There are dozens of preschools in every
community. These days, the majority of children arrive at
kindergarten having already experienced the hands-on creative learning and
socialization that a good preschool offers. Availability and options
are growing with many employers offering on-site childcare. Head
Start has been widely instituted throughout the county.
The selection is
daunting, from preschools that also offer daycare for infants and go through
first grade, to part-time traditional preschools that follow a nine-month school
schedule. The former option caters to parents who need full-time
daycare and are especially valued because all children in a family can be at the
same location.
However, there are numerous choices in
between. From church- to college-affiliated, small family-owned to
large, play oriented to academic advancement, families have a wealth of
preschools from which to choose.
At the YMCA Childcare Resource and
Referral Agency Child Care Consultants will work with you to find the child care
referrals to programs in San Diego County. The Consultant will also
give you information on the different types of child care programs and answer
your questions about what to look for and how to select a quality child care
program. They can also help you apply for assistance paying for child
care. They use a specially designed computer program to match
existing provider services with your child care needs.
The Healthy Start
Military Family Cluster is a collaborative effort between the schools, US Navy,
and public and private agencies to assist families living in the Cabrillo,
Chesterton, and Murphy Canyon Military Family Housing
areas.
The mission of the Military Family cluster is to
provide confidential, safe, coordinated services that will lead to improved
developmental, academic and social outcomes for children and a better quality of
life for their families. In addition to other services, the Healthy
Start program offers kindergarten readiness classes and other activities for 0 -
6 years children and parents to ensure school success.
See
Contacts for information on YMCA Childcare Resource and Referral Agency and
Healthy Start Military Family Cluster.