Need info on moms groups/preschools Bristol & Barrington (Providence: job, health)

[twinpod]

Hi,
I've posted on here before about moving to the Providence area. My family and I are looking seriously at the Bristol/Barrington area but I can't seem to find much information regarding preschools and moms groups etc. online. Does anyone have info about good or decent preschools in that area or know where I can find that info online? All the information I get is "just the facts ma'am" variety. I need more anecdotal help. Also, if anybody knows of mothers or parenting groups in the area I'd appreciate it. My kids are almost four and I'd like to know ahead of time if there are any avenues for getting together with other moms (in addition to the usual chance meeting of moms at the library/park).
And if anyone has had experience being a parent of young children in that area: is it fairly child-friendly? Is Barrington more so than Bristol?
Thanks!

[traceyr13]

I lived and worked in Barrington for years before moving to Austin, so I can help you with Barrington.

As for preschools, this is for a bit older (more like nursery school) but I can't rave enough about Red Brick Nursery School. They also offer a private kindergarten. I know the director (Ann McAree) as I was her son's guidance counselor for years at Barrington High School, and grew close to her. Fantastic facility, teachers, and overall atmosphere.

Barrington is very family friendly in that it is very safe and close knit and offers a lot of programs. My son did the youth soccer and loved it - they did a great job with the kids. It can be very difficult if you are not upper class, however (and we are a very professional, educated couple) - there is a lot of "keeping up with the joneses" in Barrington, and that trickles down to the youth. But there are a lot of wonderful qualities about Barrington also.

[CBA]

Although I can't give you any insight myself, you may find a local chapter of Moms Club International by going to their website at "momsclub.org." I am a member of my local chapter (in AZ) and it has been an excellent resource for all things mom and kids--from preschools to pediatricians to playgroups to grown-up friendships, etc. Also, check out "rikidscount.org" for a wealth of statistics on kids in schools, their health, safety, academics, etc. Good luck with your search.