Jacksonville preschool/childcare?

[ihugtrees]

I am moving back to my hometown of Jacksonville after a few years away. I will be attending school full time and working part time. My parents will probably have my DD much of the time but i am hoping to find a place for her either 2-3 full days a week or several mornings a week, where she can be around other kids. The most important thing to me is that my daughter's creative, inquisitive spirit is nurtured without pressure. Ie she has shown a lot of interest and has very easily picked up on recognizing letters, the sounds they make, and numbers...and has also absorbed every ASL and Spanish word I've taught her (and some I haven't!) I'm not sure I want her in an environment that say, discourages her from reading if that's something she wants to learn. Neither do I want her in an environment where she is forced to perform when she isn't interested. Gentle discipline is important too...My preference would be for her to be in an environment less focused on shame, guilt, and "bad"ness.

I will be living and attending school in Riverside and working in Jax beach a few days a week...so anywhere in between would be great! Clay county may be an option as well since that is where my family lives.
Edited by ihugtrees - 8/25/11 at 12:28am

[ihugtrees]

Anyone?

[nabisco]

Actually, I'm just starting to look for preschools, too, though I live on another side of town.  The JCA has a very good reputation, and the director has a very cool vibe and her philosophy seems to be in line with the things you've mentioned.  I have also heard really good things about Seaside Playgarden (Waldorf-inspired) at the beach. http://www.jaxwaldorf.org/ 

It looks awesome, but it's too far for us.  I'm not really familiar with preschools in Riverside.  I have found that most preschools seem to be church-based.  Good luck, and please post when you find something, as I'd love to hear about it. 

[ihugtrees]

I haven't found anything, unfortunately. I ended up living on the West side of Jacksonville once I moved and my job in Jax Beach didn't work out, so Jax Waldorf is way too far for me.  I wish that I could find somewhere as the time my DD is with my parents is just not enough for studying/schoolwork and errands and such, but I'm not willing to send her somewhere that isn't going to be a safe, nurturing place for her, so I'm just doing the best I can for now. Thanks for the info on the JCA. I will look into it.