Goddard? Montessori?

[knx9211]

My kid is about to turn two (WHAT?! HOW?!) and so of course I'm already obsessing about preschool for next year because I'm crazy.

How did you pick one? We have these two particular kinds near our house and I'm curious about people's experiences with their preschool programs. I do not want to send him 5 days a week.  Honestly, I'd rather do 2 half days when he's 3 and 3 days when he's 4. Is that a thing at preschools? In part so he can ease into it (he's never been in daycare) and in part because I'll have a 1 year old and don't want to be throwing them in the car to drop him off, getting the 1 year old home, and then throwing her back in the car to go pick him up just a few hours later (if she's anything like DS, that'll be nap time anyway).

I'm bored today and want to talk through this.  I feel like we had this discussion recently but talk to me anyway.

[knx9211]

Also are waitlists for preschools crazy like daycares? I don't know when I need to actually start genuinely looking.

[hocus2]

At 3 part time is fine I think if you can find it. At 4 a lot of programs are 5 days a week and honestly the kids do fine. I'd try switch your younger one's naps to they fall earlier or later to work with it.

[hamster]

I know around here PT is definitely a thing. It seems preschools have an application time period, and you either get in or put on the waitlist. I know SIL is struggling to find something convenient and affordable.

[knx9211]

May 16, 2019 8:41:12 GMT -5 hocus2 said:

At 3 part time is fine I think if you can find it. At 4 a lot of programs are 5 days a week and honestly the kids do fine. I'd try switch your younger one's naps to they fall earlier or later to work with it.

Is a part time program hard to find? I don't know why I just assumed that a lot of preschools had a part time program. 

The nap time thing is a made up issue in my head for a kid who won't even be born until September, so I have a lot of time to stop worrying about that! I just don't know that I want to send him full time either way.

[simpsongal]

Waitlists are 1-2 years for preschools around here, I think it's area dependent. Visit the schools, see what they're like and where they focus their attention. I think a lot will say they're play-based....but looking around should tell you if that's just something they say (lady in our church quit a preschool job b/c they literally wouldn't let the kids pick up the mulch during outside play time). Ask about a typical day. DH and I wanted maximum outside time.

Ask about schedules and flexibilities - some may offer a half day program, others may allow a few days per week. It varies by school. Proximity is huge, there are probably only so many options in a reasonable driving distance.

Good luck!

[hocus2]

May 16, 2019 8:46:22 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

May 16, 2019 8:41:12 GMT -5 hocus2 said:

At 3 part time is fine I think if you can find it. At 4 a lot of programs are 5 days a week and honestly the kids do fine. I'd try switch your younger one's naps to they fall earlier or later to work with it.

Is a part time program hard to find? I don't know why I just assumed that a lot of preschools had a part time program. 

The nap time thing is a made up issue in my head for a kid who won't even be born until September, so I have a lot of time to stop worrying about that! I just don't know that I want to send him full time either way.

  If you live in an area where daycare/preK is runs on thin margins or there are not enough programs then most programs are full time.


Where I live it just doesn't make economic sense to offer part time here. You can fill your classes and have a waitlist for folks here for full time. In other areas where rent/teacher salaries aren't as much of a consideration then you find more part time programs.The only part time programs here are religious in nature and not running specifically as a business.

[mccallister84]

This is going to be highly dependent on your area. In our area most preschools are through churches. Some have twos programs and some don’t. Twos can be competitive because the ratio is higher and the will change diapers so the licensing is harder.

The stand alone preschools here all run different schedules - some are two, some three days a week and some five.

[thebreakfastclub]

You'd have no trouble getting into my son's daycare, but it would be 2 days from 9-3 minimum. I think I'd prefer that so you can get more done with errands, etc before having to pick up.

Only downside I see to Goddard is it is a premium price but you provide lunch. I prefer to have my child fed, while paying less.

[ssmjlm]

We were at Goddard from infant to kindergarten, but it was full time. I think there were only 2 kids that weren't full time, so I'm not sure if it's the right program for you.

I think all of the part time pre-school options around here are via churches.

[patches31709]

My DD goes to Goddard. Last year, from 2-3, she did 2 days a week. We added a day a week this year for preschool. There are a lot of kids in her class that don't go fulltime. Ours also has the option for a half day program.
Our DD has definitely learned a lot. And it has done wonders for her manners and learning to get along in a group.

[knx9211]

May 16, 2019 9:29:41 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

My DD goes to Goddard. Last year, from 2-3, she did 2 days a week. We added a day a week this year for preschool. There are a lot of kids in her class that don't go fulltime. Ours also has the option for a half day program.
Our DD has definitely learned a lot. And it has done wonders for her manners and learning to get along in a group.

