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[Pembo]

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[Annette_VA]

I'd definitely look around for a new school. Chances are if they're not that involved w/ the kids, they're not going to change that in just a few months; it's probably how they've always been.

 

[bananiem]

Former preschool teacher here. Your child deserves the best you can give her. If you can't swing the fee elsewhere, then keep her there. (As long as it is a safe place.) Otherwise, go for something else. I agree- with preschool you get what you pay for.
Warning- our former church administrator took A LOT of flack for taking one of his kids out of the parochial school attached to the church. But they did what was best for that child.

 

[Pembo]

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[Beth76]

Is it actually a preschool? Do they have a cirriculum? It sounds more like a Mom's Day Out program, which is more of a social program than academic. Granted they can be a "preschool" without being accredited (being a church), but it's still not the same thing.

I can see the point of the minister's daughter not attending the church preschool. But, if it's not academically inclined, she would be better off at a real preschool where she's actually learning. Perhaps you could finish up the year here and then move her claiming that you feel she's "graduated" this program and is ready to move on to bigger things.

Oh and I would LOVE IT if my son didn't do so many art projects. My house could be the Metropolitan Museum of Juvenile Art.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I don't agree that you get what you pay for, because my 3 boys went to a very reasonably priced preschool, with a high quality program. There was a very low turnover rate of teachers, many repeat siblings, lots of crafts, and very happy children.

However, in your situation I would look for something that is a higher quality. When I looked at preschools I saw all kinds of things, including one preschool teacher who wanted to chat with me, so she put the tv on for the 3yo's and insisted that they all sit and watch it. The other places I visited made time to answer my questions, but in between time doing art projects with the kids, etc. IE, I was the one doing the waiting, which is the way it should be.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Karel]

When they ask you why you're leaving, I don't see anything wrong with saying that you want a more academic learning experience.

 

[budbeerlady]

This is a major stepping stone to your childs education, they need to be prepared for school and if this isnt going to do it, I would go else where. My DD had a fabulous preschool and was very ready for Kindergarten.

 

[PaulaSue]

Did you peak in the other classes? Maybe it is just that teacher?

Good luck with your decision.

 

[mommyintn]

Is it actually a preschool? Do they have a cirriculum? It sounds more like a Mom's Day Out program, which is more of a social program than academic. Granted they can be a "preschool" without being accredited (being a church), but it's still not the same thing.

Both of my boys attended our church's Mothers Day Out program (so they weren't accredited) but they do have a curriculum. I think it depends on the program and the teachers. I'm switching to an accredited preschool (at another church) next year because they can go 3 days a week and because they have a great pre-k program (for when we get to that age). If it's just the teacher I'd say something to the director (if they have one or say something to your church's childrens ministry director).

 

[Pembo]

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[Wishing on a star]

You say that the director is probably a big part of the problem.

Who, then, is the boss over the director.

Who hired her?

Who pays her?

 

[Hannathy]

I have two things to say 1. If your Husband is in charge of this program tell him what you saw and he owes his employers (the people of the church) a quality program. He should go and observe and if there are problems work on getting them fixed he is in charge right ? 2. I could see it being a real problem if he is asking his congregation to support this program but he won't send his kids. This would cause a commotion in my Church.

as a PS could it have been a bad day ? observe again, if your DD is happy they must be doing something right.

 

[Nicolepa]

If people ask, just tell them that you found a school that fit your child's personality/needs (whatever) better. I made the mistake of sending my son to the same school my dd had gone to. Dd loved it but ds has had a hard time. He will stay next year only because it would be harder for him to get used to a new teacher/friends/school etc.

Different kids have different needs, just because your dh works there doesn't mean it is a fit for your child. Anyone with small kids should understand that and if they don't, oh well.

 

[barkley]

i taught in a church run school (went pre-12th grade) and the pastor's kids did not attend. my kids attend a church run school (k-8th) and the pastor's kids do not attend. while i'm sure they had personal reasons for not opting to have their kids attend publicly both said they did'nt feel comfortable playing the pastor/supervisor/parent role to one person. they felt the teacher might not be as comfortable in being forthcoming about any behavioural issues involving their supervisor's child (and i can say i've seen this happen with other minister's kids whove attended school at "dad's church"-they learned they often were not held to the same standards of behaviour (good and bad) as the other students).

i only beleive it becomes an issue with church members when in lieu of free attendance at the church school, the minister receives a stipend towards tuition at another facility.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

And as for the "you get what you pay for" - my boys went to less expensive schools as well and they had much better experiences. I just used that as an example.

Yes, for you personally you are getting what you pay for.

 

[rt2dz]

If it were my child, I'd change preschools. It does not sound like the enviroment I would subject (and I pick that word carefully) my child to. Maybe I'm spoiled because we have an absolutely wonderful preschool. Everything is age appropriate. Wonderful director and Admin. Asst. and fantastic teachers. Ours is social orientated, something that will serve our children much better--not that doesn't mean it doesn't also teach, but having our kids reading by 4 yo is not the goal. Our preschool is also accrediated

Accrediation is not required to be a preschool (v. mothers day out program). But an accredited preschool is held to higher standards and is *usually* much better. There are many, many non-accredited preschools out there that are absolutely wonderful too.

 

[Pembo]

/

 

[momof2inPA]

Maybe the board could send out a survey to all current and past pre-school parents. Then it wouldn't look like it was just you causing trouble and might be less devisive to the congregation. I agree, if class size is dwindling, a house cleaning is in order.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Maybe the board could send out a survey to all current and past pre-school parents. Then it wouldn't look like it was just you causing trouble and might be less devisive to the congregation. I agree, if class size is dwindling, a house cleaning is in order.

Good idea. Our preschool (not "our preschool anymore, my baby went to kindergarten this year) did this yearly. Ours was also in a church, run by a church board.