We would really like to find a loving environment that focuses on teaching kids more of the social lessons they need than just numbers and letters to get ready for kindergarten. We really want our son to be encouraged in a positive environment that appreciates him. Thanks for your advice! =)
Read the entire question and 5 answersWe are thinking about sending our daughter to school around 3. Like to hear from you any comments regarding to Primrose school of West Allen. Thank you so much.
Read the entire question and 9 answersMy daughter turned three in Oct and started preschool the month before that. I am a helper in her class and I have noticed that she is behind all the other kids. Most of them are not only writing their names, but they stay in the lines when coloring and when asked to draw legs and feet on their turkeys(for thanksgiving) everyone could do it except for my daughter who just scribbled on the paper. Eva recongnizes her name and the big E, but is far from writing her name. Tonight while coloring I tried to show her how to color inside the lines, but again all she wanted to do was scribble. I didn't realize that she should already know these things. How do I help her catch up to the other kids in her class, but still keep it fun. Oh, she is also left handed (her dad and I are right handed) and it seems awkward when I try to help her write. I talked to her teacher, but she told me that since she is one of the younger kids in the class I shouldn't worry about, but I am. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Read the entire question and 14 answersI am debating on putting my son in preschool next year. He will be 3 in November so that would put him in the 2 year old class...I can't decide if I put him in now or wait a year. Any suggestions?
Read the entire question and 6 answersHi guys! I got such awesome advice last time I posted, I thought I would post again. :) I'm in a bit of a quandry. I'm trying to find a full time preschool that won't break the bank for my four (excuse me, almost *five*) year old son. Does anyone have any suggestions for the Denton/Corinth/Lewisville area? Thanks bunches! :) S.
Read the entire question and 9 answersHello! Would anyone care to share opinions/experiences of Evanston Pre Schools? We are Looking at Cherry, Baker, School for Little Children--etc. for 2/3 year old 2 day program Fall 09. Thoughts? Thanks--D.
Read the entire question and 6 answersI homeschool my sons and was wondering if anyone knows of a farm we can visit for a field trip? It will be a short day trip so hopefully in the north texas area. Thank you!
Read the entire question and 9 answersSome of you may recall my last request enquiring about Thunderbirds & Purple Moose preschools. Well, I have eliminated Thunderbirds due to some feedback & lack thereof. As far as Purple Moose the curriculum sounds great...I am just not to impressed with the look/cleanliness/organization. What do others think about this? Also, I toured the Sonshine Christian Preschool (located inside St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church)...does anyone have any feedback on this school? It looks very neat & organized with a lovely fenced in play area. Does not look to big and overwhelming. The director, Lisa, seems very caring to the children and actually teaches the 4yr olds with another teacher. Please let me know any feedback ASAP...as I desperately need to make a decision quickly. Thank so much! C.
Read the entire question and 6 answershi, I have a two year old son who has never been to preschool or had a sitter before. I would like to know from other moms if they recommend me putting him in school starting out all day or just part time to see how he adjusts. Then go full time
Read the entire question and 7 answersMy daughter was accepted to a preschool for next fall where there will be 3 girls (her included) & 9 boys in the class. Although it's a good school I think I'm having a problem with the ratio, would you? The director said its unlikely to change.
Read the entire question and 27 answersMy little boy is three years old and in a pre-k 3 program in Plano. I am writing to seek some advice. He does not have an interest in writing. When I work with him, he resists and tells me he doesn't want to write with the pencil. I think the problem is two-fold: his fine motor skills are not developed and writing is not his idea of "fun". Does anyone have any advice for me on ways to help encourage him to practice writing skills? I have used the preschool worksheets as well as several fine motor skill exercises. I am just wondering if any of you have had similar experiences and found any techniques that have helped. I know a lot of the issue is that he may not be ready to write yet. But I need to help him so he is prepared for Pre-K 4 next year. He is a young three and still very busy. However, he is keeping up with his class in the other academic areas. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Read the entire question and 7 answersI have a 5 year old son who will be ready for kindergarten in the fall. My husband and I decided to take him out of the preschool he was attending this year for numerous reasons. The teachers are very under-qualified, He has came home sick many times this year, and to be honest my number one reason is the disrespect that the teachers show to the students. My question is does anyone else feel the same way? I am going to home school him for the rest of the year. Are there any good sites I could go to for advice on how to home school and get a curriculum?
