"Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

I am thinking to enroll DS next year when he is 2-2+ to some sort of class.

I am thinking pre-school but that might be too young (??)

What are other options?

I want something with crafts, some sort of structure. Not just open play things.

I am thinking 2 afternoon or so per week.

TIA

ETA: I should have mentioned it could only be a "drop off". I could not be with EJ during that time.

Message edited 9/19/2008 3:13:25 PM.

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

I took DD#1 to Just Wee Two last year and it was fantastic. However, it was a "mommy and me" type thing until the last trimester--when it was partial separation. There were activity centers, then circle time--singing, dancing--then art, free play, snack, story, and back to the circle. I'm doing it again with DD#2 starting next week. Oh, and the best part of it was that I met a great group of moms who I hang out with weekly to this day (literally, "this day." I saw them this morning )!!

ETA...it was 90 minutes/1x a week. I believe there are total separation classes for "older" children multiple times a week too...

Message edited 9/19/2008 2:31:12 PM.

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

Mommy & Me has a structured class with snack time and craft time. They do a letter a day and there is always learning/teaching going on...They do a 1.5 hour seperation, 1x a week class.

Message edited 9/19/2008 2:32:10 PM.

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

Have you looked into your local library? I feel like I mention it so often lately, but it's such a great resource.

Ours has Mommy & Me type activities from infant through 4 years old. They also have late afternoon and eventing craft and story time activities.

And MOST of it is free!

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

I should have mentioned it could only be a "drop off". I could not be with EJ during that time.

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

Lance goes to a 2 year old program. It is 2 hours, 2 days a week. It is a structured program. They have free play, song & story time, circle time, art, outdoor play, and snack of course.

We did mommy & me there for a few months before doing the drop off program, so he knows and loves the teacher. The mommy & me is very structured also. She works on fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, sensory, etc...

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

We're doing Mommy and Me once a week for 1.5 hours and in October I am joining the Gymboree. I went to a trial class and DS loved and so did my husband and I. What I like about Gymboree is that in your membership you can also take your DC there for an open play, which I think its great especially now that winter is coming.

Re: "Strutured" classes for DS - gymboree type classes or preschool?

FM