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Message |
    
sglima
Citizen
Username: Slima
Post Number: 8
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 6:18 pm: |     |
I'm looking into pre-schools for my daughter. She won't be three until Oct. 11th... 11 days past the Oct. 1st cutoff date. So depending on the school.. she could be in with 3 year olds or 2-1/2 year olds.
The demand is fierce so classes fill up fast.
I'm looking into the Neighborhood House in Millburn and the pre-school at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Maplewood. Neighborhood House seems like a lot of play time and not a lot of learning. St. Joseph's is 3 days a week and the first part of the day is all academics. Does that seem too much for a 3 year old? And can any one recommend either of these schools?
A frustrated Mom. |
nan
Citizen
Username: Nan
Post Number: 1110
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 6:48 pm: | |
I don't know about either (my kid went to the Y which was great).
Here is the website for the National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/default.htm
They have lots of information including guidelines for early childhood curriculum, assessment and program evaluation.
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eliz
Citizen
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 672
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 8:10 pm: | |
My daughter went to Neighborhood House for a year (4 year old class) and it was a (mostly) wonderful experience. Their philosophy is learning through play. There is a wonderful outdoor space and the kids are outside every day unless it is raining or really freezing. My daughter was also pretty fluent in sign language by the time she left.
I really didn't want the "academic" push in preschool but that is a parental choice.
Good luck. |
Lauren Morris
Citizen
Username: Lmorris
Post Number: 5
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 7:07 pm: | |
I don't know either of those schools, but my children have been very happy at Beth El in S. Orange. My middle child was also an October birthday and missed cutoffs. I put him in the two's class when he was turning 3 in that October, because I did not want to end up at the other end of preschool either repeating a year or looking for something else to do before Kindergarten. He was very happy there, as is my current 3 year old. There are two classes for 2's, a younger group and an older one, which is children that are turning 3 in the earlier part of the school year. The director is Sandy Sachs and she could give you more information. Her number is 973-763-0113. |
stephanie steinberg
Citizen
Username: Suburbbound
Post Number: 6
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 9:42 am: | |
Nan -did your kids go full-time at the Y? we visited and liked it, but heard it was more custodial than educational - I know they have NAEYC certification, but didn't see that much education going on - any thoughts |
ashear
Citizen
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 928
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 11:02 am: | |
My kids (2.5 and 5) are at the Y. For me there is enough education going on for their age. For the little one that is not much. I think she should be, and is, spending most of her time playing, though the play is often aimed at developing various skills. For the older one there is a lot going on. They pick a topic every week and really get into it. There is also a lot of play going on for him too. Which again I think is appropriate. There is plenty of time to be in school. To me pre-school should be about a lot of fun and a lot of play combined with an appropriate amount of education. What I like about the Y is that a lot of the fun is combined with education.
Most important the teachers are incredibly warm and loving. We have been very happy with it.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask here or via private line. |
nan
Citizen
Username: Nan
Post Number: 1125
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 8:22 pm: | |
Stephanie,
I agree with Ashear. The Y was exactly the kind of educational experience I wanted for my child. He has such happy memories of that place (he's in second grade now) and I don't think he's ever liked a teacher as much as he liked (loved, really) Miss Jean!