This is huge for me, thank you for mentioning this. He's around other kids so rarely (we have him in activities - gymnastics and swim - but that only adds up to a little over an hour a week and there's almost no interaction in swim!) and I worry about that. I really want to get him around other kids to socialize. He gets really nervous and hesitates to jump in and play and it makes me sad. He just kind of hangs back and watches and quite frankly gets pushed around by other kids (not literally, necessarily.  They'll take his toy and he'll just sit there and whine a little and look so sad.  Wait forever to get it back when the other kid gets bored and then some other kid will just steal it from him right away!), so I'm hoping that easing him into a preschool program like this can help him learn how to interact and be able to hold his own a little better.

[patches31709]

May 16, 2019 9:34:14 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

May 16, 2019 9:29:41 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

My DD goes to Goddard. Last year, from 2-3, she did 2 days a week. We added a day a week this year for preschool. There are a lot of kids in her class that don't go fulltime. Ours also has the option for a half day program.
Our DD has definitely learned a lot. And it has done wonders for her manners and learning to get along in a group.

This is huge for me, thank you for mentioning this. He's around other kids so rarely (we have him in activities - gymnastics and swim - but that only adds up to a little over an hour a week and there's almost no interaction in swim!) and I worry about that. I really want to get him around other kids to socialize. He gets really nervous and hesitates to jump in and play and it makes me sad. He just kind of hangs back and watches and quite frankly gets pushed around by other kids (not literally, necessarily.  They'll take his toy and he'll just sit there and whine a little and look so sad.  Wait forever to get it back when the other kid gets bored and then some other kid will just steal it from him right away!), so I'm hoping that easing him into a preschool program like this can help him learn how to interact and be able to hold his own a little better.

My DD was the same way - she definitely would hang back and watch and didn't really seem to know how to play with other kids. It made me sad. It took time, but she has definitely blossomed, and will stand up for herself now. And if we go to the playground, she'll initiate play with other kids.

I've also seen the changes at other activities we do. She very willingly will take direction from other adults who are in charge (gymnastics or swim instructors), and tends to be very well behaved when doing so (unlike at home sometimes!).

[janegold]

It's definitely not crazy to be thinking of preschool already. I didn't think about it at all because I assumed my kid would go to preschool where he goes to daycare, and when I started to reevaluate that option in February (b/c our daycare only does full-time and I am thinking I would rather switch to a nanny and PT preschool), I had already missed out on all of the enrollments and interviews (yes, interviews) for local preschools. I'm sure outside of the urban core, preschool is not so insane and there may be places with rolling admissions and tuitions that aren't the equivalent of a college education, but the only ones that aren't like that in my immediate area are, in fact, in daycare centers so do have the insane waitlists and crazy tuition.

[knx9211]

May 16, 2019 9:45:02 GMT -5 janegold said:

It's definitely not crazy to be thinking of preschool already. I didn't think about it at all because I assumed my kid would go to preschool where he goes to daycare, and when I started to reevaluate that option in February (b/c our daycare only does full-time and I am thinking I would rather switch to a nanny and PT preschool), I had already missed out on all of the enrollments and interviews (yes, interviews) for local preschools. I'm sure outside of the urban core, preschool is not so insane and there may be places with rolling admissions and tuitions that aren't the equivalent of a college education, but the only ones that aren't like that in my immediate area are, in fact, in daycare centers so do have the insane waitlists and crazy tuition.

INTERVIEWS? Oh man, if my kid has to be interviewed, we're screwed

[bdubs419]

Random note, Goddard schools are NOT all equal. We moved last year. Where we were originally from, Goddard was one of the best schools around. When we moved, I assumed this would be the same. It was AWFUL. Standards were not high, nutrition there was ridiculous (think cookies, no fresh fruits), teachers would not work with my son who was struggling with all of the change in his life. We were actually asked to leave (MIND boggling!!!). I have never been so happy to leave a school before.

[knx9211]

May 16, 2019 10:07:32 GMT -5 bdubs419 said:

Random note, Goddard schools are NOT all equal. We moved last year. Where we were originally from, Goddard was one of the best schools around. When we moved, I assumed this would be the same. It was AWFUL. Standards were not high, nutrition there was ridiculous (think cookies, no fresh fruits), teachers would not work with my son who was struggling with all of the change in his life. We were actually asked to leave (MIND boggling!!!). I have never been so happy to leave a school before.

WOW that is horrible! I'm so sorry you went through that. Yes, I definitely want to tour the one near us since I understand they can vary so much. I've heard the one downtown is great, but I really don't want to be driving him through rush hour traffic every day if I don't have to.

