What have you learned about pre-schools?

There's a BIG difference between pre-school and daycare..I learned from my teenagers that the children who became high achievers seemed to go to pre-schools that focused on learning...not social skills, playing, creative presentation. I have an oopsy baby now in preschool and am sending her to a Montesory school that teaches the way she learns and she is getting all that other stuff while she's learning. Early education is imperitive to success in the later grades!

DS is only 1 year old, so at this point I am still watching him while not working. I think the biggest thing we learned while looking was how completely unaffordable it is to send you kid to preschool/ daycare. Its cheaper for me not to work.

I visited a KinderCare in Pennsylvania and was impressed by the care of the employees.
It makes me very interested in joining after my move.

Our goal was to find a pre school that focused on play, language and music. We had a great experience with all three of our kids.

It's made all the difference to talk to parents who have lots of experience with the school you're considering. Ask a parent who's been going there for a few years EVERYTHING. What the kids play. How the place seems in off hours. What the staff has done in random situations such as a kid getting sick, severe weather, you being late for a pick up, a kid who's just having a super bad day, or difficulty with potty training. It's not that hard to get parents to share their experiences. But the other thing I'd say is that I've trusted and felt a close connection to the places I sent my kids because I made an investment in their time there - go to every holiday program, be there for every single conference, etc. And lastly get your kid to tell you about their day - every single time you pick them up.

I think it is important to choose a school that your child likes and is comfortable with. I took each of my children to visit the schools after I had already visited. This way I could watch their reactions instead of being focused on the school. Since the child has to be there everyday there opinions of the school shoul count also. You can also see how the staff interacts with your child and how your child interacts with the other students. You will be amazed at the things your child is drawn to that you never noticed.

I think you need to be sure and you have to make sure you your kid is going to the good place ,good teachers,and you need to go there and see him/her several times.
Also when they get those teachers the employer must interview that person,if he/she have good heart like a MOTHER/FATHER(parent), that will be good.also to give teachers trainning on how to handle and taking care of the kids,so that you the parents will never get worried,about what will happen to my kid.

Make sure to do a lot of research. I always bring my child with me when visiting new pre-schools to make sure we BOTH get a good feel of the place:)

I found that word of mouth from locals that I trust and have common interest with (which usually revolves around the Children!) was my biggest determining factor in choosing the Pre-K and MMO Program for my Boy's.

I have two grown young ladies and one grand daughter that attended and attend daycare. My daughters have grown into two very well adjusted young ladies. One has a great career and the other works and is attending college. They went to preschool and were cared for by grand parents. I feel you need to feel comfortable with the people who are caring for your children. You also need to check in on them just to make sure that all is OK. Just remember that we all are here to raise and care for the children. We must treat them as individuals and do our best to make them into wonderful, kind and caring grown-ups

I always make sure that I am 100% comfortable with anyone who cares for my children. Why stress about the maybes? Always make sure you talk with your care provider and feel that your kids are in good hands so you don't worry yourself with doubt.

I love letting my kids interact at a early age to build social skills but I worry they will be abused by adults.

If I can help it, I would NEVER put my child in daycare! I didn't have children to let someone else raise them. Socialization is quite overrated, and besides that's what brothers and sisters are for. A child is ready to be social after he has matured (out of diapers and potty trained) and learned social skills from his parents and siblings. Four years old is a good age to begin some kind of class with other children.

I think that pre schools have our children 5 days a week 8 hours a day & they need to use that time to prepare the children for regular school... At even this young an age these children are capable of learning alot more than is being taught. The Head Start goverment program is a laugh... Just another example that anything goverment run is simply a way to rip off the taxpayers. They look for an excuse to send your children home, it does not matter that the mothers have jobs or that the teenagers have to miss school because the people working & running this program look for a way to make their day easier.. I am a widowed grandmother, trying to work & raise grandchildren...

The most expensive ones are not necessarily the best ones.

Patience, Patience and more patience. when you work in any kind of childcare facility, even if you don't like being their. You are suppose to treat the children and if they were almost your own and by that I mean true you didn't give birth, but you treat them just like you would want someone to treat your child. Teachers are their to teach and nurture just like parents. I've learned that some teachers are not who they proclaim to be with this being said always do a drop in or pop up visit to really see what's going on you will be utterly suprised and never go at the same time every day, because they are on the watch for you if you do.

I have learned that there is no one who will care for your children EXACTLY like you do, but that doesn't mean they aren't in good hands. I have also learned that different teachers are good for different children. Some kids may need a stern teacher to keep them in line, but other kids may need someone more sensitive....so what works for your first child may not work for their sibling!