Making the Big Step into Preschool

Hi J.,
I think you are on the right track in getting her ready for school. We chose our oldest daughter's preschool when we lived in the bay area based upon recommendations of friends. Once we had a short list of schools, we made appointments to go see them. (Going in the morning is best, since that's when most of the structured activities are.) Good preschools will tell you to come by anytime you like, since they don't need to do anything special to get ready for your visit. We walked into the first one and just KNEW it was the right place for our daughter. You want to watch how the staff interact with the kids. Make sure the activities are plentiful and age-appropriate and that the kids have lots of opportunities to run, jump, play like little kids. There should be lots of art, maybe some animals, and some kind of lesson plan that the teacher is following. You may want to ask what they do if there is ever a behavior issue (such as biting). This happens all the time with toddlers but I think you can tell a lot about a school by how they handle things like that. Also, do the kids look like they've played a full day, or are their clothes neat as a pin? (To me, the best case scenario is kids who have become a little grubby over the course of a day!) I think the preschool should also smell clean and be in good repair. Check the outdoor toys to be sure they are sturdy. Also, ask how long their teachers have been at the school. Good schools will have teachers who have been there a while.

I hope this helps! Have fun!

Hi J.,

I am mother of 2 boys, 6 and 7. They are both now in grammar school, but I remember that first big step in deciding on preschool. I am a firm believer it prepares them for kindergarten, grammar school, etc. Especially social skills. I started them both at 3 and it was a little difficult the first month, but then he wanted to go. I also did part-time. You would want to wean them into this transition. Maybe start off attending 2 1/2 days a week and then progressing as your child does... Good luck.

I think you have some great responses already, so the only thing I will add is to ask about nap policies, if you are considering having your child stay past lunch time. Some preschools have a mandatory nap time and if your child no longer naps, this can create problems.

Have fun! I LOVED my daughter's preschool, and we made life long friends for her and our family there. My son's preschool ... not so much. Sigh. So it goes.

I would go and look at locations. I always look for safe environments and ask about their teacher turnover. Some preschools have a high teacher turnover. I love Action Day on Moorpark and Winchester. They have many locations another great location is on Lincoln Ave. They offer many schedule you want 1/2 days, full days, 2 times a week. Whatever your child needs.

Hi. My name is S. and I live in Lakeport. I have two sons who went to preschool here. My oldest started out at the Christian center, but honestly I didn't like the care there. I interviewed every preschool I could find and even took tours of the facilities. I settled on Precious Moments Preschool and was NEVER sorry. Terry Sullivan is the main teacher. She runs it out of her home, but has an entire suite devoted to the school that has a separate entrance and a completely professional play area. The love and care that the children get there is unparallelled. My second son also went there, and I got him on the waiting list early because she has about a 1-2 year waiting list (it varies, you'll have to check). It is NOT a daycare in any way, but a preschool with a creative, loving curriculum that helps your child to explore their imagination and make new friends (Nate and Wyatt are good friends STILL with some of the kids they met there). The teachers she has on staff have been with her for many, many years and are all very well qualified and all her good friends. They are like a family. Check it out. She has the large blue house that is on Hill Road on the right hand side if you are coming from Lakeport, just before the Park Way exit, near where those new homes are being built. Tell her that S. Bauman sent you. Let me know what you think. But yes, definitely go early, because there is always a waiting list (and for great reason)! Good luck.

What lucky girls that have such an involved Mama! I think it's so important to find a place that really fits your daughter-- so check out a bunch of places first. It will be time consuming in the beginning, but worth it. Go hang out (without your daughter, if you can) and watch the kids interact with each other and the staff, and see if you get a good feeling. Then bring your daughter and watch her for a while, too (unless that's disturbing to her--some places have an "observation room" where the parents can watch through a one-way mirror). If she starts behaving differently, it could be that the place is just not a good fit-- and you get to look for another one with this new information. Good luck!

Hi J.,

I am also a stay at home mom, now of 3 girls. My oldest is almost 5 now, when I was looking for a part time preschool I was told about chico nursery school (are you in chico ) It is t/th 9am to 12pm. It is a co op and fairly inexpensive. It was great to be involved in my daughters first experience with preschool. She now goes to kinder readiness. I hope that this process is as painless as possible for you. M.