Preschools - Tomball,TX

Well, I don't live in Texas (central Illinois), but we pay less than $100 a month for preschool (3 mornings a week). We chose the preschool at the park district. Very often churches will have preschools that are very reasonably priced.

There are many types, but I was looking for a play-based preschool. I feel fairly confident that I could help my kids catch up if they were lacking in reading, writing, math skills, etc. Socialization, not so much. I want them to be in an environment without me so they can learn how to respect and adult other than a relative or close friend and learn how to play with the other kids.

I think the biggest reason so many kids are going to preschool these days is that kindergarten has gotten so academic. In many school districts it is all day, and it much more of a traditional classroom setting. The kids sit a desks or tables, they are expected to know their abc's, numbers, how to write their name, etc. With "No Child Left Behind," school districts can't afford to waste that kindergarten year with shapes and colors. The kindergarten we experienced is what is happening in preschools.

The most important thing....tour with your child and see what kind of feelings you get from the school and see how your child reacts.

Play-based is really good. They go to school for so many years, so no need to push a strict academic regimen. They still learn a lot through play.

Look around your area and see what is available and talk to other moms.

Few questions to ask
-what is the turnover rate? You don't want a high turnover rate
-what is the discipline policy?
-is the school open door?
-what is the pick up policy (child is only released to parents or person on a list)
-student/ teacher ratio

accredited schools are great, but please don't judge a school just by that. Naeyc is a great accreditation to have, but a lot of the smaller lower priced schools can't afford them....not to mention they are EXTREMELY picky

Most mother day out preschools at churches are way less than that. The one we went too was like $165 or something, for 2-3 days from about 9-2. If you go to a fancier place, like a kid to kid or montessori school, it will be closer to the $300 range or more.

They will do letters and numbers, trace their names, learn things like days of the week, colors, shapes, lots of crafts and puzzles, a short nap time and lunch, a short recess. If it's a church, they usually have a simple Bible story like Noahs's Ark and such. Ask around your friends or neighbors and get a good referral. Ask if the teachers have any educational background, many are former elementary school teachers.

We live near 249 and Spring Cypress. Both my kids go to Windwood Presbyterian Church's Adventure Program. My oldest turned 5 last December and has been with the program since she was 20 months. My youngest just turned 3 and she started there this past fall. They have a wonderful program and my kids really love to go to school. They keep the kids grouped according to their ages, and close to their birthdays. Ex. my dec. birthday girl is with kids that were born between Sept. and Dec. and stays that way throughout her time there. The kids all are at the same developmental age. The program is play-based, but has a great academic component for each age group. They also teach spanish and bible. The website is: http://www.windwoodpc.org/preschool. If you're interested, go visit. They'd be happy to give you a tour and lots of information. Good luck!