Can anybody suggest a good preschool in san jose, ca?

Question

Can anybody suggest a good preschool in san jose, ca?

Answer 1

See if there are any YMCA's out there that have Preschools. I have worked at a YMCA and they are very good and they do a lot for the children. I have worked for a YMCA out in Fremont and they have them out in San Jose,CA.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Child care referrals

http://www.initiativesforchildren.org/fa...

1-888-833-6805

Answer 3

It really all depends on what you are looking for, what your child is like, what the preschool is like. What is a good fit for one child may not be for the next.

I do suggest however looking at some of the church preschools. They tend to hire on more experienced teachers from all my years of teaching in the Daycare, Preschool, After school, and Elementary schools.

You need to go and observe. Ask if your child may have what they call a FREE day where you come and observe. Most center will not refuse. If they do you know it is not one you want your child at. They should be open for you to drop by anytime you want.

Do the children look clean and happy in the care?

Do they have a variety of activites for the children to do that are open ended?

Are the Teachers caring about their students- hugs, tenderness, kind words, soft in speech?

Are the Teachers dressed appropriatly?

Is the Director involved and aware of what the Teachers are doing? Ocassional hands on?

Do they have a school readiness program?

Do they keep their center clutter free, clean, smelling nice?

Do they seperate the sick children out from the healthy?

Do they have adaquate outside play time?

Are the Teachers paying attention to the children or they off talking amongst themselves?

Do the Teachers get down to the childs level?

All of these things you should be looking for. Take a pad and pen and write things down so you can go home later and make a decision.

Good luck in your search.

Answer 4

I like AfterSchoolAdventures, Steindorf Play Society.  But my first suggestion when looking for a school are what is your location, the location of your job and location of elementary school that you want your child to attend.  If you want your child to attend a school close to your place of employment, then check out the schools in that area and also contact the school district regarding school transfers.

I would visit the school that you want your child to attend and ask if they have a list of day care providers.  Using that list I would check any pre-schools listed.  I suggest this because it will make scheduling easier as your child gets older.  Also some day care centers provide transportation to and from school (once your child is in kindergarten).

You may also wish to visit 4c.org site for more information.

And since you have a young child, I recommend www.siliconvalleymom.com for information about family activities in the Bay area.  98% of the activities listed are free!  Enjoy.

Answer 5

Contact your local elementary school, social service agencies, and churches and make a list of the programs they tell you about.  Then call those programs and ask what license they hold and what credentials their teachers have.  Visit the programs in person and observe for cleanliness and teacher/child interaction.  Check to see what schedule the children follow.  There should be both structured and unstructured activity times.  A good program will allow plenty of free choice time with lots of quality, educational materials for the children to choose from.  There should also be some time included for outdoor play activities.  If the price seems too high but you like the impression the program makes on you, ask if there is any assistance available.

Don't overlook Head Start programs.  They often have high quality programs, and although they are income qualified, they often accept over-income families for a variety of reasons.

Good luck in your search!