Going to check out a pre-school tomorrow for 2 1/2 year olds

What exactly should I be looking for? DS doesn't go to day care, which is why I want him to go to preschool early. This is to register him to start in Sept. He will be a little shy of 2 1/2 at that point, but they said no problem. Thanks for any guidance you can give me.

Re: Going to check out a pre-school tomorrow for 2 1/2 year olds

Your child is so young, so I'd be looking for lots of happy faces.... Mine started in day care at five months and he's been in a couple of different places...He is now nearly three. I've realized that what he needs to get out of "school" the most is socialization, self-confidence and a love of school. Personally at 2 and a half I think kids need lots of affection- that was something I was disappointed with in his present school... It's fun, he socializes and he is learning, but I think he needs a few hugs, sitting on laps, etc... Of course this is just my opinion, but you may want to ask...

As a SE teacher I visit many preschool programs. Most of my favorites are co-ops. THe children learn so much in a non-threatening environment. Parents are involved so they know exactly what's happening in school....Only draw-back(if you consider it a draw-back) is that you will have to volunteer your time usually about once a month. Mothers of students often become very friendly with other mothers which is nice. Coops are usually cheaper than other programs.

Clean- you want the bathrooms to be clean... ask how often they wash their toys... check out changing table (if your child is still in diapers) Most schools are pretty good, but I heard there are a few that you need to look out for. YOu surely don't want your child sick all the time.

Can't think of anything else right now, hope this helps a little.

Re: Going to check out a pre-school tomorrow for 2 1/2 year olds

Thanks for the information.

We actually registered him today to start in September. I can't believe he's starting "school" already.

It looks like a really nice place. My brother sent his three kids there and was very happy with it. The teachers seem nice and all the kids appear happy. Hopefully Jesse will love it.

Re: Going to check out a pre-school tomorrow for 2 1/2 year olds

I started sending Jack at 2 for the exact same reasons...he was not in daycare and he needed to socialize (and I needed a sanity break with #2 on the way). Jack loves it! There is an emphasis on fun and happiness at his school. The teachers hug and kiss him and tell him they are so glad to see him. He is a totally different kid (for the better) ever since he started his preschool. Plus he's learning a ton.

Be prepared though for it to take a while for him to really want to go. It is not uncommon for it to take about 6 weeks for kids that young to not cry and cling to you when they get dropped off. It took Jack a very long time and he had to bring his security blanket with him for the first two months. But now, he gets out of the car, puts on his little packback and walks right into school.

Re: Going to check out a pre-school tomorrow for 2 1/2 year olds

We brought him with us when we went to look today. He was playing in the classroom and we walked out, asked if he was coming with us and he said no and then said bye-bye. We walked outside the room and he just kept playing. I'm hoping there won't be too much separation anxiety (on his part anyway).