[Minniemom]

Does anyone know of any good preschools in Spring Hill. I have heard of a program called Head Start, but am not too familiar with it. Does anyone have any info on this subject??

[kimwick]

It goes according to income (headstart). There also is VPK where put on by the state. They pay three hours of childcare in the day cares. You need to call CDS. They do not go by income. I beleive the head start in Hernando has it in the day cares. Head Start in Pasco holds it in the schools. The Pasco number for Head Start is 727-774-2730. If you call them they may be able to give you the number for Hernando Head Start. They also can give you the number for the VPK. Hope this helps.

[Minniemom]

WOW, you were up early
Thanks for they reply. As far as the income level thing, it probably has to be a low income level, right? That probably wont work. I was really hoping that they had some independent nursery/preschools, not in a daycare setting. Someone I spoke to said that she didn't think so, but I was hoping maybe someone else had some additional info. I guess I will have to do some calling/visiting around when we get there. It's just so hard making the transition with kids, ya know? Thanks again.

[NatureCoastFL]

Originally Posted by Minniemom

WOW, you were up early
Thanks for they reply. As far as the income level thing, it probably has to be a low income level, right? That probably wont work. I was really hoping that they had some independent nursery/preschools, not in a daycare setting. Someone I spoke to said that she didn't think so, but I was hoping maybe someone else had some additional info. I guess I will have to do some calling/visiting around when we get there. It's just so hard making the transition with kids, ya know? Thanks again.

There are several good religious pre-schools/school in the area. All of our kids have or are currently are attending one. If you would like more info, let me know...

[kyvan]

Hi there,

We just moved here last October and getting used to the schooling takes a little bit of patience ....We enrolled our 3 year old in an independent preschool and here's what we found out about VPK. When a child turns 4 (cutoff is 9/1), they are eligible for VPK, which is a half-day of pre-kindergarten, paid for by the state. ALL children are eligible for this, it is NOT income based. If you wish to keep your child in school all day, you have to pay the balance of the tuition.

It was very easy to sign up. We enrolled first at the school, then they gave us the form for Child Development Services (CDS) and you take that, along wtih some required ID info to the CDS office and in 5 minutes, you're all set.

In terms of schools, we looked at First Friends, DiscoveryPoint and Scribbles. Also looked at some church run schools. We chose Scribbles based upon how close it's curriculum was to our Goddard School in NJ and on friend's recommendations and we're fairly happy.

Wait though, till your children are of public school age - that's where it gets confusing around here. I've been following the school grading, all the hype about the FCATs and Hernando's "magnet" schools by which you have to get in thru lottery (nice way to guarantee your kid gets best education, on luck) and I'm concerned about how they do things around here. Hoping the new superintendent, who's from a bigger district, will organize it better...otherwise, there's always private school Good Luck!