Relief: We Are In

Both my kids received their forms from School C with our top choice granted. This will mean a few things for me:

1. Alex will go 4 days a week and Anna 3.
2. I will only have 2 days a week with NO kids.
3. I will still have to drive to school 5 days a week.
4. BUT, I will finally have one day alone with Alex. Poor Alex. Since Anna came along he rarely gets time alone with me.
5. They both will have one day to enjoy lunch bunch together, so that will give me four hours of no kids that day.

Yay!!!

The Preschool Lottery Begins

Today is the lottery for School C. I am a bit nervous. While we are a returning family, I still want to make sure this is all wrapped up so I can focus on other things--like planning a summer vaction. I can't believe I have to think about this stuff when there is snow falling outside.

So the preschool topic has been hot, hot, hot on the mommy message boards lately. What school? What kind of curriculum? Is Montessori better? How many days? How much money? Those who have not gone this path yet must think we have all truly gone mad. But when it's your turn you will see how it really is like college admission, minus the test scores and interviews. We plan, we strategize, we schmooze, we bribe (OK, I haven't tried this yet) and we lay awake at night wondering if we did the right thing.

In the past year and a half, I have checked out almost 10 preschools in our area. Here are a few things I have learned for part time preschool:

--Commute is a huge thing. If you are only dropping off a child for three hours, half an hour commute can eat into "mommy time."

--All schools are play based. I have yet to see one preschool that isn't play based, even the Montessori schools. Perhaps they are out there, but I haven't seen them. No one wants kids drilled in ABCs.

--Visit schools during non-open house hours as well. While open houses are good to see the teachers, students and other potential parents on their best behavior, make sure you visit during normal times as well.

--Snacktime is important. What a school feeds your child for snack is a window into their philosphy of overall care for a child. Goldfish and Teddy Grahams alone does not foster good nutrition for little ones. But fruit, veggies, crackers, pretzels make me feel better about the school in general.

--Parent involvement is a good thing. Parents provide a good checks/balances system for teachers and the director.

--School shouldn't be too dirty or too clean. You don't want to smell pee in the school, but if you don't see any dirt or toys out of place, that also is unsettling.

--Mixing of ages is not always a bad thing. People these days seem to think young kids mixing with the older ones is pressure on their own kid to do certain things. It's great if little ones learn from the older ones and the older ones can learn to respect the little ones. If the classes tend to mix ages during the day, that is a definite plus, I think.

And that's it. Good luck and feel free to share more things you've learned through this process.

Preschool Admission: Denied by School M

We were denied a spot. They had too many applications and while we were asked if Alex would like the 3 days slot, that would mean not ONLY would I have to drive to the school 5 days, but neither kid would be at school at the same time. So, now we're only left with School C.

Journey to Preschool Admission: The Final Decision--Part 8

With deadlines looming and parents impatiently waiting, I have submitted my forms and money to the two choosen schools: School C (where my kids would be returning) and School M.

I decided not to visit School U and School F did not really meet my needs. The decision came down to a few things. Money, days/times and general mommy instinct.

With School C, my main issue is that I would have to drive to school five days a week. While my two would overlap on three days, I would have each kid alone for one. This could be a plus. The only downside is I never get a day with both alone to just do fun stuff. That's the thing I love about being a stay-at-home mom. If we wake up Friday and feel like going to the park, we go. If we want to hit the zoo, we can. We are limited by schedules. However, I will say, if we take this option, I might be more apt to letting my kids play hookie one day so we can do fun things now and then. My second option with School C puts BOTH kids going three days a week. This means I would only have to drive to school three days! This might not be the best transition for Alex into kindergarten, but I might investigate this option.

With School M, I have Alex signed up for five days a week and Anna only two. So I kind of get gipped on both ends. I would like Anna in three days and Alex four. So I'm having to compromise on this. But I was really pleased by the school and the possiblity of sending Alex to kindergarten here was nice, too. There are only a few slots available so the decision could be made for me.

