What's the deal with pre-school!?

Teresa - posted on 09/18/2009

n in pa there also have head start, I forgot about that

Teresa - posted on 09/18/2009

where I live at which is pennsyvlia they have where u can apply for apple child care but that is the only company I know that will pay for part of your child care but u might want to look into it if it applies for where u live at

Nicki - posted on 09/18/2009

Look into Co-Op preschools. My 3 yr old just started for the reason you want to get your daughter into preschool - outside socialization. I get to come in to her class and help out and see exactly what she is doing and I don't pay nearly as much as a school with a paid teacher's helper. It really is a great option. P.S. look into it early (get on wait lists, etc), which obviously you are. Some preschools are in demand.

Jen - posted on 09/18/2009

In Florida pre-k is free for all 4 year olds. Check to see if they have a similar program in Ohio. Also depending on location I know some schools will take 3 year olds in to their 4 year old programs, but only after all the 4 year olds have had the opportunity. I'm assuming your child does not have a delay otherwise some schools allow 3 year olds to start school early if they have a 25% or higher delay in some type if cognitive or physical aspect.

Andrea - posted on 09/18/2009

I know in CA and IL they have something called Head Start which is a goverment run pre-school type school. The only thing with programs like this is that you have to quilify for them so not everyone can go... also you can look into grants, some grants will help pay for child-care/pre-school.

Lacey - posted on 09/18/2009

check with your local community health department. they will usually have pre schools for free, or your school district

Miranda - posted on 09/18/2009

Some do but you'll need to enroll her now! That's the hardest thing. They have very few slots because they are in indeed "free". Many of them, you have to start enrollin as soon as your child is born! It stinks!

Another thing you might consider is a "Mommy's Day Out" at your local church. They're typically free and it gives you a chance to get some grocery shopping done or just shower and shave and the girls a chance to mingle!

OR, you could go sit at a neighborhood park! Weather doesn't always work out but you'll usually find at least a couple of other parents in the same boat.

Goo lucky~

Shelsea - posted on 09/18/2009

not in Florida. the year before she goes to to kindergarten they have VPK at daycares which are free. advice being a mom and from when i worked in daycare... BUY THE LETTER FACTORY!! i was a 2 year old teacher and i could not get my class to be interested in the alphabet. i played that movie once a day and had them all inteact and within 2 months they knew all their letters and the sounds they make! it is made by Leap Frog. my son is 17 months and knows some of his letters and some of the sounds.

Jessica - posted on 09/18/2009

OHIO yes i know they have places where they take reduced ratyes my mom is from ohio and she says she thinks they might do a lottery as well so look into that!!

Jessica - posted on 09/18/2009

try The ga Lottery they fund some pre ks i dont know where u are but where i am they have A LOT of ga lottery funded ones and all you have to pay for is food i paid $20 a week for my son last yr when he was in pre k

Katie - posted on 09/18/2009

You could try head start I think they offer those in almost every state.

Hannah - posted on 09/18/2009

While pre-school is not mandatory the studies that show how beneficial for the future scholastic success of your daughter are undeniable. Dependingon the state you are in there are different programs, for example here in California there is First 5, which has subisides for pre school.

Also look at your local city - mine has a "community" preschool which is funded through the community education program.

There are many different kinds of preschools as well, ones that are preschools and ones that also include daycare. That doesn't even get into the teaching methodology, montesorri etc. Local religous centers, such as churches and synogogues can have preschool and if you are involved/members of the congregation they usually have reduced rates.

Finally there are co-op preschools, which as a stay at home mom, may be your best option. Those pre schools usually have much lower rates, but in exchange your family has to spend so many hours "volunteering" in the facility.

Sending your daughter to preschool is truly one of hte best investments in her education you can make.

Amy - posted on 09/18/2009

Thank you for your post! :) I know it's not mandatory but yet there are kindergarten classes that have a pre-requisite before you get in and that's by being in pre-school! It's crazy. I'm in U.S.A Ohio.

Jocelyn - posted on 09/18/2009

i'm not sure because i don't know what area you are in, but check and see if you can find any pre-school/early education govt subsidies. i don't think that there are any pre-schools for free (because it's not something that is mandatory, again, this is only based on my area (alberta canada)) but there are ways to get your fees reduced if you go in and talk to the preschool.