Looking for a Good Preschool Option for My Son

Look into state- and city-funded preschool programs. Your city school district website may have info. They're usually a whole lot cheaper than the ones provided through private firms.

I agree about looking for a NAEYC-accredited program, and Oak Park has several options with the accreditation. Most of the programs offer scholarship assistance. I have also heard great things about the park district preschool program; they offer 2, 3, & 4 day options. I've got 2 kids currently at Pilgrim and couldn't be happier; they're NAEYC-accredited, the teachers and staff are wonderful and it's a fantastic family-oriented community.

Look for NAEYC accredited places as well. They have a standard, followed curriculum and are frequently checked on. It's not easy for a place to get and keep their NAEYC accreditation unless they are truly doing a good job. You can find many lower cost preschools or preschools that charge on a sliding scale that have earned it by doing a really good, consistent job with their curriculum even though they rely on a number of subsidies and grants to operate.

my son goes here: http://www.suncreekumc.org/pages/Preschool

I think they are very affordable compared to many others I have checked out.

I'm sorry you lost your job!

Have you looked into a nearby co-op preschool? They're usually fairly low cost because parents are directly involved in the running of the school (volunteering inside the classroom and out). In fact, most have a Fundraising Chair position on their board of directors- if you could swing it, it might be a good way for you to keep your skills sharp and network while contributing to the school and engaging in your child's education. My son goes to Mayfair Co-Op Preschool in Farmington Hills and it has been fantastic.

Beyond that, maybe you could form a meet-up with other local parents and form your own kind of preschool, taking turns hosting the group, planning simple lessons and art projects and providing snacks.

Yes, look into State funded Preschool programs in your area. Cheaper.
Do a Google Search on it.

Also, you can Home-school him.

I do that with my son.
Although, I just got him into a part-time Preschool that I found, that was well priced, and that my son liked very much. Only twice a week, half-days.

But still, I home school my son.

If you are able to stay home with him, even for a little while, Walmart sells some great books that cover the basics. I know the one in Forest Park sells them. You could also get them at Borders Books . Also, taking him out and talking about what you see is a great way for him to discover new things and learn at the same time. Take advantage of our hot spell.