Schools - Houston,TX

In our area in Beaumont there is free pre-school for low income available to all. All school districts got a lot of money to add preschools. I bet there is something available at your public school district.Call the administration building and ask.
Also it is not necessary for your child to be "in a school setting" and do not put that guilt on yourself that he will suffer. I stayed home with my kids until they went to kindergarten and did fun neat learning and crafts and they were much happier at home than being in a school or day care with a bunch of other kids.
You are their first and best teacher.

My daughter didn't go to preschool and she does wonderful in school. I would suggest taking him to the library, our library has programs for young children during the day. Also, our local community center has toddler time for $3 a week where young kids can come in and play together. You can find a lot free or cheap places to get your son involved with other kids. Then make sure you are doing learning at home. I do kindergarten workbooks with my 4 year old and Learn to Read hooked on phonics. He started reading when he was almost 4. There is a ton that you can do to get him ready for school for free. Good luck!

Kids do not need preschool. Our parents didn't have preschool and look what their generation has been able to accomplish! Whatever your son would learn in preschool, you can do better at home since you can work/play with him one-on-one. Ever seen the test results of home-schooled kids? Anyway, look at this as a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your son. At this age, he needs you not put in a group that is expected to follow a schedule, etc.

The library is a great place to go regularly. Let him pick books he likes. Let him see how much fun reading is. Let him sit on your lap while you read to him. He wouldn't get to do that at preschool everyday! Some libraries have set story times so you can see if there are other kids he is drawn to.

Go to the parks, not just the ones in your immediate neighborhood. Even if it is raining outside, put on a raincoat, get an umbrella and stomp in the puddles! The more time you spend at parks and libraries, the greater chance you will have of meeting other moms who stay home with their kids. You can also ask around for playgroups in your area.

Do you take your son to Sunday School? That is also a nice place for kids to learn how to play with other kids.

Go for walks and explore nature. Take a magnifying glass. Even walking down your street, there are bugs to see. The more you get your son out and about, the greater chance you will see what interests him. Music, trucks, sports, animals, machines, etc. At preschool, he might not get to spend as much time on the things he likes.

Fire stations love to have kids stop by. Just call first to make sure yours is kid-welcoming.

Teach your son to be thankful for what he has. It will help him to learn how to deal with the frustrations that come along in life. I think it's wonderful that you are out of work. I hope you do too. Your son will now benefit greatly from your "mistakes"!

Talk to the school. Most have a scholarship program or reduced tuition. You do not have to tell your life story, but you will have to divulge some personal information.

Good Luck

Did you check with your local elementary school or school board? Every where I've lived (we're military and move a lot) has had a free preschool program for kids who qualify. Usually what makes kids qualify is low income, single parent, young parent(s), or special needs.

Most of the schools in Houston have a Pre-K program for low income. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be starting until August, though. I'd go check into it, though.

The other thing to look into is NCI. There are many centers that accept it, and it'd pay for his childcare.

Good luck.

Look into the public school preschool. It is based on need and availability. Hope that helps.

I found a church that has free/very cheap nursery/care while I hang out with the ladies. It's in the San Antonio area, so no help there. But see if there's a casual church ladies brunch or something in your area. Your son could get that 'with other kids' setting you want him to get, plus you get time with the ladies to chat and/or learn. (I am not even a member of this church I go to twice a month. Free childcare anyways. It's during the day. Very laid-back.) I hope you find something! But please don't feel like he's suffering. You sound like a very caring mother, and that's what kiddos need most - lots of love and support.

oh and if you are worried about him not knowing his ABCs or what-not, get the Meet the Letters, Meet the Sight Words videos www.preschoolprepco.com My 2.5 yr old knows a lot of his sight words plus all of his letters, mostly because of these videos. Our local library rents them to us for free.