[bdubs419]

May 16, 2019 10:10:39 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

May 16, 2019 10:07:32 GMT -5 bdubs419 said:

Random note, Goddard schools are NOT all equal. We moved last year. Where we were originally from, Goddard was one of the best schools around. When we moved, I assumed this would be the same. It was AWFUL. Standards were not high, nutrition there was ridiculous (think cookies, no fresh fruits), teachers would not work with my son who was struggling with all of the change in his life. We were actually asked to leave (MIND boggling!!!). I have never been so happy to leave a school before.

WOW that is horrible! I'm so sorry you went through that. Yes, I definitely want to tour the one near us since I understand they can vary so much. I've heard the one downtown is great, but I really don't want to be driving him through rush hour traffic every day if I don't have to.

Thanks!!! I think our experience was definitely rare. I think most Goddard schools ARE great schools but I think there are some that have lower standards. My then 3 year old hated it so much he begged me to never take him there again! Worked out well since we actually weren’t allowed to!!! Luckily, it was a blessing. We ended up at a closer school that is actually wonderful, and he is so happy!

The teachers/directors would tell me everyday in front of him how awful he was! Tell a kid he’s bad every single day, he will not exactly be motivated to behave. Poor kid was just a 3 year old who was struggling because his whole life changed (moved out of state, new house, new school).

[knx9211]

May 16, 2019 10:14:34 GMT -5 bdubs419 said:

May 16, 2019 10:10:39 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

WOW that is horrible! I'm so sorry you went through that. Yes, I definitely want to tour the one near us since I understand they can vary so much. I've heard the one downtown is great, but I really don't want to be driving him through rush hour traffic every day if I don't have to.

Thanks!!! I think our experience was definitely rare. I think most Goddard schools ARE great schools but I think there are some that have lower standards. My then 3 year old hated it so much he begged me to never take him there again! Worked out well since we actually weren’t allowed to!!! Luckily, it was a blessing. We ended up at a closer school that is actually wonderful, and he is so happy!

The teachers/directors would tell me everyday in front of him how awful he was! Tell a kid he’s bad every single day, he will not exactly be motivated to behave. Poor kid was just a 3 year old who was struggling because his whole life changed (moved out of state, new house, new school).

That is so terrible. Please tell me you're not in Pittsburgh. Ha.

But I would have burnt that place down. Telling a three year old they're BAD? I can't imagine how sad he was. I'm glad that you got him out of there.

[kath16]

I would honestly just start looking around.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think pre-school, especially at 3/4 is at least (if not more) about what works for your family than actual structured learning. yes, it is generally important to socialize, adjust to a school/classroom setting, etc.

but if you can find a place that works for your schedule, is convenient and has good, caring teachers and a safe environment that makes you comfortable, I would put those things above just about all else.

[namasteak]

We have never been on a waitlist for preschool but have had to sign up in January/February. Most programs around here are 5 hours a day and kids go 2-4 days a week.

[bdubs419]

Definitely not Pittsburgh. I’m sure you are safe!

[knx9211]

May 16, 2019 10:22:36 GMT -5 kath16 said:

I would honestly just start looking around.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think pre-school, especially at 3/4 is at least (if not more) about what works for your family than actual structured learning. yes, it is generally important to socialize, adjust to a school/classroom setting, etc.

but if you can find a place that works for your schedule, is convenient and has good, caring teachers and a safe environment that makes you comfortable, I would put those things above just about all else.

You're smart and always right. I've been steering away from church-based schools, but in looking at them, most claim to be non-denominational and just happen to be in a church so they might not be off the table like I thought.

[kath16]

May 16, 2019 10:31:53 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

May 16, 2019 10:22:36 GMT -5 kath16 said:

I would honestly just start looking around.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think pre-school, especially at 3/4 is at least (if not more) about what works for your family than actual structured learning. yes, it is generally important to socialize, adjust to a school/classroom setting, etc.

but if you can find a place that works for your schedule, is convenient and has good, caring teachers and a safe environment that makes you comfortable, I would put those things above just about all else.

You're smart and always right. I've been steering away from church-based schools, but in looking at them, most claim to be non-denominational and just happen to be in a church so they might not be off the table like I thought.

i would definitely get a good understanding of all that before committing, but i also wouldn't write them off just becaue they're in a church. there is a combination around here of actual church daycare/preschools and "hey this church is generally open all week so there was some space that we rent out'

[boiler717]

I always thought Goddard was a full-day daycare place that has a preschool curriculum, but didn’t have an option for half-day preschool.
Preschool or parents day out programs are great! Around here most half-day options are all affiliated with a church and there are few non-religious options, mostly Montessori.
Montessori is a totally different type of preschool if it’s a TRUE, AMI-accredited Montessori. Most Montessori schools around here are more “Montessori-inspired” than true Montessori, but are still great schools.
I would start looking. Around here enrollment is in January for the following August. Most programs fill up immediately.

