Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I tried to search first and didn't quite come up what I am looking for.

Although Ryan is only 13 months I have no idea what to look for in a preschool (besides cost LOL) So, please tell me what your credentials are for a preschool.

Did you interview with them?

Did you have a list of questions to ask?

What were the questions you asked?

Did you watch a demo class?

Was there a waiting list?

I would like to get Ryan into a program next June when he is 2. Hopefully something 2 hours, 2 times a week.

Any recommendations of schools in the Babylon/Lindenhurst/Massapequa area?

TIA!

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

Jess, we went strictly on referrals. The place where Jordan went was recommended by so many people in my area, including some clients of mine that are teachers in my district.
We loved her preschool and Peyton will go there as well.

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I started by asking for recommendations on here. Then I called and priced out about 10-12 places. I went and visited a bunch also. I knew right off the bat which ones I liked, and which I didn't.

What area are you in? I don't think you'll be able to get him in for a 2 year old program until next September though!

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

i'm in jersey so can't get specific to LI, but my approach was to ask around and then visit each place i was considering. i chatted with the directors, got a tour of the place, all the info, and then made a decision base on personal preference and gut feeling

why i chose the place i did was:

1. the director left me with a good impression - laid back yet attentive.

2. i wanted a morning session (at the other places only afternoon slots were still available at the time i was looking) because DD still napped in the afternoon.

3. i wanted longer hours - most places by me only offer 2.5 hours/day, the place i chose takes her for 3 hours.

4. the class is small - 8 kids and 2 teachers.

Message edited 8/10/2009 8:42:11 AM.

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

bumping for more advice.

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I'm just starting to think about this too but I'm a little confused...

Is there a difference between preschool and daycare before 2.5? If so, how would I recognize that?

Is there a "curriculum" at that young of an age. My DD is 13 months now and I'm thinking of enrolling her somewhere around 2-ish, maybe a little earlier.

Just curious. It seems like most preschool programs start at 2 years, 9 months but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places?

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

bumping again because I know there are LOTS of moms on this bored with experience in finding a preschool

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

bumping for another try.

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I dont think any preschool has a program BEFORE they reach 2. So DC has to turn 2 and then can be enrolled. You may want to look into a mommy and me type place - they usually offer separation type classes before age 2.

For picking the preschool , we went by family and friends referrals. Then went to the ones that were in our price range and talked with the owner/teachers.

Good Luck

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I've started the search for DS next year. DS is only 4.5 months now.

The earliest toddler preschool programs I've seen start at 18 months. I think your DS would be too young this year. I liked West Hills Montessori.

All the daycares I visited differentiated a "toddler" as 18 months so anything before that was an "infant". Tutor Time, Bright Horizons, Kiddie Academy, Kinder Care all seemed to have decent curriculums for walking "infants". Personally I liked Bright Horizons and Kinder Care best.

Orly's Treehouse and Once Upon a Treetop in Plainview has a few classes for 12-18 month olds. The Happy Wookworm looked educational. You may want to check them out.

Message edited 8/13/2009 6:00:40 PM.

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I've been doing LOTS of research on this as I'm enrolling Ella this year.

I checked recommendations for neighborhood schools, and then visited the ones I was interested in. Some I thought were great, until I got there.

I eliminated places based on the vibe I got from the staff, how engaging/interesting the program is, the facility and their schedules.

I don't want full time, but 2-2.5 hours didn't seem long enough either. I also don't want any place that naps them, as I'd rather she nap when she comes home.

I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, and they're VERY different from each other...

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I wanted a local place, then went on referrals. I visited two places, one hardly called parents back they were so swamped, which didn't sit well with me. Then I found a great school right in my neighborhood that was so warm and caring. I first called and spoke with the director, then they told me about their Fall open house and then we signed her up :)

Grace Day School in Massapequa has a 2 yr old program, 2x a week for 1.5 hrs.

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

I think anything you find for kids under 2 will be more of a daycare as opposed to a preschool. If you are just looking for classes that offer some separation/drop off then I would look into your local recreation department and local Y. If you're looking for something in the summer, it's going to be more of a camp then class. Most preschools will fun from Sept-June.
As for picking the preschool DS will be starting in Sept., I went by referals as well as personal experience. I used to teach creative movement at many daycares/preschools in my area and got a feel for different programs. The program I chose gets rave reviews and I know firsthand that they are very structured- which I think is a neccessity for DS. They have a great staff-child ratio and offer additional programs as part of the curriculum (music, creative movement, etc...)

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

Preschools around where I live do not start until 2, so I think you will have to wait until next SEptember. Chloe will be 2 next May so we will be in the same boat. I am planning on sending her to preschool next September for 3 days a week for 2hrs a day with possibly doing extension for 1 hour for lunch. She will also be going to the camp my preschool offers next summer for 6 weeks 2 days a week for 2 hours. This will get her acclimated to the school. This September I am starting a mommy and me at the school too.

What I suggest is get referrals and research as to what you are looking for. When I was looking for my older one, I knew I wanted a Jewish preschool. So I researched which temples in my area had programs then I went for tours and from there I made my decision. I also took into consideration how far the school was for me, money, how many children were in the classroom, cleanliness.. Everyschool is different some might stress socialization, some might stress more education. Personally, at 2,I was looking for a school that stresses socialization. I think that is all they need at that time..

Schools probably have enrollment starting around this Thanksgiving. The more popular schools might have waitllists. I know my school was filled by december...

Do your homework, you are in the right frame of mind in that you are starting to research now. I would go in late September early October to the schools you want to tour. You want to go then because the chiildren should be a little used to the school by the 3rd week...

Good luck with your search.. Any other questions, ask away..

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

It's too far for you but I did find a preschool that took kids as young as 18 months. So there are some around.

Most of them are 2+ though.

Registrations are usually in January for September so you want to look at schools at the end of this year so you are ready and picked your school by the time January comes. Spots fill out fast.

Message edited 8/14/2009 8:27:57 AM.

Re: Can all of you BTDT mommies enlighten me on preschool....

Thanks so much everyone, this has really helped me!!