Nursery and Pre-school Suggestions

Keep calling and asking around! Over the past 6+ months some of the preschools have lost business due to a parent losing their job and opting to cut out the expense of preschool/daycare, which has left openings or no wait list at some places.

Hi M.
Don't despair sometimes waiting lists are called in, but put your name on the lists where you would want your son.
In the meantime, check what is available in your town.
Story hour at the library comes to mind. When it was over and I was new in town, I told the waiting mom's I was heading to any fast food place for lunch if they wanted to come. Then one of the mom's said I usually go to, and named the local place that had a park next to it. The kids played & got acquainted and so did I. We did it each week, forming a play time for them. It was easy, inexpensive, and my twins loved it. Mom's were there to discipline their own kids and I didn't have to as you would if you have kids over to your home. It was also public so no mess at our homes, and people could leave/stay as long as their schedule allowed.
Watch also for those once in a life time events, and ask other families with kids if they want to go too. Sit together at ball games, hockey games or whatever. We went to an ice show once with a group. What a great time!!!
I am sure you get the idea
Enjoy your sons, they grow up way too fast.
K. SAHM married 38 years == adult children 38,33, and twins 19

Put your name on the waiting lists, you never know when someone might move, kid might cry the whole first week, or they get into their first choice where they are on the waiting list leaving a spot in the school they got into. Or if enough people are on the waiting list, they could start a whole other 3 year old class. Also, contact your local elementary school for suggestions, they know what the good preschools are and may even know their directors since they may collaborate on kindergarten readiness.
At this age, many daycare centers operate in a preschool type fashion and if there isn't a preschool option for your 3 year old, you can send him next year. For socialization and routine, you can look into drop off classes at the local kiddie gym or the Y or your community center.
Good luck!

Hi M.

I'm not sure where you are located, but if you are in the vacinity of Wappingers Falls (rte 9), there is a brand new Daycare center called "Kidz Town".
It is a family run daycare center and they are taking enrollments now. It is new and the people there are very excited and motivated. I am a customer at her Dad's repair shop and her husband was talking to me about how wonderful things are going and how much they love what they are doing.
Give them a call, and I know they have an e-mail address of
____@____.com
The owner's name is Danielle.

P.S. I am thinking about taking my daughter there for a few hours a week also. I think it would be good for her to get some extra socialization.

Good luck.
I hope it is near by for you.

P.

First, I'd put my name on the waiting list. You never know, after the first week you may get a call.

Contact your local Board of Ed. They may be able to direct you to some resources you're unaware of.

Good Luck

choose the ones you like and put his name on the waiting list. two years ago we really liked this preschool but we were told the waiting list is so long it could be months before anything opens up
we got a call the very next week and my twins were in. don't choose a preschool just because of availability. choose one that you like the most
good luck

Hello! I am in the Morris County area, and within the past week-and-a-half, have been to several daycare facilities within the Rockaway/Parsippany/Ledgewood areas. No wait lists there; especially where I will be enrolling my 2 yr old in September. If these areas are close to you, let me know, and I can give you the names.

PS - most keep your toddler very busy and active in learning: eg - sign-language, dancing, art, circle time, computer, etc.

I don't know where you live but the two local YMCA Children's Achievement branches in Matawan and Hazlet have available spots. Try giving them a call.

Hi M.,

You didn't say where you lived, but my kids go to Lord of Life. They are located on Borden Road in Depew, NY. I love it there and so do my kids! It's a Lutheran based program. They take kids from 6 weeks to 5 years. They also have a before and after school program for older children, up to 12 years old. The staff is very caring and compassionate! You can tell they really love the kids! If you need more info you can e mail me at ____@____.com. I hope this helps!
J.

Good luck. Preschools started signing kids up for the fall back in Feb. You'll be lucky to find anything this late in the game. Sorry, I didn't mean to burst your bubble.

It may seem that every place is full but you should put your name on the list anyway if you like a place. You never know if a spot will open up. Or maybe sign up for a mom and tot class. Not sure where you are located but I bring my son to a class every monday through the Town of Babylon and it is great. They have separation classes also for 3 and over. It may only be an hour or so a week but it's at least something if you don't find a spot at a nursery school. Good luck. :)

Definitely do the waiting list. Lots of people drop out this month or switch their days, etc. Also, one or two kids will start and drop out with in a few weeks since they are not yet ready.

Also, I hear that people prefer mornings and not afternoons - so see if you can find a place with afternoon hours. I'm sure you'll find something eventually.