Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

What is first? pre-school? nursery school? I am lost!

Once I find schools in the area, where can I find out their 'ratings'? Do they have violations like daycare? What am I looking for when I go? Do I need to apply? Do churches have things like this? Why do I not know what I am doing?

TIA!!!!

Message edited 4/20/2009 10:08:15 PM.

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

We went on recommendations from friends, family and clients of mine.

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

Nursery school is first. We found a school that we liked and from there we asked around and got good feedback so we went with it. Many churches do have programs as do day care type centers. I found that the churches had much more reasonable prices. If you give us an idea of what areas you're looking in I'm sure many people will have suggestions for you.

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

Definitely start looking now. DS is the same age as your son and two schools I called already have waiting lists for the 2010 school year. Its crazy!

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

Message edited 4/21/2009 1:56:27 PM.

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

I went by word of mouth but I also wanted something very close to the house.

I would look in your area and then go and check them out.

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

I also wanted to add that when I signed up last January for Sept 08, Andrew got the last spot for his age group. This year we signed up in Nov 08 for Sept 09.

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

We knew we wanted Catholic school from the beginning, and there were only a few in the area, so that made it pretty easy.
We went to look at them without DS, and then brought him back to see the one we chose just to be sure.

The first thing I looked for was how the teacher interacted with the students, If the students and staff seemed happy to be there, If they were professional and child-friendly at the same time, etc...

I also wanted a place with structure and well-rounded curriculum, not just a focus on academics, but on social/emotional skills, art, music, etc...

That's pretty much it...

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

I compiled a list (mainly from people on this site) as well as personal recommendations. I looked at all their websites and requested information. I will go to open houses when they are available and I will see which fit is best for my daughter.

I've heard from a few neighbors that you should send your child to a preschool/nursery school near your school district, so they meet kids that they will eventually go to school with, so I'm considering location as well.

Message edited 4/22/2009 11:57:39 AM.

Re: Spinoff: How do you start looking for a nursery school/pre-school, etc?

we really didn't do a big search or anything. We attend Saint Martin of Tours parish in Amityville- in the bulletin one Sunday they had listed their 2-year old program: 1 day/week for an hour- non-separation. Knowing my DD, I thought it would be perfect for her and I signed her up (It was only $10 a class and honestly, I would be with her so I didn't think twice about it).

Turns out we LOVED it and the teacher is the same teacher for nursery- so when it was Catholic Schools Week we just enrolled and are very happy. I'm also happy as it's in the same room DD is in now- so she won't have any surprises.