Journey to Preschool Admission: School T--Part 6

I made a visit to School T today. Before I even drove into the parking lot, I decided this was the final school to look out this year. I have grown weary of this process.

Basically because what I surmised, was indeed true. All the schools were the basically the same. The emphasis is on play. The teachers who were there, all wanted to be there and you could tell. The facilities were all nice--some had big classrooms and others had small ones.

While I decided not to go with School T since I'd already turned application fees into School C and School M, I thought it was only fair to take a look around for future reference.

This was an outstanding school! The classrooms were a good size and very bright and cheery. The teachers were very engaged even before we entered the classrooms. The coolest thing about this one is their open session during mid-morning. Students have an hour to move through several rooms focusing on art, music, math, science, play, etc. Each room has a teacher facilitating, leading or monitoring the project/activities. What I loved about this idea is that students had a chance to visit with other teachers and other students during the day. It gave the three-year olds the opportunity to mix with the fours and the fours a chance to be an example to the threes.

Unfortunately, the days don't match up with what I need, and, like I said, I now have more $200 invested in registration fees. So, while I am going to pass on School T, I would highly recommend it to other parents based on what I saw.

Summary to follow soon.

Journey to Preschool Admission: School M--Part 5

I attended the open house for School M. This was a tough decision for me. It's a Catholic preschool/kindergarten that filters into a Catholic elementary and middle school. At first glance the facility didn't seem much beyond the other schools. I talked to the teachers about the curriculum and certain needs I thought my son would need. What I loved was the flow of the four classrooms. The 3s room had a door that flowed into the 4s and the 4s into the kindergarten class. They said there would be some mixing of the classes at time. The classrooms were clean and new looking, but not so stiff as other schools. The classrooms were large with their own bathrooms and sinks for each room. And bonus, each class had several computers.

Now if you're not religious, than the religious aspect might get you. The kids are buddied with a 4th grader each month for mass attendance. Hey, if I can get my kids to sit through mass, bonus for me!

The price was actually in our price range as well.

The only downside are the days. I was set on having Alex go only four days a week and Anna going three. This would ensure I had three mornings to write and do errands. (I do have this book to write, you know.) But with this program, Alex would go five days and Anna only two. So I have mixed feelings on that one. I am being selfish and wanting him home the one day so we can do stuff together before he starts kindergarten the following year.

So the final verdict for today is my application for both kids is completed and deposit check is ready to go. The principal makes the selection at the end of the week.

Journey to Preschool Admission: School L--Part 4

I considered turning in an application at School L for the THIRD year in a row. But I am so put off by the attitude of their waitlist and lottery system that I decided not to even bother this year.

Since returning students and alumni have priority, as they should and as most schools do, our chances of getting a slot for both kids are slim. Last year, all the slots were filled with returning kids and they lotteried for the wait list order! My kids were numbers 12 and 19 on the waitlists.

If one kid gets in and the other doesn't, I lose the application fees. I need both kids in the same school in order for this whole preschool thing to work. The open slots they do have are probably the most sought after in town. But once you're in....you're in.

While I hear wonderful things about the school and really like the facility, I'm not sure it's worth all the fuss and clamoring to get in. So that's a no from me on School L.

Journey to Preschool Admission: School B--Part 3

This week I made three phone calls and one school visit. I went to check out "School B." School B has been intriguing to me since we moved here in 2006. It's a private Montessori school. I know two people who currently have children in the school. One is very happy with it, the other is not. I thought I should go check it out.

School B exceeded all my expectations at first glance. Everything was new and pristine--not to mention crazy organized. I wish my house was that organized. They staff was so agreeable. In fact, almost a bit too much. I felt a little like I was in Stepford. Nothing can be THAT perfect. I took the tour with my youngest beside me who seemed to fit right in with their culture. I observed a few classrooms, however, the first seemed a bit chaotic. I have seen Montessori schools before so I knew what to expect. This class seemed out of control. Kids were everywhere and the teachers seemed to be nonexistent in the setting. I loved what the kids were working on though and the academics of it pleased me.

