Happy January! If you are one of the many parents already planning for the 2010-2011 school year, this newsletter is for you. I remember the stress of researching preschools, and, less than 2 years later, for elementary schools - both private and public for programs. I was on a quest for the BEST for my kids!

In PreK there are development centers, daycares, ECE (Early Childhood Education Programs - district funded) montessori, special gifted programs and preschools. From these, you can choose 2, 3 or 5 days, full-time/part-time, nap w/extended care or early pick-up. We are fortunate to live in a community with great public and private schools so the decision is a challenging one, no matter your financial situation. For elementary, choices are vast, too. There are neighborhood, year-round, magnets, religious, charter and Montessori schools. Each with different strengths.

I have spoken to parents who have children in both because each is serving a different need. For some children, a small private school setting allows them to excel. For others, the  sense of community received from neighborhood schools, or the enriched academics from magnets contribute to a child's success. Each school is unique and dynamic, changing from year to year.

My advice...it is important to talk to teachers and administrators to determine the best fit for your CHILD and FAMILY. The whole family becomes part of your child's school experience much more than you realize...friends, volunteering, class projects, field trips, fundraisers, sports and PTA. In a sense, you all are invested in the school. You all should feel comfortable and a part of the school community.

I chose to send our children to a public year-round school. They have the same holidays as the other schools; however, they attend their school longer into the spring. These weeks give the children a break during the school year and in the summer. It works for our family and BOTH our children; they are thriving. It was not an easy decision but a good one. Go with your gut!

Happy Hunting!

Jennifer@sbfamilies.com

View all 33 events on the Events Calendar>>>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to email a list of School Open Houses you want to attend.

SCHOOL CALENDARS--AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Take time to learn about the different teaching methods that schools offer, and think about the environment you want for your child.

Here are some Parent Tips:

• Navigating Your Way To Preschool
  
• A-Z Preschools in Shreveport-Bossier
  
• Other Teaching Philosophies
  
• Head Start Program
  
• The Montessori program
  
• The Waldorf Approach
  
• Raising Smart Kids & IQ

 Here is an article that offers questions to ask yourself to get started! 

Shreveport-Bossier Resources:

• Preschools
• Elementary Schools 
• Home School Resources
• Jr. High & High Schools
  
• Tutoring & College Prep.

Many preschools and schools offer Open House events for families to come and tour the facilities.  This is a wonderful time to see first hand where your child will spend the majority of their day. Click on the following to see information about each school's open house.  (Some Open House's have passed, however, schools are still accepting applications.)

• PEP - First Presbyterian Church (Infant-PreK)
  
• Ellerbe Road Baptist Church Preschool and Mother's Day Out (Infant-PreK)
  
• First Beginnings @ First United Methodist Church (Infant-PreK)
  
• St. Paul's Day School (PreK)
  
• Montessori For Shreveport (21 mths-8th grade)
  
• Southfield School (Prek.-8th grade)
  
• St. Mark's School (Prek-8th grade)
  
• St. John Berchman's Cathedral School (Prek-8th grade)
  
• St. Joseph's (Prek-8th grade)
  
• Calvary Baptist Academy (Infant-8th grade)
  
• Evangel (Infant-12th grade)
• Shreve Island Elementary (K-5th grade)
• A.C. Steere Gifted Preschool (3-5 yrs)

*Magnet program deadline has passed; however, they are still accepting late applications.