Top 10 Questions to Ask on Your Preschool Tour

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 Top 10 Questions to Ask on Your Preschool Tour

1. What is the school’s educational philosophy? Preschools have many different educational philosophies and approaches. That’s why it’s vitally important for you to understand the philosophy and approach of each preschool you are considering and how that aligns with the personality of your child and family. 
   
   
2. How long has this school been in existence? How long has the director been here? Get a sense of the school’s history and how long they’ve been operating. A director with a long tenure may indicate a more stable educational environment and this is good information to have when comparing schools. 
   
   
3. How experienced are the teachers? Preschool teachers’ training requirements vary by state, but it’s important to know some details. Did the teachers study early childhood development? Do they have a college degree? How long have they been working with children? Not all staff need to have formal credentials, but the head teacher should be certified in early childhood education and hold a B.A. or M.A. 
   
   
4. How much play time do the children have? Depending on the preschool’s educational philosophy, your child could have abundant or limited play time. Decide what’s best for your child’s personality, growth, and development. Make sure you tour the entire facility including the play areas. Well-maintained classroom and play spaces show a commitment to the children’s entire experience. 
   
   
5. How much parental involvement do you expect or want? Parental fundraising and volunteering is often expected. Find out exactly what is required regarding parental support. If you want to get really involved, cooperative preschools require parents to volunteer in the classroom. If it’s not a co-op, ask if the school has an open-door policy so you can visit whenever you’d like. 
   
   
6. What is the school’s separation policy? Preschool might be the first time your child will experience an extended separation from you or a caregiver. Depending on the child, being dropped off for school in the morning can be overwhelming. Find out what the separation policy is so you know how involved you’ll need to be at the start and to determine what will work best for your child. You could be required to stick around for the first few days, or the school may take a more cold-turkey approach.
   
   
7. What is the school’s approach to discipline? It’s important that the school’s disciplinary style works with your beliefs, and that you have an understanding of when and why you may be called in. At many preschools, learning how to play with others is core to the curriculum. Social emotional development is the backbone of any good preschool's work, so getting a full understanding of how the school provides this is key.
   
   
8. What does a typical day look like? What in the world will your child be doing all day? This is an important question to ask and the answer will inspire additional questions you may have regarding the daily school experience like: How much time will your child spend outside? Will they be fed lunch/snacks or do you need to pack these? Will the children be leaving the school building often? What does rest/quiet-time look like?  
   
   
9. Will my child be safe here? This may be the most important question. What is the school’s protocol in case of accidents and emergencies? Where are the first aid kits and emergency defibrillators (or lack thereof)? Are the teachers certified in CPR and pediatric first aid? What is the policy regarding drop-off/pick-up and ensuring that the school knows exactly where your child is at all times? If your child has any allergies, now’s the time to ask about allergy protocol and experience. 
   
   
10. Does the school meet my family’s basic needs? Every family is different. You may look at a highly regarded school and decide that it is the wrong fit for your family. Can you afford it? Is the location convenient? Do the hours work with your schedule? Are you comfortable with the nutritional approach? What’s your gut feeling right after the tour? Picking a school is a deeply personal family decision–don’t base it on popularity or what your friends are doing.
    
    

Thanks to our article sponsor, The Early Childhood Center at Congregation Beth Elohim; a preschool that fosters growth, curiosity, and self-esteem.

How to End the Summer with a Splash

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

We’ve got a few more weeks of summer; let’s make it the best of it! Here are some ideas to make it great.

Things to do in and around NYC

• Walk around the Lullwater at Prospect Park

• Get water squirters and have a water fight

• Visit a playground with a water feature (Imagination Playground, 3rd Street or Harmony Playground)

• Look for bats at dusk by the Prospect Park baseball fields
• Head to one of the Farmer’s Markets around the hood and make dinner
• Watch the sunset together as a family (Red Hook, Bear Mountain and Coney Island all have great views)
• Swim at one of the local pools or take a trip to Bear Mountain pool

Things to do anywhere

• Blow bubbles or make giant bubbles (find the recipe for giant bubbles below)
• Get the kids out of bed early in the morning and go to the beach to watch the sunrise (Coney Island works!).

