I'm wanting to start my daughter in preschool next fall and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on a good place. I've been looking on-line, but can't get much info that way. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
We love St. Andrew's Preschool. It is more play based - and as a teacher, that is what I was looking for. They focus on social skills and interacting with eachother. They sing songs, do art, learn sign language, and play. My son loves it.
I sent my son to an in home day-care that also offered pre-school three days a week. She was fabulous, took the kids on field trips once a month, learned all the letters in sign language and orally, worked on motor skills...she is in Centralia, I highly recommend her...but in Oly I am not sure, I would say not to overlook the smaller daycares that offer services...I think it is great that you are looking now, I would definitely see if you can go for a visit. The best thing about a mommy-daycare/preschool is that you know that the teacher turn-over will be low...at a larger facility, the teacher you love now may not still be there in the fall.
Good Luck
I don't know if you are religious, but on the Eastside, Emmanuel Preschool has a wonderful program and teachers. Very Sweet, includes bible teaching time and memory verses, crafts, etc. Has 2 days a week (T, Th AM) for 3's, and 3 days a week for 4-5's. On the Westside, Westwood Baptist also has a fantastic preschool program. You can find info for both on-line, just google them. Hope this helps!
My son is the same age as your daughter (and I'm the same age as you! LOL). Anyway, we just started looking and asking around about preschool for the fall. I spoke with someone whose children have attended Gloria Dei Lutheran preschool on the westside. She loved it, but told me that the program is VERY structured. As a certified teacher myself, I feel that too much rigid structure is inappropriate for that age group. So, we're still looking. I know that the Children's Museum has a preschool program that we'll be looking into. We'll also look into the cooperative preschools in the area.
We also live in Olympia and I am currently visiting preschools in the area for next fall. My daughter is turning 3 in two weeks. So far I have visited Gloria Dei Lutheran preschool. I liked their set-up and program, but felt that the adult supervision was lacking during free-time. There were two adults and 15 kids. Next week I am going to visit Mariah Art School. I'll let you know. I have heard good things about Serendipity which is at The Valley in Tumwater. I would love to talk with you further if you want to email me directly.
Best of luck to you.
M.
