Preschool Question - Carrollton,TX

Hello Emalee,
I hope you have received some responses. My opinion is based on my experience and education. I have a B.S. in Elementary Education and I have been a stay at home mom for the past three years. Each child is different and some will adapt to preschool easily and some will struggle. I believe any preschool you take your kids to they will understand your concerns. They have kids who cry and those who dont. Do you have the option to stay at home with them? Studies show that staying home with your kids until they go to school is the best "overall" for them. Our society seems to push learning at such early ages, but they dont consider the loss in emotional and personal circumstances that affect children. Maybe you could do a mothers day out with them twice a week (if possible). I understand if they have to be somewhere while your at work and in that case you should research any facility you are interested in. I can tell you what to look for and the concerns you should/should not have if you are going to put them in school. Hope this helps...please feel free to email me if you have any questions for me.

Hi, Emalee!

You're right, they DO grow fast, don't they?!

I don't have any referrals for you, but I can give you a little information -- I believe most pre-schools WILL charge a fee, but you might be able to find one through a church that would charge less, or you could always apply for financial aid. The school my kids go to starts as young as 2 1/2 (!), although most of the kids there start at 3 or 4. Yes, the school will be prepared to handle kids who have never been away from home before -- my youngest started this year, and had never been at daycare, just stayed with a sitter a couple of times. She had a rough first day, but the teachers were very loving and gentle with her, and now she loves going to school! Wherever you decide to send your kids, just make sure to talk about your concerns with the staff -- they WANT to help you! Good luck!

L.

Emalee, from my experience, there is a program called "Head Start"- which is a preschool program that every county has. Im sure there is one in Carrollton, you may have to research on the internet to find the locations. Anyway, this program is free, but you have to qualify, in other words make under a certain amount of income. My experience as a single mom with this program, here in Irving, was great. Of course it all depends on the teacher. Other than that- I believe most pre-schools do cost. Im sure you'll be able to find a program that is right for you and your situation by searching on the internet for local preachools and make some calls. The main thing is to go ahead and start checking some places out- see what type of person is going to be caring for your child and if they will be actually CARING, or just doing a job. Preschool teachers should know that this is a brand new experience for the children and you and be very caring about that. That's also why you should take your child to meet the teacher also. It would probably be a good idea to read to your child and help them start learning their ABC's -but that will be worked on in preschool too.. with everyone working together it will work out. Usually 4yrs is preschool age - I wouldn't rush anything. I understand about being new at this type of thing cause i've had to learn too.. Im also a single mother.. Anyway, I hope this helps you out!.. Good luck!..

I have my 2 YO son in a MOm's Day Out program. Lots of churches offer these program. They do cost but most are very reasonable (5-7) per hour per child. My son loves it. I love the break (even though I have a 3 month old too) and he learns so much. He'll walk through the house singing songs he picked up from MDO. Plus, it's helped him learn that I always come back adn that being away from me is not a scary thing.
C.