Hi S.! Welcome to Rocklin!
I checked out a few preschools last year for my daughter and ended up choosing the Rocklin preschool that the city provides. I chose it because I wanted a more developmental approach (learning through play, following routine, lots of hands on activities) versus a highly academic approach. She's going to be in school for the next 18 years (plus college!) so I didn't want her sitting in desks, doing lots of worksheets at 5 years old. There's plenty of time for that! I don't think she would have done well in that kind of environment for her first introduction to school. I wanted her to LOVE school from the beginning and not despise it. I just wanted her to get used to the structure of school, following directions, being able to choose from different station activities, etc. She learned everything she needed to in order to be ready for kindergarten. She's in kindergarten at Rock Creek Elementary now and is doing fantastic! She loves it. I made the right choice based on my child's temperament, strengths/weaknesses, activity level so choose what you think would be best for who your child is. If he/she has a long attention span and can sit for longer periods of time, you may choose a more academic intensive program. If not, or you're not as concerned about giving your child a "one up" before he/she starts kindergarten, maybe go for a more developmental approach. Different school programs work well for different children. Good luck!