I remember how hard it was to pick a preschool for my first child. He had stayed home with me, and I will admit I was very over-protective. It can be scary thinking of leaving your "baby" with someone else several days a week, even if it is just for a few hours. I started calling around to schools the winter before my son was to start. Many preschools have early registration and spots fill fast, so I was told this was a good time to begin.
I immediately ruled out several places based on the rude manner of the person answering the phone! I figured if a facility can't even hire someone to be pleasant on the phone, then what is that telling me about the rest of the school? I also was not interested in any place that constanty had a "now hiring" sign out by the street. Probably the biggest red flag to me are preschools that refuse to show you around. Luckily, though, I personally never encountered that.
By the time I was out actively touring schools, I had narrowed my list to three choices. All of them had their good points. In the end I chose the school that I had heard the most positive things about from other parents, and that seemed to have the most "warm and fuzzy " feel. In addition, it met my desire for a program focusing on socialization rather than academics. Another factor that did not hurt was that this school was closest to my home of the three options.
I am happy to say my son adored preschool, and I never regretted where I chose to send him. It's a relief now to know his younger brother will be attending this school. I didn't even have to shop around the second time. I am certain his experience will be a positive one as well. More than anything else, I look forward to hanging all those cute art projects on my refrigerator again. Preschool is a precious time in a child's academic career that goes too fast. It's worth the effort to seek out a setting that will work well for both you and your child.
Debbie Akers, a northeast Phoenix mom of three young sons, is a member of the Arizona Republic's Parent Advisory Panel.
It is so difficult to choose
It is so difficult to choose the right school, especially when you work full time. I wanted to send me youngest to the same preschool that my older son went to but the hours just didn't work for me. Most of the chain schools have great hours, but oh my goodness, the weekly rates are outragous! I would have to get another job just to pay for preschool!
I put him in one right next to our house in August that was reasonably priced and seemed nice. It took him a while to adjust he kept saying he didn't like it there. I found the front desk staff to be distant and almost rude. The teachers always said hi but were never warm.
Then over Christmas break (ooh I said Christmas not winter :) they wanted to charge me the full 2 weeks when we were not there one day and I gave them notice! It erks me that preschools only allow 2 weeks of vacation a year when it is not required that they go at all! I mean, if there was a waiting list, then yes, I can understand them not wanting people gone a lot. But they have plenty of room there.
I found one Tuesday night by the grace of God that had openings and only charges you for the days you are there. I visited yesterday and got the warm and fuzzy feeling. This morning my son was shy and not happy about the change. The lunch lady came right up to him all happy and bubbly gave him a hug and took him to help pass out snack. I called this afternoon and he was having a blast.
It really makes a difference when the staff is kind and warm and they know we work hard for our money. When the school is there for the kids, not to make a huge profit off us poor parents. We don't want to leave our kids and go to work anyways, it just makes it easier for us.
I can understand how you
I can understand how you feel, my son will be four shortly and has been at in-home daycare and it is time to start the preschool search. Not sure where you live, but could you provide the name and location of the new preschool you have found.
I had my daughter at 2
I had my daughter at 2 preschools part time before finding the one she's at now full time. In the beginning it was mearly for the socialization aspect because she stayed at home with my dad since I went back to work when she was 3 months old. At 2 I put her in one of the chain places for a couple hours a day a few days a week. She cried and cried and she would never look so thankful that I was there when I picked her up. This went on for 6 months when I finally just said enough is enough, if after 6 months she still wasn't adjusting I felt something was just not right for her there. Then I tried another chain one a year or so later and though it took her quite some time to warm up to it, she did better than the previous one, but not 100%. After finding the one she's at now, which is a center, but not part of a chain, they are the only one I'd never think twice about switching her. Not to mention she'll start kindy next year, but where she's at now is very structured, the teachers are actually college degreed teachers and all of the staff are so friendly and genuine and I haven't seen a kid there yet that isn't comfortable and doesn't look like they aren't happy to be there. I find much comfort in bringing my daughter in each morning and having her walk away from me with a smile on her face rather than sobbing & crying uncontrollably.
The centers do charge a pretty penny and I personally pay $195 a week, which I think is quite expensive, but it's worth it to me since she's very content, happy, and has learned so much!!!
I'm just wondering what pre
I'm just wondering what pre schools you have found to be comforting and your children enjoy to go to. My daughter will be ready to start this fall and I'm worried about finding one that she will actually like.
My son went to Bethany
My son went to Bethany learning center in Tempe at Price & Guadelupe. My husband's nephew went there when he was little as well.....and as soon as I walked in I knew it was the right place for us. At that time the youngest they would accept was 4.....but now I think they also have day care programs for toddlers.
We enjoyed Bethany so much we enrolled our son in the Christian school there, he's currently in second grade and doing well.
Hello. I don't know where
Hello. I don't know where you live, but if you're near Baseline and 7th Ave. in Phoenix, you should check out my preschool. I run it in my home and it's very affordable. Let me know if you'd like all the info. Have a great day!