Preschool

I was going to wait until after Christmas to start Erik in preschool, if put him in it at all, but I have decided since neither he nor I know anyone yet it might be a good idea to start him now so he can get to know some new friends.

This week we have toured 3 preschools.  I think I know which one we are going with but here are the basic pro's/con's of the programs.  Let me know what you think....

1) Creative Beginnings...

Free standing school (not associated with a church).
Has a daycare too but that is separate from the preschool.
3 year old program is T/H mornings.
Student/Teacher ratio: 1:10
They have 20 kids with 2 teachers in a moderate size classroom.
The classroom is quite nice -- painting station, playdough table, sand table, dress up, kitchen, and a loft (with a ladder for the kids to climb up) for reading.
One teacher has a degree in physical education; the other has lots of experience teaching preschool.
Two teachers have taught together for 5-6 years.
Erik would be in 3 yr program this year, 4 yr program next year, then would have to switch schools for a 5 year old preschool program (he isn't eligible for kindergarten until the year he turns 6).
$170/month

2) St. Andrews....

Free standing building on a church grounds but not really christian based.
Student/teacher ratio: 1:8
16 kids in very nice class room with 2 teachers.
No climbing tower for reading but similar stations -- very nice class.
I am not sure about the teachers backgrounds as the woman who gave me the tour was the teacher and I felt a little awkward asking her.  She has been there for 5 years and would have Erik for two years in a row.
Erik would be in the 3 year old program this year, repeat the 3 year old program next year, and then do the 4 year old program the year before kindergarten (he will be 5).
For some reason Erik seemed quite uncomfortable at this school.
No openings currently - would be 3rd on wait list.
$160/month

3) Honey MacCullum....

Held in a presbyterian church-- has a Christian foundation/focus.
Student/teacher ratio: 1:10
Up to 30 kids in a classroom with 3 teachers.
Classes are divided into individual groups of 10 for 50% of the day -- 50% of the day is one big group.
Only school with a big gym and music class.
Classroom is not as nice but similar set up.  Toys look older, not as well decorated.
One teacher has an early childhood degree the other two do not -- not sure what there degrees are in. One of the teachers is the pastor's wife.
This school has a 2,3,4,4+, and kindergarten class.  Erik would be in 2 day 3 year old class this year, 3 day 4 year old class next year, and then likely 5 morning a week 4 year old class (most of the older 4/5 year old kids are in this class) the last year.
The kindergarten program is intriguing although I would probably send Erik to public school for kindergarten but this program is limited to 15 students; if more than 10 students there will be a full time aide.  The teacher has her master's degree in early childhood education.
Lainey could go one morning a week next fall - she would love it.
$150/month