Thanks for your input. We still haven't made a decision but it is definitely between 1 (Creative Beginnings) and 3 (Honey MacCallum). More in depth list of pros/cons/concerns....
Creative Beginnings....
1- Erik LOVED this classroom set up. He points out the school every time we drive by. Highlights of the classroom for Erik -- loft with a ladder to get into it for reading, digger sand table, fish tank.
2-Nice size classroom- 1:10 ratio but limited to 20 kids and 2 teachers.
3- No specific curriculum for 3 year old classroom. There are stations set up each day -- artwork (they were painting while we were there), sand table, math center, reading center, kitchen and dress up. I think they have circle time at least once a day with some sort of calendar/weather/lesson. Most of the day is kid-guided though. This seems odd to me but the classroom environment seemed quite warm/controlled when we were there.
4-No christian influence at all.
5- Good about getting kids outside all year round- unless raining.
6- No 5 year old option except full-blown kindergarten. If we send him here we would probably have him repeat the 3 year old class next year (which puts him with his eventual classmates).
Honey MacCallum-
1- Erik seemed quite comfortable at this school as well but not quite as excited.
2-1:10 teacher:student ratio but 30 kids in the class at a time -- this is a big concern to me
3-No specific curriculum for 3 year old program but the day seems more structured - specific lesson each day. Ranges from counting, letters, music, science. They are divided up into groups of 10 during this portion of the day. I like the more structured lessons.
4- Some type of biblical story/song each day -- this doesn't trump everything else but it is something we like.
5- Option for his 3rd year rather than just repeating a year.
6-Option for Lainey to go for 2.5 hours a week next year if I want her too.
7- Gym for rainy/cold days.
OVERALL:
I am inclined to go with Honey MacCallum but I am bothered by the 30 kids/3 teachers in one classroom. I am also concerned that Erik seems quite a bit more excited about the other school. Not sure if those two things trump all of the benefits. What do you think??
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So, as an outsider, a couple of things are obvious - you should try to talk specifically to some of the parents about what they think about the classroom size. I think 30/class is too big, too, but maybe they do a really good job of organizing/grouping the kids. Also, does option #1 have a more directed curriculum for the 4 year olds? That would be a big downer for me - at Jonas's preschool they have a different theme each week and their letter of the week and all the projects incorporate it. For example, dinosaurs, the 3 bears story, community (including a field trip to the local grocery store), etc. I think he would be bored silly if he just did "self-directed play" all afternoon! Good luck with your decision! I bet you'll be able to "sell" Erik on whatever you and Victor think is best!
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