As many of you know, my wife helps me from time to time with various marketing & administrative duties. She actually is the one responsible for my venturing into the world of blogging. She made a suggestion a few weeks ago for me to provide local residents in Highlands Ranch information about preschools - as she remembers the days when she had to find just the right one for our own children - and in her own words, it ain't easy!
Since she knows so much about preschools here in Highlands Ranch, I asked her to guest author on my blog. Her qualifications to write this article, Mom to 2 preschool Alums that over the years attended 3 different preschools. So here she is.....
Local Preschools in Highlands Ranch
written by Laura Scheer, 2007
Here it is mid August. The children that are in elementary school may have tracked back on as early as July, and if not, they will be back by next week. You have just relocated to Denver and you have just decided that its time to find a pre-school for your 3 or 4 year old. Here are some things that I would suggest in finding a school that is right for you & your child.
- First of all - you better get cracking! Most preschools begin their registration in January or February of the previous school year and fill quickly. These are programs that are in demand here. But, movement happens and things can change, so make some calls, even if you think its too late. If spots are full, request for your child to be placed on a wait list. Most schools will take students all throughout the school year if there are openings.
- Make some calls, and visit the schools. Check them out. Ask questions. Everyone has different expectations and you must find a preschool that meets your own needs and comfort level. There are many different options, some are in recreation centers, some in churches, some in day care centers, some in homes and there are even some that are housed in the Douglas County schools. You just need to figure out what you are looking for.
- Decide if you are looking for a preschool within a full day-care center, or just a stand alone preschool. There are both in Highlands Ranch.
- Most preschools will have a highly based social setting/program but some others will have a more curriculum based program. All kids have different needs, and parents have different desires for their child. Check out what's available so you can pick what's right for you.
- If you have missed out for this year, continue your research now so you know where you want to register next year & what the process is. Have second choices. The first year my son was in preschool I missed the boat too. I wasn't able to get him registered at the closer schools that I liked. I had to settle for something a little further away. But because he was on the closer school's wait list, I had priority registration the next year and was able to move him. I could also tell you a story someday about drinking coffee out of a thermos in a dark parking lot standing in line at 4:30 am in late January. I'll give you a hint, it had to do with preschool registration!
So now how to find out about the schools around? In addition to those I will list to you, I have always found it best to talk to your peers. Ask your neighbors if they used a local preschool. Ask around at the coffee shop, at the gym, you name it. Find moms and ask. Ask what they liked, asked what they didn't. I have found my best resources from just asking others in the community.
As for the list of some of the options out there - I have used some of these - but everyone has different expectations. Check them out, ask lots of questions, see what your child thinks and you'll be able to find a great match for your family. There should be something for everyone.
SOME PRESCHOOLS IN HIGHLANDS RANCH
Little Luke's at Saint Luke's - Broadway just north of Highlands Ranch Parkway
Highlands Ranch Learning Center, Dad Clark, east of Broadway
Christ Lutheran Preschool, Broadway, north of Highlands Ranch Parkway
St Andrews,University Blvd, north of Highlands Ranch Parkway
HRCA Preschool at Eastridge Recreation Center, University Blvd, north of Wildcat Reserve Parkway
HRCA Preschool at Westridge Recreation Center, Foothills Canyon Blvd at Highlands Ranch Parkway
Douglas County Preschools, various locations
Denver Christian Preschool - Dad Clark just west of University
Cherry Hills Community Church - Grace Blvd
Espree Child Learning Center - Gleneagles Village Parkway
SOME PRESCHOOLS NEAR HIGHLANDS RANCH
Willows - location on Quebec and Homestead Parkway in Centennial
Mission Hills Early Learning Center - located at University at Orchard in Greenwood Village
Great Escape at Littleton United Methodist- Datura & Littleton Blvd in Littleton
Creme de la Creme - Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree
St Mary's of Littleton Catholic Preschool, Prince Street in Littleton
Montessori School at Lone Tree, Erminedale Drive at Timberline Rd. in Lone Tree
W H E E Preschool, Yosemite St in Greenwood Village
All Souls Early Learning Center, Pennsylvania Street in Englewood
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