Preschool Resources

Hi A.,

I'm in the same situation. Did you get any good advice or referrals that you could pass on to me?

Thanks,
T.

"Chicago Parent" magazine published a Special Advertising Supplement in Jan 2006 called "Making the Grade." It's a "resource guide to Chicagoland schools: preschools, elementary, high schools, boarding, enrichment, special needs, adult education, academic tutoring services and more." Perhaps you can a back issue from chicagoparent.com or try your local library.

A.,
I know it's not fancy, but check your local yellow pages and find the schools that catch your eye,that are in your neighborhood. Start by asking them questions about teacher/child ratio, teacher methodologies, curriculum, assessment and theories on play verses instruction. You should also ask how long the teachers have been on staff. Then they will give you information about their school which you can use to compare and contrast. This will help guide you through the preschool maze. In the end, you want your child to be in a school that will nurture him and include you in his learning process. Make sure they value his happiness, encourage healthy independence and create an environment where he loves to go. Learning to love school is the most important thing at this age.
Sincerely,
A former preschool teacher
Currently a 5th grade teacher

Hi A.,

The parents group I belong to publishes a Preschool Resource you might find helpful. The booklet is $5 and helped me with my preschool searches in the past. The website is www.pacesmoms.com

Look up under Special Events for an email link or a bookstore near you to purchase the booklet directly.

Here is the text from the website, I couldn't copy the links.

"Preschool Forum & Guidebooks

PACES is pleased to present our sixth annual Guide to Local Preschools. This book will help parents determine which preschool best meets the needs and educational learning style of their child.

We do not endorse any one preschool, program, or philosophy. Rather, we present objective information so parents can make the best decision concerning their child. Each school is profiled on one page. Information about the school�s educational philosophy, teacher/child ratio, a description of their facilities, a chart of their program hours and costs, and much more is included in each listing. Each preschool provided information about its program.

The PACES staff compiled and published the Guide. The Guide to Local Preschools is just one of many resources available to you, we also hold a Preschool Forum in the fall. Representatives from several local preschools will talk about the philosophies of their schools and describe a typical school day for your child. Ask all the questions you may have and decide if your child is ready for preschool. Now is the time to pick the perfect preschool for your child. Preschool guidebook will be available at all regional meetings, local store and contacting the local preschool guidebook coordinator.

Region 1 (Downers Grove/Darien/Woodridge Area)
Tuesday, October 25th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd Church, 525 West 63rd Street, Downers Grove
Request more information via e-mail.
Region-specific Preschool Guidebooks may be purchased for $5.00 each at Anderson Books on Main Street, Frugal Muse on 75th Street in Downers Grove or at any Parent Education meeting.

Region 2 (LaGrange/Hinsdale Area)
There will not be a preschool forum this year. Instead we invite you to attend our October 11th Preschool Years lecture at which a teacher will speak about the benefits of preschool, teaching methods, and how to pick a preschool.
Request more information via e-mail.
Region-specific Preschool Guidebooks may be purchased for $5.00 each at any Parent Education meeting.

Region 3 (Naperville/Aurora/Plainfield Area)
Tuesday, November 1st, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Grace United Methodist Church, 300 East Garner (lower level Fellowship Hall), Naperville
Request more information via e-mail.
Region-specific Preschool Guidebooks may be purchased for $5.00 each at Borders, Anderson Books, and My Little Gym in Naperville or at any Parent Education meeting.

Region 6 (Wheaton/Glen Ellyn/Lombard Area)
Tuesday, October 18th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Wheaton
Request more information via e-mail.
Region-specific Preschool Guidebooks may be purchased for $5.00 each at Morningstar
Books and Gifts, Lombard; Teacher's Toolbox, Carol Stream; The Bookstore, Glen Ellyn; Cornerstone Books, Villa Park; and Rare Finds, Wheaton or at any Parent Education meeting."

Hope this helps,

S.
in Wheaton

the northside parents network published a chicago schools booklet. it mainly contains school info. on chicago city schools. i'm not sure where you would find info. for brookfield - maybe check with the city hall, local school district, local churches, yellow pages, local ymca etc.

NPN can be found at northsideparents.org

good luck,
A.

A.,
P.A.C.E.S. has a preschool booklet for the whole area. They generally have an info meeting as well. You can find them on the web.
We sent my son to Ready Teddy in LaGrange Park and we are sending my daughter to Grand Ave. in Western Springs. I have heard great things about a preschool in Riverside but not much about Brookfield. But I can ask the LaGrange Area Mama site. If you want.
Take Care,
K.

I recommend checking on your village web-site to see what is available as well as checking with the local churches. I live in Riverside and we have 2 � one run out of the Presbyterian Church and the other out of St. Paul�s Parish. Costs seem to be about $150 a month for a 3-day a week program and $100 for a 2-day program. I just started looking into preschool about a month ago and was surprised to learn that I am already way too late for the fall as everything is full (we are on the waiting list). My daughter will be 3 in July so this probably isn�t a critical year for her but I thought she�d have fun.

Hopefully there will be more options for you in Brookfield. Good luck!

I have heard good things about the Oak Tree Pre-School in Brookfield it is supposed to be at the 8 corners area. I am looking into sending my twins there this summer because I work at the zoo and that would make it easy for me.

you might check out www.naeyc.org - this is the national assoc. of early childhood - they have a search engine by location for accredited preschools.

We just did this and its really hard. There is really nothing on paper or on the internet that will help you make up your mind. The best thing to do it find all the preschools that you are considering (phone book, perhaps) and go visit them. I found a few preschools that sounded good on paper, but I wouldn't send my dog to them once I looked at them.

What I found (and was told by friends) is to go with your gut. When you walk in and it "just doesn't feel right" go with that and head for the door. When you find the right one, you'll know.

My son is 2 and started pre-school last month. He absolutely loves it and I am 100% satisfied with what we found.

Good luck with your search. I hope that others respond with actual ideas of schools near you.
B.