I was woefully ignorant of how early you have to enroll your child in preschool for the following Fall, and now I at a loss. I wanted my son (who will be 3 in June) to attend St Tim's preschool (as I'm a parishioner there), but it seems that I've missed my window of opportunity. They only have afternoons M/W/F open, and that won't work for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is no naps on those days!
I stay at home with my son, so I only wanted to enroll him two mornings a week, just to get him used to a school setting and for the socialization aspect of preschool. Does anyone have any alternative suggestions? I have already inquired about a waiting list at St. Tim's.
Try Montessori which is very excellent and they allow flexible hours.
D.
Hi J.,
I was in the same predicament with my son and the only alternative that I was found was to enroll him in a class at Gymboree. He learned to like it and it did seem to help him with being more social.
He's 4 now and enrolled in a daycare/voluntary pre-k program in Tampa and he adores his "school". He's learned so much, and this August will be attending his regular school.
Gymboree and places like The little Gym have many different programs to help your little one become more social in a structured and sometimes athletic setting.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
I cannot say enough good things about Hillsdale Baptist Preschool on Ehrlich Road in Tampa. My daughter, 4, is going this year and will continue onto Kindergarten in the Fall. I also signed up my son who will be 3 in October, for 2 days per week. Not sure if they still have openings, but might be worth checking out. Also, they do have to be fully potty trained.
Facility is clean, warm and inviting. The staff are so caring and organized. We love it.
You may also want to try finding a local "Mom's Day Out" program. That would give him the setting away from you with other children. Some churhes offer it once a week, some twice.
Dear J. P.
Have you tried Van Dyke United Methodist just down the road south of St. Tim's?
They have an excellent day school program and I think you would like it very much.
T.
