Anonymous wrote:Can you find a co-op? That seems like it would be a good fit for you.

Yes, was thinking exactly the same thing. Our son started daycare when he was 4 months, and while their wasn't a carpool like (it was in DC), parents were generally encouraged to drop kids pretty quickly. They invited parents to volunteer on occasion, but overall we were not that involved. Then we moved to Montgomery County after he turned 3, and he now attends a co-op three days a week. There is a board, there are monthly meetings, and there are administrative duties in addition to co-op duties. My wife's duty is school aide, which means she's in the classroom about 3-4 times a month. It's just a different philosophy and approach, and honestly it sounds like this is what you want.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks PP and it does sound amazing, but I looked up the school and it would be such a long commute for me--I think way too far. It's in Bristow, right?

Did you plug in you address and the school's address into Google maps or Mapquest? Report back what commute time is generated.

You said you're in chantilly ? You'd be going against rush hour and be there in 20 minutes. It's worth the drive!

But the other thing is that most people want friends who are close by, and we would be so far away from the school. It would be a longer drive than 20 minutes because we are at the farthest end of Chantilly in the opposite direction. I think in ideal circumstances it would be 20 minutes but in the morning traffic can be heavy and it would probably take me closer to 35/40. I might go tour it but I feel like it's just too far to be a good option for us.

I think you can find a preschool that better fits what you are looking for. We have been at 3 different preschools (2 during school year and another one for summer camp) and in all three had no problem meeting other parents/getting to know the community. One was a co-op and that was the best for a community experience. The only downside for us was the time commitment (I started working so wasn't doable). I also think you are right that not walking in to drop off and pick up matters if you are trying to meet people. Just those 5 minutes of parent and teacher/classroom interaction can make a difference. Also, I've found that some parents and kids stay and play after school at the playground or in the yard and that's another great way to get to know other families. Finally, the most concerning part of your post is that the teacher doesn't want to meet before December. Every school we've been at (including elementary) has an open door policy with teachers/director. I think if you look a bit you'll find a better match for your family. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks PP and it does sound amazing, but I looked up the school and it would be such a long commute for me--I think way too far. It's in Bristow, right?

Did you plug in you address and the school's address into Google maps or Mapquest? Report back what commute time is generated.

You said you're in chantilly ? You'd be going against rush hour and be there in 20 minutes. It's worth the drive!

Anonymous wrote:Thanks PP and it does sound amazing, but I looked up the school and it would be such a long commute for me--I think way too far. It's in Bristow, right?

Did you plug in you address and the school's address into Google maps or Mapquest? Report back what commute time is generated.

Thanks PP and it does sound amazing, but I looked up the school and it would be such a long commute for me--I think way too far. It's in Bristow, right?

Anonymous wrote:Op....our child's preschool is exactly whatis on your wish list. Every morning the director greets families at the front door. Knows every child (& their baby sibling's name), more volunteering opportunities than I can count, signing the children in and out each day. Speaking with the teacher immediately if there are any concerns (they will bring you into class at pickup). The WHOLE family is a part of the school. An amazing community.

The school is Linton Hall School Little Sprouts. It starts at age 2.5-preschool bridge (5+), then school goes from K-8. The curriculum is play based, but lots of learning, too.

Tours are on Tuesday at 10. You will NOT be disappointed. We absolutely love it.

PP here...I'm in the school a LOT. They have a buddy program to introduce new families with existing families. We have play dates, answer questions, make new friends. It's an amazing community and such good people.

Op....our child's preschool is exactly whatis on your wish list. Every morning the director greets families at the front door. Knows every child (& their baby sibling's name), more volunteering opportunities than I can count, signing the children in and out each day. Speaking with the teacher immediately if there are any concerns (they will bring you into class at pickup). The WHOLE family is a part of the school. An amazing community.

The school is Linton Hall School Little Sprouts. It starts at age 2.5-preschool bridge (5+), then school goes from K-8. The curriculum is play based, but lots of learning, too.

Tours are on Tuesday at 10. You will NOT be disappointed. We absolutely love it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, you've had this thread before. What else do you want out of DCUM advice?

OP here. I guess I just feel very disappointed with the preschool experience so far. It is nothing like what I thought it would be. Back when I was a SAHM with an infant/younger toddler, everyone kept saying, "just wait until she's in school, then you'll start meeting people/building a community." Well, she's in school now and I just don't see that happening at this school. I don't have a lot of ways to try to build community, and spent so much time choosing the right preschool so that I could finally build some community, and I'm just really sad that it probably isn't going to happen at this school.

You need to find a co-op preschool. That will satisfy your need for community.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, you've had this thread before. What else do you want out of DCUM advice?

OP here. I guess I just feel very disappointed with the preschool experience so far. It is nothing like what I thought it would be. Back when I was a SAHM with an infant/younger toddler, everyone kept saying, "just wait until she's in school, then you'll start meeting people/building a community." Well, she's in school now and I just don't see that happening at this school. I don't have a lot of ways to try to build community, and spent so much time choosing the right preschool so that I could finally build some community, and I'm just really sad that it probably isn't going to happen at this school.

So do you not like this school for your child or for yourself?

Is your child happy and thriving at school? If so, leave it alone. You should be focusing on her needs, not yours. Use your free time while she is at school to pursue your own interests. Hopefully you will make some friends that way. From the way you describe things, you are blaming your lack of friends on the school. It is not the school's job to take care of your emotional needs. You need to do the work to make friends for yourself.

Anonymous wrote:OP, you've had this thread before. What else do you want out of DCUM advice?

OP here. I guess I just feel very disappointed with the preschool experience so far. It is nothing like what I thought it would be. Back when I was a SAHM with an infant/younger toddler, everyone kept saying, "just wait until she's in school, then you'll start meeting people/building a community." Well, she's in school now and I just don't see that happening at this school. I don't have a lot of ways to try to build community, and spent so much time choosing the right preschool so that I could finally build some community, and I'm just really sad that it probably isn't going to happen at this school.

OP here. I have been setting up play dates. I have contacted a number of parents in my class (although a bit awkward since I have never met them). We have one next week and had two other playdates scheduled earlier in the month but 2 of the parents canceled last minute because their child was sick. So I am making an effort to meet other families, but like I said, it's a bit awkward because none of us have met yet.

Ask teacher for a list of contact info for parents - get off your ass and contact them yourself and set up a play date.
Stop expecting someone else to do the work for you.
R u a princess? Sheesh

OP, you've had this thread before. What else do you want out of DCUM advice?