TTMA Preschool

nunzchucks · November 2014

Anyone considering preschool next year? I'm so clueless. What kind of things should I look for in a preschool? Is there a preferred class size?

Swanigam · November 2014

Preschools are so expensive! I've considered it but I might try out that ABC mouse first. I just can't believe they teach them to read in kindergarten now!!

lindslalala · November 2014

We are signed up for next year, but if he isn't potty trained by then we'll have to wait another year. Our 1st pt attempt was a disaster so I don't have high hopes at this point lol. I asked a bunch of other moms in our area for recommendations before deciding on a school.

Wipz · November 2014

Not I.. I'm actually leaning towards homeschooling PERIOD. but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it

countrygrl5533 · November 2014

We decided long ago we would homeschool (we were both homeschooled for large portions of our childhood/teen years) but am kinda considering a 2 mornings a week preschool. Not because she needs it but because I need the break! lol

Legally, here, there can be no more than 12 preschoolers per teacher. I'd look for a class that size that has a teacher's helper as well.

kaleb87 · November 2014

I have no advice on what to ask because we have one school to choose from. :-<
My MIL is really pushing for us to send her at 3. I am kind of thinking of holding off until 4. I will just keep her in her "classes" at the library. Maybe it is me being selfish but preSCHOOL just seems to soon. I'm not ready to send her to school yet. Even though everyday when the bus passes she says she wants to go to school all by herself.

countrygrl5533 · November 2014

Thinking more on this now that DD is occupied with lunch. My experience in child care is the infant/toddler age then in the school system, K-6th so preschool seems to the "black hole" for me. lol. But here is what the best pre-k teacher I have worked with have been like/their classroom was like.

Definitely look for a center with a teacher with energy who is kind but firm. It can honestly be hard to find that combo. Experience is great but a teacher right out school can sometimes surprise you with how awesome she/he is. Bright, airy classroom. A fair amount of fresh air time. Lots of play that is learning (yes, I have seen preschools that do mostly worksheets. bleck).

Personally, I can't stand centers that focus so much on "development" they aren't focusing on the kids as individuals with needs and likes/dislikes, etc. I've worked in a place like that. It's miserable. So if in the meeting they go on and on about all the milestones they focus on and all the state guidelines, I'd be hesitant. If they mention them but then focus on what they can do for your child, why your child would be well cared for and love it there, I'd be more apt to choose that one.

monkeybutt61612 · November 2014

Lurker here, my 2 year old goes to "preschool" 2 mornings a week. At this age, I wanted something that focused on socializing, playing, and crafts.

eyenigh · November 2014

My son's daycare center is affiliated with the school district so next year he just moves up (he's in older toddler now). We've been at this place since he was 12 weeks old and have gotten to know a lot of the teachers and caregivers well and they've been great about recommending what room they think would be a good fit for A every year. He'll be in this same building all the way through kindergarten. We've been really happy with it overall.

cmsdouglas · November 2014

Our daycare turns into preschool next year, too, @eyenigh. It's not affiliated with the school district (that one has a two year waiting list!) but we do like it there. I'm all about the learning through play, which we've seen a lot of so far. Hopefully it continues into the preschool classrooms!

Zimger · November 2014

I looked for a program that focused more on play based learning. As well as a class that had a teachers aide. We had three to choose from. One ran by the school system, a headstart program, and the Pre-K that is affiliated with his daycare.

He will be attending the preschool that is in the same building his daycare is in. He already knows who the teacher and the teachers aide are and will be transitioning when he gets closer to the three year mark. I thought this would make for an easier transition. I am also impressed by the lead teachers dedication, she really loves her job and it shows.

JENandJEH · November 2014

DS1 went to MDO 3 mornings a week at 2 and then moved on to preschool at 3 and did 2 years of preschool before starting K at 5 (due to when his bday falls, he was 3.5 when he started his first year of preschool). He did great, loved it and really thrived. He is a kid who loves routine and learning and needs that structure so it worked for him. His first year of preschool was very play based but they worked on letters and numbers through play. His second year they focused more on Kindergarten prep but still had a fair share of play throughout the day.

DS2 is going to MDO 2 mornings a week now and I will send him 3 mornings a week next year (different state, love the school so I'll stick with it). It's a church based that is more play based as well.

take5 · November 2014

kaleb87 said:

I have no advice on what to ask because we have one school to choose from. :-< My MIL is really pushing for us to send her at 3. I am kind of thinking of holding off until 4. I will just keep her in her "classes" at the library. Maybe it is me being selfish but preSCHOOL just seems to soon. I'm not ready to send her to school yet. Even though everyday when the bus passes she says she wants to go to school all by herself.

My daughter says same thing when the school bus stops in front of our home. She grabs her cat backpack and says "Mommy I'm ready for school". I have her enrolled in classes now but I'm there with her.

Nunz look at the philosophy of each school. They all don't have the same focus, find the one that fits your needs.

nunzchucks · November 2014

Thanks for all the replies! We have ten (seriously!) preschools in our town. I've got it narrowed down to 3 or 4. I'm still waffling about sending her, but H is pushing for her to go at 3.

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