Preschool Questions - Jackson,NJ

Hi Erin,
My son just turned 3. He is starting in September at 3 half days (2 1/2 hours). I would say to just check out a few and see what kind of feeling you get. They will tell you what the program is like. Also, I don't know about your area but most places require you to register at least six months in advance. Two full days may be a bit much to start but it really depends on your boy. Has he been away from you that many hours before? Good luck!

half days are probably better for him. this way he can take a nap when he gets home in the afternoon. Over all you want to look at organization, clean, fun atmosphere. You want the school to be certified and have a person with a masters in child development working there. you want to look for staff friendliness. also the rules on potty training. It is important for your child to be with children his own age, even if he is not potty trained. some places put older children with the toddlers if they are not potty trained. Ask about the snacks/meals given. Hopefully they offer healthy snacks. Ask about the experience of the staff and how they discpiline the children and what happens if children bite each other- the procedures. Ask how the teachers inform you about what your child did that day and what he ate. At 3, the child is being socialized at nursery school and learning things in a fun atmosphere. there should be circle time, free play, snack time, nap time(if whole day), outside time.

You've received some great advice/info in the other responses. My tip: Drop in without an appointment.

When I was looking for childcare for my then unborn son, the best advice I ever got was to drop in unexpectedly on the centers you're looking at. You'll get a *really* good feel for the place and the people. It's easy to make everything be just as it should appear when parents are scheduled to come in for a visit. The *true* test is how the staff responds/reacts when you surprise them by just dropping in. Are they comfortable with you showing up at any time? are things disheveled? are people scrambling to make things look right? or are they perfectly happy to show you around and answer your questions on your time?

As a side note, I've given that advice to every M. who's asked me about choosing a daycare/preschool. Some moms were VERY surprised how much they learned about the center by dropping in unannounced.

Full days for a 3 year old really isn't realy preschool, it's daycare. 3 year olds don't need a full day of "school." Decide which experience you want - daycare or preschool. Most schools will allow you to do an observation. Find out how much of the time is creative play, how much structured play, how much "free" time and how much/what type of academic activities. When my daughter was 3, I nixed a preschool because they had the kids writing in notebooks - not needed at age 3.

Go and check out what is available in your neighborhood and that is within your price range. You will get a really good feeling from one of them. Then go with that one. It's funny, I had a budget of $250 per month for two 1/2 days in a 2 year old program. I ended up choosing a preschool in a small local church that was only $150 per month. And we all loved it. So the only thing that will make your decision is to go and check them out and see which one (and the people in it) pull you to it.

Unless you need childcare, 2 or 3 half-days is usually preferred. That way he gets to have downtime each day. As to what to look for, ask around. Parents usually have a lot to say about their own children's experiences. And be sure to check your local public school system. Most have half-day preschool, enrolling children receiving special education services and children who are developing typically in classes with good student/teacher ratios in each class. These classes are taught by highly qualified teachers and have state education standards.

You are the mama and can gauge where your son is. You can usually try something out and decide what his needs are after that.

I run a school and have a two day a week full day (9-2:15) preschool class...as it may be a full day class, it is not day care whatsoever. The day is formed to have active and restful moments. I had three 2 year olds last year who were amazing in the class of 2-5 year olds. We had a rest time and they napped in the beginning of the year and were so happy to wake at school with their friends. There have been other years where their were 2 and 3 year olds that were 'too young' for a full day. That is a tricky age. No answer is right for everyone.

good luck
P.