Read the entire question and 19 answersMy daughter will never tell me what she did at school. How can I encourage her to share?
Read the entire question and 5 answersHello! I am a first time mom and my son will be enrolling in preschool for the fall. I am not familiar with any preschools in Sandy and could use some help from all you moms out there. Please let me know where you have taken your kids and if you loved/hated it. Thanks and I appreciate the help.
Read the entire question and 5 answersI moved here in November and I am FLOORED by the price of preschool here! I've tried churches, centers, etc., and they all require, on average, a $100 registration fee, a $50 supply fee, and then monthly tuition of $225 or more for a simple 2 day/week 3-hr block of time! I don't understand! My sister in Oregon is paying a $30 registration fee, no supply fee, and $59/mo for the same thing. I don't want a daycare--all I want is a two days a week, three hours each time, curriculum-based program. One that doesn't break the bank! Is there anything like that here? I live on the NE side, so one close by would be preferrable, but with the way things are, I'm willing to travel a little bit if there's a good one available.
Read the entire question and 8 answersI'm looking for a preschool for my daughter, and am asking early because I keep hearing about wait lists...does anyone have school ideas or info on wait lists for school in these areas? Also WHEN do you go on a wait list? the year before or now?
Read the entire question and 5 answersHi, I'm seeking a full-time pre-school environment for my son, when he turns two in August. Has anyone had any experience with the Light of Christ Early Education Center in Clearwater, off Old Coachman? Are there any other pre-schools around that area that you recommend? Thanks! S.
Read the entire question and 4 answersMy son won't start Preschool until NEXT Fall, but I'm starting to look into preschools for him. I know some places require a year in advance registration so I'm hoping to get some reccomendations for good Preschools in the area. Can anyone give me some suggestions? Thanks so much! T.
Read the entire question and 8 answersI am looking for a fabulous PK5 & up school. My son is currently in a good church program, however, they are not known for their academics. My wish list is that I find a loving & nuturing, low teacher/student ratio, heavy on the reading & teaching, 9am start class. I also need to be able to talk to teacher if I am concerned about something... I live in Valley Ranch... Pls help..
Read the entire question and 5 answersWant a good but reasonable priced preschool for my 3 yr old she will be 4 in August 2006.
Read the entire question and 5 answersMy two children have been attending a local preschool but was wanting to see what else is out there in my area. Any suggestions on a preschool that is focused on teaching and is not just a day care?
Read the entire question and 6 answersHey everyone, I live in Salt Lake City Utah, and I want to put my daughter almost 4 into pre-school.. does anyone know of a good safe school, that they would recommend?? My daughter is so smart and really want her to reach her fullest potential.. I actually live in West Valley so if anyone knows of a close school to there.. or anywhere I am willing to check out in the Salt Lake valley..
Read the entire question and 6 answersHi Mamas, I'm looking for a pre-school for my now 2.5 year old daughter in the Los Gatos/Cambrian area of San Jose. Since I work full time, a co-op is not an option, unfortunately. Some things on my wish list for a good school: - Great balance of academic, social, physical and real life skill development (most important) - Part time options - Good environment in terms of other families and kids who participate - Totally open to a spiritual-based facility, although not a requirement - Great teachers, processes and structure to the facility I've visited a few sites but was not blown away by any of them. Any suggestions please welcome! Thanks.
Read the entire question and 14 answersI am a new mother and stay at home mom to our two month old boy. I am hearing advice that I need to research and possibly get my son on preschool wait lists now? Can anyone recommend a good non-religious preschool in Dallas, preferably in the Lakewood area? And are wait lists for good preschools really that long? Thanks for any advice!
Read the entire question and 5 answersHello everyone - I am a SAHM to a 5 y/o son and 2.5 y/o twin girls. My girls will be turning 3 in Feb and I would like to start them in some sort of preschool like I did my son at age 3 (however his bday is in Aug and he was able to start school that fall). My son's school does not accept children mid-year or else we would put them there in a heartbeat (we loved our Pre-K teacher Ms. Edwina Klein!). Does anyone have any suggestions? I am interested in getting them used to being away from me and playing with other children their age. We have gone to some play groups but I am interested in something a bit more "formal." We are in the Portage Park/Jefferson Park area. Thanks in advance for any ideas! M.
