How do you find a GOOD preschool?

[MeAndVee]

I thought I had found one. BUT I am having second thoughts now. He started yesterday. He would only be there tusedays and thursdays from 8am-3pm. Well, I went and picked him up. He was overjoyed to see me and the teacher said he had a great day BUT fell down outside and got some boo-boos. I said okay...that happens...no biggy. They give a sheet telling what he did for the day. It was sub par in my opinion. Did not list what he ate for breakfast/snack and he didn't eat lunch so I asked if he ate anything all day and she said no. Nothing!?!?! How could she let my 2.5 year old go all day without eating and not even call me??? He also didn't sleep...not a wink. I can understand it being a new environment but if things aren't going well I would at the very least like a phone call to tell me that! AND he had a bite mark on his arm. A real bad one too. Broke the skin and it was very badly swollen. I had DH call and ask about it. They said they thought it was just a bug bite. What bug bite leaves a visibly open wound??? I know my son and he doesn't cry when he gets hurt unless it is a real bad hurt. So maybe he didn't cry when another child bit him. But he told me baby bite me, it hurt but I okay. And at first he didn't even want to tell me what happened...kept saying its nothing its nothing. Real panic in his voice...kinda like when he broke something and didn't want to get in trouble sort of thing. So maybe he provoked the bite which is very possible...he hasn't figured out boundries yet. Maybe I am over reacting. I didn't want to start him in preschool to begin with! And YES I am over protective and worry when I am not with him. But in this world could you really blame me? Should I give it a few more tries? He says he wants to go back...What other options do I have for him to get out there? Must cut those apron strings sooner or later!

[jesrox]

My child has been in daycare since my maternity leave ended...he's three 1/2 now. I think there are several issues with the preschool you went to. Any time my son has ANY injury- from skinned knees to bites( in the earlier years) they have to do an incident report and have the director/asst. director and parent sign it. They would always write what he ate( not anymore in preschool, but they did at 2) and it seems odd they wouldn't try to get him to eat at all. I would just look in your area to see what other options are available. Many churches have 1/2 day schools. You can usually go to your states dept. of children and families website and they have daycare information including if they have been written up for problems in the past.
Just the bite on its own isn't a huge deal IF the school had told you about it. Kids bite eachother at that age, it happens. But you want the daycare teachers to be observant enough to NOTICE a bite and to treat it( apply ice, band aid, wash it) andthat is where I see a problem...especially on the first day where you would want them to be extra observant of a new child.
There are GREAT daycares and preschools out there, sometimes it takes a little bit of research to find the right fit We have had very positive experiences with ours, now we are looking for a private school for him and I'm visiting multiple places, interviewing, making calls...good luck!

[rabrog]

What you're describing is a daycare, not a preschool (preschool to me is part time (half days) a few times a week and focuses on learning through play and preparing a bit for school).

If you want a preschool, ask parents of kids slightly older than your child. I found an awesome preK through asking and I never would have heard about it if I hadn't asked. My DD went there for two years and my DS will start in
'11.

If you're looking for daycares, which it sounds like you are, I'd again suggest asking around and touring facilities.

Jenn

[LuckyMommaToo]

I agree totally with Jenn. A typical "preschool" would be T-TH or MWF from 9-12. Personally, unless you have a need for all-day care, I would be looking for a program that's about three hours a day for a two-year-old.

And you absolutely have to ask around. The best preschools around me don't advertise at all, and often have almost no signage (for security reasons). Work your momma network, if you have one.

And finally, he's really very young still. Don't worry about the apron strings yet. But I agree with your instinct -- I'd be looking for a different place.
-e

[MeAndVee]

Ideally I would like preschool. The whole reason for him to go is to be prepared for school. I don't need someone to babysit him. I am a SAHM I have no issue watching him! The bite doesn't bother me...the no one calling me or telling me about it I have problems with. I spent all naptime today looking online and making calls. I need him to be safe! I am in no rush to send him off. Do some leg work for the summer and enroll him in the fall. Had all kinds of horrible thoughts...like someone threatened him not to tell what happened to his arm. One too many law and order type books! Finally came to my senses...hello! He is two! Anyway, he won't be going there again!

[peaceful_mama]

I wouldn't go back either! Nor would I worry about any "Apron Strings"

My dd is 1/07 so just a little older than your DS. She has never been to preschool or daycare. Yet she knows just what to do at library storytime and when she visits DS's (5) preschool class. And until just a few months ago (around her birthday maybe) she was not a child I could have left in a childcare situation. Now, at 3, she loves going to the Y playroom for an hour or so and has stayed in a childcare room for a couple other situations--just fine! She actually asks to go to the Y child care "by herself."

IF she gets in this fall, she'll start half-days 4 days a week. at 3.5 If not, I'm not worried.

[CellarDoor]

Try posting in the "finding your tribe" section of this message board. Find your geographical area and ask.

Personally, I think preschool should be about PLAY and about learning how to live peacefully in a community. Look for low adult to child ratios and pay *close* attention to the kind of discipline they use at the school. Full day is not necessary at all, nor is any kind of serious academic preparation. Music, art, storytelling, reading books, room for running around, interface with nature are all good things in a preschool.

Since you are a SAHM, you might look into cooperative preschools if there are any in your area. You work along side the teachers one day a week and are very involved in the school. This is what we do and it's been a lovely transition from attachment-style home life.

Good luck!

[MeAndVee]

What I REALLY wanted was Play school like they have in the UK. Basically its like what you said Cellardoor. Parents take turns helping in the class and it is basically free. All you do is help pay for supplies and the like. I think a cooperative preschool will fit us best. I want to be active in his education! I really hope there is one around here! I'll go post in finding your tribe right now. thanx