<p>Not sure if this exists in your area, but here we have an excellent vocational-technical school that has an in-house preschool where high school students learn to work in the field. The great advantage here is that you have 20-25 student ‘teachers’ who attend to a max of 10 preschoolers, and the 2 actual teachers of the program who oversee the entire experience.</p>
<p>Ours was excellent and offered a huge, secure room featuring different stations…ie: painting, blocks, large play kitchen complete with plastic fruits, veggies, etc. (my kids loved that area), clay/sculpting area, and more. 2-3 student teachers are assigned your child for the day and work/play with them wherever there little hearts desired for the free play time. Then they all come together for group reading, singing/music, nap/rest time, or whatever special guest they might have. My favorite thing was their ‘parents observation room’ that you could enter from the outside hallway at ANYtime to watch thru the two-way mirror. That was priceless and a great place for parents to meet and chat.</p>
<p>This was such a nurturing environment and best of all, ridiculously inexpensive due to the nature of the program (although we would have happily paid top dollar for the program). Might be worth looking into one in your area. If it’s not available, agree with others to look at several to see what ‘feels’ right for YOU and your precious toddler. These are sweet years…enjoy!</p>