B.B.
I personally do not think children need full day preschool unless it is because the parents are at work all day. For a full time preschool that is a good price. But if you are not working or only working full time, I think it is unneccesary.
My daughter will b starting preschool this fall and we are starting the looking process we found a good one close to our house but its 700/month for 5 days a week school is from.9-4 but shed probably go 7-5 they serve breakfast lunch n snack. The doors are locked at all times and you need a passkey to get in to the building and your kid can only leave the building with someone besides a parent if they have a card with the kids name and you tell the school in the morning. Do you mamas think this is too much money or about right? Tia
I personally do not think children need full day preschool unless it is because the parents are at work all day. For a full time preschool that is a good price. But if you are not working or only working full time, I think it is unneccesary.
Do you like the environment? Do you like the Montessori philosophy? I don't think $700 is too much to spend--as long as you love her school.
I think that $700 is a deal, particularly for Montessori. My bigger concern would be whether Montessori is the right environment for your child. It is excellent for some children, and other children struggle in the less structured environment. My daughter needed more structure; it was not right for her. It was ideal for our neighbor. Sounds like safety is good. So, whether it's the best learning environment for your particular child is the most important factor. Will they let her attend for a day or two for you to try it out to make a decision?
We pay $965 for similar hours at a Montessori, so I agree that is a deal! A word of warning- the name "Montessori" is not trademarked, so literally any preschool with any philosophy/method/requirements for their teachers can slap that name on their door. If you are really looking for Montessori, you can check to see if the school is "AMI certified." Even if they are not certified, they could be a great Montessori school- ask about the training that their teachers receive, ask how they differ from an AMI school. If you don't really care about the method and just want a nice preschool, ask current and former parents. Check online for any negative reviews and then ask the school about any issues presented in the negative reviews. And go with your gut!
At 10 hours a day for 5 days a week...that means the preschool is only getting $3.5 per hour....including meals. And since it is a Montessori school they usually do not have the funding that public schools do. The price sounds about right...actually it sounds cheap. You would likely pay more than that for day care....at least you would if you went to my daycare :)
I teach preschool at a montessori school (the school is from 2 years old to 4th grade) and my class goes 3 days a week. The parents pay $1000 a month. The higher grades (elementary) has their starting pay at $1200 NOT counting before or after school care. That can add on about an extra $500-$700 a month. I think $700 a month for those type of hours with meals and snacks included is a pretty good price. I wouldn't be able to afford it, but I do love teaching there!
That's cheaper than any Montessori program I've ever seen. Are their teachers certified Montessori teachers?
Ditto several other posters; do some research and observation to make sure that Montessori is a good fit for your child. Much like Waldorf in that they are usually pretty adherent to the specific philosophy, you do want to know what your child's time will be like at the preschool.
And yes, the cost sounds great.
Montisouri Schools are expensive but the kids learn a lot. The school teach independence and taking responsibility for their actions.
My grandson was in one and when he was potty training his teacher told my daughter to put him in regular underwear and if had an accident she had to clean up after himself. I know it sounds harsh but the kids learn quickly if I don't go potty and mess myself I have to clean up and can't play until I am done -- hhhmmm --- play -- clean-up they learn quickly play is more fun.
They teach beginning reading and math at 4 yrs old.
If it fits your budget -- go for it.
for montessori that sounds very affordable. that's only about 150 more than what we paid for regular preschool (all day, similar setup)
**ETA** -i just love how people take a simple question and twist it to suit their holier than thou need to feel better than others.
Yes Junomom S and BB - i am talking to you.
Man, that sounds like a bargain to me. I know cost of living is very different from one state to the next, but I can tell you that full time montisouri preschool around these parts will cost you at least $1200 per month. Lo
Good luck! We do love our Montisouri!
Hi B.-
I live in North Ridgeville and my 4 year old attends kiddie kollege. We pay $820/month for the daycare portion and then $130/month for the preschool portion. The preschool amount is discounted since they take her out of the daycare and move to a different part of the building for preschool. Preschool is 4 days/week from approximately 12:30 - 3:30. I think it is ridiculously expensive, but both of us work full-time. I can't wait until school starts. I will be a millionaire. LOL
That price sounds perfectly reasonable (even inexpensive).
I would go to several different local schools to compare them. Just look them up, call them up ... the directors are usually more than happy to give you a tour, answer questions, give you the price list, etc.
I agree with others about considering whether Montessori is right for your child.
10 hours a day? 5days a week? Why have a child if Montessori is raising her?
Wish my Montessori was that reasonable! 4 years ago I paid 982.00 a month and they didn't provide food.
It is an absolute bargain, if the staff and curriculum is anything like my son's school. Hate to admit it but you'd be paying $500.00 LESS than what we pay. Good luck :)