• Go through your photos. Print out great ones to put up on the walls. Create an online album and print one out for each of your kids so they all have their own copy.
• Have an End of Summer Celebration and come up with some lifelong traditions (using some of the ideas above).
• Start a gratitude routine. Go around the room (dining table, campfire, etc.) and say what you are thankful for. You can start with “I’m grateful,” “I’m thankful” or “I appreciate” and choose anything about your life, family, friends, or summer highlights. Put these in a jar and read them at the end of the year.
• Have an "I’m excited for" routine where you can express what things you are looking forward to in the future.

OH!  And square up with Summer Camp Counselors if you want to thank them for their hard work!

With school on the horizon
Talk about the upcoming school year to make the transition easier. Discuss with your kids how they'll make new friends, go to fun playdates, and have a great school year. If you have a PreK or Kindergartener there are dedicated groups on PSP with meetups by school. See our Tips for the First Day of School (including preparations!)

*Giant Bubble Recipe

  1 cup Simply Dawn (not concentrated- very important!). some of the bodegas have this as does Home Depot (a big one cheap!)
  1 tsp baking soda
  1 tsp powered J Lube (maybe something you have on hand will work?) You can order this on Amazon (I don’t know of a local resource)

Giant Bubble Wand
  Wooden dowels (our local hardware stores have these but so do Lowe’s and Home Depot)
  String- baker’s twine works, but cotton clothe’s line works really well if you take out the center.
  Rubber bands to attach string to the end of the dowels.

There are 3 basic types of wands on THIS page.

HAPPY END OF SUMMER!

Heat Wave in the City! Cheap (or free!) Activities To Do With Kids of All Ages in NYC during the summer

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Details

Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

In this article:

Outdoors:

Parks & Playgrounds

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Pools

Beaches

Zoos

Indoors:

Museums & Libraries

Local Businesses

Useful Resources:

From NYC.gov: Beat the Heat

Outdoor Activities:

Parks & Playgrounds

One parent says, "go to a Splash Pad or Playground with water features (the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park, Harmony Playground, Imagination Playground, Brooklyn Bridge Park)."

Other parks and playground suggestions:

Botanical Gardens - "is free on Tuesday and before noon on Saturday!"

Prospect Park -  "Pretend to be explorers in Prospect Park! As one parent shares: “One of my favorite free places to take my boys (2.5 and 4.5) is the woods in prospect park.  the whole east side of the park has random trails that are fun to get lost on.  I usually just let them lead the way and I follow.  Yes, sometimes we walk in circles but that's actually really fun when they realize that we've just come back to where we were.”

 Pier 6 -  “Pier 6 is awesome. Has super huge sand park, water area and climbing gyms.”

Battery Park City -  "I really like Battery Park City in the summer. There is so much there you can spend a whole day...the slides, the mini golf, the older playground with trapeze nets and interesting pedal horse toy, the poetry library, a cool Irish monument/installation, tribeca playground is well shaded and has water play and whole foods is a great place to eat. I always have a good time. Plus you are right on the water and can just feel the breeze."

Hudson south of 14^th Street - “If in Manhattan, playground on Hudson just south of 14th street is small but has nice playground, water, and sand combination (and free star gazing--saw Hugh Jackson there)

Coney Island - HERE is an article from a local mom shared about her trip to Coney Island.

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Staten Island Ferry - "The Staten Island ferry is free and, while not indoors, cool and comfortable, with great views. There's also the ferry to Ikea from lower Manhattan, or the bus to Ikea (Ikea has very cheap kids' meals)."

Governors Island -  "The ferry leaves from pier 6 in Brooklyn."

Roosevelt Island -  one parents recently took the tramway to Roosevelt Island and reported: “My daughter loved it.” This parent also shares that “no food is allowed at new FDR memorial.”

The Subway - "Also want to mention that for us, just riding the subways is a great way to stay cool and have fun.  My young son is completely entranced by the train and actually cries when we leave the subway platform."

Public Pools 

Go HERE for read more tips PSP about local pools and Brooklyn and be sure to check the NYC Parks website HERE for opening and closing times (often city pools close for an hour in the afternoon for cleaning).

