Readers' Choice: Pick Your Favorite Pre-school
Where do Scotch Plains and Fanwood's little ones go to get a great jump on preparing for life as a friend, a peer, a student?
New parents agonize over finding the right place for their young children to start their lives as real people. Pre-school is that special place where children leave home to learn how to be students, learn to follow rules and play well with others.
But finding the right pre-school — where curriculum meets nurturing environment — is a big decision. Whether in a church basement, a private residence or a dedicated business, the perfect pre-school comes in many forms. We need you to help identify the place that meant so much to you and your children.
As we continue Patch's weekly commitment to highlighting the people, places and products that make life in our towns easier, you are the key. We need your votes and comments about your experiences. That's why we've made a minor tweak in what we're calling this feature. "Readers' Choice" reflects the important distinction — you are the judges because you have the experience. So, cast your ballots and by Friday, we'll announce the winners and runners-up.
Stacie Friedman
3:11 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The JCC of Central NJ has the BEST preschool. All 3 of our kids have gone through it (one is there now). The teachers are kind, loving, and supportive. The curriculum and materials used are top notch and you have the gym, pool, and after school enrichments to round out the amazing program! Who could ask for more?
Maria Beardsley
4:16 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My children thrived at Willow Grove and it's creative and caring atmosphere. The staff was professional and attentive and my children were well prepared for kindergarten.
Karen
4:28 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
We have loved having our children at Willow Grove. It's a community of wonderful teachers and families. A perfect place for little ones' first introduction to a school environment.
courtney agnello
4:41 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
All three of my children have had a wonderful experience at Willow Grove. I chose to keep my youngest daughter there even with the option of having her attend the pre-school at my other children's elementary school because of the quality of the staff and curriculum in addition to the caring environment. My kids have been very prepared for kindergarten and I would recommend Willow Grove to anyone looking for a pre-school in our area.
Christine
6:23 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My family LOVES Willow Grove Preschool. With its nurturing environment, top notch teachers, and creative curriculum we watched our children blossom. Both of our kids are now graduates and we recommend WG to everyone looking for a quality preschool.
FanwoodMom
12:29 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
We loved Westminster Preschool in Fanwood - the staff is nurturing, the curriculum is age-appropriate, and the holiday celebrations are so fun. Our son entered elementary school confident both academically and socially.
Elizabeth
1:25 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
We are so happy we chose Westminster Preschool for our daughter and can't wait to send her sisters over the next few years. The teachers are terrific and so are the students and families. The staff is attentive to the student's individual needs which I greatly appreciate. Students are prepared both socially and academically for success in Kindergarten and beyond.
Linda Dolowy
4:18 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
We moved to this area 2 yrs ago and heard great things about Westminster Preschool in Fanwood. I enrolled my daughter last year and it's been the best decision I made. The staff are wonderful and my daughter is getting a great education.
Christina Lepano
6:21 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
My 4 year old son has been at Goddard for 2 years now and we are so happy there! He goes to school with a smile and comes home with an even bigger one! He is loved and challenged academically there everyday!
Julie W
6:56 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
My 4 year old daughter started at Goddard when she was 3. She absolutely loves going to school. The teachers are terrific and very attentive to all of her needs. She has learned so much too-not only do they make it a fun environment but the curriculum will definitely prepare her for kindergarden. She also has made so many new friends and she is no longer the shy kid she was when she first started. We are so happy with our choice of Goddard.
Shannon Pacheco
7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
I enrolled my 3-month old daughter at The Goddard School last year and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Her face lights up when she sees her teachers each morning and she is thriving in the safe, learning, and caring environment that the teachers and administrators have created there. I couldn't be happier and highly recommend The Goddard School.
Danielle Ferreira
7:37 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Cannot say enough good things about Goddard in Fanwood...organized, clean, great academic curriculum and a nurturing, bright and cheerful staff...and they did an absolutely wonderful job with my daughter during her 3 years there. we loved it so much that we already enrolled our youngest for next year. Goddard,in our opinion, is a no-brainer for top pick!