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bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 469
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 9:14 pm: | |
The educational philosophy at the Y is "learning through play". Children are exposed to math, pre reading/reading, pre writing/writing, science, art etc. through lots of different experiences. Do they do workbooks? NO! Does the degree of "academics" vary from class to class? Yes, it can. Children study themes usually for a week, sometimes longer..they incorporate all the above elements into learning about the themes. My older daughter did everything from volcanoes to rainforests, ocean creatures to weather, the human body etc. Do the preschool teachers cram phonics into them? No, not if the kid is not interested or not ready. Do some of the kids learn phonemic awareness and more? Yes. She probably learned more at the Y about science and the world around her than she has learned through 2nd grade. Some teachers will work on "academic" stuff (writing, reading) with kids who are ready during quiet time. The curriculum is very carefully designed to incorporate educational material in a fun, interesting and AGE appropriate manner. My kid was superbly well prepared for kindergarten socially and academically as were her fellow classmates. Several could read by the time they left preschool, many could do much more advanced math than is required at kindergarten level but much more importantly, my kid acquired a real love of learning and a curiosity about the world around her. ( oh, my kid had Marie (the school director, then the fabulous Jenny Drappi) |
bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 470
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 9:23 pm: | |
DEar, dear...my post above makes it sound like all they did was work...so not true. It is a fun, caring environment. Circle time in the morning is the main event, then activities. Not all kids participate in each activity..and that is okay. Lots of time is spent in dress up clothes, covered in paint, gak or clay or outside planting in the garden area or playing in the playground. Several field trips are scheduled each year which are usually to museums, zoos, theater performances, firestations etc. One additional bonus is that you can sign up for other classes offered by the Y eg. kindersports, cooking, music, spanish, gymnastics. The kids are escorted from their class to the gym and back again. |
stephanie steinberg
Citizen
Username: Suburbbound
Post Number: 7
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 1:10 pm: | |
Thank you all for feedback about the SM Y - very encouraging...we're hoping to have our kid in for 2 years - starting next year when she's 4 (cause of cutoff, she can't start kind. till the year she turns 6)....so it sounds like the two years would work - 2 more questions (should I do a new thread??) - did anyone use the Y when the kids were in kindergarden for 1/2 day - is that in another facility and then they are walked over to Parker Ave?? What about the bussing? It was explained to me,but....Also, did folks have 'back up babysitters' in case kids were sick?? Thanks. ss |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 115
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 9:21 am: | |
Stephanie, my daughter has a similar birthday and there are preschools that allow some flexibility. We are probably going to send our daughter to St. Stephens in Millburn, where she'll start a few weeks before she turns 3. It's fairly new (5 years or so), but we have a couple of friends who have their kids there and love it.
What's particularly nice is they are very understanding of the working parents' schedules, so drop off/pick up is 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. |
ashear
Citizen
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 933
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 4:09 pm: | |
We are dealing with figuring out what to do about Kindergarden now. The Y has two programs. One is a full day kindergarden. The other is a wrap around program where they bus the kids from the schools. Both are at a location on Valley by Pathmark. (By the way they will take kids in the kindergarden that don't make the town cut off). |
stephanie steinberg
Citizen
Username: Suburbbound
Post Number: 8
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 30, 2004 - 10:22 am: | |
Ashear - have you seen the Y facility on Valley Rd. - we drove by and it certainly didn't appear as nice as the stand-alone facility on Parker....do you know of any other programs that will take kids for the 'other half' of the kindergarden day?
Dave23 - I thought St. Stephens' was 1/2 day but seems like they are full-day - can parents park there and take the train from Millburn? |
ashear
Citizen
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 937
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 30, 2004 - 12:21 pm: | |
Stephanie - I would go in before making a judgement. I have not been in but I know people with kids in the program and they say its really nice inside - all brand new since this is the first year in that location. I know the teacher of the full day program and she is great. |
Zuzu
Citizen
Username: Zuzu
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 30, 2004 - 7:17 pm: | |
I'm also looking into preschools right now, for my daughter who will be 2 1/2 in the fall. Does anybody know anything (positive or negative) about the Weekday Nursery School in South Orange, or the South Orange Country Day School, or St. Stephens in Millburn? Thanks! |
stephanie steinberg
Citizen
Username: Suburbbound
Post Number: 10
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 2, 2004 - 1:54 pm: | |
ZuZu - we looked at the S. O country Day School - it's a Montessori School. It had a great outdoor space and wasn't 'rigid' Montessori (a plus in our book) but our concern was that it was in an old Victorian house so there was no gym or 'run around' space for winter time. Also, the classrooms seemed very small to us, given the # of kids (the 5 year olds seemed ok in their classroom, but the younger kids seemed cramped...) I'm curious about St. Stevens too... |
Ina Sheppard
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 10
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 3:04 pm: | |
My twins have been at Weekday for two years and we've all loved the experience there. It's a co-op, so I don't know whether that will work for you or not. Personally, I see that as a strength--even though I work from home.
Also, Weekday is strictly 9-11:30 for the 3 and 4 year-old classes. 3 year olds go 3 days a week and 4 year-olds go five days. They don't have extended hours.
