Hello,
I'm D. and you know when I was looking for a preschool I was open to any preschool that fit my child's learning. Fortunately I was in school to become a teacher and I was learning about different schools and their philosophies.
So, try reading up on three basic ones...type in google different types of learning preschools and see what comes up. I wouldn't count out the Christian ones....Yes I am Christian but I looked at the Jewish community school near me and it was excellent...I choice First Presbyterian of Maitland because of it's "Type of learning offered."
I'm sure there are probably lots of articles on how to pick a preschool. Her goes on the types I know (I'm a certified Elem. Ed. teacher and Mathematics Cert as well).
1. Montisorri---very good/child's on pace, child centered and motivated (very brief discription) the tools were actually made by MS. Montisorri.
2. Connecticut style: Group/individual centered....learn together, make things "Kinetic.", relate, plan, motor skills based.
3. Creative----more free structuted (think 1960's California). Very heavy on art classes....may or may not be a stickler on whether the child does what everyone else does....
I'm going to do some guessing here...you are a pharmacist...I'm linear/math related but excelled in Art and Chorus as well....I wanted a caring environment, group share oriented yet still look and help my child...I didn't want surprises in the fees (all fees included materials and field trips)---some schools send home letter after letter notifying you of upcoming needs/money's..,I wanted my child to learn respect for others, sharing, caring, learning, and really love to learn!
I choose #2, my son and daughter sang, played, learned to ride a bike, planted seeds (dug them up and potted them for mother's day). The cupcakes for the celebration they made, the wrap was simple/paper bag with imprints of their thumbs, and they were so proud...lots of self esteeme. Also low ratio to class. Basically like Girl Scouts or boy scouts. Now as for religion..see what or if they teach religion...? Many do NOT! If they say a grace but it's just to God or sun and the rain and the apple seed the lord is good to me.....would that be generic enough....I too did not want a change from my beliefs...Christianity is very facited. Well the big thing is most churchs are not in it for the money and the instuctors do it because they LOVE IT....and the building is usually paid for. The parents are usually from the neighborhood not necessarily from the church! See what you think...othe wise, hit the open houses. They are coming up so start calling and drag your Engineer husband/if he isn't one I'd be surprised...My husband is in aerospace and we have noticed a trend...aerospace + nurse or teacher...almost every time.
Why...we are linear and caring and the Engineers are so tired they need the caring for them and their children!
Hope this helps....Star Child has some good ones if you don't want to do any churches. Check out the Star Child in Oviedo if it is near your work....I know you said Conway but don't rule out other areas if it is near your job. Maitland Montessori is owned by my neighbor from England and we used 1st presbyterian of Maitland for our preschool for 2:3 of our children. Our first went to a Catholic preschool in Goldenrod. It was excellent but we moved...(Don't forget, many do not have any bible teachings at all and serve the community).....D. G.
