Hello everyone -
I am a SAHM to a 5 y/o son and 2.5 y/o twin girls. My girls will be turning 3 in Feb and I would like to start them in some sort of preschool like I did my son at age 3 (however his bday is in Aug and he was able to start school that fall). My son's school does not accept children mid-year or else we would put them there in a heartbeat (we loved our Pre-K teacher Ms. Edwina Klein!). Does anyone have any suggestions? I am interested in getting them used to being away from me and playing with other children their age. We have gone to some play groups but I am interested in something a bit more "formal."
We are in the Portage Park/Jefferson Park area.
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
M.
Thanks so much for all of the information! I now have several leads. I enrolled them in a park district class that meets once a week for now but will explore some of the mentioned places for something more structured and independent once they turn 3. I will definitely keep everyone posted!
I am trying to decide what brilliant person decided you cannot let children into the preschool mid year. Do they think every child turns three the same day? Anyway, did you call the park district, a lot of times they know about things, or your church? One of my son's birthdays is in February. Oh dear I should have planned it better. Give them a hug from us.
S.
You might have to travel a little but I have sent my daughter who is now 9 to Jolly Fun House in Chicago. My son who is almost three goes there now. JFH is located on the corner or Addison and Oriole. They have numerous activities going on with the kids at all times. They bring in a music teacher at least once a week and they use the DISTAR reading program starting at age three. Everyone is amazing and I am looking forward to sending my upcoming child there when he/she turns 15 months too! Oh yeah, they also have private schools that you can go to if you choose too.
we send our daughter to kindercare. she's been there since she was an infant but they move them up on each birthday to the next 'class' so when she turned 3 in february she got moved up to the three's which is a preschool program vs. the more daycare oriented program for the younger kids. we've been pretty happy with the program there. i know they have different locations so you would probably want to visit to see what the ones near you are like. good luck!
Hi M.,
My daughter has been very happy and nurtured at Concordia at their Seeley campus, but they also have a larger, newer campus further west (closer to you) on Whipple. They have a 3-5 year old preK, kids can start whenever you choose, they are flexible about schedules e.g. 1/2 days, full days, 3 days/week, summer vacations (you won't lose the spot if you let them know in advance).
My daughter has been there for a year and I imagine I'll send my others there when the time comes (my twins are due in October).
Check them out - http://www.concordia-avondale.org/
good luck! - O
The only preschool I know of that lets you start when you turn three is Salt Creek Park District in Palatine. My daughter went there and I would highly recommend it. It's a little far for you, but you could choose the two morning plan, and of course it would only be Feb, March, April and May before the school year ended. (It's almost exactly across NW Hwy from Arlington Park Race Track).
I've heard of Moms Day Out programs that run somewhat like a preschool. I know some moms who have signed their child up for one day at one church and a second day at another church. I live in Arlington Hts. and I have heard really good things about one of these programs in a Presbyterian church. (Although the program is not religious based... they just rent space from the church, I think) So you might want to try this approach if it is available in your town.... if you don't come across any preschools for 2 yr. olds.
If you are looking for something less formal with shorter hours, check out the Chicago Park District, in particular, Chase Park on Ashland. They offer a "preschool" class Monday/Wed/Fri in the morning, and it's super affordable! It was how most of us in the area got our kids used to separation for a few short hours three times a week, while allowing them to learn how to play/share with other kids in a classroom setting. Ms. Venus is great!!!
Enrollment starts this MONDAY AUGUST 11th at 9am for the Fall session!!! You have to creat a wish-list on the CPD website, and be sitting at your computer at the stroke of 9am, because the classes sell out within 3 to 5 MINUTES!!!
Good luck,
M.
