Seeking Good Preschool` - Long Beach,CA

if money were no object i would definitely send my kids to the JCC (jewish community center on willow) regardless of religious preference (i'm not jewish) because it is an excellent school and even the religious part of the education is so passive and not in anyway 'convert seeking'. i've known other kids who've gone there and they much better for it.

As a preschool director/teacher I would encourage you to do a few things. Do your research on what type of preschool you are looking for. Play-Based/Developmental, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Co-Op, Faith Based? Then, make appointments to observe several schools. Take your child. See where she (and you) feel most comfortable. Talk to parents at the schools. Find out WHAT they like about the school. Cheap tuition? Nurturing staff? Curriculum/learning opportunities? Talk to the director. Ask questions. Look closely around the room. Watch the teachers/students interacting. Also, visit NAEYC.ORG (National Association for the Education of Young Children) they have resources for parents making this important decision. If you would like more info, feel free to contact me.

I live in Long Beach and my daughter goes to Christ Lutheran Preschool (on Stearns between Palo Verde and Studebaker). I love it!!! My son also went there as well. They have half and full day options; a wonderful, loving staff; a christian environment; and focus on the whole child. Plus, you can customize your schedule...no requirements for a MWF or TTH schedule. They do typically have a waiting list for the 3 and 4 year olds. Most preschools do registration in March/April for the following school year. However, I would recommend starting your research before the end of the year and put your DD on the interest/waiting lists for preschools you're interested in sooner rather than later. I've also heard good things about the Teddy Bear school on Palo Verde (near the intersection of Willow), but that is not the official name of it, so you might have to do a drive-by to get the phone number. I have several friends that have sent their children there and have been very happy. Good luck in your search!!!

Depending on what you are looking for in a preschool, there are many options! When will she be 3???
My daughter will be 3 in Nov. We are sending her to the Southern California Home School Academy of the Creative Arts. It is in Los Alamitos. I did not want something academic for her at this point, but some where she could have fun, play, and learn to work with others as well as broaden her interests.
If you want a traditional preschool, Lakewood Village Community Preschool is great....as well as many others. I also here that Long Beach City College has a great one too.
Good Luck!

Hi E.,
What area do you live in? I happen to be the supervisor of a WONDERFUL preschool; one at which both my 2 year old and 4 year old currently attend. It's in Redondo Beach and we live in RPV (Eastview). If you are within 30 minutes, I highly recommend coming by. I'd be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions I can, or help in any way!
If this works for you, email me at ____@____.com
Hope this helps!
L.

I don't know specific preschools in your area, but I had a nanny then put my youngest in pre-school at age 2.5.

First consider the personality of your daughter. Some preschools are very academically task oriented, some require parents to volunteer on a regular basis, some promote social skills, some are religiously based, etc. I tried my oldest in a Montessori program at age 4. While my daughter was able to name the 50 states by a flash card of their OUTLINE within 3 weeks, it turned out not to be a good fit for her. She needed a small class in a structured environment. I had looked at some schools that were not culturally a good fit for my child either -- strong willed children cause problems in certain cultures where the other children are all submissive and obedient -- sitting at tables busy doing worksheet after worksheet. Honestly, the best choice for my kids turned out to literally be right around the corner -- it wasn't the newest looking school, but it had good people (strong moral character) that had been there for years and years -- and had age appropriate curriculum with a good mix of free play and arts & music. Don't feel that just because a preschool has the best "stuff" that it is the best choice for your child. Drive around and visit as many schools as you can before you decide which is the best fit for your child. Consider policies, curriculum, "extras", costs, and location. Good luck. You may want to consider your plans for kindergarten at the same time.

Try the JCC (Jewsih Community Center) on Willow and Grand, near he LB airport. You do NOt have to be Jewish to send your kid there. They are an excellent preschool. Email me if you want more info or check out the website for the J.
R.

http://www.alpertjcc.org/

My 3 children all have gone through a co-op preschool. It was a great way to be involved with my child's education/socialization. I also knew that when I wasn't at the school there were other moms that were there! Check out www.ccppns.org to find one by you. Also they are generally a lot less expensive!

Hi E., I have a 5 and 10 year old boy and for both of my kids I made them part of the experience of finding a preschool that we were both comfortable. I went to several schools and everyone was very nice and had my kids sit and participate. I don't have one specific preschool I can recommend but go to several around your area in Long Beach and see which one you and your daughter both like. When it was time for the first day we did not have any issues because they knew the teacher and the teacher knew them. Some preschools we went to Oakwood Acadamy in Bixby Knolls, Christian Schools and Catholic Schools also have good preschools. Good luck

My son goes to "Teddy Bear Nursery School" and loves it. The full name is Palo Verde Ave. Christian Church Nursery School. They are located on Palo Verde and Willow. The staff and teachers are wonderful and they do lots of wonderful art and crafts. My son has learned so much in the last year and we couldn't be happier. They offer Tues. / Thurs. and Mon. /Wed. /Fri. from 9:00 am to 12:00pm. with the option to stay until 1:00pm and bring your lunch and play outside. Hope this helps. :)

Hi E.,
Im not sure if you are looking for a preschool for more than 3hrs a day or not, but my son who turned 3 in Dec. goes to a preschool in L.B. at Buffum elementary school the program is free, and the hours are 8:00-11:00. We are very happy with the teachers and He loves it. Since He is a late b-day he will be going there for awhile. There are a few other Elementary schools in LB that have the same program. Hope this info is helpful.

What city do you live in???

Hello E.,
I would have to agree with many of the other moms in that your daughter's personality and emotional readiness should be an indicator as far as what kind of environment she(and you) would feel most comfortable in. It is true that the time to begin checking programs out is sooner rather than later as places often do have waiting lists.
I'm a preschool teacher and have always shared with parents this simple fact:
Be sure that wherever you place your daughter you are 110% comfortable with it,that you support and believe in the philosopy of the program... Because if you don't your child will take their cues from you, detect your uncertainty and will not feel safe there.
Feel free to contact me directly thru my webpage if you've any other questions. I've been in the childcare field for almost 18yrs,(plus a mommy of 2)and welcome the chance to help other mommies out with child-related topics! :)

www.petitemontessori.vpweb.com