go to preschool, more or less.

Light research for preschools in your area wouldnt hurt, but I wouldnt worry about seriously choosing a preschool and starting the application process until 6 months from now.

Think about it, he would only probably be able to go to preschool (at the youngest age) around September 2008.

That is over a year from now.

Light research and requesting brochures and enrollment information from various preschools in your area wont hurt, its not binding, and you dont have to rush and worry.

However, if there is a specific private type very unique (like Montissori type schools?) preschool you are interested in, you might want to request info NOW because I would assume they have waiting lists.