Daycare or Preschools in Tucson

[~michelle~]

Hello!

I am looking at getting my almost 2 year old son into a daycare half day program a couple of days a week. Any suggestions? I am open to any places that have high standards, as vague as that sounds. 

How about recommended Pre-schools? I was thinking khlsa montessori or the International School. They are a little pricey though, and I am having a hard time finding something for the pre-pre school

thanks!

[SundayCrepes]

We homeschool so I don't know all the details. Desert Spring at Speedway and Euclid is Reggio Emelio (or is it Emelio Reggio) which is essentially unschooling (child-led) in a preschool setting. 2nd Street has a lovely campus and great teachers, but I don't like that they pick and choose who they like. Tucson Cooperative School has a good reputation, but I think kids have to be 3 or 4.

Here's a great book on how kids learn: http://www.amazon.com/Einstein-Never-Used-Flashcards-Learn--/dp/B00196UBTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300419061&sr=8-1

If you're interested in homeschooling there is a great group that meets on Tuesday mornings that is geared towards younger kids. I take my 5 and 2.5 year old there. http://nwths.webs.com/ As they say, "Where's the home in homeschool?" So many activities between the three homeschool groups we belong to.

[swelldoula]

I have a son who just turned two, and I am also looking for a place to start him next fall. I went and toured the International School for Peace (River & Craycroft), and I am going to check out Desert Spring next week. I really liked the 2's room at the International School, and I also like that they do partial and full Spanish immersion classes. I though the classrooms for the older children looked a little disheveled. They seem to be in the process of upgrading their facilities, so maybe by next fall it will look a little different.

I have heard great things about Desert Spring too- I will update once I've done the tour!

[TucsonHouse]

I found this site looking for preschool reviews so here is my $0.02 worth. I have been looking for a program for DS for August. I want small, unique, locally-owned, play-based but which also teaches school-readiness. All these came from recommendations from moms groups.

Desert Spring is not Reggio Emilio but they may be Reggio-inspired. They have security issues. When I visited, the gate was open, all the classroom doors were open, children everywhere and the open gate gave direct access to Speedway and Euclid which are both very busy. The International School for Peace is NOT the International School. It is the St Francis preschool, sometimes called the St Francis Childrens Garden, and it is part of the church. It is also on two main roads, River and Swan, and quality is patchy. Security is also poor. The real International School is also Reggio-inspired and off the main road, Euclid. Security is past a locked door behind a gate. A receptionist and an administrator pop up unexpectedly and ask you who you are. TCS changed director and seems to be going downhill. Security depends on whether they remember to lock the front door. Second Street also changed director is very elitist and has no security. I was discouraged from applying by the director. Sandbox is good and secure but on a main road and quite traditional. Khalsa is not Montessori and is rigid and preachy but seemed safe.

Prices at all programs seem similar and I think are related to salaries. The cheaper programs seem to have a high turnover of faculty. I like the International School and so far the reviews are all good. I also like it that they go through fifth grade.

[litalo]

I absolutely love Tucson Community School. The learning style is very much child led with many opportunities for discovery and learning through play. It is a parent co-op which requires parents to do once weekly in-classroom 'helper parent' days for 12-13 weeks a year, plus help out with various committees and festivals at the school. The school is like stepping back in time with no plastic jungle guys in an amazing outdoor space for each of the 3YO, 4YO, and Kindergarden classrooms.  It truly is a magical place and it really does feel like a community coming together to create this place for our children. (i know i am gushing, but it really deserves a look).

[biggestwitch]

I cannot say too many amazing things about Satori private pre-school. Very much a family and as the years pass and you child grows he and you will still have this amazing family to support you through your journey. They also are affiliated with Satori Charter. They are located near 1st and Prince. Please visit Satori and give them some thought. Good Luck!

[TucsonHouse]

Can't agree. TCS has gone downhill since the director left and Satori changed when its elementary went public. The Sandbox for infant / toddler and the International School for PS / Elementary.

[Ravenlunatic]

I have to put in my 2 cents for TCS... for the OP unfortunately they only will take 3 yo's and up... so worth the wait or the switch when you child is of age.  The director didn't leave.. she switched.  I LOVE the director now and think that TCS is like an old fashioned school.  It is by far the best 'preschool' in town IMHO.  Of coarse we all look for different things.  Security was never an issue as the gate was always locked directly following the morning onslaught of kids and parents and the only other way through was the office which remains unlocked during the day but you have to enter the office go down the hall and enter different rooms from there... no security issues at all.  I know different friends who used 2nd street and thier only issue was ever that they do pick who they like.  If you go and are liked... you're in... if not, well you're not in.  I wonder what happens if they change their opinion of you part way through a year?

TCS may make exception if your child is nearly 3 upon entering, but that isn't always the case. 

Good Luck.

[SundayCrepes]

Desert Springs at Speedway and Euclid takes kids starting at 2 (or at least they did.) They're Reggio Emelio. My son went there for 2 months. We're homeschoolers and didn't want to send him, but had a desperate family situation so we had to. I liked the staff and the philosophy. Grounds aren't as nice as 2nd Street, but they're not snobby like 2nd Street. I'm sure we would have gotten in since I knew a LOT of folks at 2nd Street, but I just didn't like their attitude that they had to like you.