Seeking Preschool Information in San Pedro/RPV Area

Hi, A. ~ My son, niece, and nephew all went to the preschool up at Bogdanovich Park. They all loved it. The location is great; it's held in a little classroom off the gymnasium. The children get lots of exercise in the gym and at the park. They also learn all the basics they need. The classes are small (it used to be 9:1 student to faculty ratio, if I recall) and it's run through L.A. City Parks & Recreation so it's super reasonably priced. I would definitely check it out. You normally have to camp out very early in the morning on sign-up day, as it's a very popular program. It used to be 4 half-days a week, not sure if it still has the same schedule or not, it's been a few years. Good luck!

I think it's a personal choice. I don't think preschool will hurt her either way, going or not going. My daughter went, but that was in part because I work outside the home. I think any extra socialization is always a bonus though and a few days a week might be good for her and for you. It would give you a few hours a week of one on one time with your baby.
Good luck!

Hi! Welcome to the area!
My 3 year old loves school and she is less whiny when she attends a few days a week. I have taken all my kids to St. Peter's by The Sea preschool in Rancho PV on PV drive near Terranea. Just a short drive from 25th and Western. There are MANY military and San Pedro families there. It is such a rewarding place and we are not Presbyterian so they take all people! Call and take a meeting! They will even put your daughter in the class while you are there talking about the school. It is really such a warm and nurturing place! Good Luck!

Hey A., I have an 11 1/2 month old and he's been attending school since he was 3 1/2 months old since I had to go back to work. Honestly, it's been the best thing for him. He's super social, has never had stranger anxiety, is not clingy to just me or dad, and has so much fun at school. He's currently enrolled at Discovery World at the PV mall. It's a bit pricey, but amazing--it truly is a school, not just "day care." They engage the kids, he's been doing artwork since the first month he got there (I literally have artwork he made when he was 4 months old), they have a "curriculum" even for the infants that focuses on developing their motor skills (i.e., showing them how to roll over), sensory skills (allowing them to play with cooked pasta versus uncooked pasta so they can feel the difference and learn different textures), communication skills (teaching them baby sign language), etc. I'm not one of those parents that's hard core about my child being a genius, but my husband and I just wanted to make sure our son wasn't just at a place where he would be changed and fed, as anyone can do that. We wanted a nurturing environment where he would be actively engaged and stimulated, as he's always been quite curious. I truly think that his being in school has a lot to do with his happy nature now--we're always getting compliments from strangers who are amazed to see how easygoing and friendly he is. He also learned how to feed himself early on at 6 months old, and we think this might be because he was watching the older kids in his class eat and became curious about doing it.

Preschool is definitely a personal decision, and as long as your daughter is nurtured, engaged, and stimulated (whether at home or at school) she'll be fine. I just figured I'd share our experience with you. Let me know if you need more info on Discovery World, I'd be happy to provide it to you (we researched several schools and this is the only one that we felt comfortable leaving him at at such a young age). In fact, our daughter is due Nov. 25th and we plan on enrolling her there too!

If you're still looking Brighter Days, Montessori School of RPV as well as Peninsula Montessori all have excellent programs. Each one has a different feel, so you'd want to visit them all to see which one works best for you and your daughter.
As far as the 'average age of preschoolers' I'd have to say that it would be 3yrs. I've been a Montessori teacher for the last 10yrs, so have a pretty good gauge. :)

Dear A.,
I chose to not send my daughter to school. Instead, we did all the basics at home and had play groups, park days and regular field trips. I think that they never get another chance to be that age. When she entered kindergarten, she scored well, and is now getting good grades in second grade -top reader in her class. So, whether you choose to put her in school or not doesn't matter - as long as you realize that you are her teacher and choose to teach her.