Kristen
8:20 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Goddard School in Fanwood is great! My daughter never wants to leave when I pick her up! The teachers are absolutely top notch and I can't say enough about the director Trisha and the associate director Sarah! I woul recommend Goddard to anyone who wants an attentive, fun loving and warm environment for their children! I trust them implicitly and am so proud to say they are an extension of our family! -Kristen S. , Scotch Plains
laura lang
8:28 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
My son has been attending Goddard for over 2 1/2 years and we are thrilled with the decision. The concept of learning through play is very effective and I've seen my son thrive as a result. As a working mom I also appreciate the flexibility that Goddard provides.
Gale
9:37 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Both of my children have enjoyed their preschool years at the Goddard School in Fanwood. I have had great experiences there. I think my sons have a great start to their education because they attended this school.
Amy Kilgannon
3:51 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
My children love The Goddard School in Fanwood. The teaching and administrative staff there are fantastic and the curriculum is well rounded. My children can't wait to go to school each day and are well prepared for entering first grade. I highly recommend The Goddard School to any family looking to build a solid foundation for their children's education.
Deena
8:07 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
I have one child that has graduated from Westminster Preschool and one who is currently attending. This school has been like our second home. It is a wonderful place for young children to start their education experience as all staff are so loving & nurturing. They focus on getting our children comfortable and adjusted to the school environment and routine. They have a great program to build a solid foundation educationally before they enter an elementary school. Everyone there is easy to talk with and so welcoming. Such a wonderful place for children to be & grow!!!!
megan middleton
9:55 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Love Westminster! Staff is super friendly and it was a wonderful place for my daughter to experience her early school years.
jerry
10:02 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
I love the Goddard school in Fanwood. 1 child is there currently another is now in 2nd grade and has been at the top of her class since entering public school. Goddard's focus on cirriculum and fun is far & away above anything else i have seen locally. Highest possible recommendation.
Sandy
10:51 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
The JCC Early Childhood Services program provides excellence in education and a nurturing environment for the children. Both of my children went through the Early Childhood and full-day Kindergarten programs and they flourished. The curriculum readied them for elementary school and the "extras" provided for well-rounded, fun experiences. In addition to the education, gym, swim, art, music, Jewish values and the many holiday celebrations made for wonderful experiences and memories. This is an excellent program.
Katrina
2:20 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Our son is at the Y Child Care Center and it is great. The staff are very kind and caring, but also firm. I love that they provide the right mix of fun and curriculum, in a relaxed, non-snobby environment.
laurie
6:15 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
We drive through three towns just so my son can go to the JCC in Scotch Plains. Never did I expect so much from a pre-school program. The warm and dynamic educators are providing him with such an incredible experience that I am a little concerned that he will disappointed when he has to go to first grade in two years. Where else will he be exposed to such activities as swimming, gardening, art, culture, music, literature, and cooking...all under one roof.
Carolyn Ann Ryan
11:04 am on Friday, March 9, 2012
Both of my children have attended Goddard School and we absolutely love it there. We feel like we are part of a huge family! The friendships my daughter developed at Goddard have stuck with her into first grade, and they are some of the sweetest friendships. The teachers are wonderful, the administrators are always smiling and incredibly helpful and organized, and they really do provide a fantastic education for our children even at very young ages. And if you mention to the teachers that your child is learning something at home, they'll definitely continue that learning in the classroom and it's amazing to watch them thrive! I wrote a blog post last summer thanking the staff because I was so sad when my daughter was graduating and leaving the school to begin at McGinn, because we just loved her experience and years at Goddard. Sharing that here: http://carolynannryan.com/blog/?p=79
Jennifer
6:16 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012
The JCC of Central New Jersey in Scotchplains has been a wonderful place to send my children for pre school. The school offers a wonderful curriculum which has provided both my children a warm friendly place to grow and explore. In addition, the enrichment activities which include cooking, swimming, dance, sports and much more are a wonderful bonus to the programs. The full time kindergarten and wrap programs offer a great experience and have prepared my son for elementary school. The JCC is not only a pre school it is also our home away from home!
Mike Kloepfer
1:02 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2012
Westminster in Fanwood has been a fantastic school for my 4 children. The teachers are like Family and the atmosphere is wonderful. I don't know how to show how much we feel about the school other than to say that this year was our first, for our 4th child.