District preschool 101

[Anonymous]

Hi,

My 2 y. 8 month old son has been with our wonderful nanny for over 2 years (while we work). It's a great situation, and for a number of reasons, I've been reluctant to change it. However, we are approaching the time when I want to start introducing him to more structured preschool-like environment. But I don't even know where to begin. Another complication is that we've only taught him our native language so far (not English or Spanish), but I'm hoping it's a slight complication -- from experience of other kids, they adjust and pick up English pretty quickly at this age.

I would really really appreciate your thoughts on: (1) should we start with part-time preschool? do they even exist? (2) if full-time, my understanding is, we have to wait until the next school year - that is, September 2013 - to enroll him. right? (3) how would you start your search for either part-time or full-time preschool? any good recommendations on literature about getting this process started? (4) I would truly appreciate all recommendations of specific preschools. we live in U Street/Logan Circle area now, but may move within the next year. Mt. Pleasant/Crestwood/16th Street Heights are possible choices; Cleveland Park and Glover Park are possible alternates.

Dear community, thanks in advance for your help. And, if you think I am too late or too clueless, please hold your wrath and let this one go.

Thanks so much,

S

[Anonymous]

Hello.

You are really not too late for looking for Fall '13. Your son will be an older 3 yr old or young 4 yr old at that time?

There are plenty of preschools that offer part-time for that age - 3, 4 or 5 mornings per week - usually morning with the option of a longer "lunch bunch" day or aftercare. Some might argue that if he is going to kindergarten the following year (Fall '14) then a 5-day would be better prep for that but you could try a shorter week with a few days of lunch bunch to give him the experience of a longer day.

The language will be a bit of a learning curve but not a real problem. I have seen three children in my childrens' preschools who had only had a language other than English at home before starting school. They seem to be pretty quiet the first months and then start really picking up English. Might be another argument for a longer day if you are planning to send him to K in Fall '14.

It is really a matter of finding the right school. It would be helpful to know where you will be living, what sort of program you want (Montessori, play-based, bi-lingual, etc.), and what sort of schedule (days/week, hours/day, co-op or not).

A lot of preschools have open houses in the fall or early spring and then accept applications.

I can't offer any specific resources, esp for your current neighborhood. This board can be very helpful - just ignore the snarky comments! Once you have identified a few candidates, school visits are really important!

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you so much! That is extremely helpful. He will turn 4 in late September '13. I still need to decide on the other issues, but it helps to have guidance on what we need to think about.

[Anonymous]

Yes, as the pp mentioned VISITS are very important.

[Anonymous]

You might even get lucky for 2012. I heard from at least one director that sometimes people get lucky in August, when families who were supposed to enroll that fall change their minds. If you're interested, I made up a spreadsheet of about 20 preschools in DC with information about hours, school year, tuition, etc., that I'd be happy to share. Just email me at babyboynewman at gmail dot com.

[Anonymous]

Check out Amazing Life Games (ALG) in Crestwood. We love the school! Unfortunately, it is already fully booked for 2012-2013, but you can tour this Fall and apply for next year.