Pre-k Admissions Process Questions

[Anonymous]

My son is currently in a 2s program at a daycare, and he was accepted into a more “academic” 3s program for this fall. Given how competitive and unpredictable this cycle has been, we’re also hoping to apply to a few Pre-k-8 or Pre-K-12 programs where available.

I was wondering if anyone could help with a few questions:
• Do Pre-K child assessments typically involve separation between parents/caregivers and children?
• Would it reflect poorly that we’ve only been at our current nursery school for a few months?
• Do uptown schools visit downtown nursery schools for Pre-K admissions? If so, do they visit all applicants, or only those they are especially interested in?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
• Do Pre-K child assessments typically involve separation between parents/caregivers and children?

Yes, it will mostly depend on whether you are allowed in the room. You are expected to blend into the background.

• Would it reflect poorly that we’ve only been at our current nursery school for a few months?

No, but I would make sure to be extra sweet to the teachers and faculty.

• Do uptown schools visit downtown nursery schools for Pre-K admissions? If so, do they visit all applicants, or only those they are especially interested in?

Depends on the school. The teacher will be expected to fill out a form at a minimum.

[Anonymous]

Just went through this. Schools are different on their “sit in the background” approach. One told us to not engage but redirect if child came to us. Another said we could actually play with them if they didn’t want to play with the group. I know someone whose child refused to engage with anyone and got in.

Daycare and 3s are a business after all. As long as you pay and give them advance notice they won’t care. Yes, they will need to complete a form for pre-k for sure. You can google the form to get an idea of what they ask. Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

Horace Mann 3s was a playgroup with the parents sitting in the room, which I did not like. In my kid's playgroup of 4, 2 could not even separate at all from the parents (young 2s, I am assuming), and I could see the parents sweating/stressed. My kid was older and was fine, but had to be redirected once because he had to show mommy something cool (LOL). The fourth kid didn't say a word and their parent kept miming and motioning to them (which I thought was ridiculous). I am guessing for pre-K they probably have the parents outside the room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Horace Mann 3s was a playgroup with the parents sitting in the room, which I did not like. In my kid's playgroup of 4, 2 could not even separate at all from the parents (young 2s, I am assuming), and I could see the parents sweating/stressed. My kid was older and was fine, but had to be redirected once because he had to show mommy something cool (LOL). The fourth kid didn't say a word and their parent kept miming and motioning to them (which I thought was ridiculous). I am guessing for pre-K they probably have the parents outside the room.

I didn’t like HMs either. My kid was in a group with older kids and it was clear. Very clear! We attended a playgroup at another school and I appreciated them grouping by proximity in month. They all were within a month or two of each other AND it was done in January instead of the summer/fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Horace Mann 3s was a playgroup with the parents sitting in the room, which I did not like. In my kid's playgroup of 4, 2 could not even separate at all from the parents (young 2s, I am assuming), and I could see the parents sweating/stressed. My kid was older and was fine, but had to be redirected once because he had to show mommy something cool (LOL). The fourth kid didn't say a word and their parent kept miming and motioning to them (which I thought was ridiculous). I am guessing for pre-K they probably have the parents outside the room.

I didn’t like HMs either. My kid was in a group with older kids and it was clear. Very clear! We attended a playgroup at another school and I appreciated them grouping by proximity in month. They all were within a month or two of each other AND it was done in January instead of the summer/fall.

That’s really how it should be done at these very young ages. I was surprised they didn’t group by month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Horace Mann 3s was a playgroup with the parents sitting in the room, which I did not like. In my kid's playgroup of 4, 2 could not even separate at all from the parents (young 2s, I am assuming), and I could see the parents sweating/stressed. My kid was older and was fine, but had to be redirected once because he had to show mommy something cool (LOL). The fourth kid didn't say a word and their parent kept miming and motioning to them (which I thought was ridiculous). I am guessing for pre-K they probably have the parents outside the room.

Kids who have been at daycare and/or preschool have a big advantage as they are used to the structure. I also felt awkward at the way some parents treated their toddler, as if we are competing in the National Dog show.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Horace Mann 3s was a playgroup with the parents sitting in the room, which I did not like. In my kid's playgroup of 4, 2 could not even separate at all from the parents (young 2s, I am assuming), and I could see the parents sweating/stressed. My kid was older and was fine, but had to be redirected once because he had to show mommy something cool (LOL). The fourth kid didn't say a word and their parent kept miming and motioning to them (which I thought was ridiculous). I am guessing for pre-K they probably have the parents outside the room.

Kids who have been at daycare and/or preschool have a big advantage as they are used to the structure. I also felt awkward at the way some parents treated their toddler, as if we are competing in the National Dog show.

Haha, yes! I noticed that, too. One parent was obnoxiously reading a book out loud in the waiting area and quizzing their kid on the plot. And then started quizzing my kid, too (who is naturally outgoing -- which is hard for me as an introvert -- and was just walking around checking out everything). Soooo over the top.

[Anonymous]

Yah that’s crazy but also I feel Like those are the people they admit. I tried to make a joke to the educators/assessors regarding my child not wanting to be there and I got ice cold look no response.

Either my joke landed in china or they’re just really serious people. After doing visiting other schools and interviewing, I don’t even know if I’d want to have my child there. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty sure we’re not getting in but if we do I feel like I’d be forcing myself to accept just because it’s HM.