The director, Pat Rotondi, is a wonderful person and educator. The environment is relaxed and the class sizes are small. Further, the parents are invited to help out as much as they can/want but are never pressured to do so if their schedules don't allow it. In addition, it is one of the most affordable co-ops in town.
Good luck. |
CageyD
Citizen
Username: Cageyd
Post Number: 75
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 10:07 pm: | |
RE: Weekday
I sent my child to Weekday and regret it. I found it to be a very cold environment and the teachers showed very little patience with the children. I had originally planned to enroll my other child at Weekday and then changed my mind and went elsewhere. Later I found other refugee parents from Weekday who also had bad experiences there and withdrew their children from the program. I really strongly discourage you from sending your child there. They almost always have vacancies - which says a lot.
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shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 368
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 10:06 am: | |
Where is Weekday? |
Ina Sheppard
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 11
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 9:16 pm: | |
Weekday is located behind the Presbyterian Church between Irvington and So. Orange Avenue.
Wow, CageyD, I'm so sorry that was your experience at Weekday. How long ago was that? Are you referring to all the teachers being cold and impatient? That hasn't been my experience there at all and I'm there all the time because it is a co-op and I have two kids there. All three teachers have very different personalities, that is true, but they are all very caring women and have been nothing but wonderful and patient since I've been there.
I suspect that one reason why they have had some spots open in the past is because they don't advertise at all. For me, the small class size has been a great plus.
It's true that not all the teachers there are the "cuddly" type--but by no means does that make them cold in my opinion.
Certainly anyone is entitled to their opinion, but I would encourage any parent to go to the classroom, just pop in, that's what I did when I was looking around, and take a look for yourself.
Oh, and another plus, I love the diversity and integration in each and every classroom.
Good luck! |
Popo
Citizen
Username: Popo
Post Number: 28
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 1:52 pm: | |
We love Weekday. I've worked closely with all three teachers and have found them all to be very caring. They've helped me to become a more patient parent!
We chose Weekday, in part, because it seemed to us to offer a little more "structure" than some of the other schools, particularly the co-ops. There is formal introduction to letters and numbers, but always in a fun, low-key way. There are behavioral expectations, but we feel that they are age-appropriate. Weekday offers the right environment for us, but it may not be right for every child or family.
Our children love school and are thriving in every way at Weekday. |
CageyD
Citizen
Username: Cageyd
Post Number: 77
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 11:31 pm: | |
Perhaps Weekday has improved - I hope so. We were there three years ago. It really was a bad experience for my child and I felt (as did others with kids there)that it was not a child friendly place. |
Ina Sheppard
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 12
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 1:14 am: | |
CageyD,
I was quite shocked to read your post as you may have noted. So, I discussed it with the director of Weekday. She was very saddened to hear about this, but I felt she deserved to know...and wanted her to read it herself. Interestingly she mentioned that no one has ever "pulled" a student from the program. Which leads me/us to wonder whether these Weekday refugees that you mention are from another place called Weekday as well. Apparently there are a few. One, I believe, is a daycare facility in Union. But there are others.
I'm not saying you are referring to the wrong Weekday, but perhaps these others are. Just wanted to make this clarification. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1952
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 10:56 am: | |
whoah!! Zuzu!!!!! Just checked into this thread. Zuzu gingersnap cookies!! My very good friend from college is zuzu - we call her Zu.
Don't know those schools but my kids all went to Christ Church Nursery School in Short Hills. Good teachers, good facility, crazy director. Also, open Door at Wyoming Pres. is good. |
CageyD
Citizen
Username: Cageyd
Post Number: 78
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 10:32 pm: | |
It is the same Weekday. The people I knew who also pulled their children out were people who I recognized from Weekday in SO. None of these people pulled their kids out of school during the year. They just decided not to return at the end of the school year and they sent their kids to different schools when the new school year began. I once spoke with a family therapist about the school and its discipline procedures and general atmosphere. She told me that in her opinion it was very badly run and I would probably do well to send my child elsewhere. WHen my child did attend school elsewhere there was a dramatic difference in behavior, attitude and development. Perhaps things have changed there, but I still couldn't in good conscience recommend that anyone send their child there. |
sk8mom
Citizen
Username: Sk8mom
Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 2:23 pm: | |
My kids have been at the Y for over 5 yrs and we could not be happier with it. I would echo all of ashear's sentiments. This year my oldest is in the first class of the Y's full-day kindergarten. We are thrilled, thrilled, thrilled with the program. The teachers are fabulous, and the curriculum is age-appropriate and interesting. Once-a week gym, gymnastics, music and Berlitz Spanish are a part of the regular curriculum. The facility is all-new this year and I think you should arrange a visit (9-3:00) if you are interested in considering it (after 3:00 the kids do more free play, games, computer, dancing etc). The only problem with the facility is parking. The wrap-around parents are happy as well, although I think a number of them wish they had opted for full-day instead.
