Opinions/ experiences with the La Petite Academy in Hudson FL VPK program?

Question

My son is going to starting Pre-K in the Fall and I was wondering if anyone has had an experience with this center. Their website seemed impressive and we're going to check it out in a few days, but I'd like to know if there's anything I should look out for/ ask about. Experiences? Suggestions? Any help would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

I've heard that kindercare's vpk program is good.  (I'm on the East Coast).  My friend is a nurse for the local health dept and reviews all of the schools.  I believe kindercare (being corporate) would have the same vpk curriculum in all locations in Florida.  My son is in the 3's classroom.

Answer 2

I don't have any experience with La Petite... but I do work for a preschool similar to it.

Things to ask/think about

Teacher to student ratio?

Teacher qualifications?

Does the teacher write the lessons or do they follow a lesson guide that was given to them?

Does the facility provide play areas? Inside? Outside? How often do children have recess/play time?

Do the teacher's give daily reports on what the child has done that day?

Maybe ask to observe the Pre-K class for a few minutes (10-15mins) to get a sense of the interaction among the teachers and students.

Do they allow lunches that needed to be heated? (can you send a "heat up" in your child's lunch or is it all "cold food")

Do any music programs exist? (Biased because I'm a Music Ed major)

Do they have a "nap time"?

That's all I can think of for now... good luck with your search!!