OT: Comparing preschool curriculums

[LadyShea]

We are considering maybe sending DS to preschool next year. I tend to research things to the nth degree and so have already narrowed it down to 2 schools.

I find myself leaning toward the one with a comprehensive informational website and email address over the one with only a phone number and invitation to "drop by sometime", but that is assuredly due to my own biases, and probably doesn't say anything about the schools themselves.

So, in an effort to evaluate based on important stuff, I decided to compare curriculum. One uses Scholastic and the other High Reach. I am having a heck of a time finding an apples to apples comparison method.

Does anyone have any insight, information, resources, or experiences to share with me?

 

[A&N829]

I can't say I know those programs. What I have found out in my area is that the preschools have very different philosophies regardless of their written program.

I would talk to the director and see what the school's goal is for students at each age and as kindergarten prep. I have heard directors and teachers say play and social development is their priority. One school said religion is key with learning letters and numbers as a bonus if learned. The school I personally like best focuses on academic preparation for kindergarten.

That said, if your child develops a love for learning, enjoys school and has your support, you've done very well!

 

[KristiMc]

I would talk to the director/teachers to get a feel for the school. Also, if you know any parents that have sent their children to the schools they would be great to talk to.

 

[wishtdream]

The pre-school I chose for my child was a play centered school. It was NAEYC accredited. http://www.naeyc.org their website has a wealth of information on how to choose a school for your child. DD attended this school for 3 years for Pre-School, Pre- K and Kindergarten. If they had an elementary program she would still be there. She went to school each day excited to learn and learned so much I was astounded during her kindergarten year the school had her class individually evaluated (tested) so that the information could be given to the receiving schools. DD tested at 2nd grade level in the 10th month of Kindergarten in her math and reading skills.

Good luck with your decision. I know it is hard to choose whats best for your child.

 

[wishtdream]

Just wanted to add that DD's preschool used High Reach also.

 

[annagirl]

My advice would be to look into one that does Montessori. I think it's a great system for young ones.

 

[LadyShea]

If we had a Montessori based program here it would be my choice, assuming all other aspects of the schools were equal/comparable. Unfortunately the closest is about 40 minutes away.

 

[deva]

I would recommend going to observe a class. The preschool programs in our area allow parents to do this (you generally can't take your child with you - it's for the parent to observe only). Based on my experience, after 5 minutes of observing you'll know which program will "fit" your child. Try not to focus too much on what you "think" is the best based solely on academics. Social interaction and learning through play is also important at this early age. Good luck!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Not to contradict the above poster, but with 4 kids and several preschools, I've always brought my child to the school so we could both see what it was like. My thought is, it could be the best program on the planet, but if it's not a good fit for the child, it's meaningless.

DS3 starts at a Montessori preschool next week. We moved, so he's the only one of my 4 to go to one. However, my mom was a Montessori teacher, so I'm very familiar with the style of teaching. I can tell you, it would have been a disaster for my older son, but it's a perfect fit for my youngest.

I mentioned to his pediatrician that we were looking at preschools,a nd she recommended the specific school he'll attend. There's another Montessori school in town--the one with the fancy website and ads in the paper and all. The doctor said that her patients' parents seemed happier with the school we're going with, over the fancier one. Just food for thought.

 

[annagirl]

Too bad the montessori is too far away. I know how that is - the one in our home town closed so I took DD to the one in the next town over. 20 miles to get there but it was worth it at the time. Now she goes to a more traditional private school here in town.