Preschool costs

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We just priced the preschool across the street at 148/week for 2 half days. Is this too expensive for a preschool? If so, is there a good way to find a less pricey preschool?

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Parent Replies to "Preschool costs"

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I do think that the best focus is decide what are the important factors affecting YOUR pre-school choice, which can vary from price to socialization. I would recommend you get a list of schools in your area (by web search and referrals) and decide what it is you want out of preschool for your child.

Here are some random thoughts on "items" that may or may not be important to you: Is the school NAEYC approved, how tenured are the teachers, what is the student:teacher ratio, what are the schools goal, are the parents welcome in the school, what are the discipline policies/steps, how do they handle/identify possible learning/social/emotional/developmental issues, are the parents welcome in the classroom for special activities, what are the hours, vacation schedules. I did an on-line search before I sent my daughter, made some screening calls and visited 4 schools with her, she visited a classroom in each school and I had the opportunity to observe the teachers. I took recommendations from friends as well.

I do think that price varies widely dependent upon your location, so you need to look at your price in comparison to other schools in your area. We paid $467/month for 3 half days (2 1/2 hours, plus one extended day until 3:30 each week and one extended day until 2:30 each week. We live in what would be considered a more pricey area (metro Boston). My sister-in-law can get her child into the public preschool where she lives for $40/month. Slots are given out by lottery. She lives 1 hour from us and the prices on preschools there are approx. 60% of our prices.

I leave in fresh meadows queens, I believe our district # is 25. Does anyone have any info on a good pre-school public or private near the area?

It's more important to know what your own goals and expectations are. Best to comparison shop. Visit several preschools and see what programs they offer, their schedules and costs, etc. Google resource websites for looking up local preschools.

Most importantly, take your child to the preschool and see if s/he likes it and if it's a good match. Finding the right school may save you money and time rather than preschool hopping.

I am very active in a parent participation preschool in the south bay (Santa Clara Parents Nursery School) that is very inexpensive and really fun. It is entirely play based. I wanted to take part in my kids education and these type of schools are a great way for me to do that...I'm the webmaster. ;)

My daughter is 3&1/2 we just 3 weeks ago put he in pre school and it is VERY expensive, 195 per week, and like you said it is the cost of lving where we are. and even though we cant really afford it, it is totally worth it. she has only been there a few weeks and she has learned so much, and made so many friends i cant imagine putting her somewhere else. the school is right next door to where she will be attending k-8 and i hope she is creating friendships that will last her lifetime. and for right now yes 195 per week is tough but in the long run im sure it will be worth it.

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