Looking for a REALLY Good Pre-School

The Child and Family Development Center at the U of U. It is a teaching and lab school meaning that college students going into early childhood development 'intern' there (under the supervision of qualified teachers); the adult-student ratio is really good and they encourage parent involvement. The curriculum is based on current research about child development (they have activities that target/include large and small motor skills, artistic ability, literacy and math, nature and science/exploration, social skills, etc). The 'lab' part means that professors at the U may use the school for studies, mostly observation and always with parental conset. My kids went there for several years, and I was a University student in the program as well.

I don't know if they are accepting enrollment in the middle of the school year (it depends on their current class size and the waiting list). They will be accepting applications for next year very soon, so check it out right away. They are located on president's circle of the U of U, with the Family and Consumer Studies department. You can call the University operator at ###-###-#### and ask to be connected to the department.

We love Holladay Preschool - kind of a drive for you & hard to get into. They have a waiting list, but some years they end up with openings - especially for the 4 yr olds. It's probably the easiest age to get entry if you haven't been on the wait list for years. They're in the phone book.

Check out the Reed School. It is on about 3300 South and 3000 East. It is a really good school and they have a great academic program. Most of the four year olds are learning to read, can count to 100 and know where all the U.S. States are! Check them out.

Have you checked out the preschool at your local high school? I was involved in it when I was a student. My niece is involved in it this year. The high school students help run a preschool as part of a child development class.

For the preschoolers, the student to teacher ratio is excellent--sometimes we even had a 1:1 ratio. They're always supervised by their own teacher. They submit lesson plans, themes, and even snacks in advance for approval. It's a very safe environment and the high school girls just adore the little preschoolers.

I think we had a m-w-f group and a t-th group. Many of the gals in my class worked/volunteered in various preschools around the valley. My own experiences in volunteering at various preschools was that the individual children were ignored for long periods of time when the parents weren't standing there watching because the teacher-student ratio was so large. Which is fine, I guess....but I liked the idea of my kids having more personal attention.

anyway, you can call your local high school or look at their webpages to find out who's in charge of the program. There might be a waiting list.

We have had excellent experiences with Challenger Schools. They have several locations, so check to see where the closest one to your house would be. Both my kids have really enjoyed their time there. They make learning really fun and the teachers are phenomenal. My daughter was reading when she hit kindergarten, and my son is well on his way (starts kindergarten next year). I always thought they would be too academic, but somehow they find time to emphasize everything: reading, math, science, art, and social skills. I love their dependability, structure, and not having to get out of my car during drop-off/pick-up (they bring them to your car!). Sometimes it's the little things that make life easier, especially when you have a sleeping baby in the car! Check them out, you'll be glad you did.

We like Jacque's Preschool, in Taylorsville (2830 West 4700 South; ###-###-####). It's been a good fit for our son. The owner Jacque, is very kind, very professional, and generally good with that age range. They always have interesting activities. He's learned some class skills, some social skills, how to print his name and some letters, etc.

However, parents are not strongly involved in the class, as at some preschools. Some parents who are busy prefer not having to be there or volunteer. Others miss it. So find out if that's important to you.

I'd suggest you get a bunch of suggestions to check out and go make visits to see what "feels right." Good luck.

(I have also heard good things about the Jewish Community Center in SLC, but it has a waiting list and is downtown; the preschool at 15th and 15th, which is affilated with a church there, I think Presbyterian; Corner Canyon Academy in Draper; Newcastle school in Draper; and Challenger, several in the area. There are several in-home preschools too, so ask around in your neighborhood about those.)