 Beaches

Jacob Riis - "There's a whole food court complete with hammocks, tables with shade and bands/djs. A fun scene. Info here."

Brighton Beach - "I love Brighton Beach- easy drive, I always find parking, and have been taking my girl (now 8) almost since she was born"

Robert Moses Beach - "Robert Moses Beach is an hour away on Long Island but gorgeous and worth it. It had parking, showers, rentals for chairs and umbrellas and a concession stand. I just went Monday for the day. Sometimes a little traffic heading back of you leave between 5 and 6 but again worth it.

Rockaways (pictured) - "Easy access by the A train."

Zoos & Acquariums

Wildlife Conservation Society -  "My best recommendation for your kid's ages is to get a membership from WCS  - a membership to them gets you free admission to all the zoos in NYC and the aquarium. The Aquarium has parking and it is on the coney island walkway so you have beach (not the nicest beach in the world but suitable for a little running around and splashing) and an amusement park, plus the baseball field all nearby. The aquariums and the zoos all have indoor and outdoor spaces so you can get out of the heat. You can even take the kids to a 3D movie at the zoos. We are also members of the Natural History Museum - rain or heat - its a great place to skip the lines, let the kids wander, and learn a thing or two - from dinosaurs to space this is the best kids museum in the city. Most the big museums in NY are priced for SUGGESTED DONATION so feel free to pay what you can afford not what they ask. But the reason you get a membership is to skip the lines - and its worth every penny."

Indoor Activities

Museums & Libraries

Brooklyn Museum - Check out the free first Saturday events. One parent also suggestion the "Egyptian Collection at The Brooklyn Museum."

New York Transit Museum

Natural History Museum - “Go up to the Ross Terrace, where there are dancing fountains kids can play in.”

The Children's Museum of the Arts - "I am also a big fan of Childrens Museum of the Arts in Soho. It is not an affiliate of the above museums, so you pay per visit or can become a member. They have a very hands on art program. They also have free hands-on classes on Governor's Island (the calendar for governor's island - you get the ferry for free at the playground at the pier where Atlantic avenue ends)."

Brooklyn Children's Museum - "Get a membership to the Childrens Museums - now there are two Childrens museums in NYC - one is the Childrens Museum of Manhattan  and one is the Brooklyn Childrens Museum - they are both members of the same museum society so you should be able to buy one membership and go to Both BUT THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS - they have created a special exception so you cant use your card at both places BUT you can become a member of an affiliated museum - Like Port Discovery in Baltimore and then you get free admission to both NYC museums. You do not however get to skip the lines like members of the NYC museum can, and you dont get discounts on classes etc. But, it saves you money and gives you options. If you already had a membership in your old location, it may be valid here - I know we have used ours in Atlanta, Houston and CA."

Museum of Mathematics - 6th St btwn 5th/Madison - "Yes, many of the concepts would be lost on a toddler but it's an amazing place and there were so many fun things for my 18mo to do.  A plus is that Madison Square Park is just around the corner and on Tues/Thurs mornings (10:30AM) they host free kid concerts, art and more until Aug 8th.  We saw Recess Monkey last week and they were awesome! There's also a nice playground (w/overhead sprinkler!) in the park."

The Brooklyn Public Library - view what PSP members say about BPL here for the central branch, the Park Slope branch, and the Brooklyn Public Library Cafe!

More on PSP:  Kid Approved Art, Museum & Music Events 

Local & Private Businesses

Ikea - “Sounds odd, but if you can get there, there's a lot of good playing to be had in the kids' room vignettes and toy department, and the food is super cheap.” and another parent also suggests it for being "Cheap! Ferry! Kids' meals in the restaurant are seriously cheap (and even free on Tuesdays)."  And as another parent says, "there is plenty of space to play (and there is a child play area) in the IKEA in Red Hook, and its lovely to have lunch at the Fairway in Red Hook and then walk along the water to one of the near by Parks."

 Toys-R-Us - "Toys R Us Times Square (has an indoor Ferris wheel and life-sized T-Rex dinosaur, in addition to a train table and gigantic Barbie dollhouse)."

