Preschool Question

[Fab5]

I have a 3 year old that was going to start preschool in the states next year. She was only going to go twice a week, 3 hours a day her first year. I've been searching and searching (with no luck) to see if there are different types of schedules a parent can chose for their preschooler. So far, I've only found that a preschooler goes M-F from 9:00 to 3:30 in Sydney.

Does anyone send their preschooler part time? Is part time even an option in Sydney? If anyone can shed some light on this, I would very much appreciate your assistance!

~ Thanks!!

[sgilli3]

That sounds more like child care not preschool.

In most states, 3yr old preschool is optional.
Try calling the council you will be residing in and find out what the local kindergarton/preschool are, then ring them to get hours.
The hours you stated are closer to school hours (gen 9-3.30 Mon -Fri)
When 1 of mine was at 4 yr old preschool (the year before they started school), it was 10 hrs a week....spread over 3 sessions.

[Fab5]

Thanks for your response Sgilli3!

I may have the wrong term that is used in Australia for preschool. I don't need childcare, I'm a stay at home Mom. Here in the states, you can send your child to preschool the first two years before they start Kindergarten (totally optional). I don't want my daughter going all day, every day. I'd like her to just go a few days a week, for just a few hours at a time.. example: Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30. I'm looking for a "mini" version of Kindergarten for her, to get her prepared for school. Is this called Preschool in Australia? I've found that even though Australia and the US speak English, we use different words for a lot of things.

Again, thanks for your help!

[sgilli3]

There are definately places around that offer much less hours
IMHO full time for that age is too much.
Good luck.
Do you know the area you will be residing in ?

[Fab5]

We don't know what part of Sydney we'll be in yet. We go down in June to pick out our living arrangements. Just through internet research, I have my eye on the Homebush Bay and Olympic Park area. Are you familiar with the area?

[sgilli3]

Im afraid not. I was a Melbourne girl for 30 + years before moving to Dubai.
Im sure you will love every second of your time in Oz.
When you find where you are staying, just pop into the local council offices and have a chat to them re preschool.
Remember it will be cool in June, so pack a jacket !!

[Fab5]

I will definitely pack a jacket! I don't like being cold, that's for sure!

Thanks for all of your help!

[Dolly]

Originally Posted by Fab5

I have a 3 year old that was going to start preschool in the states next year. She was only going to go twice a week, 3 hours a day her first year. I've been searching and searching (with no luck) to see if there are different types of schedules a parent can chose for their preschooler. So far, I've only found that a preschooler goes M-F from 9:00 to 3:30 in Sydney.

Does anyone send their preschooler part time? Is part time even an option in Sydney? If anyone can shed some light on this, I would very much appreciate your assistance!

~ Thanks!!

Hi,

Not sure if this is any help. Child Care Services Directories - City of Sydney

If you click on "Other Services for Children & Families" you will find a list of Playgroups/toddler groups.

Dolly

[Byo]

Originally Posted by Fab5

We don't know what part of Sydney we'll be in yet. We go down in June to pick out our living arrangements. Just through internet research, I have my eye on the Homebush Bay and Olympic Park area. Are you familiar with the area?

Hi

Yes its called pre-school in Oz too. My son goes two days a week 9am-3pm which is the normal hours for pre-school. Believe me the time goes really quick. Don't think you can choose your hours as they are set. But could be wrong. I'm not far from the area you are looking at. Good Luck.