Atlanta moms - I'd really appreciate any input!

[Zana]

DH has got a fellowship position at Emory Univ starting next July (2007). So while I have a ton of Qs about the area etc I'll hold off from bothering you with all of them, for now :)

But we are concerned about daycare for DS. He is in a montessori daycare full time currently and loves it. It took us 7 mths on a wait-lits to get in here, so I'm a little nervous about getting it sorted out for Atlanta. I've been researching programs in the area and one of the main options is a daycare/school in the Emory campus itself - The Clifton school. Its based on a Reggio approach (that I have never heard of but sounds good).
I was planning on putting down the $50 -75 on one (or max. two) schools to get on a waitlist but would really appreciate it if anyone has any input on this program or any other program near the university area that they would reccomend.

[TonFirst]

I have only heard outstanding things about the Cliff Valley School, which is very close to Emory. We aren't going to send Adam there because we live in Cobb County (other side of the universe from Emory) but several parents who I dearly know and trust chose Clovv Valley for their children and are extremely pleased. As one mother told me, "The best thing you can do for your child if you live in Atlanta is send them to the Cliff Valley School." So, there you go. It isn't montessori, but I've only heard good things.

[phirey]

Well, no input on schools, but I'm a double alumnus from Emory, and have lived in Atlanta ever since undergrad. Lived in Morningside near Emory for quite a while. I didn't have kids yet so it schools weren't on my radar screen. Never heard of the PP's school, but I know Paidea (sp?) is nearby and supposed to be amazing.

So while I can't answer school questions, fire away about any other Emory questions.

[jenmcadams]

I don't live in Atlanta (far from it), but my DD goes to a Reggio preschool/daycare 2 days a week at a local community college here in Colorado and we love it. Our facility isn't strictly reggio, but I love the philosophy in general -- it seems to incorporates many of the great things from montessori in a similar child led sort of approach to learning (the term you often see mentioned is a negotiated learning environment). To me, based on the Montessori schools I visited, our school seems to do a better job of letting kids be kids, seemed more creative and imaginative...but most of the montessori schools I visited seemed more strictly montessori (required 5 days/week, very strict about new jobs, etc.) than some others my friends have used.

Here are a couple of links I had bookmarked on the reggio philosopy from when I was researching schools...

http://www.reggioalliance.org/index.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggio_Emilia_approach
http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/poptopics/reggio.html

HTH

[Zana]

Thanks so much everyone.

Teri, I checked out Cliff Valley school and it looks great, unfortunately their preschool program runs from 9-1pm, which wont work for us, since I'll probably be working full time, but its good to know the good school options.

Jen, thanks for all the info on Reggio schools, its sounds exactly like the atmosphere that DS would love. We hope to make a trip to Atlanta sometime before baby#2 comes.

Peggy...you will be hearing a lot from me over the coming months, I would love to get more info about Emory etc!

[cmo]

Here's another possibility, that has an extended day program:
http://yp.bellsouth.com/sites/montessorischoolemory/

It's unclear to me whether this school offers an all-day program for preschoolers or not, but I know 2 families that are very happy here:
http://www.arbormontessori.org/

Do you know if you will be living in Emory-provided housing, or will you be finding your own place? Location may make a big difference in the schools that will be conveniently located. The Clifton School is in a brand new facility right on the edge of the Emory campus.

My neighbor is starting her preschooler at Cliff Valley this fall. They are highly regarded and not too far from Emory.

I don't know that much about full day programs, as my kids go to half-day programs, but I can ask around my neighborhood to see if there's anything else that might work for you.

Atlanta awaits you! :-)

Chris