[cmeon]

Traditional Montessori is a 5 day a week program. You may find "Montessori Lite" schools that offer part time schedules, but, the methodology recognizes that kids (particularly the preschool age group) thrive on consistency, and day on/day off weeks are not ideal for learning (especially kids who have anxiety issues or struggle to adjust). Our program was largely mornings only at 3yo/2yo, except for a few who needed wrap around care, and full days at 4 (and 5- K is part of the Montessori preschool cycle, an important part).

If you have Goddard and Montessori available, you likely have some solid play based options around, too- they tend to have 2 or 3 day a week options.

[isabel]

I would tell you to go visit a few schools in your area. For us, we just got good feelings at the daycare we ended up with. One was a total wreck, which we could tell from the moment we walked in the door, two were decent options that felt pretty good, and one made both of us feel like we could see our kid in that setting.

Both boys go to a Montessori daycare/preschool (Bright Horizons) and we really love it. Both started out part time and go full time now. I will tell you that we really struggled with DS1's transition and ended up moving him to 3 full days a week because 2 days was just not enough for the schedule to set in his mind. 3 days was definitely easier for him than 2. YMMV based on your kid's personality.

Our school *strongly* suggested that we move him to full-time when we could, which we did when we were in a financial position to do so last fall. I think that's a little bit Montessori, but also them pushing full-time enrollment for pre-school aged kids. (We didn't move to full time because they pushed it, it was what we needed to do based on our childcare needs, but just putting it out there. DS1's 3-6y class has a few kids who are part time.)

Our kids have grown leaps and bounds with physical and speech milestones from being around their peers. It's an amazing thing to see.

[janegold]

May 16, 2019 9:51:51 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

May 16, 2019 9:45:02 GMT -5 janegold said:

It's definitely not crazy to be thinking of preschool already. I didn't think about it at all because I assumed my kid would go to preschool where he goes to daycare, and when I started to reevaluate that option in February (b/c our daycare only does full-time and I am thinking I would rather switch to a nanny and PT preschool), I had already missed out on all of the enrollments and interviews (yes, interviews) for local preschools. I'm sure outside of the urban core, preschool is not so insane and there may be places with rolling admissions and tuitions that aren't the equivalent of a college education, but the only ones that aren't like that in my immediate area are, in fact, in daycare centers so do have the insane waitlists and crazy tuition.

INTERVIEWS? Oh man, if my kid has to be interviewed, we're screwed

It's the parents that are being interviewed - high stakes preschool.  People legit view them as feeders for the Ivies, it's ridic.    I just wanted a place that wasn't tied to a daycare, but I guess there's no middle ground here.  

[knx9211]

May 16, 2019 10:44:24 GMT -5 janegold said:

May 16, 2019 9:51:51 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

INTERVIEWS? Oh man, if my kid has to be interviewed, we're screwed

It's the parents that are being interviewed - high stakes preschool.  People legit view them as feeders for the Ivies, it's ridic.    I just wanted a place that wasn't tied to a daycare, but I guess there's no middle ground here.  

That's always so insane to me. I thought that wasn't real life other than in like Manhattan and on TV.

I already wondered about regular school for him.  Our district is SO BIG.  I think they graduate like 800+ kids.  I graduated with 100 so that terrifies me.  I'm not crazy about sending him to Catholic school, and all of the private schools around here seem to be the crazy "LET'S ALL GO TO HARVARD" kind, and cost more than I spent going to college. No thanks on that.

[janegold]

May 16, 2019 10:48:43 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

May 16, 2019 10:44:24 GMT -5 janegold said:

It's the parents that are being interviewed - high stakes preschool.  People legit view them as feeders for the Ivies, it's ridic.    I just wanted a place that wasn't tied to a daycare, but I guess there's no middle ground here.  

That's always so insane to me. I thought that wasn't real life other than in like Manhattan and on TV.

Yes, just like that.  Even down to the preschools all having their admission decisions timed to come out on the same day and making a big deal of delivering welcome packages to the families' homes or the parents' offices with balloons and "I'm an * INSERT ELITE PRESCHOOL NAME * Kid!" t-shirts - it's obnoxious.  And almost everyone I am close with, socially or at work, who has preschool-aged kids in the city, sends their kid to one - I am totally the anomaly that my poor kid goes to just a regular daycare.  Too bad I don't care about his future.