Looking for a good preschool in the Ft. Washington area

[Anonymous]

My son recently turned 3 and we are looking for a good preschool for him that has a very good academic program. We live in Accokeek, so we are looking for something in the Ft. Washington area.

[Anonymous]

Not in Ft. Washington but Corkran Preschool is in Temple Hills. They have been around 50 years and have before/aftercare.

[Anonymous]

Corkran only does half day for 3 year olds...we are looking for a full day option.

[Anonymous]

We are big fans of Rainbow Childcare. They tend to have a waitlist, but we are incredibly pleased.

[Anonymous]

Does Rainbow do Academics for the 3 year olds?

[Anonymous]

Yes, Rainbow does academics. They are also Christian based.

[Anonymous]

Harmony Hall through county parks and Rec Dept and Broad Creek. Had great experiences at both for my kids. Note they are only until 12pm though and no aftercare.

[Anonymous]

Academics for 3 year olds is a poor preschool. Three year olds learn through playing, singing, talking, sharing, little art projects, building with blocks and hearing stories. And supposed gains from "school " type academics are quickly lost. Meanwhile they have lost the time to experience how things work so they can really understand what they later learn in books. Do your kid a favor and find a preschool where the "teachers" really understand children's needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Academics for 3 year olds is a poor preschool. Three year olds learn through playing, singing, talking, sharing, little art projects, building with blocks and hearing stories. And supposed gains from "school " type academics are quickly lost. Meanwhile they have lost the time to experience how things work so they can really understand what they later learn in books. Do your kid a favor and find a preschool where the "teachers" really understand children's needs.

3 year olds can learn academic things too. I sent my kid to an academic type daycare in Acokeek where they start teaching kids to read at 3. Now she is 5 and a very strong reader for her age. I never would have even though to try to teach her but she loves to read. With PG County schools having so many problems, I say why not give your kid a head start if you can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academics for 3 year olds is a poor preschool. Three year olds learn through playing, singing, talking, sharing, little art projects, building with blocks and hearing stories. And supposed gains from "school " type academics are quickly lost. Meanwhile they have lost the time to experience how things work so they can really understand what they later learn in books. Do your kid a favor and find a preschool where the "teachers" really understand children's needs.

3 year olds can learn academic things too. I sent my kid to an academic type daycare in Acokeek where they start teaching kids to read at 3. Now she is 5 and a very strong reader for her age. I never would have even though to try to teach her but she loves to read. With PG County schools having so many problems, I say why not give your kid a head start if you can.

Spending time teaching a kid to read at 3 is not a head start. If a kid is a natural reader at three, that's exceptional, though it happens. If you have to hammer in reading before. Age 5, you are doing it at the expense of learning that will make your kid a stronger reader later. Broad Creek Preschool in Fort Washing used to be an excellent learning through age-appropriate enrichment type of pre-school. Don't know if they still are. It's not what you are looking for because it's part time. Just giving it as an example.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academics for 3 year olds is a poor preschool. Three year olds learn through playing, singing, talking, sharing, little art projects, building with blocks and hearing stories. And supposed gains from "school " type academics are quickly lost. Meanwhile they have lost the time to experience how things work so they can really understand what they later learn in books. Do your kid a favor and find a preschool where the "teachers" really understand children's needs.

3 year olds can learn academic things too. I sent my kid to an academic type daycare in Acokeek where they start teaching kids to read at 3. Now she is 5 and a very strong reader for her age. I never would have even though to try to teach her but she loves to read. With PG County schools having so many problems, I say why not give your kid a head start if you can.

Spending time teaching a kid to read at 3 is not a head start. If a kid is a natural reader at three, that's exceptional, though it happens. If you have to hammer in reading before. Age 5, you are doing it at the expense of learning that will make your kid a stronger reader later. Broad Creek Preschool in Fort Washing used to be an excellent learning through age-appropriate enrichment type of pre-school. Don't know if they still are. It's not what you are looking for because it's part time. Just giving it as an example.

I don't think it's hammering, some kids just aren't exposed so that natural ability if it is there never gets the chance to come out.

[Anonymous]

Most kids will not read at 3 or 4 without lots of pushing. Many countries with high literacy rates don't even start teaching reading before 6 or 7. Sure, your kid might be a natural reader at 3, you can even find kids reading at two. But most kids won't and shouldn't be asked to. If they start themselves, fine. I don't mean shut them down. A pre school that is language rich without teaching reading is ideal. The little "academies" and "little scholars" idea is not how to build the best academic foundation. Read as much as you can to your kid, sing and have them talk and play with others. Even if they have to have a long day in preschool because of parents working hours, find a place that has lots of reading to kids and lots of play time: blocks, dress up, imagination play all builds the brain for more academic success later. Singing the alphabet is fine, spending tons of time on worksheets and writing is not only a crying shame, it is counter-productive. Good luck. (As possible mentioned Broad Creek and Corkern had good programs, but my kids aged out, so I don't have current info.) another place that had great programs and all week camps with extended day in the summer was the nature center at Cosca Regional Park through park and Rec.

[Anonymous]

Early years in Fort Washington had a wonderful curriculum. Most of the teachers have been there for years. Very low turnover and excellent staff.