Preschool Application Process
Last year around this time, my wife and I were introduced to the world of preschool as we decided to enroll our 2-year old in St. John's Nursery. The Early Childhood Council of Westwood publishes a resource directory (download from town website) listing key information about all the preschool programs in the area but I think most people gather their information and make a decision based on word of mouth.
The application process typically involves enterring a lottery with some preferences (e.g. if you already have an older child in the school, etc.) but it is generally a fair, non-competitive process. Still, it seems like something that could be improved by coordination--i.e. having a single application procedure and coordinated deadlines so that parents don't have to worry about whether they should put down a deposit on school A if they are still waiting to hear from the lottery to be held a week later at school B.
Preschool in Westwood is NOT like the horror stories you hear from intense parents in places like New York City. And you don't necessarily need a web-based tool to figure it out. But in thinking about this, I realize I have a lot of questions...that I don't have time to research. We only know our situation:
I believe preschool should more properly be called "playschool," as it is in the cartoon, Caillou. I hope my children will learn to interact with other kids and make friends. I don't want them to learn any "school stuff," I just want them to be happy and emotionally and socially ready for kindergarten. I also believe a big part of the value of preschool is to give my wife a short break from her 12-14 hour/day, 7 day/week job taking care of the kids.
My questions are enough to write a book about...but just to throw out a few...
What is the breakdown of stay at home parenting compared to two income families with kids in day care? It seems like a lot of moms are staying home here, but I know that is not typical. Do people combine preschool with daycare? Do they have nannies? How much difference is there between daycare and preschool? I'm just curious how people make ends meet. We opted for a single income, "traditional" family lifestyle...and while I have a good job, we are far from rich or affluent.
Is my philosophy more laid back than most or is it pretty typical? I see these cartoons now that preface each episode with a blurb about "this program teaches children relationship skills and reinforces color recognition..." and I laugh--does anyone seriously believe that? And do people think the road to MIT starts with the "right" preschool? My gut instinct is that most Westwood parents are more "down to earth" than some of our more competitive towns to the north.
Comments
Guidance on Preschools
We are planning to enroll our soon-to-be-three year old in one of the Westwood area preschools and are looking for some guidance on what people think about the various choices. We have visited Westwood Nursery School, St. John's and Mothers Morning Out (MMO) and all seem great (and actually quite similar). Does anyone have any thoughts on these programs? Thanks in advance.
Our daughter attends St.
Our daughter attends St. John's and we are very happy with the program (excellent teachers, nurturing atmosphere, structured curriculum, with a good amount of playtime). Our daughter's experience at St. John's has been very positive. I think there are different expectations of parents helping out depending on the preschool program. For example, Westwood Nursery School is more of a co-op program requiring parents to assist in the classroom a certin number of times during the school year.
The only drawback to St. John's might be the length of the school year - I think the WW Integrated Preschool program follows the public school school calendar more closely (St. John's school year ends at the end of May and there is a few week break in the winter around Christmas/New Year's).
The best way to find out about the different programs is to ask around... those parents who have a son/daughter currently in the program or was in the program in recent years. I have heard strong opinions (both positive and negative) about the other programs, but I really can only speak to St. John's which has been great for us.
St Johns and MMO
My daughter attended St. Johns and is now at MMO with her brother (3 yr old). Both are great; St. Johns was really good about getting the kids outside unless it was absolutely impossible weather and I know my daughter had a great time there. MMO has been great, supportive, helpful, everything so far. The hardest thing is the whole lottery system and getting into the day/time program you want. I wish all the preschools would participate in a single system with the same deadlines.
Integrated preschool
I'd also encourage you to consider and visit the Westwood Integrated preschool that is located at Westwood High School. Our son attended that program and we were delighted with the program, the caliber of teachers, and the level of in class support he received. They maintain a relatively small class size with a very favorable student to teacher ratio. I can't say enough good things about the program! I think it is an overlooked preschool.