Tiny Oranges – Fresh, fun blog for OC moms

Looking back, I had no idea just how important choosing the right preschool would turn out to be when touring schools for my oldest daughter a few years ago.

But after experiencing the transition from preschool to now Kindergarten, I realize that a child’s preschool experience plays a huge part in their Kindergarten readiness. And I am not just talking about academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

So at this tender stage when these little precious humans are learning so much about how to interact with others in a classroom setting, to me, it is important to carefully consider the right preschool for your family. Our preschool truly has become like a second home to my daughters. And you want that home to be filled with loving people that want the best for your child!

Resurrection Lutheran Preschool is a Christian preschool in Huntington Beach that was brought to Tiny Oranges by one of my readers, Dana, and the school subsequently became one of our OC Biz Guide Sponsors. You can visit their listing under “Preschools.”

Offering programs for children ages 2 years 6 months through pre-kindergarten, they have 2-day (Tuesday/Thursday), 3-day (Mon/Weds/Fri) and 5-day classes (Mon-Fri) from 9am – 12pm with an optional “Lunch Bunch” available Monday – Thursday from 12pm – 1:30pm.

And, for those of you who stress about this part, they do NOT have to be potty trained to be in the program *sigh of relief!*

They also have a six-week summer program which is 3 days a week (Tues-Thurs). I think this is an awesome summer schedule to allow you to have your Mondays and Fridays open for travel. This year, the summer program runs from June 19th – July 26th.

When chatting with Dana on the phone (by the way she is completely darling and I felt like we were BFF’s) I asked her what it was she loved so very much about this program and these were the key points:

* Small class sizes! With an approximately 1:6 ratio, teachers are able to provide individual attention and small group interaction.

* The loving, caring and supportive teachers who are dedicated to a child’s successful transition to Kindergarten.

* The school’s colorful, creative and cozy environment. 

* The unique daily music enrichment program with a piano teacher.

* Twice monthly chapel.

* Their wonderful Preschool Director who has over 35 years experience with preschool aged children.

* The emphasis on making sure every child is academically, emotionally, socially and physically ready for the big step to Kindergarten.

* Affordable. Now I know this is very subjective, but you can click here to see the tuition rates and if it would be affordable for your family. Siblings receive a 10% discount and they also offer a 10% discount for full payment at the beginning of the school year which roughly equals 1 month of tuition free. Nice!

My biggest piece of advice to anyone looking into preschools is to go out there and TOUR them!  I think I visited about 6 different preschools that all seemed good, but it wasn’t until my 6th stop did I know I had found “The One” for us.

You will get the same feeling.

Enrollment for Summer and Fall 2012 is coming up on March 21st, 2012 at 8:45am, so you will want to contact them ASAP to get more information if you are interested in looking at this school. You are also welcome to stop by anytime on weekdays between 9am – 12pm for a tour.

Visit their website or contact Director Judy Giem via email at judy.giem {@} gmail.com or 714.962.3919 for more information.

www.lcrhb.org/preschool

Thank you Dana for sharing your preschool home with us!

[Disclosure: Resurrection Lutheran Preschool Huntington Beach is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor. Please visit our OC Biz Guide under "Preschools" to see their listing! Photos compliments of Dana.]

Abiding Savior Lutheran School and Preschool in Lake Forest is having a special Open House event this month on Saturday, January 28th, 2012 from 1 – 3pm and I wanted to share the details in case anyone happens to be looking for a fabulous private Christian school in South Orange County.

The school has preschool (including extended care), Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1st – 8th.

At the Open House, you will have the opportunity to meet the teachers, see the classrooms, learn about the curriculum and schedules, check out their Junior Kindergarten program, and truly get a feel for the school.

As a bonus, special discounts will be available for new families that enroll that attend the Open House! Inquire for details!

And yes, your children are welcome to attend!

When asked to describe Abiding Savior Lutheran School and Preschool, the most used words listed by the students, faculty and staff were:

Read More >>

Mission Montessori, a wonderful preschool in Mission Viejo has a new Parent & Me class starting next week for any of you out there with littles ones ages 1 1/2 – 3 years. This sort of class is so fun to experience with your child and help ease them into a preschool environment!  Here is the information as given to me by Sara Hooper, the Director…

Mission Montessori will offer a 6-week “Parent & Me” class beginning January 18th, 2011.  The Montessori Parent & Child Program allows children ages 18-36 months to participate in a nurturing and stimulating indoor and outdoor classroom environment with the guidance of a Montessori credentialed teacher and a parent or caregiver.

This is a wonderful way to nurture your child’s budding independence as they prepare for preschool.  Parents will gain hands-on experience with Montessori-inspired activities that can be easily embedded into your daily routine in the home.

Our 6 – week Winter Session runs January 18th through February 22, 2011 from 9:30-10:45 on Tuesday mornings taught by Montessori trained educator Kareen McCarty.  “Ms. Kareen” lives in San Clemente with her husband and 2 little ones ages 1 & 3 and loves teaching and sharing the Montessori curriculum and lifestyle with others.

The 1x a week Parent and Child class is $175.  More information including registration forms can be found HERE.

