Preschool cost and requirements?

Question

My son is 3 and I want to enroll him in preschool next fall. None of my friends have kids so I have no clue what Im doing! How does preschool work? And, how much does it usually cost? (Im South of Boston and not elligable for Head Start)

Answer 1

Hello,

I would like to start with, I am daycare provider in Iowa and a full time college student. I have been in the business for over 5 years and have always offered preschool to the youngsters I care for. However, in light of recent reports and legislation I have been researching I am inclinded to say get you child into preschool one way or another. Sorry I don't have my sites handy to give you, but I just finished reading a report that states no matter how good a daycare provider does at preparing a child educationaly, it is imposible to ready them for a class room setting. And in the long term of effects from attendance of preschool/pre-K, it's not the educational aspects it's the social emotional ones that have lasting affects. Since doing research I have hence stopped offering "official" preschool and am sending my daycare children of age 4 and up (including my own chidlren) to an accreditated preschool. After reading the mulitudes of reports and papers I have in the last few weeks, I am all for manditory preschool. This is how I ran accross this forum. I wanted to see what the basis for rejection is. So I may not be liked in this chat place.

As for your question, preschool is in some aspects just like daycare, only they are required to have a lisinced teacher in the room as well as atleast 10 hours of educational teaching per week. But the biggest gain is your child gearing up and prepairing to be in a large class room. Kindergarten teachers are pushed to teach so much these days that they do not have time to teach these children to be students, atleast not like they did in the past years. This is one key reason so many children are in resorse classes and receiving special services. This is also the reason legislation is pushing it so hard.

I have to addmit my first reaction was...OMG they are going to take all my biz away and I am going to go broke. The reality is, us good providers who are in it for the kids and not the money...will fill the spots with other children.  I don't think selling a childs social emotional needs short is worth the paycheck. I could not live with my self.

The cost of preschool is usually just like daycare, some times a little more but not by much. Check into private accreditaed preschools that may offer scholorships. This is the rout I have to take to send my children as I do not qualify for Headstart either.

I hope I was helpful.

Please before listening to me or any one else in this forum...research the benifits of preschool, and realize who is actualy looking for the children or who is watching thier paycheck...there cash cow (your child).

Check out my website, and see I am for real, a real childcare provider who lovers her job....but LOVES the children more.

www.littlebrightones.net

I am also on myspace with Id of littlebrightones

Answer 2

I run a Steiner Kindergarten, which offers a holistic 'whole person' learning curriculum.  Before reading and writing can begin, the child needs to learn how his/her body works and interacts with the world.  At this age it's more important that the child PLAYS PLAYS PLAYS - running, jumping, digging, role-playing, painting, baking, singing, clapping, learning about nature and the seasons, playing with sand and water.  

Go visit some playgroups and preschools - see what the children are doing, see if they have the freedom to choose what they want to play with, see how involved the teacher is with the children.  Most importantly, go by your gut feelings as to whether you like the place and the teacher and how your child feels about the place.  Children are instinctive - if they shy away, then dont send them there.

2 x half days p.w is enough for a 3 year old and 3 x half days for a 4 year old.  Time spent with mommy is just as important. They'll be in school long enough.

Answer 3

there is no requirements, unless you are looking into a private school. The price really ranges from center to center.  I work in both a day care and also a preschool. preschool helps get kids ready for school by letting them socialize with other children and get used to a routine. Some kids have a hard time starting preschool and its fine, i've seen kids throw temper tantrums because they didnt want to leave their mom, but then at the end of the day they cry because they dont want to leave! Preschool will teach your child things like sharing and listening skills, gross motor and fine motor, (things like using scissors, etc) things that will get him ready for kindergarden. He will learn how to count and write his name and just play well with other children. for them it isn't school its just having fun.

Answer 4

Visit the preschools in your area. You can call and ask for times to visit and costs. When you get there see how the classes are run and what the ratio is between the teachers and children. Check on the discipline policy. It should be to redirect at this age. Make sure that they are state licensed and find out what their general teaching styles are. Compare as many schools as you can. And observe the classrooms.

Answer 5

Call your local preschools - they understand that if this is your first child, you don't know what you're doing!  You're not supposed to know what you are doing -they are supposed to fill you in!  First of all, call and get the age requirements and ask to have information sent to you.  I have a brochure specifically for this purpose to show off my program and let parents know what we are all about.  Our 3 year olds attend two 1/2 days a week and it costs $70 a month.  Our 4 year olds attend three half days a week and it costs $95.00 a month. there is also a $25 registration fee at the beginning of the year to hold that child's position in the class.  Good luck -and make some phone calls!