I know it is late in the year to be asking for suggestions since so many preschools are closed for the summer or already full for the fall, but I am going to give it a try with you wonderful mamas. My husband and I are going through a divorce due to abuse. My daughter is having a really really hard time and is very clingy with me due to lots of separation anxiety. As a former schoolteacher, I used to think I wanted some really wonderful A-list curricular program for my daughter. Now I am prioritizing and need first and foremost a nurturing program to help her. Here are my thoughts for what we are looking for:
1) location- SW area
2) a very nurturing program with small teacher to pupil ratio (is there a Mr. Rogers type of teacher out there?) :)
3) curriculum that includes the arts, music, and outdoors (my daughter LOVES art & music and loves being in the great outdoors)
4) option for at least 3 days a week
5) a program that welcomes parents (I would consider a cooperative, but have to be careful with husband's controlling behavior)
6) positive discipline techniques (would LOVE it if they were Attachment parenting type advocates!)
Any great suggestions???
To find the most complete list of the preschools in your area, check out my website listed below. Each area of Portland has their own neighborhood link so you won't be wading through any preschools that aren't in SW Portland.
In April I switched my daughter to a new pre-school after doing substantial research. It is NW side, in Bethany, but may be worth the drive for you depending on your location. This school was a referral from a friend whose son attends. We have been EXTREMELY happy with the school, the experience and warmth of the staff, the ratio (7-1 max, as low as 5-1 at certain times off day), the philosophy and curriculum (a mix of independent play, directed play and some structured learning). My daughter, who is not quite 3.5 yrs old, really loves going to "school" - she goes 2 mornings a week and will move to 3 ams later. This program has a lot of flexibility in terms of days and hours. It is worth considering if you can make the drive - I searched long and hard because I was so underwhelmed by the prior program she was in...which was supposedly so highly rated (and was hard to get into/pure lottery). I am not sure if our school has openings for fall, or if it is close enough for you, but take a look. The director's name is Shelly.
Hello ~ I would advocate for Tucker Maxon School. It is amazing. Both my husband and I are teachers, and it is truly the best program out there. It is close in Se; a bit of a drive for you, but not bad and totally worth it.
I am not sure if you are in Portland or Vancouver. We LOVE Whole Earth Montessori in Salmon Creek. It is midish west Vancouver. My son has thrived there.
You might look into Children's Garden located at SW 15th & Morrison (Daycare for all ages but the preschool is Montessori) and Youngset located in Goose Hollow (a coop preschool). Both have waiting lists but they both have good reputations and it's worth checking out and getting your name on the waiting list if you're interested.
Some, but not all of your criteria are met at West Hills Montessori. It is a FABULOUS program that I would recommend to ANYONE. Check them out at www.westhills-montessori.com. Criteria 1, 2, 3, and 6 are definitely met. I believe it is a 5 day a week program though (with the option for 1/2 day or full day). Parents are welcomed a number of times throughout the year, and are always kept apprised of what is going on, however, parents aren't in the classroom except for specific events.
Thank you everyone for the feedback! I have been able to narrow down the list and am still a bit in a quandary. I think we will end up with a nurturing play-based preschool for this year and add some supplemental classes to enrich her needs and interests.
Does anyone have any experience with Tigard Play School (off of Walnut and Hwy 99)-- negative/positive/otherwise?