But I shouldn't be singing the Y's praises so or otherwise I'll have problems getting my younger kid into the full-day. ;)
If you call Marie, the director of the child care center (762-0860), I think she could put you in phone contact with some of the kindergarten parents. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1629
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 3:13 pm: | |
sk8termom -- I'm so excited about full day K. I keep hasseling Marie and she assures me that my son is first on the list. Where do you park when you pick up?
We have had a great Y experience. My boy started at 3 months and was cared for by the wonderful Miss Marta (and Evelyn and Sabrina). He is now in his second year of preschool has learned so much and had so much fun at the Y. Reagarding Kindergarden, I know there is a waiting list for fullday but I think the wrap around care still has openings for next year. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 923
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 3:25 pm: | |
My son just started at the Y. His teachers are very good at what they do but I just don't get it. To me it seems like a glorified holding pen. I was skeptical after my first two visits there and it outwardly doesn't seem to be that exceptional (as compared to other places we've been) but I'll be damned if my son doesn't just love it there and in the end I guess that's all that matters.
Where the hell do you guys park? Its a nightmare at 6 pm. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1630
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 3:54 pm: | |
It has been a nightmare at 6:00. What class is your son in? What I like about the Y is that there is very low turnover with the teachers -- we've been there 4.5 years and they all know me and my son. With the infants there was lots of holding and reading and I never once saw a spot of diaper rash. My son has just been very happy there. He's learned a lot. They did a great job at getting him "off the bottle" and getting him potty trained. I am ashamed to say but that was all Miss Evelyn's doing, not mine. Is it a glorified holding pen? I don't know. There is a nice mix between free play and scheduled activities/gym time/playground time/circle time. We have taken advantage of the Coach Dave Classes and he is really doing great -- last night we got a message from Coach Vicki letting us know how great he was doing and that yesterday he made 3 tackles in football (she assured me that meant he just pulled off the kid's flag). Either way, he's happy and everyday he tells me how much fun he had.
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 925
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 4:47 pm: | |
He is a sea lion. He is in Kindersports too and yesterday was quite a day in football. Lots of tears all around - must have been something in the air. Coach Dave and Vicki are great.
My son gets to play quite a bit which is great - its what he really needs and he has done well. Maybe glorified holding pen was too harsh...My son is enjoying it which is something he has not always enjoyed. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1631
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 5:00 pm: | |
Hope my Penguin didn't tackle your Sea Lion. I like the way that Coach Dave is a little rough around the edges -- it makes his praise mean much more to my son. The class he likes most is Let's Play on Stage -- he says that's his favorite. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 927
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 10:24 pm: | |
Not sure if he tackled my son or not. There were only three kids who got to be blockers (i.e. they made three tackles). I asked my son about Play on Stage and he looked at me like I had two heads. |
sk8mom
Citizen
Username: Sk8mom
Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2004 - 12:03 pm: | |
Hey algebra2 and sportsnut -- Ah, parking, the age-old problem at the Y! The K-Center is even worse than the CCC. At pick- up I park right in front even if I have to park illegally. The traffic is hairy there and forget about parking in the back--too dark and scary, with oblivious Pathmark shoppers lunging around the curve up that driveway. We've talked with Marie about it and the Y has to address the situation with the town somehow. But you will love the full-day kindergarten. I am in constant wonder of the program.
And yes, sportnut, 6 pm at the CCC site is horrendous, esp. with snow. Sometimes parking in the Jefferson St. lot and walking up the stairs is easier.
