tell me about pre-school

DD is only 1 & a half so I didn't think I had to worry about it any time soon but I heard some places have long waiting lists & you have to register far in advance.
So I have a few questions...
I know it's a personal choice but what age did you (will you) start your DC?
Do prices greatly vary or are they all about the same? (I have no clue about that)
Do they all start in Sept like regular school or do they have a few start dates throughout the year?
What are some things I should look for when I start looking for one?
Anyone have any recommendations in Rockville Center, Baldwin or Oceanside?
Thanks!

Re: tell me about pre-school

I can't help you about where to look in your area since i'm in Boston but I can answer some other questions.
I wanted to start dd at 2 (this past sept) but here the prices were outrageous. I was getting from 7,000-10,000 for the year. Some were full time, some were few days a week a full day, and some were 2-3 days for a few hours a day. Since I am home I felt like it's too much to spend so I stopped looking.

Most of the nursery/preschools start in Sept and end in May/June and some offer summer programs.

I met a friend of a friend who gave me a school she loves, which she paid 4,200 for the year this year for 3 days 9-1. I am going to look today at it. They have a space availble now, so I might start dd now. I am really looking for Sept, but if the price is prorated and reasonable for the rest of this year I may start her. She's 2 1/2 and I think she's ready. Plus we have a baby on the way in March so I think it will good.

I also worked in a Daycare for a few years so I would make sure they are accredited and licensed. look at cleanliness of the place, how they interact with children, bring your child to see how they react to going.

Re: tell me about pre-school

Started my oldest when he was 3, at a school that started in Sept. and follows our district's calendar. He goes 5 days a week, 2.5 hours a day. Most students start in Sept and I think that is best for getting adjusted to the students and routine. His school is very academic and has music class, computer class, etc. It was rough starting, but he loves it and his little friends now, and wasn't even sad to return after winter break.

We're in Suffolk, so no rec. near you.

Re: tell me about pre-school

Started my DS right before he turned 2 in a 1 day x week Mommy and Me class at a nursery school. He has continued there and is in the 3's program.

In your area I would look at Community Nursery School (Baldwin) and St. Mark's Coop Nursery School, Jacob's Ladder, Holy Trinity, and United all in RVC.

ETA: At our school 2 yr olds with late birthdays do the mommy and me type program at 2 (DS was 23 months when we started) but kids who turn 2 prior to July have the option of doing a 2 day x week drop off program that 2.5 hrs. We go to St. Mark's. LOVE IT!

Message edited 1/9/2013 9:12:49 AM.

tell me about pre-school

I started DS in a 2x a week, 2 hour a day program in September. He turned 2 mid October. Personally I did it for a few reasons. I am a SAHM and wanted him to have more interaction with kids other then library programs once in a while. I am pg with DC#3 (due any day now!!!) and wanted him to start something and be comfortable before the baby came (and to get used to being separated from me) I felt that it could only help his skills (gross motor, fine motor, speech, social)

Places that are run as nursery schools (2-3 hour classes) as opposed to full day daycares do not have to have the same licensing accreditations. I looked for a place that has been operating for over 7-10 years (where DS goes is 15) went in with questions about their routines, how long the teachers have worked in the class and at the school (didn't want high turnover) looked at how the classrooms were set up in terms of cleanliness, organization, decorations etc. I visited 4 places before deciding on where to send DS. I drive about 15-20 minutes to bring him there, but they are worth it IMO.

Prices at the places I looked at were somewhat comparable, except for one which was a significant amount more per month, and that's the one I liked the least. I pay $165 per month for where he is. It's not near where you're looking though.

Re: tell me about pre-school

Will be sending DS when he turns 3.
All in my area were $. Will be sending him 2 or 3 days a week for half day. Chose a close one with bus service option. It is a montessori and I clicked with the director.

Re: tell me about pre-school

Thanks so much, so helpful!