Read the entire question and 7 answersMy son is 3 and a half and at home full time with a nanny right now. We want to start him in preschool this fall (he will turn four in October). I'm looking for recommendations in the White Bear Lake/Maplewood area.
Read the entire question and 5 answersMy 3 yr old boy was loving school, but this week everytime I drop him off he starts crying and says he doesn't want to stay. I have tryed to ask him the reason and desn't say anything. I asked his teachers if any of the kids hit him or if there was an incident that he didnt like and they said no. I still make him stay because I believe that if he sees that I take him with me when he crys he will do it all the time. What should I do?Take him with me or not? And how can I make him be interested in school again like he was before?
Read the entire question and 18 answersMy son is 4 1/2 and has just started his second year of preschool in the same classroom. He goes 4 mornings a week and is very unhappy. He isn't really connecting with any of the other children in his classroom (he's the oldest in the room). I know the teachers and love them both-so does my son, he plays with his teacher instead of the kids during the morning. I have the option of dropping to just 2 mornings, but next year, he will be in 5 mornings of kindergarten-that seems like a big jump. I'm not sure what to do. He's my youngest, so maybe, I'm jumping too quick on it, since I'm not quite ready to have all my kids is school? I just want him to be happy at school-my other two loved preschool. He just looks so sad every day when I pick him up. I've talked to the teacher, and she says he seems happy at school (when I peak in the window, he doesn't seem happy...but he's not unhappy, either). He says he doesn't like school and doesn't want to go, although I can't get any specifics from him. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Read the entire question and 15 answersI promise I am not easily offended so I am looking for honest opinions on this please! If you feel more comfortable you can email me. My daughter has been begging me daily (3,4 or 5 tines a day) to go to "big girl" or "real" school for going on 4 months now. I thought for sure that it would pass but it just hasn't so I did some searching and found a school in Rockwall (Children's Park). They do offer a 3yo program but she already has all the skills that they would teach her in that room. She has excelled here at home in all those areas. I am not willing to pay for a program to review the things that she already knows. The programs stay full so they have no reason to offer a part time program. The director told me that the learning day goes from 8:30am-3:30pm. I am planning to head over there today to do some more talking today to find out just what happens in a standard day (and to hopefully meet the person who would be her teacher). The school is actually open with a pre and aftercare program from 6:30am-6:30pm in case you work and need the extra time. They will place her in the 4yo preschool class which is great for her and I really think that she will excel at it. She is already learning to sound out words. My concern is that it is a full time program (8:30am-3:30pm) 5 days a week. I am not sure that I am ready to give her up for that long. I am not sure how she will react to it. We are members of a few playgroups (so she has pretty constant interaction) and she always falls in with the 4-5yo's for playtime as well. She is an only child and maybe that has something to do with her advanced level of maturity....or it could just be part of her personality. She is also very tall and she has met or spoken to believes she is 3. She is currently 3.5. Her b-day is in January so that puts her directly in the middle. Her father and I were both advance placement/honors kids as well. Not that it means she will be or that we have expected more from her based on that. Does anyone have any insight they could offer me? I know there are tons of kids in daycare programs forever but I am not sure that thrive with no problems. And I know that in time she will adjust to the schedule but will I? I am not sure why this is weighing on me so much other than I was planning to have her with me for another 2 years before she went to school.
Read the entire question and 8 answersHello Ladies, I need some help. I'm looking for any information on The Children's Courtyard and Emerson Academy. I have a wonderful little girl who loves to learn but my husband and I are not sure we have her in the right preschool. We've had some issues and are looking at maybe switching her to some where else. I'd love to hear from any one about the good and bad of these two school. I'm looking for some place that's going to teach her the basics, i.e. numbers, letters, colors, shapes as well as the creative arts. It seems that all she does at her current school is art projects and I'm teaching her the basics which is fine but then why am I paying alot of money for an art class? Anyway, any information I can get from everyone will help me make the best choice I can for my little girl. Thank You all!!
