This is the third time I have posted this request and I hope the third time's a charm, because I have not gotten any feedback, yet ... please help!
We still feel new to Portland, yet we've been here a year. But with two little ones and then a new baby in September, life is pretty much a blur. So, we just don't know anyone who has children in preschool to find even a starting place to look. I've done some research on the internet, and found an abundance of philosophies and so many schools and teacher/student ratios and rats in a cage and letting your children learn by themselves ... my head is spinning.
Really. I just want my little Gabrielle to have the same experience I did in preschool. Art, music, games, snack, then home. I have been teaching her myself, she knows so much and is eager to learn and she really needs to go have fun in an atmosphere catering to kids and all their crazy energy. Even though I try really hard to make the day fun for her, with a five month old and a two year old still taking naps throughout the day, I find myself telling her she needs to be quiet for her sisters so much and I feel guilty about that. She needs to be free to be loud and run and just be a three years old!
So ... please! Any advice on schools or community center programs in the area, that you have enjoyed, or you know that someone has really liked ... please let me know. I feel like I'm going in this blindly, and I don't want to get her all signed up somewhere that seems good and then realize they use the "no teacher" method of schooling! ;)
Don't you hate it when you keep looking and there aren't any responses?! I've only had 2 myself. My family is really new to the area having only moved here in January this year. We live in Vancouver. Our answer was finding a church we like. We found one here that has a Christian school pre-8 thru 8 and preschool is something I'd like our 3 year old twins to experience also. They are only able to play with each other except at church and need to play with others. The Westfield Shopping Center here has a community library with storytime on Thursdays for children and a big play area that my kids like to go to. Perhaps you could check with your local library for some activities while you look for a school you like. You can also look on line for schools in your area and see what the opinions of other parents are. If your daughter is 5, isn't she almost ready for kindergarten? I homeschooled my 22 and 19 year old daughters until they were 8 cuz legally you don't have to put them in school until then in washington. We just got involved in church, dance, sports and the homeschool support network organized field trips and get togethers. I hope you find something. It's sooooo hard to be new and find a circle of people to lean on and enjoy time with. I find myself hungry for an adult female friend with young children to get together with and talk and let the kids all play. Summer will probably open more doors for that to happen. Email me anytime if you'd like at ____@____.com. K.
Report This
L.W.
answers from
Portland
on
Hi my name is L. and I have a 17month old daughter Gabriella. I don't know what area you live in but our daughter goes to the YMCA. She has been going there since she was 3 months and I have loved it. There are locations all around the area and they offer care from 6wks to 12yrs. They have preschool classes and you can choose how many days a week you would like your child to go. Also I listed a Montessori I use to work at years ago when it was at a diffrent location. I loved the teaching techn and if I didn't love where my daughter goes now I would have her got to this preschool. I hope it helps you!
Montessori-Happy Valley ###-###-####
14543 SE Marci Way
Clackamas, OR 97015-8451
Report This
H.M.
answers from
Portland
on
Hey I posted the same time as you and am having a hard time finding preschool, too. What area of Portland do you live in? The only school I've had recommended to me was Sweet Peas in Gladstone (just off 205). I am going to check them out this week, and I know they still have a couple of openings. Keep me posted if you come up with anything, and I'll do the same! My daughter is 3 now but will turn 4 this summer, and I have a 2 year old as well.
-H.
Report This
L.F.
answers from
Portland
on
I'm in the burbs...my 4-year-old attends preschool through the Tyson Rec Center out here in Hillsboro. Have you checked out the school issue of Metro Parent? You can probably find it online.
