Preschool Playgroup thing...

So, I just enrolled Ava in preschool today (I have been procrastinating, cuz the whole business frightens me) and we have a little orientation thing Sept 3rd. I went with the closest place because I don't drive, and it is only 1 block away, so I can walk her there and back. Anywho, what do I ask about at the orientation? It is just a little playgroup type thing (only 3 hours 2x a week) so is there anything want to know about it? LOL They are certified and all that jazz, I since it is only 3 hrs, they probably don't do much actually teaching things, just crafts and play?

I just don't want to look like a weird unconcerned mom with no questions and such. Maybe I just need to chill...

I would maybe ask about how they handle discipline? That was a question I asked at my son's preschool orientation. I wanted to make sure his misbehavior wasn't just overlooked (he needs to be corrected), but I also wanted to make sure their philosophy jived with mine, ya know?

I'm sure they've already gone over this or given you some kind of information packet, but other things I think are important to know - what do they do if someone besides you (like a grandparent or Auntie) shows up to pick up your child? My son's preschool will ONLY release our child to someone listed on the WRITTEN and signed list we provide them - they won't even let me call and say "oh, something's happened, my friend so-and-so is going to pick him up today". Nope. Not unless they were on the list (and then they have to show ID). Even if the child obviously knows the person, they won't let them go. I thought that was good practice.

My daughter who is turning 4 on the 1st is starting preschool on the 10th. She'll be in it with my nephew who is 6 months older and has been there for a year already. My sister is on the committee so I trust the whole thing. I know my nephew learned to write his own name earlier this year, so I'm hoping they do stuff like that with Kaylee because she knows no letters or numbers and rarely draws anything more than lines and circles. She's more of a physical girl than an intellectual girl I suppose.

ETA: I even had to apply for a swipe card so I'll be able to get into the building to drop her off and pick her up!

It depends on the type of preschool, but they can still learn a lot during that time. My son went to preschool 3 hours a day/two days a week last year and each month they learned 3-4 letters/letter sounds, numbers, a Bible verse and had a 'character trait' focus. Each month we got a newsletter telling us what they were covering that month and we tried to reinforce it at home. Anyway, even if it isn't a teaching-type preschool, I think it's fair to ask what ideas/concepts they will be presented with or what stories they will be reading and ask what you can do at home to support her learning. Find out the best way for general communication with her teacher (email, phone, etc.) and how they handle discipline issues. I'm sure there are other things, but that's all that comes to mind at the moment.

great tips about asking about discipline...maybe ask how many kids per teacher they allow and who if anyone is allowed to help with the class (so you know the aides/helpers also have background checks done)...what supplies do you need to provide (extra set of clothes, snack,etc.)

Oh, this may not apply if Ava is really excited to go, but if you think she might have a hard time the first day, you can ask the teachers for advice on preparing her and how the first day will go (i.e. can parent stay for the first few minutes, do they want you to leave right away, etc.)

Thank you guys, I know a lot of this seems common sense, LOL, but I am still having trouble adjusting to her being a big girl. I am not too concerned with the learning aspect. She catches on very quickly, and can already identify all her letters, memorize songs, etc. I think is is the social aspect that I want her to have from this group. We don't do the whole playdate thing, so she seldomly interacts with kids her own age.

She is excited, its me that is nervous so far. LOL

I would also ask how they handle other kids that hit or kick...There was a boy in my son's pre-k class that would push my son and the other kids...

It seems like she won't have trouble making friends but you may want to ask the teacher after a few weeks how she interacts with the other kids...We had a playdate with one of my son's classmates and his mom told me he was really shy when he first started school and after a month or two of school the teacher told her he played by himself and hadn't made any friends...

well Ive never done preschool or daycare so I dont know but my sister was telling me that she has to pay for her daughters daycare even if she does not go at all during the week )she co-parents and her ex lives in another county). She said if she does not pay she would lose her spot. So if something happened with your daughter being unable to attend for some reason or another how that would work. To me it does not seem right that you have to pay if they are not there at all and they should not lose their spot for being absent for a week.

Another thing Id ask is what the teacher/child ratio is. Communication would be a big issue Id want to touch on. Like some teachers prefer you call some prefer email etc. Id want to know about how they discipline. Also what their policy is for parents to participate at the school. Id want my kids preschool to have an open door policy for me to observe whenever I wanted. I guess that is probably all. Ohhhh and another thing is apprently with food allergies becoming more and more common if there is any restrictions on foods you can send for snacks (or lunch if she will be there for lunch)