Read the entire question and 4 answersSeeking mamas who want CPS schools to have Pre-K and all specials. Recycling in our hoods like the yuppier neighborhoods. I will be at the Portage Park Earth Day event. I have created a yahoo group dedicated to this...please join if you care about living in our city and your children's future. paste and forward to other mamas. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northsidechicagoparents http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northsidechicagoparents
Read the entire question and 6 answersI am not planning on sending my son to preschool mostly because of the cost of preschool. He is 4 and will be 5 next year on the 23rd of August. I am finding that preschool is completely out of my budget. Will I hurt him by not sending him to preschool? I know that children that have been in preschool will have advantages because of it in kindergarden. I just wanted your thoughts on this issue! Thanks so much in advance!
Read the entire question and 20 answersMy daughter will be going to preschool next fall. Has anyone heard anything good/bad about St. Helens in Bucktown? My very limited interaction with the school has been good so far. Thanks in advance!
Read the entire question and 6 answersI am looking for playdates for my 2.8 year old son and my 5 year old son. We know nobody here and there seems to be nobody at home during the day where we live.
Read the entire question and 6 answersI've been searching the internet and I haven't had any luck in finding anything.... I live in OC California. I need to figure it out and I'm very frustrated....My little one is really needing some pre school prep if he is to go to kindergarden next year......And the school I really want him to go to is so expensive! (Waldorf) But I feel if he does not attend this school then I probably wont put him in school cause regular public schools are getting knarly and i don't beleive they are loving, nurturing and creative. They emphasize on drilling numbers and letters and nothing on the power of creativity and imagination. Thanks for reading I really appreciate it. Any help is so much right now..
Read the entire question and 12 answersMy daughter just turned 3 in January and everyone(family) is pushing me to put her in pre-scool or day care and couple days a week, but i don't think she ready yet. they all say it will be good for her to interact with other kids and it will be good for her education. She interacts with new kids quite often and dose great. and for the education part i feel that later on she might get board if i put her in to early because i got board and i don't that to happen to her. dose anyone have any advice or a opinion on this?
Read the entire question and 32 answersWe moved here in December and need to send our daughter to preschool. She is going to be 3 this summer. We have her on several waiting lists at church preschools. We need to send her somewhere, she really wants to go to school. So my question is this. Does anyone know anything about Goddard on 146th st. Do they have an actual preschool program or is it more of a daycare? We live in Carmel and need a great school. If anyone has anysuggestions that would be great. I missed the ball for enrollment up here.
Read the entire question and 8 answersHi, I'm new to Almaden Valley and am looking for a preschool for my 3 1/2 year old daughter in the fall. Shepard of the Valley is full but there is an openning at Precious. Does anyone have any insight they can give me? Thanks!
Read the entire question and 9 answersI am looking for a preschool for my three year old in Springfield, Pa. (Delaware County) The preschool must also have daycare services. Can any suggest a school that will prepare my child for Kindergarten?
Read the entire question and 5 answersHi. I'm looking for a good preschool that balances academics and socialization in the Naperville/Lisle area. I'm a stay-at-home Mom, so 1/2 day 3 times a week is good. Don't need all day type care and Christian-based programs are OK too.
Read the entire question and 5 answersHi mamas, I'm a little discouraged and need some ideas. My three year old daughter, who is... spirited, let's say, keeps getting in trouble at preschool. She's a sweet little girl, but she's got very definite ideas about what she will and won't do. She's been like this since she was tiny, it's nothing new. Last year we had her in a preschool where I really did not like their style - my daughter hated school and her teacher didn't seem to like her. Being a typical two year old as she was, I chalked it up to her age, and found a preschool for this year that I thought would suit her better. I checked into tons of schools and found one I thought would be perfect. So, now she's been in her new school for 5 weeks and today we received the third note home from her afternoon teacher. Her teacher says that my daughter is disruptive when it is naptime and does not allow the other children to sleep, and that today when asked to go potty and get her lunchbox from her cubby, that my daughter rolled her eyes at the teacher. (I've never seen her do this, but that doesn't mean she didn't do it.) In conclusion, the note says, if she does any of this again, my daughter will be kicked out of the afternoon class. (Which means we'll need to find a new school, since my husband and I both work full time.) I'd love to pull her out of school altogether until next year, but it is not financially possible for my husband or me to quit our jobs. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do? I am at my wits' end with this. My daughter loves school and seems oblivious to this issue that the teacher is having with her. I've had a stern talk with my daughter about listening to and obeying her teacher, but I do not have the sense that anything really sunk in. Hellllllp...!
