Forum Index
»
Private & Independent Schools
Preschool Directors
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| PP, can you elaborate a bit -- was she ineffective during application/placement process? We are seriously considering NCRC. Thanks. |
Anonymous
How much influence can or should the director have? She or he can't change the child's wppsi score, or behavior during the playdate, or teacher recommendation, or parents. Right? NCRC is a big preschool with probably many children applying. Isn't it hard and unfair to advocate for one or two children to get into school X when the director should try to the best she or he can for everyone, which probably means not advocating for anyone? |
Anonymous
The director can't change the child's record, but the director should advocate for the most likely candidates for the various schools. This is necessary for placement success. Even though schools get a lot of input via the WPPSI, playdates, teacher recommendations etc., what the director can provide is the crucial X factor for the qualified children. And "qualified" really does vary by school. What Lowell considers qualified may not be the same as what Sidwell considers qualified. The director can be enormously helpful in pushing the Lowell kids toward Lowell and the Sidwell kids toward Sidwell. |
Anonymous
| With Susan (NCRC's previous director) it was more that she took the time to know each child well and could honestly say to an AD that a kid was a good fit, or that the WPPSI didn't reflect his ability, or that a weak play visit was an aberation. My sense was that she made these kinds of observations honestly and the ADs really trusted her judgment. It takes a long time to build that kind of relationship with ADs at multiple schools. You can't expect a new director (who came from somewhere outside the DC private school bubble) to have that kind of rapport and influence right off the bat. |
Anonymous
|
Although what 10:28 says is true, I still think there is a good track record for NCRC families at the on-going schools. When I look around at my DC's school, many of the people volunteering and donating came from NCRC. I think the school builds a culture (even without Susan) that other schools still seek.
I realize this is a tough year for everybody because nobody knows how it is going to shake out, but I also don't think it's fair to assume Liz is starting from zero. Of course, this is an easy view for me to have because I am not in the mix this year. |
Anonymous
| Good point. And I would say to the PP considering NCRC that it is a wonderful school and community, whether or not Liz fills Susan's shoes with the ongoing schools. (And I imagine that in time she will.) If you're offered a spot, don't pass it up! |
Anonymous
|
I agree that there is no need to pass up a spot at NCRC because of Liz. All the children without siblings (who are going to get into their siblings' schools) will be in the same boat, so no one will be at a particular disadvantage because of Liz. The next few years will be tougher for NCRC kids until Liz learns her job and builds successful relationships with ADs. They'll still get in, of course, just not at the same rate.
|
Anonymous
| So, what are NCRC exmissions looking like with the new director? |
Anonymous
Terrible. |
Anonymous
| We thought we would go to NCRC if our DC is accepted. The "terrible" is worrisome. Please do expand upon this. However, not sure where else to go. It is a marvellous place. |
Anonymous
| 01:02: Yes, please expound. |
Anonymous
This is nonsense! My child is at a preschool where the Director had NO contact whatsoever with any of the ADs. In fact I don't think she even knows any of them. Clearly we were not at a feeder school. However, my point is that my child got into our first choice school which happen to be a Big 3 school. You shouldn't rely on the Director. My kid got himself him with GREAT scores and great teacher recs. |
Anonymous
| PP: No one is discounting their own child's abilities or relying on the Director solely. However, given GREAT scores (as you've emphasized) and great teacher recs, there are many kids that don't get into a Big 3 school or other school of choice. I don't think it ever hurts to have the Director at a preschool be on your side advocating for your child. |
Anonymous
NCRC is great but there are a few others in the same league(see numerous preschool postings about best ones in NWDC). Look at them, too. I honestly believe that most of the good NWDC preschools do a very good job with our young children. NCRC is not the only game in town and there are other preschools equally or perhaps even slightly more, well-regarded and desired. But, IMHO it all gets a bit silly at that point. They all do a superior job of bringing out the best in our 3,4,5 year olds. They just need to nuture and support them as they explore the world and encourage them to look more deeply and ask questions and think about lots of interesting things. |
Anonymous
| You are all crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!! |