PRESCHOOL
Well most of us know that preschoolers are more likely to be playful when they are being active and when they have an audience. Hence, my son - the 2 year old - goes to preschool here in Florida 3 days per week. Ok so the fact that it was almost harder to get into than Harvard is besides the point. So just how do preschools decide who gets in and who doesn't? Much of the time, I think it's the luck of the draw. But preschools also have a secret list of whom they give preference. Families with a sibling who's attended the preschool usually have priority, as do families who pony up money for toddler programs, which begin before preschool starts. If a preschool is run by a church or a synagogue, members may also get a leg up. Whatever the reason, the waitlist finally moved for me and I got that million dollar phone call to say my son was accepted!
And so to the myriad of paperwork, doctor's reports, registration fees, individually labelled diapers, sleeping mat, spare clothes and everything else that had to be carted along on the first day of school. The transition time took a few weeks before my son was happy enough to attend the school, but now he shrieks with delight before we even pull in to the parking lot.
Apart from the fact that they have a 'real' curriculum, I'm just happy with the socialisation and my son's opportunity to make a mess somewhere else for a few days a week! Although the tuition fees are rather pricey, the large playground, gym, media center and pool (including summer swimming lessons) give you a sense of you get what you pay for I suppose.
I think the most pressing problem for preschools, in general, is hiring and keeping good teachers. And it's little wonder why. The average annual salary for a preschool teacher is $22,200, less than what a bus driver or a concierge makes I believe. Anyway I'm very happy with my son's preschool where they help "children learn, grow and thrive in an environment that fosters independence, cooperation and a love of learning." Actually I'm just satisfied that I'm sending him to a safe, clean environment where the teachers genuinely love children. Ok and to be honest the drive through child drop off and pick up is a great bonus! Only in America! :-)
Well most of us know that preschoolers are more likely to be playful when they are being active and when they have an audience. Hence, my son - the 2 year old - goes to preschool here in Florida 3 days per week. Ok so the fact that it was almost harder to get into than Harvard is besides the point. So just how do preschools decide who gets in and who doesn't? Much of the time, I think it's the luck of the draw. But preschools also have a secret list of whom they give preference. Families with a sibling who's attended the preschool usually have priority, as do families who pony up money for toddler programs, which begin before preschool starts. If a preschool is run by a church or a synagogue, members may also get a leg up. Whatever the reason, the waitlist finally moved for me and I got that million dollar phone call to say my son was accepted!
And so to the myriad of paperwork, doctor's reports, registration fees, individually labelled diapers, sleeping mat, spare clothes and everything else that had to be carted along on the first day of school. The transition time took a few weeks before my son was happy enough to attend the school, but now he shrieks with delight before we even pull in to the parking lot.
Apart from the fact that they have a 'real' curriculum, I'm just happy with the socialisation and my son's opportunity to make a mess somewhere else for a few days a week! Although the tuition fees are rather pricey, the large playground, gym, media center and pool (including summer swimming lessons) give you a sense of you get what you pay for I suppose.
I think the most pressing problem for preschools, in general, is hiring and keeping good teachers. And it's little wonder why. The average annual salary for a preschool teacher is $22,200, less than what a bus driver or a concierge makes I believe. Anyway I'm very happy with my son's preschool where they help "children learn, grow and thrive in an environment that fosters independence, cooperation and a love of learning." Actually I'm just satisfied that I'm sending him to a safe, clean environment where the teachers genuinely love children. Ok and to be honest the drive through child drop off and pick up is a great bonus! Only in America! :-)