Read the entire question and 8 answersHello i am in need of finding my 3 year old a preschool that i can afford she is smart for her age and needs to be around other kids her age i thought i found a chruch group for her but they kicked her out... i am also tring to find a childrens doctor down here if anyone can help please i will take all the advice i can get thank you christy
Read the entire question and 5 answersMy 3 1/2 yr old has Tourette Syndrome with sensory processing disorder and ADHD (fun combo, eh?) We've been struggling to find an appropriate preschool for him, even if it's just an hour a day, so that he can develop his social skills. Does anybody have any recommendations for a school with experience dealing with children with special needs? I haven't had much success.
Read the entire question and 10 answersseeking some sort of headstart or preschool program for my 3 year old and not sure where to go. the places i have come across with seem so boring, i want him to explore and learn beyond the dull routines they have. is that too much to ask?
Read the entire question and 6 answersDoes anyone know of any Programs for Gifted Pre-schoolers. My 3 yr old has tested "gifted" and I want to get advice from other mothers on programs which they have had experience. If you know of homeschooling programs, I'd be interested in hearing about that as well. Thank you
Read the entire question and 10 answersI am interested in hearing any and all reviews for either of these two schools. I am deciding for my 2 daughters who will be in the 4 year old and 3 year old classes at one of these schools. Thanks so much for your input!
Read the entire question and 6 answersMy son's current pre-school may not be around next year. I'm looking for recommendations for pre-schools in Crown Point. I know the Gingerbread School is popular, but there is always a waiting list. He will be 4 at the very beginning of September. Thanks for your help!
Read the entire question and 5 answersI will be putting my child in preschool next fall and wanted some recommendations for preschools that are reasonably priced but not associated with a church/religious organization. I live in (north) Dallas, TX area code 75229.
Read the entire question and 6 answersHi. We are former San Franciscans, currently living in London, and we are returning to SF in July 2008 so I can start a new job. One of our priorities at the moment is figuring out how to enroll my son in preschool from afar for Fall 2008. He is currently attending a Montessori school, which we love. And I know that we've already missed deadlines for many schools in SF! Crazy! I'd really appreciate advice about any specific schools or tips about how to go about the process, especially from anyone who has tried to do it without actually being in SF! Here's what we're looking for: * 5 day a week program: ideally 8a or 9a to 3pm * Less than $1,000/month * Play-based. Doesn't have to be Montessori, but I really like that system or any system that focuses on the promoting the individuality of the child rather than a set academic program. * Located in Noe Valley, Bernal Heights, Mission, South San Francisco areas or near University of San Francisco (inner Richmond, Western Addition), where I'll be teaching * Small would be good too - I know I'm asking for a lot! Many thanks to anyone who has info to offer. - C.
Read the entire question and 16 answersHello, My son is 3 years old and we are starting to look for preschools. I have some friends with children in some preschools in Long Beach. They are all very happy and love their schools. There are just SO many preschools out there! I want a preschool that offers half day and 2 days a week. I don't mind if it is through a church, however, I don't the primary focus to be on religon. It is MOST important that the teachers are VERY caring and loving and understanding of all personality types. I want a school where the children are not forced to do things, for example...work in groups/pairs. I want it to be okay that he observes until he is ready to participate. I just want the teachers to be okay with him being quiet, but content and not bugging him to do things. He has to warm up on his own time and pressure just makes him fall apart. He needs his personal space and I want that to be respected. I am excited to see him grow and mature in preschool...now we just need to find the right one! So, if any of you know of a school with very caring teachers, who truly love teaching and love children....please let me know:) Of course, I would like the school to be in Long Beach, but Los Alamitos or other nearby places would be an option as well. Thank you!!
Read the entire question and 8 answersI was wondering if any of you have your children at a state funded preschool. My daughter will be turning 3 in November and i would like to put her in preschool. We make to much for headstart but we qualify for state. I am some what new to the area and new to enrolling in preschool and was wondering how to go about it.
