[ospklk]

My family is moving to Vermont in June from Miami with a 3 month old and a 3.5 years old. I am looking for good preschools, classes for kids (dance, soccer, etc.), and kid-friendly neighborhoods in Burlington and South Burlington. Also, as someone who never lived in snow before, any hints as to how to care for kids in the cold will be greatly appreciated (i.e. dressing tips, playing outside tips and the like).

[chaz longue]

ospklk -

My wife's runs a program which consults to preschools and so forth, and knows a lot about early childhood programs etc. I'll ask her for some resources for you and can pass them on if you'd care to pm me. We live in Burlington, and I grew up in South Burlington...

Now - For snow suggestions:
You'll have plenty of time to get ideas for clothing and driving and so on when you get here, but I'll just give you some very general observations. First - the clothing for kids and adults too, is just better than it used to be. Fleece hats, fleece neck-warmers, fleece socks, fleece sweaters, fleece vests and fleece jackets.... Malden Mills invented it, and there's a really wonderfull heartwarming story about the owner of the company you may hear around the Winter Holidays. You can find it inexpensively or get cute versions of the items above in boutiques or online suppliers like LL Bean (talk about great stories...).

Kids who grow up in climates with snow often learn to love it. Find the right neighborhood hill and take the kids sledding and you'll all be giggling like mad in short order!

Cheers,
David

[VTeratheart]

LAYERS!!! Wear lots of layers. Are you coming up on a job transfer? Have you ever been this far north in the winter? Just making sure this is something you're prepared for as it gets really cold~esp. when the windchill is factored in!

There are a number of reputable pre-schools in the area. Are you looking for childcare centers as well? It might depend on what you're looking for in a pre-school and the kind of money you're willing and able to pay, also how far you're willing to drive. I can steer you in some different directions if you can let me know this. I have worked in a couple of different centers as a supervisor, and currently provide childcare in my home. I also have a daughter in pre-school this year and had researched quite a few last year.

There are great town recreation and parks organizations as far as soccer and some other "classes." There are soccer organizations, too, and a few dance and gymnastics schools in the area.

As far as Burlington vs. South Burlington, there's a bit of a difference in what you'll find living in either of them. Again, if you let us know what you're looking for more specifically, ezp. your price range, we can help. Burlington is bigger, pop. wise, and older (houses), a multi-college town, with a beautiful downtown that leads you right to the waterfront (Lake Champlain). There are four (I believe) elementart schools, two middle schools and one high school. SB is newer, more affluent, there is a "big" mall, lots of hotels, shops, more spread out, I think. There are three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Let us know if you have more questions!

[ospklk]

Thank you for your post.

My dream preschool for my kids is a reggio emilia type place. Are there any in the area? I want my kids to learn while playing and socializing. It is important that their curiosity will be encouraged and expanded on, and that they will have plenty of opportunities to interact with nature. We are also looking for a place where family and school interact a lot. We keep a very healthy diet at home (organic, fruits and veggies, no junk food or sweets), so it is also important that the preschool will continue with that as much as possible as well.

We will be traveling to the areanext month to look more specifically for places to live. Part of our real estate adventure will depend on schooling and kid-friendly neighborhoods.

thanks again
ospklk

[VTeratheart]

Maybe Waldorf-type schools would be good. There's a great one in Williston (close to SB, and parts of B-Ton) called Heartworks. They do have a website, too. Actually, I believe they also have a school in Burlington and Shelburne (South of Burlington and SB) too. I'm racking my brain trying to think of Reggio Emilia philosophy schools, and know they exist around here, I just can't think of them right now...maybe chaz longue's wife can...? A great resource around here is Child Care Resource and Referral. They'd know for sure. Burlington and/or the Montpelier area sounds like it'd be a great fit for you. Perhaps Waterbury? Do you have jobs lined up? Where are they out of?

[chaz longue]

VTeratheart is right!

VT childcare resource and referral Chittenden County (Burlington area) is at (802) 863-3367 ext 18

[VTeratheart]

Lemme guess~this is where your wife works??? Great bunch of folks who will be a wealth of information for you. Up to a point it's free, but you do pay a fee if you want them to dig real deep for you. Some employers pay for this resource (CCR), so you might want to look into it if you have jobs lined up already!

[ospklk]

Thanks a bunch. That's a great suggestion. I found their website too:
http://www.childcareresource.org/Searching/index.php

Since you did so much research for preschools, why did you choose the specific one for your daughter?

So far my husband has a job with the State, and I will start looking for something part time once we are more settled and the kids adjusted.

[chaz longue]

Originally Posted by VTeratheart

Lemme guess~this is where your wife works??? Great bunch of folks who will be a wealth of information for you. Up to a point it's free, but you do pay a fee if you want them to dig real deep for you. Some employers pay for this resource (CCR), so you might want to look into it if you have jobs lined up already!

Actually, no. But I believe it's the place she'd suggest starting. I haven't spoken to her yet today. And thanks VTeratheart: I wasn't aware they charged a fee, although I'm sure my wife would have mentioned this to me.

[VTeratheart]

Unfortunately, finances were what decided where our daughter went. That and the flexibility of the place she goes. Because I watch more kids than I can transport in my van (3 days a week) I had a fairly tight schedule I could take my daughter to pre-school around. The main objective I wanted for her this year was socialization, and she's getting that where she goes. It's only for two hours, twice a week, however. I wish it could be for longer, but you do what you can. Her b-day is only two days past the cut-off in our district, so she MAY be able to go to K in the fall, but we're not sure (some districts in VT make exceptions, some don't at all). Enough rambling.

You'll find that most, if not all, schools and childcare centers are happy to give you a tour, and send you any and all info they can about their school. I hope this helps some.

David, you're welcome. I didn't know about the fees either, until I called for myself a year or so ago. I had previosly worked very closely with a consultant there, who came to the center I worked at, and they are a great resource for parents and providers alike.