A few weeks ago, I chronicled all the places in town that offered Driver’s Education. But then I got to thinking: what if your kid’s not old enough to drive? In fact, what if you’re just beginning to think of where to educate your kid outside of your home for the first time?
Well, then, it must be time to make a list of preschools! Believe it or not, if you have a child who is just about two years old, it’s already time to think about preschool for next September. And that’s why I’m here to give you the list.
Here’s the most important thing you need to know: they are all good. In fact, they are all part of a Concord area preschool association, where the directors can get together and share information and training. They pool their resources to offer preschool professional days and night classes. As one preschool director told me about the preschool choices in town, “It’s like having all different flavors of really great ice cream!”
So it really comes down to which one is the best fit schedule-wise and philosophy-wise for your kid and your family. Here, then, is a list of what’s available, with a short description; just know that now is the time to contact them, because many are planning open houses and accepting applications for next September even as we speak. Check their websites for detailed information on how to contact them and what specifically they have to offer.
Co-operative models
These two preschools are co-ops, meaning they rely on parents to help out, both in the classroom and on other projects, such as prepping the school for students or having clean-up days. These are great choices if you want to be hands-on in your child’s education.
Milldam Nursery School, 20 Lexington Road, 978-369-4048 www.milldamnurseryschool.org
The Barn Co-Operative Nursery School, 74 Walden St., 978-369-1141
Preschools that do double duty
If you’re a full-time working parent, you need more than just a 9-12 day for your child; these schools do all the same wonderful childhood education but also take care of your child so you can work.
Concord Children’s Center, 1300 Main St. 978-369-6790, 120 Meriam Rd., 134 ORNAC
www.concordchildrenscenter.org
The Learning Experience, 130A Baker Ave. Ext., 978-341-0001
http://concord.tlechildcare.com/
A Place to Grow, 40 Strawberry Hill Rd., 978-369-2699
http://www.aplacetogrowchildcare.com/straw-hill.html
More typical offerings
These three preschools offer a more typical school experience — by which I mean they don’t require parent involvement like the co-ops, and they don’t cover a full 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. day for the working parent. They also may offer choices in how many days your child attends, so you don’t need to choose five days if you don’t want to.
Children’s Meetinghouse at the Middlesex School, 1413 Lowell Rd., 978-371-0678
www.thechildrensmeetinghouse.org
Leap School, 54 Walden St., 978-287-0860
www.leapschool.com/Concord.htm
Nashoba Brooks School, 200 Strawberry Hill Rd., 978-369-4591
Concord Carousel Preschool, 1276 Main St., 978-318-3045
(This town-offered preschool is working on their website; you can find their info here.)
For something a little different
If you’re looking for something a little different for your child, here are two preschools to check out. Montessori offers a non-traditional learning experience, whose philosophy may resonate with some parents. And the integrated preschool is part of the Concord Public Schools; it’s made up of both kids who are typical learners and those who are on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and in need of more specialized instruction. Check out both their websites for more detailed information on what they can do for your child.
Concord Montessori, 659 Elm St., 978-369-5900
www.concordmontessorischool.org
Integrated Preschool, 120 Meriam Rd., 978-341-2490
http://preschool.colonial.net/
Lastly, if you have a child who requires more specialized learning, look into the CASE Collaborative here.
Do you have something you would like to share? Contact me at stefanieac@comcast.net or Maureen at mcb23@comcast.net, and we will be happy to help you spread the good news.
Craig First
11:49 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
If interested in Montessori, you should also be aware of Apple Valley Montessori right over the Concord line on Rte. 117 in Sudbury.
Apple Valley Montessori School is an independent, co-educational, Montessori day school founded in 1983 in Sudbury, Massachusetts serving children ages 15 months to 12 years.
Our Toddler, Primary and Elementary Programs are based on the authentic philosophy and work of Maria Montessori. By nurturing the development of the whole child's readiness, interests, and learning style, the education at AVMS fosters each child's positive self-image, problem-solving skills, and ability to make choices in an academically challenging environment.
AVMS was founded in the belief that a school should be run on the basis of what is best for the children in it. Decisions are made based not on the convenience of administration, faculty or parents, but on what is best for the children we serve. We work hard to ensure that each child has the opportunity to develop and grow in a way appropriate to that child. We measure our success by the experience each child has each day at Apple Valley.
www.avms.org