Preschool....Age And Suggestions?

Take a look in January - Parenthesis usually holds a pre-school open house that showcases pre-schools in the area. You can enroll in some when kids are 2, so your son could go next year if you wanted. I've heard of lots of good pre-schools, and there are waiting lists if you don't get signed up right away. (Again, usually Jan/Feb, depending on the school.)

All 3 of our kids went to the Academy of Arts & Movement. Montessori, combined with creative movement. The teachers there are great, and very caring. All of my kids, despite their differing personalities, loved it. (All of my kids started there when they were 2.) We've been there since 2001, and this will be our last year this year.

Our daughter is also a september baby, and we struggled with this as well. We didn't want to over school her before school! We waited until she was turning 3, but she was SO eager for school that we would have been fine either way.
We have sent two, and starting our 3rd child at Andersen center preschool through the oak park park district. They are about 75% play based with stations the kids can go to at their desire. A play apparatus, dress up, kitchen area, puzzle table, art station, reading station, play doh or other maniuplatives. There is a curriculum in that they cover letters, numbers, colors and such too. They do have 2 yo to 3 1/2 yo classes, called playschool if you want to send him for 1 1/2 hours a few days a week. It really is play, and socializing, the kids don't need to be potty trained for this one like Preschool. I think playschool is lottery through the park district, so you still have a chance for this fall.

Hi A.. I highly recommend the River Forest Community Center (www.rfcc.info) as a wonderful place with very caring teachers. It is affordable, and although I am not familiar with the term I think it would qualify as "play based." It has some Montessori elements but is not Montessori by name. It has been perfect for our little girl, who started when she had just turned 3. (I believe the only qualifying factor is they must be potty trained) The 3-year-olds' teacher is superb and has been there almost 20 years. The director and assistant director are great, too. feel free to write with any questions! I also hear good things about Pilgrim (as recommended below) and heard they have or had fall openings.

Steph

Pilgrim Community Nursery School takes children who turn 3 before October 15th when they start school in September. There is a January enrollment evening to enroll for the following September. Your son could start next year when he is almost three.
I hope this helps. Pilgrim is a play based, NAEYC accredited, DCFS licensed center with a experienced staff.

My daughter goes to Pilgrim Community Nursery School. She loves it, and my son will go there too. The teachers are great - very thoughtful, proactive, warm, experienced. They often have more openings in their afternoon session if you're worried about wait lists. Since your son will be almost 4, he may not need a nap by then. I considered a bunch of different schools, and I only heard positive things about Pilgrim.