Preschools in Redmond/Bellevue area (Seattle: daycares, preschool, to live)

[lookingtorelo]

My husband will be joining Microsoft later this year, and we will be moving from California to the Seattle area. We are most likely looking to live fairly close to MS, so Redmond or Bellevue probably, though we haven't really figured that out the specifics yet. I am looking for preschools for my 3 1/2 year old, but most of them seem to be either morning only or afternoon only 3 hr programs, does anyone here know of a good full-day preschool program? Also, any recommendations on good preschools in the area (half or full day). Another issue seems to be the long waitlists everywhere, is this the norm for mid-year applications?

[jenlion]

LookingToRelo, you'll mostly be looking for "daycare" rather than "preschool" -- though at that age the daycare is like an all-day preschool

You can get on the wait lists any time you like. The very good schools will have been waitlisted for 3 year olds 3 years ago -- in other words, as soon as they knew they were pregnant, they got on the wait list for that year.

But spots open up all the time. Strategy is to get on to as many wait lists as you can (for places you would actually consider enrolling). Then you wait. Sooner or later a spot or two will open up. Might not be your first choice -- and maybe you call your first choice(s) and see how it's looking, because it seems sorta hard on the kids to move them later -- but then you've got some options.

But the wait lists are certainly the big issue. If somebody came up here and opened a kick-@** daycare center/preschool that was truly excellent, they could probably charge whatever they wanted to and pay their workers decently. There's a real need for better daycare up here!

[lookingtorelo]

Wow, 3 years is ridiculous! I guess I need to get on those waitlists ASAP if we are to be able to start my son there when we move in January. Any recommendations on good daycares or preschools to start with?

[allforcats]

These threads might have some specific answers for you:

DayCare on the east side

Need pediatrician and day care recommendations

Day care recommendations within Issaquah Highlands

Found more:
Looking for a Preschool in Duvall/Redmond area

In this thread, check out posts #5 and #6 (the numbers are in the dark blue bar at the top of each post, far right corner):
Moving to Seattle - Family of 4

Post #2:
Affordable childcare/housing in Seattle area...does it exist?

Post #3:
Remond-Education Hill

This thread contains daycare info, and a great deal more that could be very useful to you:
Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue questions

Good luck!

[alinaander]

Thanks for the info, I am looking too!

[alinaander]

Forgot to subscribe!

[ksbutler]

There is a preschool trade fair sponsored by parentmap.com on Jan 13 - check out the website - they list all participants. Also my daughter goes to a great preschool called Kidmagic - kidmagicpreschool.com. They are opening a new full time program downtown Bellevue next fall. Good luck. Kelly