 Barnes & Noble - "has story times during the week."

 Scholastic Store

World Financial Center - One parents describes how it "has lots of great restaurants and stores. Plus, they offer free arts programming."

 AMC Theaters - Go see a movie!  "AMC Theaters offer half-price movies before noon, every day. There are none in our neighborhood, but some in Manhattan are easily reachable."

Coffee shops and restaurants - see PSP reviews HERE for local restaurants and cafes. 

Further Reading:

Click HERE to read more reviews and recommendations on PSP about Play Spaces in Brooklyn

 Got a Teenager and looking for things to do?  Get some ideas HERE.

Photo credits: Staten Island photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/RJstjd, Rockaway photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/cgb9to, Natural History Museum via here: https://flic.kr/p/SaMwQp, all other photos via Pixabay

In this article:

Outdoors:

Parks & Playgrounds

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Pools

Beaches

Zoos

Indoors:

Museums & Libraries

Local Businesses

Useful Resources:

From NYC.gov: Beat the Heat

Outdoor Activities: 

Parks & Playgrounds

One parent says, "go to a Splash Pad or Playground with water features (the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park, Harmony Playground, Imagination Playground, Brooklyn Bridge Park)."

Other parks and playground suggestions:

Botanical Gardens - "is free on Tuesday and before noon on Saturday!"

Prospect Park -  "Pretend to be explorers in Prospect Park! As one parent shares: “One of my favorite free places to take my boys (2.5 and 4.5) is the woods in prospect park.  the whole east side of the park has random trails that are fun to get lost on.  I usually just let them lead the way and I follow.  Yes, sometimes we walk in circles but that's actually really fun when they realize that we've just come back to where we were.”

 Pier 6 -  “Pier 6 is awesome. Has super huge sand park, water area and climbing gyms.”

Battery Park City -  "I really like Battery Park City in the summer. There is so much there you can spend a whole day...the slides, the mini golf, the older playground with trapeze nets and interesting pedal horse toy, the poetry library, a cool Irish monument/installation, tribeca playground is well shaded and has water play and whole foods is a great place to eat. I always have a good time. Plus you are right on the water and can just feel the breeze."

Hudson south of 14^th Street - “If in Manhattan, playground on Hudson just south of 14th street is small but has nice playground, water, and sand combination (and free star gazing--saw Hugh Jackson there)

Coney Island - HERE is an article from a local mom shared about her trip to Coney Island.

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Staten Island Ferry - "The Staten Island ferry is free and, while not indoors, cool and comfortable, with great views. There's also the ferry to Ikea from lower Manhattan, or the bus to Ikea (Ikea has very cheap kids' meals)."

Governors Island -  "The ferry leaves from pier 6 in Brooklyn."

Roosevelt Island -  one parents recently took the tramway to Roosevelt Island and reported: “My daughter loved it.” This parent also shares that “no food is allowed at new FDR memorial.”

The Subway - "Also want to mention that for us, just riding the subways is a great way to stay cool and have fun.  My young son is completely entranced by the train and actually cries when we leave the subway platform."

Public Pools 

Go HERE for read more tips PSP about local pools and Brooklyn and be sure to check the NYC Parks website HERE for opening and closing times (often city pools close for an hour in the afternoon for cleaning).

 Beaches

Jacob Riis - "There's a whole food court complete with hammocks, tables with shade and bands/djs. A fun scene. Info here."

Brighton Beach - "I love Brighton Beach- easy drive, I always find parking, and have been taking my girl (now 8) almost since she was born"

Robert Moses Beach - "Robert Moses Beach is an hour away on Long Island but gorgeous and worth it. It had parking, showers, rentals for chairs and umbrellas and a concession stand. I just went Monday for the day. Sometimes a little traffic heading back of you leave between 5 and 6 but again worth it.

Rockaways (pictured) - "Easy access by the A train."

