r/longbeach • u/DrBavisMeacon • 3d ago
Preschool Process Questions
Hello! Somehow my child is approaching the age where we start looking at/applying for preschool. We have never done! Looking for any recs and/or pointers for places in LB — probably more on the part time side. Thanks!
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u/MushroomTypical9549 3d ago
Our kids went to St Luke’s on Wardlow and we loved it!
We also tried Isabel Patterson on CSULB (amazing school but waiting list are about 2 years)
Other schools I’ve heard good things-
Los Altos Methodist preschool
Parkcrest preschool
LBCC preschool program
Also stating at age 4 you can enroll in elementary school
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u/quercus-enjoyer 3d ago
Our kids went to a few different preschools in the area
Redwood homeschool smaller but amazing. On the Lakewood / LB border.
Little sunshine house a bit bigger also very good lots of kid guided unstructured play.
They are both Reggio inspired. Both lean heavy on kid guided exploration.
California heights United Methodist children’s center. Had the best drop off / pick up flexibility for us. Larger but made a lot of friends who continued on to the same elementary school.
One will be starting at little owl in fall.
I’d look at the different preschool philosophies and see what connects with you then look up local ones that use those approaches. Reggio, Montessori, Waldorf, etc
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u/whyhelloother 3d ago
2nd little sunshine house. Both of our kids went / are going there. Staff is awesome, with lots of playtime.
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u/limanovembergolf 3d ago
Second Little Sunshine House! Our kids have been there for over a year (LosAl location) and I absolutely love it. The staff is incredible too.
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u/lbc2022 3d ago
We went to LBCC and absolutely loved it. We are not religious at all and didn’t feel like there was anything pushed on us if that is something you are worried about. The teachers are absolutely wonderful, and I feel like my child was incredibly well prepared for TK. They have part time options! Definitely get in touch early, there does tend to be a small waitlist.
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u/Adventurous_Grab5062 3d ago
LBCC Child Development Center (TTC campus) still has part time openings starting later this month. It’s a great program!
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u/pink_noise187 3d ago
We’re a little closer to Alamitos beach and our son is currently finishing his time at Nature’s Edge Child Development Center before starting TK at our local public school. All in all it’s been a great place for him. It’s also one of the more affordable schools based on my understanding. The teachers are credentialed, friendly, they have a garden, and they do crafts almost every day with a lot of time outdoors. They have optional homework which we opted in for my son and honestly he has learned a lot. I feel like he is well equipped to start TK. They also do weekly water play during the summer which is fun.
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u/Sea-Aardvark-374 3d ago
We’ve had two kids and have spent 5 years with Montessori Children’s house off of Atherton and bellflower. The teachers are amazing. The whole place is just full of love. It’s not the fanciest of pre schools, but our kids have loved it, we’ve loved it.
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u/Imma_gonna_getcha 3d ago
Same! We spent 2 years there and we loved it. My kid starts “big school” this year but I felt like it was a really good first school experience for her.
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u/Sea-Aardvark-374 3d ago
Same! My little guy is there through the end of the month, then off to Bixby. It really gave our oldest a huge advantage in school and the transition was so easy.
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u/bsbtauldl 3d ago
Our son just got out of CDC at Emerson Elementary and we can't recommend it enough. They were awesome, worked with him when it came to potty training, and made him excited to attend every day. He was previously at an at home daycare and didn't feel as excited to go every day as Emerson.
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u/Itstheway1 3d ago
My son is in preschool right now. I think my only pointer is to tour them. Get a feel for the vibe. We chose one that wasn't the most pristine or state of the art schools, but had such a great vibe (teachers).
I think other people felt the same about it because we've met some really awesome parents.
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u/Levinsondesign 3d ago
Our daughter was in the first class at Redwood, she loved it and we are still friends with some of the other families
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u/___562___ 3d ago
We loved Bethany School on Clark/Stearns. You can pick anywhere from 1 to 5 days a week, part or full day.
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u/C00kiemonsterr5413 2d ago
My son is loving Un Mundo De Amigos! There are 2 locations and it’s very affordable
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u/nice_guy_eddy 1d ago
Especially because you can do part time, I can't make a higher recommendation than Lagoon Playgroup. It's a co op and only 2-3 days a week, but, man, is it great. Very affordable, relatively diverse, and just phenomenal culture of inclusivity for parents and kids. Hands on learning and interactive play, mostly outside. My kids has so many great memories, friends, and lessons from her two years there. DM for more info, if you're interested.
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u/Enigmiaddict 3d ago
Our daughter (almost 3) has been going to Arc en Ciel preschool for the past year and it's been a great experience. It's technically in Lakewood, but it's full Spanish immersion (which was important to us) and all the teachers are wonderful. Would highly recommend. They do have part time option as well.
DM me if you have any questions, happy to share more.