Do you feel that your preschool shuts parents out?

[Anonymous]

We aren't even in November yet. You need to give this far more time but it says a lot that you already complained on here once before. My opinion is that you should still be observing your kid and how they are doing in school... keeping an eye out for their sense of community in the classroom and overall happiness.
I have a kid in preschool and one in first grade and that is all I have been focused on so far. There were lots of adjustments as this is a new school for us.
I have received a few requests for playdates and a request from each classroom for a parent dinner so we can all get to know one another. We did one playdate so far and a Fall Festival where we got to know people. The dinner got canceled for illness but we were busy anyhow. We have also volunteered twice and there were other parents there. We have all year to get to know people and this is fine with me. Again, my focus is on my kids and their reactions. I would sincerely suggest you refocus on that and stop worrying about the rest.
It also doesn't surprise me that your playdates canceled for illness because there was a really nasty bug going around. Once you have those playdates happen, you might feel a lot better...
Oh, and we also have a carpool lane. But we park a few streets away and walk up to greet the kids and the teachers are sometimes out there. The weather is nice and we enjoy greeting them this way after school lets out. I imagine once it gets cold and nasty we will be grateful for the carpool lane!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We aren't even in November yet. You need to give this far more time but it says a lot that you already complained on here once before. My opinion is that you should still be observing your kid and how they are doing in school... keeping an eye out for their sense of community in the classroom and overall happiness.
I have a kid in preschool and one in first grade and that is all I have been focused on so far. There were lots of adjustments as this is a new school for us.
I have received a few requests for playdates and a request from each classroom for a parent dinner so we can all get to know one another. We did one playdate so far and a Fall Festival where we got to know people. The dinner got canceled for illness but we were busy anyhow. We have also volunteered twice and there were other parents there. We have all year to get to know people and this is fine with me. Again, my focus is on my kids and their reactions. I would sincerely suggest you refocus on that and stop worrying about the rest.
It also doesn't surprise me that your playdates canceled for illness because there was a really nasty bug going around. Once you have those playdates happen, you might feel a lot better...
Oh, and we also have a carpool lane. But we park a few streets away and walk up to greet the kids and the teachers are sometimes out there. The weather is nice and we enjoy greeting them this way after school lets out. I imagine once it gets cold and nasty we will be grateful for the carpool lane!

I disagree. I am not OP, but as a SAHM, I would have hated a preschool that lacked community. However, I do think OP should have thought of these things before, as she toured so many preschools! FWIW, we are at a Jewish preschool in Maryland. Many of the preschools around us that are Jewish, co-op, or church based seem to have a good sense of community. Ours is not a coop, but we have the option to walk our kids in, the school has a PTA with lots of volunteer opportunities, and occasions to be in the classroom a handful of times during the year (not once a month, but enough to feel connected). Teachers are happy to talk to you over the phone, by email, or to schedule a separate time if there is a concern. I do not think these things are too much to ask for if that is what is important to you. You need to decide what is most important, and find a preschool that meets those needs. Your kids can be happy at all sorts of places.

[Anonymous]

wondering if anyone check out the Tuesday Tour at Little Sprouts. How was it?

[Anonymous]

I would recommend setting up a playdate with the kids in your child's class. You could meet regularly for lunch or at a park. That will make you feel so much better and connected to the school.

I would also recommend meeting with the Director and in a very friendly way tell her that you are looking for ways to connect with the parents and teachers and ask if she has any ideas about how you could connect. See what she says and go from there. Don't be angry - be open. There must be ways - be sure you are not being too needy too.