Any good Preschools or Daycares in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth? (how much, YMCA)

[Betzim]

I am relocating to Portsmouth, R.I. in about a month. I have a 2 and a half year old and I am looking for either a preschool or daycare center nearby.

Does anyone have any recommendations or feedback on any? Positive or negative?

Unless schools have a website (which many don't), it is hard to even know what is out there. And even when I do, I know from experience that references are best.

I am looking for a well run center/preschool with a small student/teacher ratio. I would love something a bit more structured, rather than a "babysitting" type of environment. Montessouri would be wonderful.

Any input is appreciated!

I have identified a couple - Countryside Daycare, Beginings, Newport Montessouri

[lrfox]

Can't help you with daycares, but in a few years when they're old enough to do kindergarten, look at St. Philomena's in Portsmouth. Yes, it's a Catholic school (I'm not catholic, but neither were many of the students), but it's very good. I went there (K-8) and enjoyed the faculty (many of whom are obviously gone by now) very much. It's an All-Day kidnergarten which is good for the working parents.

[kristenethom]

My two go to Countryside and have had a good experience there. This is a daycare/preschool, but there are 1/2 day options as well. Each age group has a seperate classroom with 2-3 teachers. The cost seems to run higher than some programs.

The YMCA also has a preschool which is more affordable. They offer 1/2 day options and have swimming as well.

I have heard good things about the montessori school as well. The other large daycare center is Bright Ideas and I would say this is similar to Countryside.

[Betzim]

I was planning on visiting Countryside, and the Montessouri one (is that the one on East Main Rd?).

Good to hear you like Countryside. How is the student/teacher ratio?
One of my main criteria is how much individual attention the children get. Where I have him now, he is in a big class and it is a bit crazy and disorderly. . .

Thanks so much for responding!