Read the entire question and 5 answersI am currently a teacher and I plan to stay home with my toddler in the fall. I want our time at home to be a structured and educational experience. What do others do? Is there a curriculum that is geared towards toddlers that I could use? How do you schedule your day so that you are productive at home?
Read the entire question and 10 answersI have 4 yo twin boys. They are going to be entering kindergarten next year and so we have been working on their writing. One twin, Timothy, is able to write his name very well, however, the other, Michael is still drawing squiggly lines and just can't seem to write. Rest assured we are very encouraging to BOTH children equally but we are also concerned because Michael recognizes he is not as good as his brother at writing. I truly believe that kids will excel at different things. Michael is extremely well spoken, imaginative and creative, whereas, Timothy is more academically advanced. Are there any suggestions you can give me to help Michael on his writing skills? I've been having him practice on his Magna Doodle, but I don't want him to burn out if I keep asking him to do this over and over. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Read the entire question and 5 answersMy husband and I have decided to delay vaccines until our daughter is 1.5 - 2 years old, and then do a very conservative schedule. However, I was reading in the Chicago Public School catalogue that to apply for pre-schools, your child has to be current on vaccines. I know that there is a religious waiver in Illinois but this isn't the case with us - we're simply delaying. I am worried that we will be denied from pre-schools based on this choice. Does anyone have experience on the subject with the CPS. Thanks in advance.
Read the entire question and 12 answersI am wondering if any other Moms out there have verbally advanced little toddlers out there. My daughter is 18 months old and can speak to us in sentences, answer questions for us, follow instructions, and tell us how her day was. Sometimes she throws in jibberish with words when she doesn't know quite how to form the sentence, but for the most part we can really understand her. The problem is that none of the little kids in her class are speaking yet. They can make simple sounds like "dah, bah", etc. She has started to "digress" and say very simple baby talk. What options are available for me to keep her verbally stimulated during the day while I am at work? Montessouri school, working with her teachers to make sure she gets that interaction, any other ideas? She is such a gem to me and her daddy and we want the very best for her!
Read the entire question and 9 answersplease help!!! i need to know where there is a good vpk program in the brandon area i currently have my son in miss ginnys and can not stand the people there i am lucky if they say goodmorning
Read the entire question and 5 answersI am at wits end with my current situation and have no clue what to think about it. My daughter is 3 and currently in a preschool program that she loves. It took a while for her to settle in and I did confront the teachers about the concerns I had at the beginning of the year. It kind of started off on the wrong note. But then our daughter started to really come to like it there and now after evaluating our debts and expenses we decided there is no money to pay for preschool. I was supposed to be making more but my jobs feel threw last minute. So now, she loves school,, has made some very close friends but there is no money and we are not elible for the IL action for Kids. We make too much. The problem is we always make too much, because no one cares that our recurring debts are more than our incomes together. What would you do and what do you think about the situation? PS - I am a SAHM who works mostly from home and I have 15 yrs preschool teaching behind me but it is the social aspect that I worry about since my daughter THRIVES in this classroom socially. And it is NOT an option to send her to another program.
Read the entire question and 5 answersWhat does preschool children need to know before going into Kindergarden?
Read the entire question and 6 answersMy daughter is leaving her Pre-K teacher this week to be transitioned to next level class. She spent last 10 months with her and really liked all of her teachers (2 of them), and My husband and I couldn't agree with her more. We really like to get her something on the last day (Thursday) as a token of appreciateion, but need help to come up with ideas from you. We have done choc for V-day, gift cards for Christmas already. Thanks mamas S.
Read the entire question and 13 answersHi, I have a pretty basic question. I was wondering when you enroll your kid in Pre-K programs. Ideally, I would like to choose a school that has a Pre-K and keep him there thru 8th. But when do you put the little one on a wait list? He is 2 and 4 months this fall, and he'll start Pre-K in the Fall of 2009 when he is 4 and 4 months. Thank you in advance!
Read the entire question and 6 answersI am looking into VTech and Leap Frog for my son who will be 3 in November. I didn't find much in his age group from Leap Frog, but I did find The Whiz Kid PC by VTech. I don't want to spend the money on it if he is too young. I was wondering if anyone had this or something similar that they like for their kids. I really don't want to buy something that has to hook up to the TV, the computer is fine. Do you know of any good computer games for this age? Thanks for your help.
Read the entire question and 11 answers