Seeking Preschool Recommendation

My son goes to the Montessori School of Manhattan Beach (Peck campus right near Mira Costa high school). It is a fabulous school and I highly recommend it. If you are looking for co-op, I have friends that really enjoy Sand Tots in Redondo Beach.

check out Manhattan Beach Preschool by Pollywog. Lots of programs, great facilities, good teachers. Call to schedule a tour. A year to 18 months in advance should be plenty of time.

First let me say that you don't need to start looking now. That is the buzz that is going around. Unless you are trying to get into Manhattan Academy, or American Martyrs, you are fine. I can't recommend anything first hand, but I will ask around. I know that Via Marina (on Sepulveda, next to Panda Express) was liked by a few moms I know. My sister is taking her kids to a preschool that used to be on Vail, but was moved to South Redondo at Knob Hill. I picked my niece up a few times from it and she seemed to love it (and the teacher was very nice). Sorry I can't be more help, but I wanted to respond since I know that is the rumor going around that you need to start now!

If you dont mind a co-op...southbay adult school is great. several locations...we went to one in manhattan beach and one in hermosa. I love the program. I started my son when he was 3 inorder to get him into the prek program. Current students get to registar first. They start at birth, mommy and me classes and go through pre-k. They have summer classes like cooking, art and music. I have met many great friends in this progam. We hangout outside of the school and do playdates and even girls nights out. I high reccomend. My daughter will be starting a mommy and me in fall. www.southbayadult.org
It is a co-op so you will have to work on certain days when she gets to preschool age but that is how the keep the cost down. I enjoyed it! and if you work outside of the home... you can have who ever is watching her work in the class. let me know if you have any questions.

I agree, you don't need to start looking now. My stepson goes to Rainbow Preschool in Manhattan. It's been great for him. I've also heard the Beach Cities Child Development School on Inglewood is good. A friend of mine previewed it in June and her daughter will be starting in September. She was not on a waiting list.

I agree it is a little early. As far as preschools go, there is one in N RB that is supposed to be great, called Manhattan Beach Nursery School - it is a co-op and there is a waiting list but I do not believe it is overly long.

Hello Merla,

Congratulations on your new child, and welcome to motherhood!

How soon are you going to start your daughter at preschool? Start looking 6 months before that --

There are plenty of good preschools in the area and depending upon your needs (do you need extended care, or do you want her to have a social experience and enrichment?) then you need only 6 months to find what you are looking for.

I second the recommendation for Manhattan Beach Nursery School --- and Riviera PlaySchool in South Redondo is also a great preschool program. These are both exemplary developmental programs that help your child develop confidence and self-direction. Both allow the parent to stay with the child. At Riviera, you can also choose to drop-off.

The Daisy Chain is also a great resource for preschools and also other child care options.

In the meantime, I recommend reading "The Aware Baby" by Solter, and "Raising Your Children, Raising Yourself" by Aldort.

Good Luck, and Lots of Love,
Linda

www.RivieraPlaySchool.com

Hi M.,
If you're interested in exploring Jewish preschools in the Redondo Beach area, I can help. And don't panic! There are no waitlists, only great schools! You might want to consider a Mommy and Me group at this point though, as a way of determining whether a school/community feels like a good fit for your family. Feel free to contact me anytime; the Concierge service is complimentary!
D.

D. Markovic
Concierge for Jewish Education
Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater LA
###-###-####
____@____.com
http://www.jkidla.com

Hi M.. By now your daughter has celebrated her 1st birthday, and I'm sure you're still thinking about preschool options?

There are plenty to choose from, depending on what you're comfortable with, your parenting philosophy, etc. Personally, I recommend Sand Tots Co-op (on Artesia). I also was looking into Riviera Playschool but based on where we live opted for Sand Tots.

You can go to www.B..com for a full list of schools in the area, as well as additional resource guides (i.e. parks, libraries, "kids eat free," activities/enrichment, etc.). Or feel free to send me an email at ____@____.com this helps!
Erika

Hi M., Some people are worriers and like to dramatize everything, even preschool...there are many great ones that may fit your child. Who knows at this point. Lutheran church of the Good Shepherd on Victor St. has been open for 40 or 50 years, and has had full classes every year. Lisa Such is the director, there has only been two directors in all that time. very stable. Good Shepherd is on Victor, just off Torrance Blvd. between Anza and Prospect Ave. near the old Daily Breeze Bldg./or Bishop Montgomery HS. Check it out for yourself. have fun!!! Deb

Before I had kids I thought it was ridiculous to register early to get into the "best" pre-schools. My son is now 2 and I think getting bored at his daycare. We've been looking at schools in our area and the ones we really like have waiting lists. Who knew it would be like this? I wish we had started our search earlier. The best advice I have is make an appointment at the schools you're considering. you will get a feel right away for the ones where the kids are happy and the teachers enthusiastic - not burned out. You want a happy learner, because a love of learning is the most important thing they can get at this stage. Good luck!