My daughter will be three in August. I love having her at home, and as a teacher, we do a lot of work here. However I want her to get the social aspect of preschool. I knew preschool registration was early in the year, but not this early! I was talking to some moms at a storytime the other day and now know that I have already missed some registration dates. I've been online looking for preschools in my area (Joliet/Plainfield near 59 and Caton Farm). I've checked out the websites for Apple Tree, Chesterbrook, and Montessori. Like I said, at this point I'm less concerned about the academics and really want my daughter to work on her social skills. I was even thinking about just keeping storytime and doing some classes at the YMCA or park district this next year and doing preschool when she is four. Anyone have any feedback? Thank you!!
We are waiting till 4 for preschool and doing classes instead. She's been active in classes and a playgroup since she was 6 months, so I'm not worried about the social aspects.
Since kids learn best through play, I want her to just "play" for as long as possible.
We have our daughter at Montessori of Plainfield and really like it. I too considered keeping her out until 4, as I felt academically she was on target. I loved having her at home and was heartbroken at the thought of sending her to school. Now I know, though, that it was the best decision for both of us. In hindsight, I never could have taught her the social aspects that they learn each day. They're constantly interacting with other individuals and as a group in ways I could never recreate at home or with our playgroups. I also feel she learns more quickly there. Seems that things I was trying to teach at home were learned within days at school, perhaps through observing other kids? I feel she's become much more self sufficient and responsible since going, which is a major concentration in the Montessori program. Schedule a day of appointments and visit all the schools you're interested it. You'll make the right decision for your family.
Hello E.
My name is B. Hawkins, I own a daycare/preschool licensed by the state of Illinois. The children in my preschool have such great social skills because it is incorporated in the curriculum that we use. Actually, they are reading, writing, adding/subtracting by the age of 3! We have plenty of social interaction (i.e. once they are reading, they get to read to the non-readers) at circletime. When choosing a "special classroom helper" they get to chose 1 friend to help them (pass out cups, collect worksheets, put away art supplies, etc.) If you'd like more info please feel free to contact me.
Kind Regards
B. Hawkins - Licensed Proprietor
Lil' Miracles Children's Center
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email: ____@____.com
Even if you missed open houses, call anyways- there may be openings at places. Then check your park district, many offer "all by myself" classes which is maybe 1 or 2 days a week for just an hour, but your child stays by themselves. I'm sure you will find a place:) Oh and then you can always get on a waiting list if places are full- my daughter was on one & got in at her preschool b/c some parents can't work out their schedules w/ am/pm preschool, change their minds, get in at two places, etc etc
Good Luck to you:)
I run a preschool in that area out of my home. I do home daycare and do a full preschool program. You can see my website at http://www.AtoZLearningTreePreschool.com
That said the Y, the library story time and park district will give your daughter all she needs socially. If you are aware of what she needs academically then there is no need to do more than that. If you are interested I do have openings for the fall still.
I went through the same thing last year, missing registration dates, ect. I was amazed at how quickly these programs fill up. However, they all have waiting lists, and this early in the year, the chances of gettting in are great.
I am a huge fan of preschool, as far as bettering the social skills of small children. My daughter is very shy, so I was nervous. But, now she has several friends and actually enjoys going to school. I couldn't be happier! btw, I've heard good things about Apple Tree. Good Luck!
My son goes to Apple Tree. We didn't begin until four, but that was a potty training thing. Last I heard there are still spots open for 3 year olds. The four year old classes are filled. I think Apple Tree has a nice balance of fun and learning. My four year old has learned some new skills there. It is pretty structured...so they get use to the school routine. They do fun things to keep it interesting especially in the winter like: mismatch day, parachute day, show and tell, even had a field trip to a pumpkin farm (parent provided transportation).
The Plainfield Park District also has a Preschool called the "Great Adventures" program. My friend goes there and likes it. They have two locations, one at St. Johns church next to the mall in Joliet and on at the Streams off of Frasier.
Even if they don't have spots, get on the wait list. Lots of 3 year olds back out just before school is to start due to potty training readiness or they just aren't ready for other reasons.
I find chains like Chesterbrook to be more of a daycare when I looked. I found them to be VERY expensive also. I know they have academics and if you go daily I think it works, but you can choose your schedule so I felt there would not be any continuity of what would/wouldn't be taught when. But I didn't send my son there, those were just my thoughts from my viewings of all the schools.
The Park District also has all by myself programs, but you won't know that until that brochure comes out...they do not plan too far in advance. Also, if the minumum number does not enroll it is cancelled...I have had MANY classes canceled due to that lately with Plainfield. It becomes frustrating.
I too was in that delima with both of my girls. I'm a working mom from home. I have my own home daycare/preschool. However, I felt that it was really important for my children to have experiences away from me and our home. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my kids. But much like you, they needed more socialization. So, what I did was sent them two days a week when they were three. My youngest daughter is now in Pre-K. We started her out for the first part of the school year going three days a week. We just switched her to 5 days a week because she loved it so much.
I used to work in management for KinderCare so I am familiar with some of the schools you are speaking too. If you are not as concerned with the academics, I would definitely look towards the park district (less academics pushed-but still a good basic program.) Some of the preschools, such as Chesterbrook, are very high on the academics. To me, it sounds like you need a place for your kids to still be a kid during the day....if only Chucky Cheese had preschool! :) Worry more about the academics next year. Look for a school where your child can learn the basics this year: sitting for circle time, lining up, learning the days of the week, how to serve themselves and proper table manners, how to respect their peers and teachers, and trying to figure out how to get their coats and boots on. There are many great shcools that will have your kids doing quantum physics by the end of the year, but it sounds like that is not really what your heart is seeking for your child.
I didn't enroll my daughter in preschool until she was four. I decided (as did many of my friends) that one year of preschool is enough. We belonged to a playgroup (that I was also co-coorindator of) and I had her enrolled in a tumbling class at the park district. And like you, I would take her to storytime and other kid-friendly events at the library, etc. So, she was getting socialized. I worked with her a lot on the academics and was very happy to find out at a recent parent/teacher conference that she is doing very well academically as well as socially. So, I wouldn't sweat it if you can't get her into a preschool this year. Just keep in mind for next year that registration is early (crazy, isn't it?!)