Zoos & Acquariums

Wildlife Conservation Society -  "My best recommendation for your kid's ages is to get a membership from WCS  - a membership to them gets you free admission to all the zoos in NYC and the aquarium. The Aquarium has parking and it is on the coney island walkway so you have beach (not the nicest beach in the world but suitable for a little running around and splashing) and an amusement park, plus the baseball field all nearby. The aquariums and the zoos all have indoor and outdoor spaces so you can get out of the heat. You can even take the kids to a 3D movie at the zoos. We are also members of the Natural History Museum - rain or heat - its a great place to skip the lines, let the kids wander, and learn a thing or two - from dinosaurs to space this is the best kids museum in the city. Most the big museums in NY are priced for SUGGESTED DONATION so feel free to pay what you can afford not what they ask. But the reason you get a membership is to skip the lines - and its worth every penny."

Indoor Activities 

Museums & Libraries

Brooklyn Museum - Check out the free first Saturday events. One parent also suggestion the "Egyptian Collection at The Brooklyn Museum."

New York Transit Museum

Natural History Museum - “Go up to the Ross Terrace, where there are dancing fountains kids can play in.”

The Children's Museum of the Arts - "I am also a big fan of Childrens Museum of the Arts in Soho. It is not an affiliate of the above museums, so you pay per visit or can become a member. They have a very hands on art program. They also have free hands-on classes on Governor's Island (the calendar for governor's island - you get the ferry for free at the playground at the pier where Atlantic avenue ends)."

Brooklyn Children's Museum - "Get a membership to the Childrens Museums - now there are two Childrens museums in NYC - one is the Childrens Museum of Manhattan  and one is the Brooklyn Childrens Museum - they are both members of the same museum society so you should be able to buy one membership and go to Both BUT THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS - they have created a special exception so you cant use your card at both places BUT you can become a member of an affiliated museum - Like Port Discovery in Baltimore and then you get free admission to both NYC museums. You do not however get to skip the lines like members of the NYC museum can, and you dont get discounts on classes etc. But, it saves you money and gives you options. If you already had a membership in your old location, it may be valid here - I know we have used ours in Atlanta, Houston and CA."

Museum of Mathematics - 6th St btwn 5th/Madison - "Yes, many of the concepts would be lost on a toddler but it's an amazing place and there were so many fun things for my 18mo to do.  A plus is that Madison Square Park is just around the corner and on Tues/Thurs mornings (10:30AM) they host free kid concerts, art and more until Aug 8th.  We saw Recess Monkey last week and they were awesome! There's also a nice playground (w/overhead sprinkler!) in the park."

The Brooklyn Public Library - view what PSP members say about BPL here for the central branch, the Park Slope branch, and the Brooklyn Public Library Cafe!

More on PSP:  Kid Approved Art, Museum & Music Events 

Local & Private Businesses

Ikea - “Sounds odd, but if you can get there, there's a lot of good playing to be had in the kids' room vignettes and toy department, and the food is super cheap.” and another parent also suggests it for being "Cheap! Ferry! Kids' meals in the restaurant are seriously cheap (and even free on Tuesdays)."  And as another parent says, "there is plenty of space to play (and there is a child play area) in the IKEA in Red Hook, and its lovely to have lunch at the Fairway in Red Hook and then walk along the water to one of the near by Parks."

 Toys-R-Us - "Toys R Us Times Square (has an indoor Ferris wheel and life-sized T-Rex dinosaur, in addition to a train table and gigantic Barbie dollhouse)."

 Barnes & Noble - "has story times during the week."

 Scholastic Store

World Financial Center - One parents describes how it "has lots of great restaurants and stores. Plus, they offer free arts programming."

 AMC Theaters - Go see a movie!  "AMC Theaters offer half-price movies before noon, every day. There are none in our neighborhood, but some in Manhattan are easily reachable."

Coffee shops and restaurants - see PSP reviews HERE for local restaurants and cafes. 

Further Reading:

Click HERE to read more reviews and recommendations on PSP about Play Spaces in Brooklyn

 Got a Teenager and looking for things to do?  Get some ideas HERE.

Photo credits: Staten Island photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/RJstjd, Rockaway photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/cgb9to, Natural History Museum via here: https://flic.kr/p/SaMwQp, all other photos via Pixabay