Universal Pre K in Nassau (Massapequa, Seaford: environment, credit, budget)

[skcskc30]

MOVING BACK TO NY!!!

As a mom of twin boys - we are looking into a structured Pre- K program (full time). I understand that there are Pre K programs in some areas/towns (Not All) and are only 2 1/2 hours a day.


We work full time and not available to pick up at lunch and drop off at another center.

Looking for any insights, suggestions on Pre K programs in public schools or other alternatives to an accredited and structured learning [SIZE=2]environment. Any comments are needed and most welcomed.
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[iluvmycuties]

What town are you moving to? That would narrow it down for us.

[skcskc30]

Great Question - We are still in the investigation stage - but Nassau County for sure -

[iluvmycuties]

I don't know of any Pre-K programs in the school distrcits that do full day. I think they find it a bit too much for 3 and 4 year olds, and the budgets would skyrocket. Your best bet one of those Pre-K/day care centers. I do know that there is a Montessori in Massapequa that is full-day Pre-K; however, Montessori is someting that is a very personal decision for parents.

[mommytochris]

Most daycares will pickup (bus) kids at pre-k for those parents who work. Some even have before care then will bus to preschool. I think that is a lot on a little kid though.

[lilibrarian]

I haven't heard of any Public Schools having full day Pre-K, but a number of Parochial Schools seem to be adding it.

I know Tutor Time does the drop off thing, but I agree it might be unnecessary for Pre-K, as they have a program there. You can get before and after school care with busses for elementary, though. At that point your district may have an in-house program.

As your search for a home continues, you should definitely check with local SD to see what they have to offer.

[iluvmycuties]

It seems you're looking for more of a child care scenario.

Oh, I forgot that Maria Regina, in Seaford, has full-day Pre-K. I toured it though, and thought it entirely too much for 3 and 4 yr. olds. And the play time takes place in a courtyard on blacktop.

[lilibrarian]

At Maria Regina, do they still do half day also? I know St. Thomas in WH and St. Joe's in GC, do full day NS, in addition to a more traditional program.

Just curious, b/c I was thinking of checking it out for my daughter. I had heard it was a bit rigid, ditto based kind of thing.

[iluvmycuties]

Well, I did NOT care for the person touring us, and she ran the program. One thing that struck me as odd was she never once acknowledged my child who was with me the entire time.

I think they do have a hal-day program as wee, from what I remember.

I think what we didn't like, for full time, was that they were in the classrooms all day, including lunch, except for recess in the courtyard.

The courtyard did have some little play equipment, but not much,and not enough to entertain an entire class. It, being a courtyard, was completely surrounded by the walls of the building, so those precious little children looked like they were doing their hour outside time, like a penitentiary (sp?).

The tuition is reasonable.

If you are looking for 1/2 day, we liked Our Redeemer in Seaford. It is beautiful, certified teachers, great playground, nice staff. We moved before we could have enrolled, but you should check that out as well. It is a seperate building from the church, and while it is Christian based, it is not specifically for Lutherans. Kind of more like, "God made the flowers, God loves us, etc." A nice introduction to some faith without imposing it on them.

[skcskc30]

After doing a little digging - Lawrence has a full time Pre K - but still gathering info.

I hope no one took my question as wanting to "drill" our kids with education and not play - that's not what we want -

We'd like to have what "ilovemycuties" said beautiful safe place to be in for the day , certified teachers , great playground, nice staff.

thanks to all - any further comments would be great -