Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)

I am looking at preschools this year for a Fall 2013 start. Everyone that I spoke with suggested I look now so when registration comes around next year, I will know what school to go to and will have no trouble getting a spot.

That being said, I am tossed up between 2 schools. A little background – I live in Ridge and work in Patchogue 3 days a week.
I really love Reach for the Stars in Ridge. It is fantastic, but a little pricey. It is a stand-along building with the playground backing up to a post-office and a few residential homes. Even though there is a fence around the playground, I am a bit leery about the security. However, this place has cameras everywhere and the director monitors them all day long. If I chose this place, I will take him/pick him up 2 days a week and my mom would do the other day.

I also love the Patchogue YMCA pre- school program. The only thing about the YMCA program I didn’t like was that they do gym every day my DS would be there – which is great – but it requires the class to leave the locked pre-school “area” and walk through the main lobby of the Y, up a staircase, and back around to the other side of the building – passing a pre-teen play area. The lack of security for this walk to the gym is bothering me. I know that the teacher and the aid walk with them, but I can’t seem to get comfortable with it. If I chose this place, my mom will take him to school every day and I will pick him up during my lunch.

I just can’t decide where to put my DS. Do I pick the place close to home or close to work? Which place is more safe? I could really use some input.

Thanks so much!

ETA: The difference in price from one school to another is $45 a month

Message edited 3/2/2012 3:34:15 PM.

Re: Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)

Whatever one you choose I think you have to trust them. I would go with the first one because it seems more convenient. It's up to you though. Go with your gut.

Re: Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)

Wait we are in 2012 already. Do you mean for this coming September? Most places registration is already done with and spots are filled - at least by me. My DD is already signed up for Sept. 2012.

Re: Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)

Sorry - I mean Fall 2013

Re: Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)

I'd pick #1. I know the school you're talking about, and I don't think that one is unsafe at all (if you are referring to the road it is on).

I would feel more comfortable with my child not walking through the halls of the YMCA.

Re: Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)

First I would suggest you dont put the pressure on yourself to choose now. YOu have plenty of time if you are looking at 2013. Plus you may find another option in that time that you like even more.

Second I would say go with your gut. You need to be comfortable with his safety. I didnt choose a nursery for my DS because to get to teh playground they had to walk across the parking lot which was shared by the school and a church.

Re: Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)

Bump for the evening bunch

Re: Please help me choose a pre-school (little long)