Loving Your Child's Preschool

I too have had some reservations about my daughter's pre school. It had been receommed by other parents on this site. Two times she came home in one week with injuries. Also she just does not talk about any new friends she has made. The staff has really taken extra steps to make me feel more comfortable about taking my daughter there. She still however is not making friends. Go with your gut feeling as a Mom. If you and your son are not happy than this may not be the school for you but spaces are filling up quick for the fall sessions at school in the area. Good Luck!

F.:

If you want, let us know the name of the school. You may get some specific responses from mothers who have had direct experience with it, which would be invaluable. Staff turnover is typically not a great sign but of course there are exceptions. What type of "incidents" occurred with other children?

How did you son react to the school? Did you stick around to observe? Did you drop in at odd times to check out the atmosphere? Was the environment one where the children are required to respect each other? Was it an active preschool or more of a custodial (day care) situation? Did your son seem comfortable, did he want to go there? What was the teacher/student ratio?

Frankly, I would pay attention to your feelings. I ignored mine once...I figured just like you that "well, I guess this is just how it is" or that I was merely overprotective or that I just had the paranoia of a newbie mom. I was wrong. While I do believe that a parent is never entirely comfortable when a child is out of their midst, there is an enormous difference between finding a suitable and desireable preschool/school environment and a place that just hopefully won't let him fall into harm's way. If your preschool doesn't fall into the first category, then the preschool (at the very least) is probably not doing him any good.

We just moved to the area so I went through the whole investigative process again (yikes). One thing I have found useful is to closely observe the other children in the room or rooms. There is nothing like seeing a school's philosophy in action.

I'm sorry for the long post. I guess I'm trying to say that research and visiting lots of schools and observing and even trying them out for a day or so (the summer sessions are great for this) can be one way for you to become more comfortable with your decision! You may find that the one you are in is great and be relieved OR you might find a new one that you really do feel GOOD about entrusting your son to.

It is always hard to leave your children with someone, It gets easier but it is always hard.
My first child went through a few preschools before I gave up and kept him home He was either always sick or I did not like what they were doing at the school, I am very picky. I never felt comfortable leaving them until I was sure they could share with me everything they did while they were there. My other children never went to preschool and by the way we have been homeschooling for ten years. This is the way it works for our family and life is great. There is always that motherly feeling that you will get deep down when you know for sure that your child should not be left somewhere. At one point when my first son was six I had to leave him and he cryed saying don't leave but that was him just tring to control the situation in my heart I knew it was ok to leave him and he would be fine the people I left him with said he stopped crying as soon as I left and he had a great time that day. I believe the best place for a child is at home but there are time they have to be away, as long as you are an involved parent the children will do great. Oh another thought when I put my son in preschool I thought he needed to go and would learn some stuff, Well I thought he was going to preschool and come to find out he was put in with the daycare children there is a diffence there are those children that have to go because the parents are working and then there are the ones like I was that just wanted my child to go for awhile and learn some different things, at a couple of the school they tell you the children are seperate but they are all put together and basicly play for the time they are there. So find out what you are actually paying for.
Have a great day and remember we all made it through our childhood I am sure we can't mess up to bad and our children will grow and be great people.

I never had a problem sending my children (11 & 5) to preschool. They were both very ready. The could both read at 4, knew their shapes & colors. I knew they needed more than being at home. Plus, I was excited for them to meet other children. I LOVED both of the schools they went to, that may have made a difference also.

Yes- you should love your pre-school. Go with you instance, I taught pre-school for 4 years. Pre-school should be a place where your child goes to learn how to learn in a school setting and how to play with other children. However been also a mother of 4 it should be a place where you feel your child is loved and treated special. I have not taught in awhile but I did send my son to AAUW preschool and I truely feel he was care for and well protected there. Any school were you connect with the teacher can be the right school for you. Hope this help-let me know if I can do anything eles.
D.

If you are not happy with them, your child cannot tell you that they are not either. Go with your gut. Your children only have you to protect them. I do not care what a childcare or preschool tells me, I have to feel and see that happiness. I made alot of mistakes and if I could do it again, I would do it differently. I would ask alot of questions, I would visit other parents, I would pop in, but more importantly if in doubt throw it out. There are great places out there. Have you ever heard of Goddard. I met the owners and believe me, you can see the love and happiness they share, just doing this. That is the type of place I wish I would have had. People that truly, truly care. Not just another dollar, but a life. Good Luck. Sorry if I sound harsh, just reflecting.