What preschool for a little one who loves to learn?

[MosMom]

Elliot LOVES to learn. He just turned 2 a month ago and already knows his FULL alphabet (can sing it but also knows it by sight) and all of his numbers up to 10. Knows many shapes and colors as well. Frankly, I'm blown away. He has magnetic numbers and letters and one of his favorite things to do is to hand them to me and have me name them for him. He also loves to look through books and point to things and I tell him what they are or what color/shape they are.

I want to encourage this 100%! Would a montessori preschool be the best choice? He isn't potty trained yet as he just turned 2 so I'm not sure if that would be a problem with preschool. I swear this kid will read before my 6 year old. We have a Goddard school across the street but I actually haven't heard the best things about them and the owner seems to be more into the bottom line than the kids.

 

[coliebird]

My daughter, who is the same age as your son, goes to Tutor Time Learning Center. It is a daycare/learning center. She goes full-time as I work, but they do offer part-time programs. You can check out their website to see if there is one near you and to see what they offer. They have a structured learning environment and I am amazed at what my daughter has learned there. She has been going there since she was 7 months old.

 

[Bob Slydell]

DS has been in a Goddard School since he was 2 -- it's been the best thing for him. He's learned so much and has a great time there. He's made a lot of friends the two years he's been there and has gained a lot of confidence from being there.

He wasn't potty trained when he started there either, but they have a "transition room" for kids who are potty training but not quite there yet. It worked out well.

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by coliebird
My daughter, who is the same age as your son, goes to Tutor Time Learning Center. It is a daycare/learning center. She goes full-time as I work, but they do offer part-time programs. You can check out their website to see if there is one near you and to see what they offer. They have a structured learning environment and I am amazed at what my daughter has learned there. She has been going there since she was 7 months old.

Brittany goes to Tutor Time too! It's expensive, but very good! At one of the kindergarten open houses, one of the k teachers remarked "xxx goes to Tutor Time?!, Tutor Time kids are smart and well prepared for school."

 

[fanofmickey]

Check out the churches in your area - many of them offer preschool. We offer 2 or 3 days a week for 2 year olds, and they do not have to be potty trained. Hours are 9:00 - 12:00.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

I really lucked out. The Central Florida YMCA at the Walt Disney World Resort (yes, it's really that long of a title) opened last Monday and Madison was one of the lucky few to get in! Her first day was today and she LOVED it. She even said to me in the car, "Mommy, I don't wanna go to Magic Kingdom tomorrow...I wanna go to school!"

I'm glad to see other parents agree a 3 year old can be in a daycare...my ex is fighting me saying it's wrong. He was REALLY pissed today when he found out.

 

[mcnuss]

The key is not the "brand" but that the educational principles and values match what you consider to be important. The only way to find that out is to go to visit as many programs as you can and observe. My DD ended up at a Childrens World Learning Center, but I visited small local centers as well as other national chains. When push came to shove, I thought CWLC had the nicest facilities, the warmest teachers, and the best developmentally appropriate program. We do not have Montessori in town, but I would have leaned towards them if we had.

Start your research on the chains in your area on the Web, same for Montessori, then make appts and go visit with your child. You'll know when you've found the right place.

 

[Serena]

Bridget, I have another suggestion that seemed to do well for my girls. A membership to the Children's Museum and the zoo. Now I know I live a lot closer, but they learned a lot and had fun, and got rid of extra energy all at once.
With the membership you can come and go as you please, without worrying about wasted money.

They both have an incredible curiousity about science and animals now. Maybe because it is in their genes, but maybe because of all those trips.

 

[mom2grace]

I sent you a pm!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

i work at a goddard and the parents love it....so do the kids

 

[BrerMom]

It sounds like Montessori would be a good match for him. Visit any that you're thinking about because, along with any preschool, they can vary so much. My DS' preschool accepts kids 2 1/2 and up, but I know of at least one kid that was a little younger. Some preschools will work with the potty training issue. I know some will allow pull-ups, but may not be certified to allow a diaper option.

 

[soccerchick]

Sounds like YOU are doing a great job providing stimulation, reading etc. for your DS. I really like some of the classes at our local recreation center. DD was too young for a lot of classes offered in our area, but at the rec. center, she did some cool "reading", art, science, dance, and music classes. She could also start many of them at age 18 months. Because she has a late b-day, she couldn't start pre-school until she was almost 3. The class were pretty inexpensive, and of course some were better than others.

While my daughter learned plenty at pre-school I was much more concerned that she learn the social lessons that she will need to start school with.

I also agree w/ the postor who said the best program is the one where the teachers love your child and your child loves them. If that happens, everything else will fall into place.

 

[sk!mom]

Since you are obviously doing a great job with him. Why put a child so young in pre-school at all?

I wouldn't put a child younger than 3 in pre-school. Those first three years are too critical to trust to someone else. Unless, of course, you have to work.

 

[Strings]

If you have any universities nearby, check and see if there is a preschool program. We have a wonderful program from at our nearby school. It starts as early as 18 months. There are 2 certified teachers per classroom, and 4 early education students. These students are 1 semester away from student teaching. The maximum class size is 25. DD loves it. She has begged me to go all summer.

 

[nativetxn]

My son began Montessori school when he was 18 months old (only 1 hour and 15 minutes a day to start).

He thrived in this environment.

Good luck finding the best preschool for your child.

Katholyn