So I live in a city that has horrible schools. They lost accreditation and gained it back on a probation basis. Anyway, the preschool system is supposed to be great despite the bad school age system. Preschool is also free along with after care. I toured one of the schools I applied for and I don't how I feel about it. It is a huge school that has age 3 through 2nd grade. Our current private preschool is small, warm, cozy and familiar. She has been there since she was 11 weeks old. I am not sure if my animosity towards the preschool is due to my love of where she is at now or because of the reputation of the school system or whatever. Like I said, the EC system has a good reputation. The ratios are 10:1. With the new baby on the way, this would be a huge lifesaver, but I don't know how to get past my prejudices. Anyone use their public preschool system? Anyone change their child's care but was reluctant to do it? If so, how did your child handle it? Were you ultimately happy? I just need some reassurance.
DD1: IUGR, low AFI delivered at 36 weeks
DD2: IUGR, low AFI delivered at 37 weeks
Re: Free Early Childhood/Preschool
In our state it is 1:12 for 3 yr olds. 4 yr PreK is considered public school and I think the max per class before the district pays fines is 1:25.
If the school makes you uncomfortable, I'd probably stay where you are. However, she'll end up switching to public schools eventually right? So, it might be just as well for her to get used to the new school at an earlier age. The fun part of the public school is if the teachers talk/share, she'll have a good continuum of curriculum and learning from one grade to the next in the same building.
My city and Baltimore are the only two places that have this weird city/county split, in case you are wondering about the city vs. county way I am talking.