Hi,
My family is relocating to the Anchorage area at the end of the year and I have two children that currently attend preschool. My oldest will be 5 in December, and the other just turned 3 on 10/6. We currently belong to a co-op which I love, and I definitely plan to look into the two that I found in South Anchorage (Rabbit Creek and Anchorage Cooperative Preschool). However, since we will be moving there with no family to help, I am worried about finding a babysitter to watch my 1-year-old so that I can participate in the classroom.
I was trying to look at different preschools on the internet but honestly most of them looked like daycare/preschools to me (full day programs). If I couldn't go to a co-op, I would prefer a "true" preschool, as in 2.5 or 3 hour sessions and that's it -- not a place that is open from 7am to 6pm. We are planning a house hunting trip in November and will probably look in South Anchorage and Eagle River so I would love to visit some preschools while I am there if I can.
Also, my 3 year old is in a "young 3's" program currently since he misses the school cutoff, but I did not see any programs for this age range online besides at places that were more like daycares. Is there anything out there for this age?
Thanks so much!
-C.
I am the bookkeeper at Anch Coop Preschool, but not an active family (1st grader went there, have a 9 month old). They may have a sibling program where parents trade watching siblings of preschoolers in the building. They also have a no-workday option, but still have the opportunity to help in other ways.
I wish I could help more but I'm in the same boat of searching preschools for my 2.5 yr old daughter that don't have so much of a daycare setting.She's just too smart for that and would get bored fast.
I do however at this time only work 3 hr days for the Anchorage school district.I have many years of babysitting experience and am even planning to retake my CPR classes to get my certification again.I would be more then willing to help u on child care for your 1 yr old if I'm available the times u need a sitter.Could get u references etc that u may want.
What brings u to AK? Specially in the winter of all times to be moving up here? lol
Though it's not in south anchorage, you may want to check out Starbright. It's in midtown, and is a preschool and kindergarten. I hear many great things about that place.
Our 4 year old son is in his second year at St. Mary's Creative Playschool (on Tudor & Lake Otis) and we love it. It is 2 or 3 half-days per week, and operates a little like a co-op with paid teachers but also parent helpers every day. We have brought our now 16 month old along on helper days which can be hectic but usually is ok with the teachers. The school has a great community feel and has been wonderful for our family.
Good luck and welcome to Anchorage!
K.
St. John's Church on O'Malley (South Anchorage) has a non-denominational co-op, toddler groups and preschool groups.
You may also want to look into Anchorage Montessori School near the airport (West Anchorage).
The one that Lisa C. mentioned at St. John's church is called "New Horizons" on O'Malley road. My son went there for a year, and we liked it just fine. You'd better call them this week, though - they fill up very quickly, but if you call early you may be able to get your choice of morning or afternoon session (we got stuck with the afternoon). Though it's in the church building, it is NOT a religious program, if that's a concern for you (it was for me).
I understand your frustration - I too was surprised to learn that a lot of the "preschool" programs up here are part of larger daycare centers. Oh, the joys of living in Alaska.
Good luck!
