I've visited several preschools over the last several months. And it might sound silly but I actually had trouble going to sleep mulling over the choices! We'll start at a 2 day then the following year go to a 3 day. I'm planning to do 1/2 day kindergarten (or similar) Here are the 3 I'm looking at...
A traditional church preschool. It seemed pretty straight forward. I liked that when I visited the students were quietly listening and the ladies leading it have been there a long time. On the negative side I didn't see a lot of "activities" out. When I asked about speech they seemed to be very familiar with kids in speech and if no children have food allergies they serve peanut butter (no strict policies)
Classical preschool (leading to their private elementary) Bryce visited with me and seemed comfortable. They learn basics like writing their name + address. My concern is that the academics will be rigorous and I'm not sure classical would be a good fit if our kids are hands on/visual learners. They also did not seem particularly set up for learning disabilities (for ex. if Bryce needs speech I'd have to take him to a public school for that). They serve peanut butter unless I'd tell them otherwise.
Christian montessori (leading to a 3 day school week in elementary) My most recent visit. I wish I had tried it sooner because the program is really cool. Everything they do is so hands on, for example when learning to subtract they have visual pieces so they learn the "why." And they welcome children with IEPs (like speech). If he went there for elementary he could do a 3 day a week program (this is a positive because I could help educate him and its also cheaper) Also they had big bold signs on classrooms saying "nut/peanut free" for kids with severe allergies. The downside? Its full. Everything is a wait list.
I haven't read a ton about classical vs. montessori learning. Anyone have a take on it? I've heard pros and cons for both. I'm filling out the paperwork for the montessori as it seems like it'd be a good fit for Bryce.
4 comments:
You should qualify for FREE pre-school for Bryce if you can get him into special education with an IEP...have you checked into it?
They call it Head Start here. It is not based on income if they qualify for Early Intervention Plan.
good thought! he has an IEP. he's in a 1 morning a week class now for speech. its not really a preschool though (not focused on colors, shapes, numbers, ect). i'll ask them friday if next year would be more preschool-like.
such a hard choice! I spent a whole year deciding where to send Elijah to K next year. When it came down to it, I picked the school that might not be my absolute first choice but was in the top 3 and that was in our community. I am a huge believer in community, and I know I will be much more involved if I don't have to drive 20 minutes there and 20 back every time I want to take cupcakes or something. (I will say we absolutely decided on a Christian school we could trust.)
Preschool was easy though. We went with a local church. It's laid back and fun and completely full of love. The learn a lot, but learning is really laid back.I really didn't want to put him somewhere the curriculum was intensified; he's going to spend the next 13+ years being taught. I wanted him to be somewhere where they'd love him. And I love love love his preschool. I could go on and on- they have so much fun there and they love going, and that's SO important to me.
I knew you did a lot of research for kindergarten, thanks for sharing a little of that Grace! I revisited the church preschool yesterday with Bryce ( it is run by some sweet older ladies) They really seemed like they knew 3 year olds inside and out. I think we'll do that one since it is closest to our house and I have a good feeling about it. Like you said, we have some more time before kindergarten. How many days a week did Elijah go the 1st and 2nd year?
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