Preschools/nursery schools in Collegeville? (Pottstown, Audubon: credit, daycare, house)

[uprooted]

Hello, everyone! We're about to buy a house in Collegeville (Lower Providence Twp), and I'm trying to find a preschool for my three-year-old daughter. The elementary school that she'll be attending (Eagleville) recommended a few, but most of them (Goddard, Malvern, etc.) are all-day, every-day programs, more like daycare. I work from home and am looking for a more traditional nursery school program: 2-3 hours, 2-3 mornings a week. Can anyone recommend a good program nearby? Thanks so much!

[Will Kelly]

My children have attended Play and Learn in Green Lane part time for the last 3 years. They have a center in Collegeville.

http://www.playandlearn.com/cenetrs/collegeville.html


I am not sure if all of their centers are part time.

All the best

Will

[orrmobl]

Child education experts recommend accredited programs to get the most out of your child's time at preschool in terms of things such as safety and sanitation/cleanliness as well as stimulation and academics.

I checked Naeyc.org and came up with Kindercare in Collegeville and The Malvern School in Royersford.

You can also check pakeys.org which is PA's accreditation program but it seems there is pretty slim pickings in that area...you generally want STAR 3 or higher but may want to choose a STAR 2 if you don't want to drive further out.

I did also find Jerusalem Lutheran Daycare, Schwenksville and Montgomery Early Learning Center and Mulberry Childcare both in Pottstown.

If I were you , I would go with the Malvern School - you can't go wrong with a NAEYC accredited/4 Star facility. It may cost more, but its worth it.

And don't worry about the daycare/preschool thing...my son goes to an accredited Goddard school 3 half days a week - most of the real learning takes place in the morning and he gets to play on the playground and socialize for lunch. He's learning Spanish, yoga, music, reading, math, art etc. Again you really do get what you pay for when it comes to preschool.

Good luck!

[fauxdeux]

I grew up in Audubon and went to Methacton. I now live on the Spring-Ford side of Collegeville. Those other two people who posted don't know much about our area. Schwenksville, Royersford, Pottstown, and Green Lane are all way too far away for you, not to mention The Malvern School is a Daycare.

I know exactly what you are looking for. Go to the Audubon YMCA (near Walmart). They have a Wooden Shoe preschool program that is good. If the Greentree Church location was the only option for your area, they did close that site last year, but they may have something else near you. My kids go to the Wooden Shoe, but our location is at a church in Limerick.

Also St Andrew's Church (next to Audubon Elementary) seems to be pretty happening, but probably has a wait list right now. I had a friend who sent her son there before they moved, she liked it.

The only other place I can think of would be Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, just past the KMart. It may be the closest to you also. I believe my cousin's children went there and it is good.

Also try joining the Audubon Mom's Club (just google "Moms Club") and those Mom's can give you tons of personal recommendations.

I hope you get this post. Good Luck!

Just thought of one more, I think it's Happy Days or Bright Spots? Look it up in the phone book. I have a friend who is moving to the center of town (by the college) and is sending her son to a 4 yr old program there.

It's a great place to be, wait until Wegmans and Old Navy open!

Originally Posted by uprooted

Hello, everyone! We're about to buy a house in Collegeville (Lower Providence Twp), and I'm trying to find a preschool for my three-year-old daughter. The elementary school that she'll be attending (Eagleville) recommended a few, but most of them (Goddard, Malvern, etc.) are all-day, every-day programs, more like daycare. I work from home and am looking for a more traditional nursery school program: 2-3 hours, 2-3 mornings a week. Can anyone recommend a good program nearby? Thanks so much!