Preschool

I think the best recommendations come from other moms. That's how I found all the preschools I looked at before choosing one. I see that you live in Beltsville...I'm from Olney, and when I was looking for a preschool in 2006, all the good ones seemed to fill up really quickly. I don't know if you'll run into the same problem, but I'd get out there and start looking soon! My son went to Millcreek Preschool in Derwood and we both totally loved it!! His teacher was fantastic and everyone there was really great. The other ones I looked at that I heard were equally fantastic were Creative Learning Center in Olney and The Ark at Oakdale Emory church in Olney. That might be too far for you to travel?? A great resource is your local MOMs club. You can check out their website and see if you have a group near you. I really loved being a part of my group and I was sad I had to leave it when I moved.
http://www.momsclub.org/links.html
Whatever you choose, I would do in class visits or at least take a tour of each school before you decide on one...seeing the teachers in action will give you a good feel of things. And trust your instinct!! If a school doesn't feel right, move on to the next.
Good luck!!

I would suggest looking for a preschool that makes both you AND your daughter feel comfortable. Most of the ones around here, including the one I work in, allow the children to come and visit for a few hours to see how they like it. They should have a set routine for learning, teacher guided activities, self guided activities, meal times, outside time, and nap time. Visit the center at different times during the day. Maybe go in with your daughter one morning and if they will allow, let her sit in on some of the activities with you there to supervise and see how she interacts with the adults in the room. Then, go back by your self a couple of times at other times (unannounced) so that you can see if things are what they seem. Just go with your gut. You will know when you have found the right place for your daughter.

Good Luck! I hope this helps!

NAEYC accreditation, hours that suit you, a stimulating environment and a good feel for the place.

My daughter goes to Midland Christian Academy, in Midland VA right off of Rt.28. It was the best decision I have mdae as a parent. She has learned more then I ever thought she would since she started there in Aug 2007. The school year runs from the last week of Aug until June. You can choose for your daughter to go 3 or 5 days a week. Hours are from 9-12 but they do have before and after school. Excellent school. I am sure you and your daughter would love it there. Let me know if you want more information.

Hello V., My name is Kamiko. My son started Preschool last year and I went and walked around several schools adnd went to meetings met with each teacher at each school then went home and prepared notes on each, so if you cannot do that, than i would just speak with the teacher at the closet school to you...my sons teacher has been teacher for forty years and he has a daycare in his basment at home..so it made me comfortable to let my son go to school with out freaking out now my son wakes me up in the mornings hours early ready to go to school lol.and i have twin girls going to same class this year...good luck