Relocating with 3 children

away269

A couple of questions..... we are relocating from the suburbs of Atlanta. I have 3 children ages 8,4, and 1. My oldest is in second grade - the 4 year old is not in a formal program.

We are looking at a place that is zoned for PS 154 in Windsor Terrace. Any feedback? Also, the 4 year old has an October birthday - in Georgia she misses the cut-off for Kindergarten next year. I would prefer to wait until Fall 2009 to send her - I have researched and found that she cannot go to Pre-K in NY and would have to go to kindergarten next year. Are there any good, reputable private programs (reasonably priced) where she could attend a pre-k/preschool half-day program?

Thanks!!

samosetsal

Yes, there are a number of good, reputable private programs but they are not reasonably priced. I don't think so, anyway. To get a full list you might try the Park Slope Parents website. I have a six-year-old and I have heard parents saying that the pre-K programs (as well as kindergartens) are unbelievably crowded this year and it is extremely difficult to get a spot anywhere. My son went to Special Sprouts, which is the special ed branch of Bean Sprouts, and to The Park Slope Child Care Collective, two you might look into though it seems late to be applying for fall. I have heard very good things about Hugs, the Union Temple and Beth Elohim programs, and Bean Sprouts.

stacey

Subject: Re: Relocating with 3 children

away269 wrote: A couple of questions..... we are relocating from the suburbs of Atlanta. I have 3 children ages 8,4, and 1. My oldest is in second grade - the 4 year old is not in a formal program.

We are looking at a place that is zoned for PS 154 in Windsor Terrace. Any feedback? Also, the 4 year old has an October birthday - in Georgia she misses the cut-off for Kindergarten next year. I would prefer to wait until Fall 2009 to send her - I have researched and found that she cannot go to Pre-K in NY and would have to go to kindergarten next year. Are there any good, reputable private programs (reasonably priced) where she could attend a pre-k/preschool half-day program?

Thanks!!

Your child is eligible for full-day public school pre-k if she turned 4 before the middle of December (not sure the exact date). Some public schools hold half day pre-k or morning and afternoon sessions but that is mostly in schools that are overcrowded.

There are quite a few private options for you and you would have better luck asking on the Park Slope Parents board. Good luck and welcome to Brooklyn!

wtgirl

Subject: Re: Relocating with 3 children

stacey wrote:

Your child is eligible for full-day public school pre-k if she turned 4 before the middle of December (not sure the exact date). Some public schools hold half day pre-k or morning and afternoon sessions but that is mostly in schools that are overcrowded.

There are quite a few private options for you and you would have better luck asking on the Park Slope Parents board. Good luck and welcome to Brooklyn!

Your child might be eligible but there are not enough spots. If you haven't already registered for pre-K for next year.....you most likely will not get your kid in. The public schools are on waitlist and the private schools stopped taking applications months ago. You might be able to do a preschool/day care situation but not a private school at this late date. Your child is entitled to a K spot in the zoned school. Look carefully at the 154 zone because it is a small zone and cut a little on the irregular side. Sorry, NY is tough and not the easiest place to raise kids--especially coming from somewhere else.