Any opinions on day care centers before and after school programs in Chicago, IL?near or in rogers park?
959993
Although I do not live in your area, I am a Preschool teacher so I can give you some tips of what to look for in a good daycare facility. Look through the phone book and pick a few in your area. Your local government might also have some info for you. Call the daycares you choose and ask about availability, fees, opening hours and age groups. Pick the ones that suit your needs best and make an appointment to go and visit. Here are some specific things to look for:\n* Look at the building. Is it clean and safe? Are there heaps of resources/toys for the children to play with?\n* What is the play area outside like? Is there room for the kids to run? Is the equipment safe and well maintained?\n* Are the staff friendly and happy? Are they getting down on the children's level and interacting with them or are they standing back watching and/or talking with each other?\n* Do the kids currently at the centre appear happy? Are they playing well or running around causing havoc?\n* Do the teachers plan for each child individually? Do they write down observations of what the child is doing and plan activities based on the children's interests and needs?\n* Have a look at the major policies, including child protection, behaviour management, and food preparation/diets (if food is provided by the centre).\n* What is your gut feeling telling you? If you are not confident, it will be harder for you to trust them with your child!!\n\nI hope this helps!
619424
I don't think that there is a free *certificate* program for childcare or any other field.  I guess you know the community colleges offer this, and sometimes online--but it's not free.\n\nSome welfare-type places offer free childcare training - but I don't think it's online.\n\nHere's the only one I could find, but I don't know if it's online\n\nAdult & Continuing Education @ CCNY \nChild Care Provider Certificate Program. Family/Group Child Care Provider Program ... CC310-1FE $Free Participants will be screened to determine eligibility ...\n\nhttp://www.ccny.cuny.edu/ace/childcare.html
1115769
When you visit the centre (which is a must if you are planning on sending your child there) here are some things to look for:\n\n* Look at the building. Is it clean and safe? Are there heaps of resources/toys for the children to play with?\n* What is the play area outside like? Is there room for the kids to run? Is the equipment safe and well maintained?\n* Are the staff friendly and happy?\n* Do the kids currently at the centre appear happy? Are they playing well or running around causing havoc?\n* Do the teachers plan for each child individually? Do they write down observations of what the child is doing and plan activities based on the children's interests and needs?\n* Have a look at the major policies, including child protection, behaviour management, and food preparation/diets (if food provided by centre).
989679
probably @ a fast food restaurant...or maybe somewhere like a daycare or something...good luck! hope u find something!
732618
In every city there is kidz which is a very good children center,\nand if u can specify the area where u are going to live then i can \ntell u the perfect infant education center.
406766
There is a program at the St. Louis Mills mall at the PBS playground for mothers and their young children up to age 5.  Information is available at the PBS playground.  I know you don't want to do this Ang but the Parents As Teachers program also offers "playgroups" with tons of age related activities that is really good.  Plus, how did we meet?  Dance class...lol  There is another great way to meet other Mom's in the area.  =)
1048611
check your local park district,.  You can also ask other parents around the neighborhood if they have any ideas or talk to the middle and high schools to see what kind of feeder programs they have
177082
I don't believe that I have ever heard the term beyond center, however, I am a montessori pre-school teacher and circle time lessons are used everyday.  The children arrive at school and after being individually greeted, we all sit at circle where various subjects are discussed (Daily:calendar, weather, singing about their clothing, introducing or re-introducing teaching materials) We also talk about the specific curriculum which varies from planets, anatomy, what makes a mammal a mammal etc, etc. An art project is usually demonstrated and a few motor skill songs are also sung.  The children, who range in age from 2yrs-5yrs are able to remain focused and interested for an hour, which truely amazes visitors (as well as myself at times) Before the children are dismissed for free choice they "play" what is referred to as the silence game, where they replenish calm and control, sing a quiet song and are able to remain quiet and still for about 30 to 45 seconds.  If you have never observed a Montessori pre-school program..I highly recommend doing so..Maria Montessori was way ahead of her time and her teaching methods are effective and truely prepare children with the "whole picture".
68838
Sounds like he might be going to Cooley - I went there for a year before transferring.  The downtown part of Lansing where Cooley is located is fairly nice, and I think safe.  I wouldn't, however, recommend sending your kids to school in Lansing.  Much of the city has fallen on tough times along with GM, which has closed several factories in the area.  Many of the surrounding communities are nice, and would probably be better for a family if your husband doesn't mind driving 10-20 minutes to get to school (parking isn't too much of a problem).  East Lansing, Okemos, Williamston, and other surrounding towns are nice communities and are home to most of the professionals that work in the government in Lansing and at Michigan State University.  Good Luck!
250542
Around the princeton area is really good. Also, most schools right around the city are all great.
1160676
The pre-school that I was fortunate enough to have been a part of in Minneapolis, MN did.\n\nThe Lead Teacher and myself (Assistant Teacher), took the time to make sure our children practiced etiquette/ethics frequently.  You would be surprised how impressionable and teachable children are on these two subjects at this age.\n\nIt worked excellent!!
441076
My pick is Fairmount Park -- to feed the ducks and ride paddleboats. \nhttp://www.riversideca.gov/park_rec/facilities.asp\n\nI forgot to add, if you go out for a little ice cream cone every other day. Any five year old will think you are a hero!
724465
Interesting article on the effects of daycare and Preschool\n\nhttp://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051101/news_1n1earlyed.html
370853
Day care facilities are almost all privately owned and operated.  They aren't obliged to take in or keep any particular ADHS children.\n\nSchools, on the other hand, might have certain laws they have to follow, depending upon the state.  You should contact your state representative, whose office can either send you some material or direct you to the right department.
1059422
There is a camp called Camp Dixie in Alabama.It is really good and they have programs for younger kids too.
513936
I am a Preschool teacher so I can give you some tips of what to look for when searching for a good preschool. I would suggest looking in your local directory for all the preschools in your area. Call them up and ask them about fees and availability of places. Pick the ones that suit your budget best and organise to go and visit each of them. Call and make an appointment so that someone will be available to show you around. Here are some specific things to look for:\n* Look at the building. Is it clean and safe? Are there heaps of resources/toys for the children to play with?\n* What is the play area outside like? Is there room for the kids to run? Is the equipment safe and well maintained?\n* Are the staff friendly and happy?\n* Do the kids currently at the centre appear happy? Are they playing well or running around causing havoc?\n* Do the teachers plan for each child individually? Do they write down observations of what the child is doing and plan activities based on the children's interests and needs?\n* Have a look at the major policies, including child protection, behaviour management, and food preparation/diets (if food provided by centre).\n* What is your gut feeling telling you? If you are not confident, it will be harder for you to trust them with your child!!\n\nI hope this helps!
970885
Some universities/colleges have programs to help with this--check with your school (or the schools you are considering).  If they have a daycare for their employees, they often offer more deeply discounted rates for students.\n\nDepending on the age of your children, I have had profs in evening classes allow children to sit quietly in the back of the room (reading, etc.).  But this would be up to school policy and/or each prof.