Preschool Ideas for 3 Year Old This Fall...

L.,

I live in Manchester Park (west Lenexa) and my 3 1/2 year old goes to Building Blocks at College and Lackman. I work FT so it is a much different situation, but she loves the atmosphere there and we do too. She was in an in-home daycare until we started taking her there in June and she has learned so much in such a short time. I know they take kids part-time so I'm assuming it would work for you. They actually start taking them at 2 1/2 so they could both go there next year. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

S.

L.,

The only suggestion I would have for you is Maranatha Academy (this is a christian school). It sits at 67th and Lackman in Lenexa. You can chose one or two days a week, or M-F. It was the best decision I had ever made for my daughter. My daughter is now starting kindergarden at almost 6. She had always been in in-home daycare's where she was the oldest one with a bunch of babies(so she acted more like a baby). Sending her to Maranatha really made her act more her age, and not so babyish. The teachers are WONDERFUL, very supportive, energetic, and they love each and every child so dearly. They teach them their colors, shapes, how to write their name, it was a great environment. My 12 year old son went to Maranatha as well when he was in preschool. Their phone number is ###-###-####.
Megan's Mom,
T.

We've attended Mother's Day Out at Overland Park Christian - at 75th & Conser (between Antioch & Metcalf). Their Preschool Program isn't the best - they don't focus too much on academics - my 4 yr. old craved more academics, so we moved her. However, their Mother's Day Out Program is wonderful! They work on some sort of academics every day, but still have fun. During the school year it runs M, T, Th, & Fri from 9:30-2:30. It is $18/day and the women there are so wonderful and loving. I think all of the teachers there have been there for atleast 10-15 years. The director just retired this summer after 25+ years...the new director is fabulous as well!
We used to live in western Lenexa and the drive isn't bad at all!

I would say to wait until next year for preschool. Your daughter has plenty of time. It will be easier on you to be able to take both kids to one place. Otherwise, take them both to a daycare facility. The facilities, like LaPetite, usually have a preschool curriculum built into their day. That way both kids could go to one place and your daughter is still being given a preschool curriculum.