Preschool

Who knew that finding a decent preschool with openings in the middle of the year would be so difficult?

The preschools with openings are much higher priced than I am willing to spend. And they have larger class sizes, too, which bemuses me.

The preschool I'm REALLY interested in says the child must be potty trained. Tell that to AJ.

The others are full, for the most part. Or more daycare than preschool. I'm not interested in throwing my child in a daycare/preschool with a bunch of kids who are there from 6am to 6pm. I'm wanting him socialized, learning, exploring, discovering, creating. Not babysat. I'd keep him home for THAT! :)

And why do so many schools keep telling me about VPK? I didn't ask about VPK. AJ's not eligible agewise for VPK until he's almost 5--two years away. And I have no intentions to put him in VPK, even when he IS eligible. I just think that going to school 5 days a week, all day, for a 4 year old, esp. with AJ's personality, is too much for him.

For those of you non-Florida folk, VPK is Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten. The state provides pre-kindergarten to all 4 year olds. You must attend 5 days a week, and attendance is taken. Most of the preschools in the area now offer VPK because, hey, everyone does it, it's free! I fail to see how VPK will help my personal situation. Putting children in a class of 18 4 year olds vs. private, one on one, instruction . . . .to me, it's a no brainer. I see the value for people who cannot/choose not to teach their children. And I see the value for both parents working full time, because it helps their bank account. But it's not valuable to our family at this time. Good luck trying to find a 3-day a week 4 year old program!!!!

End of rant.