I think the Y to a degree is what you make it. Marie is incredibly responsive to parents, and if there is something you see that you don't like, she will hear you out and usually she does something about it. Some teachers are better than others, but this is true everywhere. }Anyhow, our kids love it and we love it. And for the four's and up who don't nap anymore, the camp was great last year. Jen Drappe, the preschool teacher, was the director last year for the Y Knots and my kid had a ball. |
eebiez
Citizen
Username: Eebiez
Post Number: 5
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 11:29 pm: | |
I would like to comment on the remarks made by CageyD (a caged woman?) about Weekday Nursery School in South Orange. (I know some of you may have to scroll up to figure out what I am speaking to.) I am mostly shocked at the slanderous comments CageyD made about a school that is beloved by so many people in our community. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but your comments were over the edge. I am likening your comments to a hit and run as I assume that you never made any of your feelings clear to our director, Pat Rotondi, who has always been very receptive to feedback, positive and negative.
My oldest child graduated from Weekday last year (she attended for 3 years) and my youngest is now enrolled in the 2 year old program. We love the intimate family like environment and the diversity in teaching styles and personalities that the teachers bring. I hope that CageyD's comments will not keep people from checking out our intimate little co-op. I think that the teachers, parents and children at our school are the most genuine and caring people.
When my daughter began attending Kindergarten at Marshall School this year her teacher specifically asked me where she went to nursery school. She wanted to know which pre-school had done such an outstanding job at preparing her academically and socially.
Different families have different needs and wants. I want a co-op situation. I want a program that lets children know that their "work" at playing and participating in a group is imporatant. I don't want a full day program. Some people want a place that is academic or has a big playground or a long list of special activities. Everyone must find their fit.
The most important thing to me is that my child is kind. At Weekday Nursery I found an environment that fosters many skills but also supports compassion, caring, generosity and my biggie: kindness. |
CageyD
Citizen
Username: Cageyd
Post Number: 81
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 10:14 pm: | |
I am glad that you enjoyed your Weekday experience. I did express my concerns to Pat Rontondi and though she was sympathetic she did nothing to improve what I expressed as being the school's shortcomings. I will tell you that in the entire time my child was in her class there was never a good morning hug or warm greeting to my child or anyone else's child and I was a co-op parent. It was a cold and very child-unfriendly place. Again, I am not alone in feeling this way, I have met other parents who either withdrew their children from Weekday or after visiting the program in an orientation capacity vowed never to send their kids to that school. I am happy you enjoyed it, I thought it was horrible. I have no more to say on the matter. I agree to disagree with you. |
eebiez
Citizen
Username: Eebiez
Post Number: 6
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 10:12 am: | |
Cageyd, I also agree to disagree with you. My problem does not lie with your decision to go to another school. My problem is with the way that you have repeatedly bashed and badmouthed our school on this message board with a complete lack of remorse. People who disagree, amicably usually leave it at that or at least make comments with some degree of tact. Your comments have been full of malice and anger. I wish you luck in resolving your personal issues and hope that you can refain from any more personal attacks on our peaceful little community school.
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algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1658
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 11:46 am: | |
eebiez -- it's amessage board. I don't see that Cagey has repeatedly bashed your school -- the topic came up IN THIS THREAD about Preschool.
I am very attached to the YMCA Daycare, do I get offended when someone states a reason that they weren't happy there? Obviously not. Take critisism with a grain of salt and move on. Why so defensive? You accuse Cagey of Personal Attacks in the same breath claim she has Personal Issues. Sheesh! |
eebiez
Citizen
Username: Eebiez
Post Number: 7
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 1:12 pm: | |
I said that I was done with this and wasn't going to post another message HOWEVER...algebra2 made an excellent point! This is a public forum. I merely expect that people posting remember that their message is posted for everyone to see.
PS I always wondered how you spelled "sheesh" thanks for clearing that up! |
Lydia
Citizen
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 225
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 11:18 pm: | |
I've been very happy with the Playhouse in West Orange - depending on where you live in Mplwd/So it's a 15-20 minute drive. A play-oriented curriculum, Bank Street teachers, nurturing, worth the shlep in my opinion.
My 4 year old reads and writes pretty well and looks forward to playing in school - I can't ask for much more.
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