Call 949.582.3956 or email sarahooper@montessorimv.com for registration and more infomation.

www.montessorimv.com

{Disclosure: Mission Montessori is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor}

A couple months ago, Suzanne from Abiding Savior Lutheran Early Childhood Center, contacted me about sponsorship and we ended up chatting on the phone for a LONG time.  She was one of those people I felt like I have have known forever!  She had this great energy and passion for her school and it was contagious.   And after visiting Abiding Savior, I could see why she was so enthusiastic, as I really could feel the love present in their program!

Ironically one of my friends from high school that I have reconnected with on Facebook saw Abiding Savior on my blog and wrote me a note telling me that her daughter goes there and she loves, loves, loves it! So I asked  my friend what she loved most about the school and this is what she said…

“This is my daughter’s second year at Abiding Savior.  We originally chose this preschool over others in the area because not only were we impressed with the program and curriculum but mostly because we felt like they really cared about us from the very beginning.  As cliche as it sounds, it really felt like a family.  Even after our first brief visit, they remembered who I was when I called back the next day.

It feels like a small school and yet they have the programs I was looking for from bigger preschools. The school they have goes through 8th grade so that made me really comfortable with knowing that they have a good handle on the education system and what’s important for preschoolers to learn before they head into elementary school.

Additionally, I really appreciate how much the teachers have worked with me to help me with parenting my daughter.  It was so encouraging to know they were supportive of our efforts at home. – Kristin, mommy of 2 (soon to be 3!)”

Recently I met with Lorena Bradley, the school Director, and Suzanne Towles, the Director of Admissions so I could find out more about their program. Here were some of the things that stood out to me about their darling school!

Homey – The school has a very safe, nurturing feel.  They strive to make you and your children feel like they are at a home away from home. For little ones just starting their experience with going to school, to me, this is super important!

Flexibility – This is totally unique and very appealing! They offer 2, 3 and 5 day programs along with extended care. If you are a working parent, part time or full time, they are open from 7am – 6pm and are committed to meeting the needs of the community. They will work with you to tailor a school schedule to fit yours.

They also have a 3 day afternoon preschool program from 12:30 – 3:30pm.  Around my area, this is hard to find. So, let’s say you work afternoons part-time, you could have your child in afternoon program and stay until 5pm or 6pm, whenever needed.  Again, they are flexible and work with you!

Small class sizes

Developmental, Christian school

Fun enrichment programs – For additional fees, they offer classes like dance and sports programs you can enroll your children in.

Weekly music and chapel time.

Parenting classes.

Speaking of which, they are having a parenting class next week which is open to the public (and a great time to check out the school!) Here is the info!

“Parenting the Preschool Child”
A Christian Perspective
Dr. Buddy Mendez, Professor of Psychology at Concordia
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
6:30-8:30pm

RSVP to the Preschool office at 949.837.4292

There were just so many special things about this school. From the individual hand-painted flags on each teacher’s door with a personalized Bible verse, to the community birds and vegetable garden, it really did feel like a home.

So if you are looking for a Christian-based, preschool home for your child in south Orange County, this might be the perfect fit for you.   They are located in Lake Forest and you are invited to call or  stop by anytime for a tour to get more information. Registration for Fall starts in January, but there are still spaces available now to accommodate your child.

For more information visit www.abidingsavior.com or call Suzanne at 949.837.4292.

{Disclosure: Abiding Savior is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor}

Hello mamas! If you have little ones approaching preschool age and are looking for the perfect school for your family, I wanted to share some information on a local preschool in Mission Viejo called the Laguna Parent Participation Preschool.  It is called a “parent participation school” or sometimes referred to as a “cooperative or co-op preschool” and is a  really great option for lots of families {and they have a few slots open for next year!}  If you are interested in this program,  they are having a Summer Open House next week where you can go meet the teachers, see the classroom and learn more about their organization. Here is a little more about their program and more details on the Open House…

Unique Preschool Finds a New Home in Mission Viejo

The Laguna Parent Participation Preschool is excited to find a new home this Fall in Mission Viejo.  This “hidden gem of a school” has remained a fixture in South Orange County since 1972 and has brought joy and love to hundreds of children and their families.

LPPP is a place where parents and children learn together.   As a non-profit preschool, the school is run by a board of elected parents.  A paid, professional teacher plans the curriculum and  engages the children in a multitude of age-appropriate activities.  Each day there are several “working parents” that assist the teachers in the classroom.

At LPPP we recognize that the work of children is play.

music ♥ painting ♥ cooking ♥ hands-on science experiments ♥ language arts ♥ crafts
imaginary play ♥ gardening ♥ puppetry ♥ early reading ♥ math skills
motor skill development ♥ multicultural experiences

This niche preschool appeals to families who are looking for a preschool where they can be involved in the early childhood education of their children.  The families at LPPP value “childhood” and the learning that is accomplished through play and imagination.  The typical family has one stay-at-home parent who is able to work in the classroom a couple of days a month and participate in the management of the preschool.

If you would like to learn more about the Laguna Parent Participation Preschool and it’s tradition of excellence please contact our membership chairperson at uscwatts@hotmail.com or call  949-235-0660.  Interested families are also invited to attend our informational Summer Park Days.  Visit our website at www.lagunapreschool.com.

Meet and Greet Open House
For Prospective Members

Tuesday, Aug 3rd, 2010 * 3:00-5:00pm

24701 San Doval Lane, Mission Viejo

Please RSVP to uscwatts@hotmail.com

(O’Neill Elementary School Kindergarten Room)

{This is a Sponsored Event Post…helping to spread the word on family-oriented local events near you!}