I am looking for a preschool for my four yr. old to attend in the Fall. I am in Menifee but will consider any within a 1/2 hour driving range. He has Down Syndrome (no behavioral problems) and learns best when he has the opportunity to play/learn alongside other children his age. His current Special Day Preschool class has very little social interaction and I would like to take him to a "regular" preschool class on his days off from there. I am willing to attend as parent volunteer to "aide" during the day if needed. Looking for a warm, loving environment with lots of hands-on activities. Prefer private Christian preschool but also willing to consider other options/in-home preschools, etc. You'd be amazed at this day and age how many preschools have turned us away because he is "different." Do you know of a preschool that perhaps would be willing to be open-minded and take my son if even on a trial basis? Not only would it be great for my sweet boy who needs some friends, but a wonderful chance for the other children to learn compassion. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Just wanted to thank everyone for their wonderful suggestions for possible preschool options for my son with special needs. I feel encouraged! I'm out of town currently, but when I return I have some schools to visit. Truly appreciate the help and new direction...
Blessings,
D.
Hey I loive in Hemet and my son attends Headstart Pre-school on Fruitvale and Kirby. It is state funded and there are requirements. But it is an awesome program. Any more info just get back to me.
Our kids go to Hope Lutheran in Temecula. I was reading their literature the other day and it said something about being open the special needs children if the child wouldn't be too disruptive to the learning of all the kids in the classroom. Also, have a friend w/ a daugther w/ Down's. I can ask if they've checked into preschool. She is in our Sunday School class at church and does very well . . .she's the same bundle of energy as the other 6 kids in the class! My e-mail is ____@____.com. =) C.
I'd try Anne Sullivan as well - like most schools, they do have a waiting list. It may even be a year long but still get on it. We were told a year and 3 mos later my daughter started there. She has been there for 2 years and will do kindergarten there next year while my younger son will start his first year of preschool there in June.
I sent you an email yesterday with a link to their site.
Good luck!
M.
www.annesullivanschool.com
Teacher parents who have their own kids in this school rave about it. I have my son on the waiting list.
Hi D.,
I know of a couple great pre-schools in the area...I was a kindergarten teacher for 6 years in Murrieta and have seen kids come out of many area preschools. I love the Ann Sullivan preschool ###-###-####( they do have a long waiting list). I also think that Murrieta Ranch would be a good option to check out ###-###-####. I hope you find the right pre-school for your family!
My kids attend "Wee Care" in Hemet. They are fabulous. I don't know if they have a waiting list or not. Here's there website for more information
http://www.weecareclc.com/ Another fantastic school is Murrieta Ranch in Murrieta, but they usually have a waiting list. They are off Los Almos and Lincoln-very close to the freeway.
As a special education teacher (middle school), I understand how difficult it can be for parents to not be discouraged when their child is labled "different" but remember that you are doing your very best and loving your child is far more important than what other people think. Best of luck.
Hi D.,
I have a wonderful Christian Preschool! The name is Cummunity Christian and they are located in Hemet (Stetson & Stanford)
It might be a little bit of a drive for you, but it would be worth it. Here is the direct phone number ###-###-#### x157
and her name is Becky.
Good Luck! Hope to see you there in the fall.
C. Z
I don't know for sure, I haven't worked there since my son was born 3 1/2 ys ago, but MtSan Jacinto College Child Development and Education center used to be super inclusive. I was with infants and toddlers, but know the preschool program was great too, there is a campus in San Jcinto and in Menifee, both have preschools on campus. Give them a call and see what the deal is these days, I know they have people from RCOE who work with them and consultants for the teachers on how to integrate children with special needs - I hope it works out for you!
Hi D.,
I don't know about preschools but at 4 your son can attend public school kindergarten. Public schools can not turn you away and as I've seen in my younger children's elementary school there are "special needs" children of all types. The children are very kind, helpful and loving towards anyone that may need a friend or help. It's a try.
Shine On!
P.
