Good evening mamas!
My son is 26 months and I am inquiring about preschool. At what age should children start preschool? Are they associated with the schools they will be attending? I live in Kansas City, MO and no offense, but I do not want him going to the Kansas City, MO public schools. Just wondering what is out there and when I should start looking at enrolling him.
it really depends on what you are looking for. if you are looking for an actually pre school with a curriculum that leads to kindergarten then you will probably have to wait until he is 3. usually they have to be 3 before the start of the school year too. at least thats the way it is over here on the kansas side. if you are just wanting to jump start his education and interaction with other children then i would recommend 2 things. either a) enroll him part time in a daycare/learning facility like la petite or childrens world. or b) enroll him in a place like gymboree. i started my daughter in gymboree because they offer play, music, and art classes and also offer a school skills class for once they are potty trained because it is a drop off class. my daughter loves it and so do i!
LeAnne C
http://www.PerfectWorkForMoms.com
I started my daughter in her Montessori preschool at age 2. (that would be Global Montessori Academy on the Plaza) and have always been glad of the decision. Their program is full day, but the children primarily nap in the afternoon. Clay Platte Montessori School on Waukomis Drive just north is Riverside (10 minutes from downtown KC) also has a toddler program. It is primarily 1/2 day, but some children stay into the afternoon. Clay Platte Montessori runs through 8th grade and is an excellent and reasonably priced school. www.cpchmontessori.com
I strongly believe that Montessori preschools have the best programs in terms of helping children develop their skills and talents in a nurturing environment. I am a Montessori teacher in our 4th-6th and 7th & 8th year programs so I admit I am biased in my assessment. Children in Montessori schools work at their own pace and for mastery. Language and math lessons are given individually. There is a strong emphasis on cultural lessons in history, geography, zoology, botany, physiology and physical science as well as training in conflict resolution and peace activities.
my kids all started at age 3. some places offer a 2 year old parents day out that helps them get ready for pre school.
Three years ago I started my middle son (he wasn't quite 4y/o) at Our Lady of Lourdes in Raytown. I chose there primarily because I wanted a preschool not a daycare. My youngest son started two years ago (a month before he turned 3). Their preschool program is wonderful. They have class from 8-noon and several of them stay for after care. My middle son is in first grade there as well. He started last year in the Raytown public schools because we didn't think there was enough difference in the education for the expense. We moved him back to Lourdes in the spring because his teacher said their curriculum wouldn't be a challenge to him. His tuition is barely more than what we would pay for the before and after care at the public school. When we enrolled my youngest he was a "mama's boy" so I was a little concerned. The preschool teachers did very well with the adjustment period for him and I both. It's also been very comforting that my kids can go to a catholic school and they are understanding that we choose to attend a different church. We wanted the faith based schools and we feel we found the perfect one.
Avila University has a fabulous Montessori program, and it starts at age 3. (That's pretty standard.)
I had a friend who used the preschool at a Methodist church near UMKC and she was very happy with it. She lived in the Brookside area. Brookside Day School is also good, but I'm not sure what age they start.
When you are out and about running errands, look for KC Parent magazine. It is free and has alot of really great resources about schools in the area. It is usually at the entrance to grocery stores. Good luck!
There are a variety of programs for those of us in the city. Brookside Day School, Global Montessori, The Purple Dragon School and the various parochial pre-schools. My daughter goes to Montessori Academy near Crown Center. They have both daycare and Montessori learning until school age. We have been VERY happy with this particular school. Best of luck!
I started my daughter at La Petite at about 30months. She has loved it! She just goes tues/thurs for now and I plan to send her Mon/Wed/Fri instead after christmas. She was potty trained within 3 days of starting (the motivation of seeing other kids go!); on Fridays she always asks "do i have school tomorrow" cuz she wants to go so badly. I felt guilty sending her (being away from her, not teaching her myself) at first but it has been the best thing. Anyway, we love it. A private preschool would not be affiliated with the pub school system but something like Headstart would be. I wouldn't put mine in KC schools either. We even opted to send her to the Liberty La Petite because I wasn't impressed with the one nearest me... it was the kids that were there... YIKES! I know it sounds terrible cuz its not the kids' fault, but they were all so disheveled and loud; my daughter isn't and I don't want her to be! Be careful choosing a school affiliated with a church or public school; just check it out thoroughly. Go to La Petite's website (even if you don't wanna go there) they have a great checklist of things to look for and ask about at other schools too. Good Luck.