Where Are Kids 5 Years Old But Not In Kindergarten??

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I'm stuck, my B/G twins will turn 5 on Oct. 14th. We live in Montgomery County, MD and applied for early entrance to Kindergarten and they just barely missed passing the "test". I'm irritated that this test requires kids to know more to enter K than anyone who will be 5 years old on September 1st is expected to know prior to moving onto 1st grade, but that's another discussion.

My dilemma is now where can I enroll my children to allow them to experience social and intellictual growth over the next year. They've outgrown the ability of their current preschool to meet these needs and they're now the oldest children in this preschool.

I'm also stuck because I cannot afford a tuition of $1000 a month (or more) per child, I currently pay $1530 per month for the two of them.

I'm looking for any recommendations anyone might have for preschools that are focused on the social and intellictual development of 4 and 5 year old children.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have!

Diane

[Anonymous]

I'd look for a pre-k program not a preschool program. Since you don't say where you are, it's hard to offer suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Yes, location would help. Also, do you need full-day care because you work outside the home? Or could you do regular half school days?

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, I did mention I'm in Montgomery County. More specifically though, I live in Kensington, MD. Yes, Pre-K would be ideal, but it seems that sometimes even pre-K places still refer to themselves as "preschool" since they may also accommodate other ages in their facilities as well.

And yes, full day care, 7:30am to 6pm.

I know I can't possibly be the only parent who would like to see their children in an enriching program that is also fun but who didn't make the age cutoff to enroll in K in the fall.

Hope there's others like me out there who can provide their solutions.

Thanks so much!

Diane

[Anonymous]

Most preschools have classes for 3, 4 and 5 year olds too young for K. They are preschools and the highest "grade" they have is pre-k (because it is the year before K). So, if their current school doesn't have a class for 4 year olds and young 5 year olds, just look for another preschool with a class like this.

[Anonymous]

You could look at St. James Children's School on Seven Locks in Potomac. It is between Tuckerman and Montrose. The school has a Fours class as well as Kindergarten.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure where you'll find something with a preschool (or pre-K) for less than $1,000 each a month for full time care.

[Anonymous]

Try a Montessori program. They actually have a Kindergarten program (with real work) and the cut off is December 31st of the year that your child turns 5. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure where you'll find something with a preschool (or pre-K) for less than $1,000 each a month for full time care.

I meant with a preschool or pre-K "component." Many day cares with preschool curricula are just great, even if not traditional preschools. But they are still pretty expensive for full-day care.

[Anonymous]

Try one of the synangogues near you: Temple Emanuel or our kodesh.

[Anonymous]

Maryland Child Centers offer pre-k with before and aftercare. I just got my new contract and the rate is $205 per week for the first kid and $185 a week for the second. You can get some other discounts by doing autopay. Some phone numbers to try are 301-384-0575, 301-570-6077 and 301-984-9595. My kids went/go to Colesville Center, but I gave you the numbers for all three of their locations.

[Anonymous]

Our montessori school has a K program. Kids leaving that program go straight to 1st grade, regardless of age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure where you'll find something with a preschool (or pre-K) for less than $1,000 each a month for full time care.

Agree wholeheartedly with this. The school my DD goes to (mainly a preschool but goes through 2nd grade) is about $1000 a month per kid, for 7:30 to 6, and that is the least expensive school I found.

[Anonymous]

Some schools offer "junior kindergarten": http://www.theharborschool.org/jrk.htm

[Anonymous]

"Try a Montessori program. They actually have a Kindergarten program (with real work) and the cut off is December 31st of the year that your child turns 5. Good luck! "

We love Montessori but it may not work as well for 5 year olds who have never been in Montessori. The program is designed for the kids to be in a 3 year cycle. The materials are specific and all build off each other. It might be hard for them to jump in for one year at age 5. If the school has experience doing this and the teacher can spend some extra time introducing them to the work then it may work fine. The positive is that Montessori K lets kids go much farther in areas where they are interested. The reading and math is great.