Seeking North Hills Preschool for 2 1/2 Year Old

Hi K.,

I live in Wexford and send my son to the Glen Montessori preschool in Emsworth (near Sewickley). They have a toddler program that starts at 18 months. My son has been in their toddler program since just before his 2nd birthday. We love the school and he loves going.

Here is their website: www.glenmontessori.org

J.

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I've heard good things about the preschool at St John's Lutheran Church on Cumberland Road in McCandless. It's right across the street from Northland Library. Not sure what age groups they start with though.

My boys have been with Northmont Child Development Center, located at the corner of Perry Highway and Perrymont. It has been around for a very long time. The Director and the women who run the baby and preschool rooms have been there for decades. They are educated in child development, and it is certified. For instance, me eldest lost a balloon over the weekend and is currently freaking out (big time) about wind. I told the Director about it, and she was able to tell me from a child development standpoint why he was doing that, and she was glad that I told them so that they would understand if he got upset on the playground. I like having that kind of insight to help me with my kids.
In addition, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church there. If you join the church, you get a 10% discount, with the thought that you will be contributing to the financially to support the church. I cannot offer as glowing marks for the church as the daycare -- it is an older population, not as geared to the needs of a family, but it is in a transition stage right now as the prior pastor retired. They do have a Sunday school program, and a ton of activities around. I think they are really ready for new blood, and if I had more time, I'd be trying to get the church to be more like some of the ones I've seen around, with more acitivies that involve the whole family. It's still a very nice church.

It is not a newer daycare, but I have found that rules are applied across the board, that they try to be fair, and my boys are doing well. My eldest will soon be three, and he learns a lot there. From parents who have had their children go through the preschool, they have told me that their kids were well prepared for kindergarten. Pushing reading is very important.

When I was looking, another one that got high marks from parents in the area was Highland, also on Perry Highway, but the other end from Northmont. In addition, Vincentian runs an excellent one, but it is very expensive and difficult to get your child into. Those are the daycares/preschools that were recommended to me by those "in the know." I really do like mine, but you should always check the places out to make sure that the place is a good fit for you and your family.

If you have any more questions about Northmont, please email me and I'd be happy to tell you. Fortunately, I think you have a lot of good options in the areas that you are looking.

I recommend Memorial Park Christian Preschool. It is in McCandless...the corner of Duncan and Peebles (by Luciano's pizza)

It has a strong religious focus and is very academic in nature.

They have an assisted 2 year old program that is once a week (a caregiver goes with the child) and an unassisted 2-days a week for two year olds.

Highly recommended by me and my friends & family.

My little ones go to St Pauls Preschool on Ferguson. It's NAEYC accreddited (National Association for the Education of Young Children)- one of the few in this area. It is associated with the church, but I would not say it's a religious program. They say a short prayer and sing "Johnny Appleseed prayer" before snack. They do celebrate holidays with the kids, but otherwise, it is more preschool play/skill focused than religion focused. The teachers are wonderful - friendly, patient, and willing to work with you. They welcome parent involvement and are so creative.

They do have a 2's program and a young 3's program which would accommodate your child - depending on when exactly your child turns 3. If your child will be 3 before Dec 31st, 2008 then he would go to the young 3's class. If he turns 3 after that, then he would go to the 2's class. Both programs are Tues and Thurs 9-1130 am. Children do not have to be potty trained for either class either.

The program phone # is ###-###-####. I believe that they still have openings in both classes. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Are you looking for a very organized preschool, or more fun/play oriented center?

Most places don't have very formal preschools at 2 1/2; it's true most of them or more organized at age 3. But I give high marks to the Kindercare by Ross Park Mall. They have programs for all ages. My DS goes there (he's not quite 2), and each week has a theme and he comes home with craft projects at least twice a week. Now that it is nice outside, they also spend a lot of time on the playground. He goes running in the door every morning, he really likes it there. It is not a formal preschool until age 3, but all the classrooms certainly have an educational component.

Memorial Park Preschool is fabulous! Location: Corner of Peebles & Duncan. Phone: ###-###-####.

L.

PS I also speak Spanish!