preschool schmreeschool

The last few weeks of my life have been consumed with preschool shopping.  It has been ridiculously overwhelming trying to decide where to apply (yes, apply-- it seems all of the really good ones are so popular, you have to apply and then hope that they draw your name).  At one point, a week or so ago, I thought I had it all figured out.  I had 4 schools on our list.  Abbie met the age requirements for all of them, and they had come recommended by friends.  I figured we would send in applications (and fees) for each and hope for the best outcome.  Well, as I began touring and doing more research, I found that I was disappointed (to varying degrees) in 3 of my choices, and the only one I really love has a pretty competitive lottery.  And not only that, if they draw Abbie's name, but they already have too many "young" 2-yr-olds, or too many girls, she goes back in the pile and eventually on the [long] waiting list.

So, now I'm adding more schools to the list to look at and consider.  At this point, I'm [re]considering places that are a little less popular, perhaps less academically oriented (not that it matters so much for a 2-yr-old), and that are more likely to have a spot open for Abbie without us having to do another lottery.

Some folks probably think I'm crazy for spending so much time on this, especially since it's only 6 hours/week.  But, I really want to offer Abbie a quality social and learning environment beyond what she's getting from me at home.  I am in no way a super-mom, and there are plenty of things that I think she would learn and enjoy at a preschool that she would not get from me at home.

And because sending Abbie to preschool means shelling out extra money, I think I have pretty high standards for what we're getting.  I want them to challenge my kid.  I want them to expose her to art, music, nature, and more.  I want them to encourage her to try new skills and learn to play/learn in groups.  And I want them to support the healthy lifestyle that we are trying to provide her at home. 

Things that have turned me off include:

• not regularly doing projects
• not taking the kids out to play if they will need hats and gloves 
• not teaching music to the 2-yr-olds (but providing music class for all of the other kids)
• serving Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cheez-its and no fresh foods for snack 
• not regularly communicating with the parents

Am I asking too much?  I hope not!  So, the search continues, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that, 3 weeks from now, we will have a preschool that I'm happy with for Abbie to attend in the fall.  And, I guess if we don't end up with an acceptable option, we'll continue our music and gym classes, library time, and playgroups, and just try again next year!