Preschool Program for 2 1/2 Year Old

I have had the same issue with my daughter, but we live in Southern MD, so I'm sorry I don't have recommendations for the Springfield area. My daughter will be three at the end of September, so I have enrolled her in pre-school and even though the other kids will start right after Labor Day, my daughter will have to wait until Oct. 1 to start. In the meantime, I try to make sure she participates in as many social activities with kids her own age as possible, especially since she is an only child. She goes to story time at the library on Tuesday mornings, dance class on Wednesday mornings, swim class on Saturday mornings, and to the park or play area at the mall several times a week. She also has learning time at home every day where she reads, does puzzles, reviews her flash cards, etc. Without putting her in daycare, which we haven't wanted for her, I've found that this is the most we can do. We are also lucky that she has a very social personality, so I don't really worry about her socialization skills. I have heard of some churches in the area that have a learning curriculum for kids this age, but there aren't any close to me. Also, I've heard great things about the Goddard school, if there's one in your area. They have a part time program that seems to be more than just daycare for this age group.

Try searching for programs called "Mom's Day Out" or "Mother's Day Out". This is what I did with my daughter when she was 19 months, and it was a wonderful experience. This coming fall she'll be doing it agin in the 2.5 - 3 year old class. We're in Falls Church, but they probably have similar programs in Springfield. Good luck!

I assume you have already figured out what to do with your daughter, but I was searching for other info about Springfield preschools and found your question. I also wanted to mention the Parenting Playgroups "play" school for young kids over near the DMV off Franconia. It's a great little school.

Hi J.,

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church has a program for 2.5 year olds if the child turns 2 by March 31. Website is below.

http://extra1948.net/SchoolSubsite/index.htm

Good luck!
Jen

My kids preschool does a 3 or 5 day program for all kids, it's Northern Virginia Academy. We go to the one in Burke but live in West Springfield.

http://www.novaearlylearning.com/

Jen

If you are open to the idea of a cooperative preschool, you may want to check out Spring-Mar Cooperative Preschool in Burke. Spring-Mar has been in operation since 1963. They have a wonderful staff and nice features such as an Art Room, Music class, Movement class, etc. My daughter started in the 2's class last year and just completed a year in the Young 3's class. I know they currently have openings for 2-year-olds. The school's website is www.spring-mar.org. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Good luck!