I am a mother of two lovely boys who is preparing to return to work in the fall. My dilemma is that I have been unsuccessful in finding a placement that meets both of my boys' needs. My youngest will be 2 yrs. & 9 months and my eldest will be 4 in the fall. I would like them to be in the same location--streamlining the drop off process and allowing them to see eachother from time to time during the school day. Ideally, I would like my 2 yr. old to participate in preschool like setting as he is advanced for his age--I know, everyone's child is--because he has been riding big brother's coat tails. Does anyone know of any great programs that would suit the needs of both my boys? I am in Providence, but, would travel to any of the surrounding communities nearby...and my husband works in Lincoln...he could be capable of drop off & pick up too! Thanks!
L.
My son goes to Creative Minds in Warwick, I love it!!!!
They take kids from 18months to 5 years, they have preschool and prek.
Here is their website address. www.creativemindsri.com
My youngest son in 2 months will be 18 months and will also be attending the same school.
I like it because they treat it like a school and not a daycare.
He is always coming home learning new things and he loves every day he goes.
Good Luck
M.
Providence area schools tend to be pretty expensive, but the good news is there are some great ones.
Lincoln School has an INCREDIBLE nursery-preK program. (It's only all girls from Kindergarten on). I am in love with everything they do there - it's all child centered, artistic, etc. There are also a couple of Montessoris in the area which have good reputations - particularly the Children's House. In Lincoln I know there is a Stork's Nest which is supposed to be great and has all ages through Kindergarten. The JCC has all ages at their school as well. Good luck!
Have you ever looked into the YMCA? There is one in Cumberland that you would be able to send both children.
http://www.goymca.com/programs/four-corners-ymca-programs
Or in Lincoln, at MacColl Field. MacColl Field YMCA Early Learning Center, http://www.goymca.com/programs/childcare
Good Luck!
L.
Depending on how much your budget is for daycare/ preschool, My suggestion is Safer Start Child University. They have schools in Lincoln and Cranston. My son is almost 2, and they go up to 5 years I believe. The teachers are absolutely amazing, and although it is on the higher priced end of places we looked at, it is definately worth it. The have very structured activities, it is amazing how much my son has learned. We pay $218 a week, but I know they do give a discount for multiple children. Good Luck!
I highly recommend the Children's Place in Rumford, RI. I recently moved to Providence from Chicago. Previously, my son was in a Montessori (since he was 2). Being at the Children's Place hasn't slowed down his development. Plus, the staff is INCREDIBLE. The pre-K does a great job of developing and fine tuning motor skills - crafts galore. The K program definitely gets kids reading. Tuition is comparable with other programs - and if you need an extended day the rates are doable. Also, I work in Providence and it only takes 10-15 minutes to travel between the school drop off and work. Check it out.
The Childrens Place Ltd
###-###-####
355 Ferris Ave
Rumford, RI 02916
Try Safer Start University at 1 Commerce Street, Lincoln.
They have a great, new facility in the same building as Anchor Pediatrics. My neighbor just started her 20 month old there and loves it!
Hi L.,
My girls are just about the same age as your boys. I have run into the same problem especially for my youngest as well.
They attend a great Nursery School in Seekonk, MA, it is right on the Pawtucket line. From Providence, it would take you about 20 minutes to get there( I live on Providence side of Pawtucket).
It is called Knotty Pine Nursery School. It has been in business since 1949. The director Penny Smith, her mom A. Ainsworth started the preschool. They have a 5 day a week program if needed, but you can pick from 2-5 days, what ever works. She offers morning, afternoon, and allday programs. It is reasonably priced. Discounts for siblings are offered. The boys would see each other at various times while there.
FYI, children have to be potty trained to attend. I know that she is taking applications for Fall now. You can go and observe etc. The children learn a lot in a warm setting. It isn't fancy, but I have never seen such a happy, well adjusted, polite group of preschoolers. I myself attend as well as my cousins. My oldest just turned 4 and is almost finished her first year there. She loves it!
Good Luck, I hope this helps.
My kids are in Kindercare in Johnston (right off rte.6 near 295, so it could be on the way to Lincoln). They have a great preschool program...my son has been there since he was 3 and now still goes after school a few days a week (he's 8). My daughter is 4 1/2 and has been there since she was an infant. She will be starting kindergarten there in September. They serve all meals there and are open great hours and most holidays (except the majors) and school vacations. Let me know if you'd like any more information about it.