After talking to my friend about it later--the one who is not happy with it--I found out a few major things regarding both the teachers and the administration that didn't not please me. In addition, the price tag attached to it, was well beyond our budget.

I believe we'll pass on School B.

The Journey to Preschool Admission: Schools--Part 2

To fully understand the preschool admission journey you must know the players in this game. Here is a list of the schools we have considered (none are mentioned by name as I'm not willing to be on their hit lists):

School C: Current school where both my kids are attending. Generally pleased with the school, but want to make sure Pre-K curriculum is appropriate for Alex. Anna loves to be just about everywhere so she's just along for the ride.

School B: Private, Montessori school. High tuition, mixed reputation.

School F: A school Alex attended last year.

School L: A school where both my kids have been on the waitlist for two years now. Like the school OK. Think their attitude about admission is a bit over the top.

School M: Private, Catholic School. Open house in a week.

School T: Private, church school with a good reputation. Tour of school next week.

School U: Private, church preschool with a good reputation. May decide to attend open house. We'll see.

The Journey to Preschool Admission: Part 1

I thought I should share this ridiculous journey on selecting preschools for my two children (almost 4 and 2 1/2) so you can really understand how crazy this all is.

SET SCENE: Both kids are currently enrolled in preschool. It is a well-known school and pretty well-regarded as far as private preschools go. (We'll call it School C.) However, there have been a few things about the school that didn't thrill us to pieces. While I understand we can't have it all, my husband did want me to investigate other options. So here it is.

SITUATION: Enrollment for most schools is imminent. Yes, that's right deadlines for September enrollment are in February. Don't even get my started on that one. With School C, I have another 2 weeks to get in my application and fees. My chances of getting in are pretty good since my kids are given priority as returning students. There is even a good chance they will get in on the same days. That is a bonus right there.

However, I'm trying to look at my kids' learning styles and match it with the right school. More to come on the schools I visit . . .Stay tuned for the list of schools.

Preschool mania begins

The stress from the holiday season is supposed to subside come Jan. 1. Everyone takes a rest and puts up her feet, or my case, gets running on the treadmill to burn off the holiday calories. But there's nothing like letting the stress of the holiday season roll right into preschool registration mania. How is it that we're here again so soon? I feel like I just got the kids settled into school, and now it's time to start the process of looking, second-guessing, registering, bribing, hoping, praying, losing sleep for two months.

I thought it would be easy since my kids are both in a preschool now--just sign the paper, give your deposit and be given priority as a returning student.

But with a potential move this summer to a different area of Northern Virginia, this process could be more stressful than the last. It means attending open houses in a different location, deciding whether we're going to go the Montessori route for my son and then what to do with my daughter. Keep her where she is, send her to a different school from her brother, look for someplace new or just throw my hands in the air and let the cards fall where they may.

Talk of lotteries, waiting lists, deadlines, deposits and so forth just makes my stomach turn. I know it's not as bad as it could be. My girlfriend actually knows people who have slept in their cars the night before application day or seen local law enforcement called to help facilitate preschool registration. What ever happened to just good ole' fashion bribery?

My husband asks me about once a week if I've researched or called schools. Fortunately my answer for the past month has been, "Preschools? I'm getting ready for Christmas." But Christmas is over and I will either need to think up another excuse or actually start the research and calling.

You think it's not a big deal. Hey, my son is only soon-to-be four, what is preschool but learning to be social and "keep his hands to himself." Apparently that's what we're working on this year in school. But there is still pressure to make sure I've scoped out all the options, visited several schools, talk to enough teachers and stressed about it all before I make the final decision. Then it's left up to the preschool lottery gods.