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Post by sarahisis on Aug 15, 2012 9:37:55 GMT -6
It's that time.. I have begun researching preschools and montessoris What were the top things you looked for and the most important deal breaker things you wouldn't budge on when considering a preschool for your toddler? I have some things that are important to me, but want to make sure I'm not missing anything! Thanks Ladies! And if anyone has any recs for the Maplewood, Vadnais, White Bear area, lemme know!!
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Post by cissy on Aug 15, 2012 14:16:30 GMT -6
Things that I looked into when I put my first kid into preschool, how many times they washed their hands, a nurse in the building, what the snack rules were (kid with food allergies and seizures I needed to make sure it was taken care of). I did not need to have field trips, my thought was that I am paying for my child to go to school I want him to learn not go on fun trips that I can take him on myself. I also was present at a church preschool for 2 years before my child went to preschool and I would not let my child go there, though that probably has to just do with that church and their program but at the end of 2 years for 2 kids that went there they barely knew how to write their own name. My child went to a preschool in one of the high schools, the thing I liked with the school district preschools were that they tested on goals that were supposed to be met and did that a few times during the year so you could see the progress. Now my second child is going to preschool and I did not have the option of where he was going as they placed him in a certain class to help with his speech.
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Post by deannemdm on Aug 15, 2012 14:39:29 GMT -6
For DD, her daycare had curriculum so she stayed there until kindergaten Over 7 yrs later, I am at home with DS and decided to have him attend one in one of the elementary schools (the same one DD is at)-- He had been going to ECFE and I could have had him go to preschool through that, but it would have meant changing buidings from wha the was used to. DD was on her 3rd school by 3rd grade (a move then acceptance to gifted magnet program) and I would like to avoid that for DS if I can-- so I will have him start at the school DS is at-- i think he may be able to get into the gifted program, but that doesn't start until 2nd grade-- he may be identified for it sooner if he is there, if not then we are familiar with the school and he can attend regular classes in the rest of the school.
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Post by ReneeW on Aug 15, 2012 15:25:14 GMT -6
For me it was teacher-student ratio; the vibe I got there -- loving, nurturing teachers; the curriculum; flexibility as far as being able to do extended/early pick up and drop off to accommodate my fluctuating work schedule; how much experience the teachers had and their requirements; and how much turnover there was in the staff.
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Post by sarahisis on Aug 15, 2012 15:54:06 GMT -6
I have been looking at student teacher ratio, quality and condition of their outdoor playground equiptment, staff turnover, curriculum vs. playtime, hours and of course for me... the ability to do half days vs. whole days and 2 days a week or 3 vs. 5... I also look at sanitation and how they deal with health issues that may arrise.... how they approach snacks and meals...and how and if they prep for kindergarten
I've looked a lot online, and none in person so far.. but I've only gotten a great vibe from one... they have a curriculum that I'm very comfortable with and they even make ASL a part of their everyday learning.. they have the hours (1/2 days; 2-3 days a week) that Id be looking for and half day is considered anything under 5 hours. Snacks and lunch are included in the fee and the menu looks like a mixture of healthy foods and stuff toddlers will eat... and one of my biggest things was that he was paired with other kids his age... as opposed to a 3-4 yr age gap per classroom.. and they do that. Their teachers have been there for many many years.. so the turnover is very low... The price is slightly lower than a montessori and they are private... but I still need to look at the outside area and request a tour...
P is still only 2 1/2 and doesnt turn 3 til mid December, so he wouldn't be starting til the following sept... unless they take kids different times of the year.. I do have to get him potty trained though!! darnit lol
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Post by lilmermaid on Aug 15, 2012 17:34:42 GMT -6
I'm not much help since I worked in a preschool I knew what I wanted before I even had kids. My biggest thing was the feeling I got when we visited the school in person. If I didn't get a good vibe it was a no go. Can I ask why you are against an age group? Do they move the kids out of the group who happen to turn from 3-4?
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Post by sharon on Aug 15, 2012 20:09:34 GMT -6
We are both teachers, so had a pretty detailed list of what we were looking for. Ratios were important as well as group size. We wanted a school that provided daycare, not a daycare that had a curriculum, which can be a nuanced difference.
Some other things we wanted:
Somewhere that got child development and had children learning through play, as they should.
Play times long and group sitting listening times very short
Lots of authentic, hands on experiences and high quality toys. No worksheets, less plastic.
Process Art
A place where teachers had longevity and had opportunities for regular planning and training. Low turnover or a good explanation for turnover.
Reggio Emilia inspired was a plus but not a requirement
We had other things that were deal breakers that were specific to our family like a non-homophobic environment for sure and a place that had a history of having GLBT families was a plus. A Jewish school was a plus, but a secular one was fine, so long as it was truly secular and didn't do a Christmas theme or anything like that. A diverse school was great and presenting a diverse range of holidays throughout the whole year was acceptable, but not preferred.
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Post by sarahisis on Aug 15, 2012 22:10:55 GMT -6
Lil... as opposed to a montessori I meant where there might be 2 1/2-5 yr Ole's integrated into one classroom... that's what I meant by a 3-4 yr age gap... id prefer if all the kids in his room were of similar age.
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Post by sharon on Aug 16, 2012 4:19:29 GMT -6
Another factor is school year vs full year and getting a match for your needs and wants in that regard.
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Post by sarahisis on Aug 16, 2012 7:00:23 GMT -6
Do preschools always start in September like most other schools do or do they accommodate based on needs and when a child's bday may fall. P wont be three til Dec ... so if we wait til next Sept. He will be almost four.
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Post by lilmermaid on Aug 16, 2012 7:41:49 GMT -6
Okay I get what you meant now! Yes most start in the fall. I'm sure there are a few that go year-round that you would be able to start at anytime. Tell me about it my girls missed the cut off by a few weeks so they are almost the oldest in their classes. Although with DD1 who is going into 3rd grade, I found there are a TON of September b-days! I like that they are the oldest vs being the youngest.
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Post by sharon on Aug 16, 2012 8:04:13 GMT -6
Most start in fall and many do take kids that are not yet three. By Minnesota licensing a preschooler is 33 months and up.
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