I have not been able to sleep the past few nights because I am trying to decide on a playschool pr a preschool for my little one.
She had been attending a Chinese playschool for a few months where she had fun with art and craft, dancing, singing and playing with various kinds of Montessori-type toys.
Each morning, she loves going to school probably because there are only 12 kiddos in her class. On the other hand, my friend’s son drags his feet possibly because there are 20 kids in his group?
Sadly, we have had to say goodbye to that playschool when we moved. The poor kid still looks for her dear lao shi and says, “Oh no, my school is missing!” 
Now that we have settled down after Christmas festivities, we checked out 2 places:
i) a playschool – small group, lots of Montessori-type activities, play structures and toys, dancing and singing. Great menu.
However, it’s in an incredibly small and old building. I usually like to choose a big, airy and spacious preschool where the kids have room to run around.
While the curriculum and the physical set up looks good, I am afraid that the playschool teachers do not inspire much confidence – none of them were smiling. Many of them sitting down lazily watching the kids at play. Most of them simply stared at us as we walked around.
I will not have the heart to send her there for the full daycare program, which means I can only look for a part-time job or work from home.
ii) a preschool – a big, airy building with lots of green space.
Small groups but each group is located in different locations of the building. Kids can still hear the chatter and crying from other groups. Guess they will get used to the noise?
Like the Chinese teacher, who would immediately make the little one feel warm and welcome.
The curriculum isn’t Montessori and stresses on reading and writing. Mmm…I don’t really like such an academic curriculum for toddlers.
The daycare facility is clean and organized although it’s crowded. Didn’t like the menu.
Aaargh…which one should I go for???
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
a tough decision. Trust your motherly instinct.
A belated merry christmas and a happy new year to you and your family.
CL – You’re right about motherly instincts. Even Hubby didn’t have a nice feeling about the teachers in preschool #1.
#2 for me, if I were in your shoes…
if me, i’ll choose neither. i will look for another kindy.
Paik Ling – Ya, we’ve gone for #2
gk – I wished that many choices where we live. Definitely not 100% happy with our choice but it’s best we have for now. As I said, I am not happy with the menu esp. as they give sweets and other unhealthy snacks! Gonna talk with the admin about this.
Pack food for her. My elder girl’s kindy only gave biscuits for snack time so I packed food for her everyday – something more nutritious and keep her full longer.
A Moms Diary – I pack food for her but lately, she tells me she wants to eat school food! Lately, I started cooking oatmeal and porridge for his recess and her lunch. So far so good. Quite fed up of looking at 2 skinny monkeys.