Ah yes. The great procrastinator here posting on wondering how to select the preschool for your child. It would seem that I can no longer keep Colin under my spell.. I think he's bored with me and no longer challenged. He needs to be around children his age. And he's no longer listening to me which tells me that he needs to be around another authority figure that he will listen to-particularly someone he isn't familiar with. So after much thinking and talking with DH and some talking with Colin we all decided that preschool was the way to go.
In terms of available preschools: Now- our church does have a preschool program but we aren't that hip on it. And because enrollment is down considerably they are making some cuts so we opted them out. And they are further away from our house.
The other Lutheran church that is of a different synod (more liberal and one we are actually going to attend and see if it fits us) has what would appear a wonderful program. http://www.nativity.ws/Preschool.htm
Downside- Unfamiliar territory for him. He knows no one there.
The other preschool is at a methodist church on the way to work for DH. Their program for 4 yr. olds is wonderful and just screams the program for Colin. And a friend of mine tells me they have 6 spots left which is great! http://www.fletcherumc.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=41602&PID=533978 Her son is the same age as Colin and will be attending that preschool. She lives a half mile from me. She literally passes right by the house in order to take her son to preschool so she could pick Colin up and bring him home on the days I couldn't. And vice versa.
WDYT?
I don't want to jump into this lightly. I want to make sure I make the best possible choice for Colin in terms of education and such.
How are the classes divided? (threes? 3-5s?) What is the ratio of teacher/kids? What are the hours? Do the kids provide their own meals? If not, what does the menu look like? What sort of safety precautions do they have? look around, is there a keypad door, camera, etc? (churches sometimes have people coming and going, how easy is access? be comfortable) Is there a playgorund/outside time? what sort of facilities to they have?(Kiera's current school has no slides, swings, etc. for insurance purposes, but boooooring.) where are the kid bathrooms, do they go themselves? what about nap time? is there one? what happens if they dont fall asleep? is there an art? music? dance/movement? spanish? teacher? or is it incorporated? what sort of fundraising does the school do? what is expected from the parents? what other sort of expenses can be expected? supplies? fundraisers? what is the "curriculum"? is it instruction? or is it like a monitored playdate? who would his teacher be? meet the teacher and see how your first impression is. Is she inviting? warm? Ask about turnover. everyplace has it, but, the less the better! It is hardest for Kiera getting used to a new teacher, not necesariy new kids.
some of these questions may not apply if the school is just a couple hours at a time, but they are ones that popped into my head.
As for Colin, I am of the opinion that once you have decided which place you are most comfortable with, he will get along fine once he gets used to it. If you like it, he will feel safe to like it too.
ETA: I went to that site and it sounds good from the one page! I like the weekly trip to story time (Kiera looooves field trips) and that the "extra" programs. It sounds like it has some good structure, without being to academic.
Good luck!
-- Edited by Erin on Wednesday 19th of August 2009 10:16:50 AM
i think i'd go with the third option. i wasnt that picky about preschools. i wanted something small, with a high teacher:student ratio, and i wanted to make sure it was clean and safe. i wanted a relatively structured setting. R does well in this type of setting, but that's just R. those were my main criteria. i seriously wasnt picky - just went with my gut and couldnt be happier.
It seems as though you have a couple of really good choices. Frankly if it were me, I would probably go check out the one at the methodist church and bring Colin with you. See if all of you like it and if you do, sign him up.
The reason why I said the Methodist is because it has easier and more realistic means to get there. Since your friend has a child that goes there, that helps ease your mind and Colin's. Plus you have someone right off the bat that you can contact if you are running late to pick up. If needed, your friend could hang out an extra few minutes for you to get there and avoid late fees. Your friend is also a good source for information about the school. Oh, and if your dh drops Colin off, it gives you more time to do what you need, even if it's a long relaxing shower.
