Not Sure How to Get My 3Yo to Preschool...

Updated on July 07, 2008
V.L. asks from Los Angeles, CA
4 answers

We;ve been lucky to have a great babysitter who taught my son a lot since he first started with her at 6 weeks old. But at 3yo he's aching to be around kids his age. He's social and smart and can definitely use more direction. Here are issues that i would appreciate help with:

1. Low-Income but not no-income - navigating the system
I work full time, commuting 40 miles to work each day and both my husband and I are full time students. We have funds, but they're extremely limited. As i started to do research on this, the more confused I got. There are state preschools, first 5 schools, county and early ed programs, i'm just not sure which is which anymore. Also, most programs are for low income folks are impacted. Does anyone know or can suggest places to learn more about where to start? or even better, what should i know about getting him into preschools at elementary schools? or does that even exist... sigh..

2. Full-time programs
For those moms who work, how do you manage those half day programs? AS the fall semester starts, both my husband and i will be commuting to ungodly distances and i realized that we're going to have problems with this.

3. West Valley/ Downtown / Hollywood / North Hollywood area
Does anyone know of good programs with a progressive child development/discipline philosophy (preferably nonviolent) in either the canoga park or downtown los angeles vicinities? i'm totally willing to commute with the kids. i know this is like beggars and choosers, but i'm bold like that.

Any help would be madly appreciated!!!

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Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Here's a good place to start:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices#map-home
If your income is low enough, and/or you're working or a student you're eligible for services. Head start is 6 hours a day. Which is good if you need the extended hours. We opted for the 3 hour a day preschool at a public elementary school for our three year-old. It was great: and it didn't cost a penny! Good luck and just keep looking. You'll find something. But hurry! Most of the spots for fall are spoken for.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello V.:

I highly recommend Pathways. I used them to help find quality day care. They can also help with information on paying for pre-school. From their website:

The mission of Pathways is to ensure that families have access to high quality, inclusive child development programs and resources, so that all children can achieve their full potential.

http://www.pathwaysla.org/

Good luck!

E. (Mother of 2 children ages 5 and 2)

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

What about a nanny share? My sister is planning on doing with 2 other moms for a third of the cost. Are you in Los Angeles by any chance? Theres a great FREE resouce at Connections for Children.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi!
Look in to Head Start preschools. They're federally funded and free to low income families.

1 mom found this helpful
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