Preschool vent...
I've called about 8 preschools within 15-20 minutes of us this week, and all but two will NOT take Colin in the fall! There are NO half-day type programs (MMO, whatever) for kids under 3 around here! And most work on a school year calendar, and since Colin won't be 3 by September 1, he would have to wait another year.
The one program he could get into is through the park district. But it is pricey (more expensive than private options, go figure) and you have to sign up through a lottery system - which means that we might get in for the fall, then not be able to get in for the spring.
The second is a few minutes from the house, and is part of a daycare facility. They offer early drop off and late pick up for $5/hour, and late pick up includes lunch for an extra $2. Preschool is 3 hours, 9-12, and includes a snack. $15/day. The park district is $15/day for 2 hours and no snack! I've heard good things about this second place, so I'm hopeful.
The second won't take Colin until he is three, but at least won't make him wait another year. And they don't require strict PT - pull-ups and going potty with the group are enough. I'm going to check this one out soon and get him pre-registered if we are satisfied.
This just baffles me, though, since I see so many of you with mothers' morning out options, preschool for 2 year olds, and so on! I might be able to find something farther away from us, but don't feel like fighting traffic to get him somewhere 30 minutes away, only to have to reverse the trip to pick him up a couple of hours later!
Single mom to
DS ("twice exceptional") - September 2002
DS - February 2006
DD - July 2009
DD - July 2009