Dayton: New Preschool Opens at the Boonshoft!

If you live in the Dayton area and have small kids, you’ve no doubt been to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery many times. If not, you should go often! It’s a wonderful place for kids to learn and play, and has been since I was a child. My two kiddos both love it there – Joshua recently had a special day there with my mom and came home all excited! Their zoo also just re-opened after a massive renovation and it is spectacular!  I love taking the kids there myself, but since I am a million months pregnant, my mom also has a special day at the Boonshoft planned with my kids next week when they are on break from school (don’t tell them yet, though!)

So when I heard that the Boonshoft had opened a preschool, my immediate thought was “what a great idea!”  It’s always been such a fun environment for kids to learn in, and having a classroom setting there just seems so natural.  Plus, the students at the Boonshoft’s Kaleidoscope Preschool have full access to the museum’s zoo, science exhibits, and experts.  I can’t imagine a better learning environment.  Just a couple days after I heard about Kaleidoscope Preschool, a friend mentioned she was thinking about sending her son there!  So, I guess the word is spreading!

If you’re looking into preschool options for your child, here are some things to consider about Kaleidoscope. It is a Montessori school, and offers a mixed-age classroom, with children age three through kindergarten learning together.  They offer options for  full-day programs five and three days a week, or a half-day program three days a week.  In this encouraging and creative classroom environment, kids learn not just language, math, and science concepts, but they work on practical life skills and becoming independent, too.  (Those latter two are thing I personally wish I’d worked more on with my kiddos!)

The teacher at Kaleidoscope has a M.S. in child development and as I’ve mentioned, can utilize the museum’s resources fully to teach her students through an active circle time as well as small group lessons.  One thing that really appeals to me about the typical day setup at Kaleidoscope is that the schedule involves large group, small group, independent play, and play time with others.  So there’s time for structure and time for kids to explore the classroom and interact with each other as well.  The full-day program also incorporates a rest time for the younger kids while the kindergarteners continue their learning time.

Other important facts to know about Kaleidoscope Preschool: It’s licensed by the Ohio Department of Education and the faculty is Montessori trained and certified.  You can also visit the school to observe Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 9:15-10:15 or take a tour by appointment.

So what do you think about a preschool at the Boonshoft?  For more info, visit their website, where you can find contact information for Kaleidoscope preschool as well as download an application form.

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School Days

This week, Sammy started at a new daycare. He’s been in an in-home daycare setting since he was about four months old, and while it was a great situation for him, we thought he was ready to hit the big leagues. That, and a spot opened up for him, which is always an important consideration when determining “readiness.”

The new daycare is located where I work, which is about 40 minutes from our house. So, I have a new carpool buddy!

I was a little concerned about having him in the car for so long every day, but we have had so much fun going to and from his new “preschool.” He is a chatty little thing, and I love hearing him talk and sing songs. I love picking him up – my favorite part of the day is when he runs up to me when I get there – and it’s great to talk to his teachers and hear about his day. Yesterday they were cracking up because he was talking about football and told them “The Bengals are really struggling.” It’s wonderful to have an extra hour and a half with him each day!

It’s only been a few days, and while I’m sure the novelty will wear off to some degree, he is absolutely loving it so far. And so am I!

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Agent 00-Evan

Evan and Sophie on their first day of preschool

One of the very fun things about Sophie starting preschool is that she is in class with my dear friend Cortney’s little boy, Evan.

It’s nice not only because Sophie already has a friend in her class, but because I get to see Cortney twice a week guaranteed, even if it’s only in the parking lot!

But the really nice thing is, Evan spies on Sophie for me.

The first day of school, he and Cortney came out into the parking lot when I was going in to get Sophie.

“Was Sophie good?” I asked him.

“NO!” he answered emphatically.  Cortney and I laughed and I went in to get my little hooligan.

The second day of preschool, I once again met them in the parking lot.  This time, I didn’t even have to ask.

“Jenny, guess WHAT?” Evan yelled.  “Sophie LISTENED!!”  (well actually, he said “WISTENED” and it was SO FREAKING CUTE!)

Cortney and I once again had a good laugh.  “She did!??  That’s great!”

Today Cortney reported to me that yesterday my little spy said that this week on Tuesday at school, “Sophie listened sometimes and sometimes she didn’t.”

Good to know!  Evan, I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.  And though I realize I may have to start paying you one day, I hope you’ll keep informing on Sophie for me until she’s at least 18!!  You’re my favorite little spy!

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