who knew getting into preschool was like getting into college? i have to sit back and laugh actually because it is CrAzY! I would have no idea had I not been informed by other moms recently regarding the following:
-you have to look at preschools a year or more in advance (I planned on looking next July for next September--oops)
-you register for preschool nine months before it starts (again, I thought July)
-there is an "application process"
-you have to be "accepted"
-the night before registration, many parents sleep in their cars or in line at the preschool to ensure their precious lovely gets a spot in that school (that one had my mouth catching flies!)
take a moment to stop laughing. i had to as well. i want to put Reese in preschool next September for 2-3 days per week for only half days. I want to do this to help her socially and to help with her anxiety about being away from me (she hearts mama). I am not signing her up for preschool to make her scholarly at the age of three. I am not signing her up to make her academically ahead of her kindergarten peers in a couple of years. But I am fairly certain many sign up for these very purposes. Ideally I want Reese to be in a VPK at the public school across the street that is referred to as "blended" --half typical kids and half kids with disabilities. That, to me, would be the best exposure she could get. But sadly, you have to be four to be in that program!
So have appointments over the next couple of weeks to find a place for Reese to have fun a couple mornings a week. I remember when I dropped Noah off for ESE Pre-k-- I didn't go home that day! The thought of going home without him was devastating! But then I saw that he loved it and I was okay. Hopefully, (fingers crossed) that will happen for Reese too.
Stay tuned. i'm sure there will be much more to the preschool saga.
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2 comments:
Ah, yes, the preschool process...
A perfect school in my opinion is one that is a blend of the Montessori & Waldorf Philosophies. And certainly a program that is all enclusive, which the above mentioned typically are. Also, check to see if they are NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) certified, not affiliated, but certified. There are certain criteria that need to be met in a program to be NAEYC certified. Good Luck!
Also, don't fret... a typically developing child only needs 6mos. -1 year of preschool before heading off to kindergarten. That is ample time for Reese to get comfortable away from home, acclimate to a classroom environment etc. The knowing of numbers, letters, one-to-one correspondence etc. comes with age and interest, and will be picked up quickly. Also motor skills, fine and gross are practiced, but that can be done at home with the use if scissors, pencils, crayons, clay/playdough and with jumping, skipping, throwing/catching a ball, balancing etc. Again, no need to worry. Worse case scenario: you don’t find a program for Reese. She'd still be fabulous in kindergarten. she has fabulous, involved parents :-)
In my opinion, over the years we have certainly taken more interests in every avenue of young children's lives, as we should. But, I also feel that allot of families put allot of emphasis on preschool because its been hyped up, but also - and I'm sure I'll get allot of negative feedback on this. I'm ready) it helps working families to feel better about their difficult decision to put their children in care.
Anyhow, try to enjoy the process. There are so many great schools out there. Look for great communication- parent board, newsletters, calendars, conferences, evals., daily schedule - teacher’s education, their turnover rate (that says allot about a program), NAEYC, and energy level of the teachers.
Love You!
Kelsea--
what a great post--not just for me, but for all! I agree that preschool is super hyped! I am playing it by ear, not worrying and if she doesn't go it won't be a big deal. I was so surprised at what a big deal it was-- sleeping in tents, etc. I had to laugh.
I am hoping to help rid Reese of some of her social anxiety...but truthfully am not sure I can do it. Will do 2 or 3 days per week for 3 hours per day--not starting til next september.
But I had no idea to check for certifications, etc. Thank you sooo much!
I owe you a call... :)
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