Preschool - Upper Darby,PA

I really like play-based learning centers. Other preschools are just too intense and stressful from a teacher's point of view.

In what area are you looking? If you are looking for a preschool and not daycare I suggest looking at your area churches. Their programs tend to be more of a nursery school, they have a part time attendence schedule, and are much more reasonable. Most do not teach religion and are nondenominational despite being held in a church. My daughter atteneded Haddonfield Methodist Nursery School and loved it. She's moving on the kindergarten this coming school year, and I am excited to send my son to nursery school this year. Good luck!

I would like to agree with the poster who recommended that you look at church programs but I can tell you that you need to be wary! They are cheaper, yes, but you get what you pay for! I had my daughter in my own church's nursery school and it was a nightmare experience. The teachers were incredibly unqualified and unprofessional and I caught them speaking to her in a way that made my blood curdle. I pulled her out after a few months and started over the next fall at a highly-regarded Friends school, and it was a whole different story. She loves it, I love it, and it has been the best parenting decision I ever made. Worth every penny! Good luck with your choice.

Try to find one that is accredited. Sent my son to Cardinal in Brookhaven and they didn't know how to deal with him. He was used to one on one attention having never been with anyone besides family members. We pulled out of there in less then a month. Also had him in another program in Aston for over a year and a half. Liked them but also had issues with dealing with boys in general. After speaking with my pediatrician because I thought my son should be tested after all the negative feedback I got from the preschool, he said I should have found an accredited school. Teachers there must have a teaching degree, where as unaccredited schools can have anyone teach. They don't need a child related education. These schools might cost you a bit more but in the long run it will be worth it!

My daughter goes to Martin Luther Christian School on Rt 130 in Pennsauken, right on the border of Merchantville. She loves it there, her teachers are wonderful, the children are friendly and well-raised, and the education/curriculum, morals, religion-based methodology has proven to really have a positive impact on our daughter. She started coming home from school reciting Scripture at age 3! I'm not a bible-beater, but I would rather have my daughter do this than quote J-Lo or Beyonce from MTV shows!

Anyway, MLCS also has extended before- and after-care, from 7am-6pm.They go from Pre-3 to 7th grade, and my daughter will be attending the whole time! Each grade (GRADE!) has apprx. 30 kids, so it's a small and friendly family!

Hope that helps!