Preschool?

pb_bride · March 2014

When are we supposed to start looking for preschool? Our O12 babies will be at least 2.9 by Fall of 2015... are you planning to put your LO in preschool then? I don't even know how to start or when I should start this process. A friend of mine (also has a O12 baby) seems to have done all the research, gone to a bunch of open house/tours, and have picked out a preschool for her son already. But she used to be a preschool teacher so I guess she is more gunho about it. I don't want to be left behind but don't want to get stressed out about this too early (esp there is a chance we may move next year)!

Also, DS SAH with me, and I may consider putting him in a 1/2 day program at a school when he's 2, maybe 3 days a week? These aren't strictly daycare centers but have more of a structured curriculum.

Have you looked at preschools yet? If not, when do you think you'll start? Traditional vs montessori?

StefanieM522 · March 2014

The daycare that Wesley goes to is also a preschool so he will transition into the preschool class next fall I believe after the two's class room. I think that most people start preschool around 3. You could call a few centers around you and ask them some questions. I found that when I was looking for daycare for Wesley that most of the preschool centers start taking children at 2 1/2 and were very friendly and answered most of my questions. I did find that a few of the preschool only around me had waiting lists, so I would ask about that as well.

lady dixneuf · March 2014

I honestly haven't given too much thought to this because there are many variables at this point. We have to move this summer and it will really depend on where we live.

Our daycare has a decent preschool attached so I am totally ok with E going there.

Rachelilly23 · March 2014

We have what they call Mothers day out programs here at many of the preschools for younger kids. E misses the preschool deadline here by 29 days. So I'll be putting him in the mothers day out probably 2 days a week in the 2 year old class at DS1'S preschool. DS1 is on the younger side for his class (June birthday) but DS2 will be on the older side. They're only 2 1/3 years apart in age but will be 3 years apart in school.

hilsy85 · March 2014

Preschool in nyc is like an olympic sport..it's insane.

We are applying this fall to start in the fall of 2015. He will be in a 2s program at that point, so he will be on the older side in his class. I am very interested in the montessori program in our area, and will be applying there, as well as some others. I think the 2s programs are all 2 or 3 days a week for 2 hours or so?

Wally3 · March 2014

Ds1's daycare does preschool as well. I think I will start ds2 next year a couple days a week. Ds1 is doing pre k there now and started there at 2 almost 3. I love it. They do an awesome mix of free play, centers and more "schooly" stuff.

ChrisG83 · March 2014

Hismom12 said:

WanderingStars23 said:
I teach Kindergarten and I have mixed feelings about Montessori schools. I think it all depends on the specific teachers and schools. Some of them do really well. But, overall, my kids who come from Montessori schools are much less prepared for Kindergarten than those who come from public or "traditional" preschools.
I definitely agree.

Oh this is really interesting. I have been reading about Montessori and I like some of the ideas but I'm not into the full blown experience. What is it that makes the kids seem not as prepared? From what I read it seems like the kids "explore" more than have a structured day. (Not sure if that is right though)

Sillygirl85 · March 2014

Our daycare does preschool so he will go there.

chricast · March 2014

Emma will be the oldest in her class and almost 4 when she starts PreK. Our district has public PreK but it is a lottery and only like 1/3-1/2 of the communities kids get in. If she doesnt get in to our districts PreK it is no big deal because our daycare has preschool starting when she will be almost 3 and then PreK for the following year. As long as Im still working and she is in the daycare I am okay with her just going there for PreK, we toured it last week and it seemed great.

Sharon&Paul · March 2014

I too am not a fan of Montessori. We sent our oldest at age 3. Then decided to switch her at age 4 and she was very behind. She needed a more structured environment with an academic focus. She excelled in her new preschool. Our DD2 is also at this preschool and amazed us when she taught herself to read at the age of 3.5. She learns a lot from her sister who is 5.5 now. The cut off for this preschool is Sept 1st, so DD3 misses the cutoff. We will be looking at another school to send her next year 2-3 half days a week. Then the following year we will send her with her sisters.

legalbeagle1 · March 2014

@hilsy85 will tell me where to apply and I will do it.

I love the idea of Montessori -- hello, floor bed -- and I honestly think some of it is that I hope it combats the NYC competitive/craziness and provides my son with a childhood where he can just be a kid instead of a potential-future-neuroscientist-astronaut-lawyer-doctor-podperson.

hilsy85 · March 2014

@legalbeagle1: i'll give you my notes from the preschool consultant I met with :P (I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that we met with one, but at least we have a child! She said that she regularly meets with people who are still pregnant/TTC and already thinking about preschool ).

Want a personalized experience?

Preschool?

Re: Preschool?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards