Area preschools
Bright Beginnings
2100 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood, (Atwater School Early Education Building, SE Corner)
1600 E. Lake Bluff Blvd., (Lake Bluff School Early Education Building, NE Corner)
(414) 963-6913 x4
www.shorewoodschools.org
When do classes meet? M/W/F or T/Th 8:30-11AM
How are parents involved in the classroom? Parent volunteers are always welcome to work in the classroom with the children. Volunteer opportunities include:
- preparing classroom materials for art projects (tracing, cutting etc., may be done at home or school)
- playing games with the children (individually or in small group)
- helping children with an art project
How many kids are in the class? around 14
What makes this school special/unique? I love that it's one single classroom (in the early education building of the Shorewood elementary schools), the benefit of having the fabulous playgrounds at each location, the experienced teachers who work so well together, etc.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? My child loved the extra special attention when she was star of the day (usually 3-4 times per year plus birthday), they use a positive reinforcement technique to curb less than ideal behaviors that works so well, they have high energy without being forced, it's just generally a warm atmosphere.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Great art projects, field trips, and while they have an open door policy to parents who want to volunteer, they don't have requirements like a co-op, it's also nice to NOT be bombarded by fundraisers all year long like we experienced elsewhere.
In previous years, they have offered Morning (M/W/F and T/Th) and afternoon (T/W/Th) classes, but this year they didn't offer the Afternoon class at Atwater. It will be back in place for '10-11 at both locations and ages 2.5 and up are accepted. Registration occurs through the Shorewood Recreation dept. and a $100 discount is offered if you pay in Full.
Community Preschool of Whitefish Bay
5565 N. Lake Dr., WFB (lower level of Christ Church)
(414) 961-0432
http://www.communitypreschoolwfb.com
Open house January 8, 2011, 10am-noon
When do classes meet? M/W/F or T/Th 9-11:15am or T/W/Th 12:30-2:45pm
How are parents involved in the classroom? Community Preschool is a co-op, so parent involvement is critical and required.
How many kids are the class? 19 in Margeaux's class.
What makes this school special/unique? The teachers here are incredible; very nurturing. Community allows my child to explore in a non-academic situation and learn at her own pace. The academic subjects like science are presented in such clever and fun ways that it feels like play and not like learning!
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? This school is a co-op so parents have a great opportunity to be involved and it is so much fun to watch your child interact and grow. 3 and 4 year-olds are in the same classroom so older children and younger children learn and work together.
Written by Allie Pierson
Connie's Sunshine Learning Center
4048 N. Bartlett Street, Shorewood (lower level of North Shore Presbyterian Church)
414-962-5230
www.conniessunshinelearningcenter.com
When do classes meet? Monday-Friday, 8:30am-12:30pm. Parents pick the days that work best for their families. Parents pack a lunch and children eat lunch with their friends.
How are parents involved in the classroom? Parents are welcome, but are never required to help. About once a month you bring the snack.
How large are the classes? Class size depends on the ages of the children enrolled that day, but is typically 12-14 kids.
How is this preschool special/unique? This preschool is unique because it is a mixed-aged class, children ages 2-4 get to learn together and children do not need to be potty-trained. And the flexibility is great: I love that I can pick whatever the days that we wanted to enroll and weren't restricted M/W/F or T/Th. The cost is $26 a day.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? Connie's has been great for Bryce and me, he started just after turning 2, and Connie was wonderful in helping him get adjusted to preschool. I loved that he first got a chance to learn from the "older kids" and now it's great watching him help the younger children as he's one of the "old kids". I love the long hours, which really allow me to get something done in the morning. Bryce has loved the special programs that they do, especially when the magician comes in. It's a laid-back program for us, which really works for our family.
What would you want another parent to know about this school? Connie welcomes visitors to come check out the preschool, just give her a call and setup a time to visit.
Written by Kendra Walther
Fox Point Lutheran Preschool
7510 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point (located within Fox Point Lutheran Church)
414-352-8990 ext. 1162
www.foxpointchurch.org
When do classes meet? T/Th and M/W/F 9:00-11:30am
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? Parents are asked to take turns providing a snack for the class, and sign up as a paint helper several times throughout the year.
How many children are in each class? 15 maximum, with 2 teachers.
What makes this school special/unique? Fox Point Lutheran Preschool (FPLP) is amazing! The T/Th teachers, Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Nygren, create a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their enthusiasm for their profession is truly palpable. In addition, the facility itself is wonderful. The huge, bright space includes a loft and plenty of space to play, a carpeted circle area for story time and music, several tables for art projects and snacks, a "green room" for indoor large motor play, and a fenced-in outdoor play area with a jungle gym and plenty of ride-on toys. The curriculum includes plenty of time for free play, music, stories, art, and exercise.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? My daughter has thrived here, and asks to come to school on the days when her class doesn't meet! We couldn't be happier with our choice.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Please check it out! I know you'll be impressed upon meeting the teachers and seeing the classroom space.
Written by Renee O’Day
Jewish Beginnings
6401 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay
(414) 962-2444
www.jewishbeginnings.org
When do classes meet?Flexible scheduling as far as # of days and full day vs. half, but preschool is offered M-F 8:15 a.m.-noon with option to stay afternoons 12:00-3:45 p.m. Jewish Beginnings also offers Early Care beginning at 7:00 a.m. and After Care until 6:00 p.m. Infant/Toddler care through K4. *Breakfast and lunch served between 8:15-noon; plus afternoon snack.
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? Each family is asked to offer 10 hours of volunteer time (in classroom, helping with preschool events, etc.) per school year. There are also opportunities to be room parent.
How many children are in each class? Class sizes vary but average 10-12 children with two lead teachers (one Secular and one Judaica) and one teaching assistant.
What makes this school special/unique? Founded in 1974, this not-for-profit Jewish preschool serves families from the entire spectrum of religious observance and economic status and has been widely considered a pace setter for early-childhood educational excellence. The program follows the Reggio Emilia Approach, which is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum. Its program has truly raised the bar for all preschools and programs of its kind.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? This early learning center encourages social, intellectual, physical, emotional, creative and moral development in children. Each classroom has teachers who guide the children and promote active learning, problem-solving, discovery of friendship and exploration of their new, expanded learning world. The classroom is a community in which Jewish values are modeled and reinforced and Hebrew language is introduced through songs, games, and simple conversation. The curriculum combines structured and unstructured activities that encourage young children's most important work-creative play. Every day is filled with art, music, stories, language, Jewish living, and hands-on exploration.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Jewish Beginnings has over 120 children, ranging from 6 weeks old to age five. Located on the Karl Campus of the Jewish Community Center (JCC), the school is fully licensed with the state of Wisconsin as a day care center and nursery school and is accredited by NAEYC's National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The staff is made up of experienced, certified teachers, who are not only chosen for their professionalism but also for their caring and compassionate personalities.
Written by Amy Goldstein
Lydell Preschool
5205 N. Lydell Ave. Whitefish Bay (Located in the Lydell Community Center)
(414) 963-3947 ext. 6026
www.wfbschools.com
Open House Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 from 5:00 - 7:00pm
When do classes meet? M/W/F or T/Th 9:00-11:30am
How are parents involved? Parents are welcome to volunteer in the classroom.
How many children are in the classroom? Class size is limited to 16.
What makes this preschool special/unique? It follows the WFB curriculum preparing the kids for K4/K5. The teachers are very qualified and we really like their teaching style. The class follow a daily routine. Children are exposed to artwork, creative play, health habits, early writing/reading, world culture, physical activity, etc. We receive a weekly report on how our children are doing.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? We loved that it prepares children for K4/K5 in the same school district. Location is great. Really like the teachers...they are great with the kids.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? School follows the WFB school district calendar.
Maryland Avenue Montessori School
2418 N. Maryland Avenue, Milwaukee
Contact Curriculum Generalist: Joe DiCarlo 414-906-4806
www.marylandavenuemontessori.com
When do Classes meet? K3 & K4 Classes meet 5 days/week 7:35 - 10:40am
How are parents involved in the classroom? It is optional, but there are many ways to get involved as a parent with the very active Parent Teacher Organization and School Governance Council that are responsible for continuing improvements to the school.
How many children are in each class? Class sizes range from 28-30 students at the Primary level consisting of a split of K3, K4 and K5 sharing the same classroom. There are currently 5 Primary classrooms.
What makes this school Special/Unique? Tuition is *FREE* for City of Milwaukee residents and residents of the Northshore can apply for Open Enrollment. Enrollment Period for Fall 2011 new students is January 7-28, 2011 by lottery.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Maryland Avenue School is a K3-glade 8 neighborhood-based Montessori school located in the heart of Milwaukee's historic and culturally diverse East Side and has been part of the neighborhood for over 110 years. Utilizing the traditional methods of education created by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Primary classroom's main areas of work consist of practical life exercises, sensorial exercises, language, and math. The administrators and teaching staff are all Montessori certified, established and outstanding.
Written by Bryna Dulmes
North Shore Children’s Center
1101 West Brown Deer Rd., River Hills (located in the west wing of Indian Hills Elementary School)
(414) 351-6839
www.northshorechildrenscenter.com
Open House Thursday, January 13th from 11:15-12:15
Offers Toddler, Preschool, and K4 classes
When do classes meet? Toddler: T/Th or M/W/F 8:45-11:15am, Preschool: M/W/F 8:45-11:15am or M/T/W/Th 12:15-2:45pm
How are parents involved? North Shore Children’s Center is a parent cooperative, a member of each family is required to participate periodically in the classroom (approximately 2-4 times per semester). Each member family will also serve on a committee to support the school's operating functions, typically requiring approximately 4 hours of volunteering (or comparable in-kind donations) per semester.
Rainbow Preschool
7330 North Santa Monica, Fox Point (in the lower level of the North Shore Congregational Church)
(414) 351-1908
www.rainbowpreschoolwi.com or rainbowpreschoolwi@gmail.com
When do classes meet? 2, 3 or 5 days a week 9:00am – 11:15am (Expanding in 2011 to 8:45am – 11:15am)
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? Although Rainbow Preschool is not a cooperative school, parental/family involvement is both important and fun! Parents are welcome to
* take a fun and insightful role on the Board of Directors in an area of interest to them (Social events, treasury, field trips, IT, etc)
* volunteer in the classroom to see first hand their child's experience with the program and to provide assistance to the teachers
* chaperone on exciting field trips
* assist with fun holiday parties, fundraising efforts or exciting social events
How many children are in each class? Rainbow Preschool’s capacity is 18 children in M/W/F and 16 in T/Th.
What makes this school special/unique? The reason I chose Rainbow Preschool for my children was because it is a safe, bright place for their first school experience. With a 60+ year reputation in the North Shore, I thought there must be something to it. I love the location; the Church is safe and quiet and the preschool is the only school session taking place during the week. I felt like I could walk away from my child for the first time and know they were safe. Since it was my first experience with preschool but I am also a working mom, communication was a priority: weekly emails, monthly calendar and newsletter helped me stay up to speed on their school experience. Also, I was able to join the Board of Directors in order to stay in tune with the school and decisions that were being made.
In the classroom, I have found one special, interesting experience after the next: creative play, imagination building, small/gross motor developments, thoughtful art projects, an ongoing journal that is adorable but memorable for my child to show me what they have done in school, and confidence. Rainbow Preschool offers Show and Share where the children speak in front of the class showing something they have brought from home - this has built confidence in my children that will be so important as they move to elementary school. Plus, they are given daily jobs which have built pride and confidence (and helped with job assignments at home!).
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? With each of my children I have had different goals in attending preschool. With my daughter, our goals were more academic. She was getting better at writing her name but needed more encouragement and direction. She needed the time and the focus to work and develop these skills more. She enjoyed fine motor activities, coloring, painting, taking time on the details of art projects. She graduated from Rainbow Preschool with progress in so many areas. Not only was she more fine tuned on her fine motor skills, but she learned imaginary play and grew self confidence. She stood proudly in front of a crowd at graduation instead of burrowing in my lap. It was moving.
With my son, he started younger (Rainbow takes children at 2 years 9 months, as long as they are potty trained). Our goals with him were more social: learning to stand in line, growing patience in taking turns, communicating with other "safe" adults. His interest in fine motor activities was non-existent in his first days at Rainbow Preschool, but with a late birthday, I felt we had time to work on these things. In only months, I see progress. His art projects are complete, which means somehow the teachers at Rainbow were able to keep his focus on a fine motor project for a period of time. I love it! He is proud of his daily jobs and progress and I know Rainbow is a great fit for him.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Rainbow Preschool is a good fit for us as parents because of the teachers. They are caring, nurturing, educated and easy to talk to. Communication is a priority. And as a Board Member I am able to see first hand how decisions are always, always made with the children first in mind. I encourage parents to visit Rainbow Preschool when considering their child's first school experience.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool
1111 E. Brown Deer Rd. Bayside (located within Schlitz Audubon Nature Center)
(414) 352-2880
www.sanc.org
When do classes meet? Mornings T/TH, M/W/F either 8:45-11:30am or 9:00-11:45am; Afternoons M/W or T/Th 12:30-3:15pm.
Please note, there is also a K4 option that meets four afternoons per week.
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? Parents and Grandparents are frequently involved as pre-school volunteers both in the classroom and while the kids explore the fabulous Schlitz Audubon Nature Center each day.
How many children are in each class? Each class has a maximum ratio of 8 children for each teacher, with two teachers per class.
What makes this school special/unique? While there are many solid pre-schools, the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool is unique in that it gives suburban kids daily exposure to nature. The rigorous curriculum is based on the belief that children learn best through discovery of the world around them. As such, the kids are outside being challenged to learn and discover every day in every season. You will never see anything like this spectacular facility anywhere else.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? Our kids have blossomed into creative and confident learners at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Pre-School. You will not believe this fantastic program until you see it with your own eyes.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? The worst thing about the Schlitz Audubon Nature Pre-School is the waiting list for acceptance. Priority is given to younger siblings of current students in an effort to keep families in the same school. Other openings each year are filled strictly by lottery. We got lucky with our first child. This special school is definitely worth the effort!
Written by Cathie Torinus
Tree of Life Christian Preschool
819 E. Silver Spring Dr. Whitefish Bay (lower level of United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay)
414-964-TREE
www.treeoflife.org
When do classes meet? Tree of Life offers both a Toddler class and a Preschool class. Toddlers (must be 2 by 9/1) meet M/W/F or T/TH 9-11:30am. Preschool (must be 3 by 9/1) has a variety of options including M/W/F, T/TH from 9-11:30, and an afternoon option M/W/TH from 12:30-3:00pm. 4 day preschool options also available.
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? Tree of Life runs on a parent-cooperative concept in which a parent volunteer is in the classroom at all times. This allows the parent to have a hands-on experience with their child (see them in action!) and also get to know the teachers and other students well. This creates a strong bond between the teachers, students and parents, and makes Tree of Life feel more like a close-knit family rather than a school.
How many children are in each class? The Toddler class is capped at 12 students with a 6:1 teacher ratio, and with the parent volunteer brings it down to a 4:1 ratio. The Preschool class is capped at 16 students with a 1:8 teacher ratio, and has a parent volunteer as well.
What makes this school special/unique? Tree of Life is one of only two NAEYC accredited schools in the area, and has dedicated, friendly and awesome teachers, staff, parent board and active community involvement. The 2-year old program also makes it unique, being one of the few Preschools that offer a program for 2-yr olds.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? After meeting the teachers, staff and other parents of Tree of Life, it felt like there was no other choice for my family! It is warm, welcoming and a wonderful place for my children to spend a few mornings a week. I could not be happier with the level of professionalism, dedication and knowledge of the teachers.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Anything and everything I wanted in a preschool I found at Tree of Life. Art, music, dancing, singing, education, outside play and loving and warm teachers. And I feel good knowing that my daughter will be well-equipped for K4... largely in part from her time at Tree of Life!
Written by Sara Frieder
St. Eugene Preschool
7600 North Port Washington, Fox Point (Located within St. Eugene Catholic School)
(414) 918-1120
www.steugeneschool.com
K3 is a newer offering for St. Eugene, the school also offers K4-Grade 8. Please contact the school for more information.
Open House Sunday, January 30, 2011
St. John’s Lutheran
7877 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale (Located within St. John’s Lutheran Church)
(414) 352-4150
www.stjohnglendale.com/index.html
When do classes meet? Robert attends 2 Year Old Preschool and Daycare, which is available 5 days per week from 7am to 6pm
How are parents involved in the school/classroom?
Parents are not highly involved in the 2 year old preschool. The caregivers and teachers fill out a daily sheet to let the parents know what the child did each day, how much and what they ate and how their overall day was. The teachers are in constant communication with the parents on a daily basis about the child's needs, struggles, accomplishments and overall well being.
How many children are in each class? There are currently about 12 kids in his class.
What makes this school special/unique? We are not a particularly religious family and they have a way of incorporating faith and God into the classroom that makes it easy for small kids to understand and appreciate. You can tell every teacher and caregiver truly loves the kids.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? I have always felt the caregivers and teachers at the daycare and school had Robert's best interests and well being in mind at all times. The teachers have an incredible amount of patience, treat each child as an individual and accommodate each child's individual needs. They are able to give parents feedback and guidance in an approachable and constructive way. They keep the kids occupied at all times - playing, working on projects, etc. He is learning important lessons like sharing, listening, following directions while having fun.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Robert *loves* going to school! I would highly recommend stopping by to see the classrooms and daycare
Written by Leanne Grano
University School
2100 West Fairy Chasm Road, River Hills
(414) 352-6000
www.usmk12.org
Open House Sunday, January 30, 2-4PM. Info session at 2:15 p.m.
University School offers 3 year-old preschool through High School at its beautiful River Hills campus.
How are parents involved in the school/classroom?
Parents are involved as they want to be. There is a parent's association that organizes events and ways to help in the classroom.
How many children are in each class? 3 year old program - 17 with 2 teachers, 4 and up - 14 with 1 teacher.
What makes this school special/unique? Children have access to so many great things - music, languages, their own preprimary library, their own gym, cooking class and amazing grounds to explore.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? The teachers have been are so wonderful and kind. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience to make each day in class exciting.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? USM provides a caring, nurturing, and supportive environment where children learn to work independently and cooperatively. The learning environment incorporates exploration, discovery, and play, because children learn best when they are engaged, intrigued, and having fun.
Through music, art, reading, world languages, physical education, and dance, children are introduced to a wide variety of experiences — inside bright, spacious classrooms and outside on the USM nature trails and playground.
Written by Jennifer Slator
Whitefish-Shorewood Nursery School
1255 E. Olive, Shorewood below Kingo Lutheran Church on the corner of Wilson and Olive
(414) 964-3590
www.wfbshorewoodnurseryschool.org
When do classes meet? 2 year old toddler class, 9-11am. M/W/F, T/Th or 5 Day. Option to pay extra to extend until 11:30am. 3 and 4 year old class, 9-11:30am. M/W/F, T/Th, or 5 Day.
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? Parents are asked to substitute when a teacher is out. Also parents can sign up to make play-doh and to cut out art projects. Also, parents are welcome to participate on the Board. Also, you can volunteer to assist the teachers in the classroom.
How many children are in each class? Up to 20 in the 3-4 year old. Up to 7 in in 2 year old.
What makes this school special/unique? It was founded nearly 60 years ago. It follows the principle that each child has a unique way of exploring his or her world. With a focus on learning through play, children engage their imaginations, play with others, and explore the educational basics that set the foundation for strong academic and personal success.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? Close to home, kids play outside most every day, teachers experienced in bilingual education (we speak another language in the home), short days with option to move from 3 to 5 days, caring supportive teachers. Felt like an extension of our home.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Teachers are just wonderful. They give me an update on my children every day. The teachers have many years of combined experience, a genuine love for children and foster the importance of education in the children. Met many families in the neighborhood.
Written by Sheila Long
Area Daycares
Carpenter's Shop Christian Day Care
819 E Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay (Located in United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay)
414-964-8733
http://www.carpentersshopdaycare.org
What are the daycare center's hours? 6am – 6pm Monday through Friday
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? There is an open door policy at Carpenter's Shop and parents are always welcome to join their kids in their classrooms, during music and movement classes or field trips. Help the kids with art projects or read the class a book - they love it! Or you are welcome to join your child for lunch in the classroom. They always love seeing the parents but certainly understand work demands, as well. There is also a very active parent board.
How many children are in each class? Depends on the age and follows state limit guidelines.
What makes this school special/unique? There is no turnover with the teachers because it is such a great place to be! I have loved the relationships I have built over the years with each teacher at each age. They are so loving with the kids and the programs to help them learn in a fun and caring environment is totally apparent. I love the extra things they do for the kids - regularly they have "Mad Science", Ms. Jill comes regularly to do music and movement starting in the infant room and they have Will Branch to come and teach songs, too! Additionally, they have seasonal activities for the families to get together like "Breakfast with Santa", a Holiday Program and a Halloween Parade with the kids.
Why was this childcare center a great choice for your child? Carpenter's Shop has become a second home and I consider the teachers my family. They treat my kids fairly and lovingly which is so important to me since I can't be with them every day. I have never worried about their safety or their development. As a parent, you have questions and things come up - they totally understand and respect the needs of each parent and work-life challenges/balance. My kids have met some wonderful "besties" and so have I!
What else would you want another parent to know about this daycare center? Sometimes people equate "daycare" to "babysitting service" and this is not that place! I like to say that Carpenter's Shop is a fun pre-school and not just a "day care". Your kids would be in excellent hands; they are extremely flexible with hours and times and understand each family is unique. It truly is a loving environment. And get on the list as early as you can because there is always a waiting list!
Written by Heather Nill
Gan Ami
6225 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
414-967-8173
www.jccmilwaukee.org
When do classes meet? Monday thru Friday, 7am-6pm (closes early on Friday at 5:30pm)
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? This is a daycare, so parent involvement is minimal.
How many children are in each class? Classrooms are filled according to state regulations for childcare centers
What makes this school special/unique? Judaism is at the core of Gan Ami's beliefs and they welcome & encourage the diversity of the Milwaukee community.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? The curriculum, the availability of the North Shore community, and the facility.
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? Talk to other parents with children enrolled at Gan Ami (feel free to visit the JCC and hang out for awhile, take advantage of a weeklong guest pass). To be enrolled at Gan Ami, the family must also be a JCC member (an add'l & separate fee of approximately $80/month that includes use of the WFB facility and Mequon waterpark).
Written by Jane Ford
Generations/CSM Children’s Center (daycare, babies to Kindergarten)
2330 N Prospect Ave., Milwaukee (Prospect & North Ave.)
(414) 220-8494
www.columbia-stmarys.org/Childrens_School
When do classes meet? (Days and times) They are open every weekday, early morning to 6pm
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? Chaperoning field trips, talking daily with teachers, potluck and holiday parties, parents advisory group
How many children are in each class? It varies depending on the day, but they meet or exceed mandatory ratios
What makes this school special/unique? Extreme flexibility! This school was designed around the schedules of hospital employees, whose schedules vary widely. Although you do not have to work at the hospital to take your child to CSM, you can benefit from the ability to change your child’s schedule weekly if you want to. They can accommodate it! Also, they’re pros – they’ve been open nearly 30 years and hire great teachers and assistants. Finally, they are next door to the Milwaukee Catholic Home, and once a week the children interact with their “grandfriends.” Both ages enjoy and learn from that.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? She enjoyed her time there very much and learned a lot! Partly because of the great teachers, and partly because the other families who choose this school are just plain nice and have great kids, so she made many good friends!
What else would you want another parent to know about this school? I never once worried about my daughter when she was at CSM. I knew her teachers cared about her as a person, and that meant the world to me. I developed relationships with everyone she interacted with, because it is a friendly place. It’s a clean, safe, flexible, kind, fun and reasonably priced school. I can’t recommend it highly enough. We both cried when she moved on to elementary school!
Written by Paula Wheeler and Eilis Fitzpatrick
Milestones
2717 East Hampshire Ave., Milwaukee (Located within Plymouth Church)
5205 N. Lydell Ave., Whitefish Bay (Located within Lydell Community Center)
1101 West Brown Deer Rd, River Hills (Located within Indian Hill School)
(414) 964-5545
www.milestonesprograms.org
Milestones also offers School Age programs located on-site at the public elementary schools in the Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, and Glendale school districts as well as Indian Hill School in River Hills. In addition, Milestones has programs at St. Robert School in Shorewood and Holy Family School and St Monica School in Whitefish Bay.
What are the daycare center’s hours? Monday-Friday 7:00am- 6:00pm. Children can attend three, four, or five days per week.
How many Children are in each class? According to state guidelines.
Nurturing Nook
575 West River Woods Parkway, Glendale
(414) 961-1482
www.thenurturingnook.com
What are the daycare center’s hours? Monday-Friday 6:30am - 6:00
How many children are in each class? According to state Guidelines.
St. John's Lutheran Child Care Program
7877 North Port Washington Rd., Glendale (located within St. John’s Lutheran Church)
(414) 352-4150
www.stjohnsglendale.com
What are the daycare center's hours? 7:00am-6:00pm
How are parents involved in the school/classroom? St. John’s is a daycare, so there’s not a lot of parental involvement, but parents receive daily sheets updating them with the day’s activities.
How many children are in each class? approx 10
What makes this school special/unique? It's a wonderful Christian environment in which children learn and grow. We consider the child care more of a "school" than a "daycare". They are very flexible for infants' schedules and needs. We couldn't be more pleased with our experience.
Why was this childcare center a great choice for your child? We love the location, level of flexibility and environment.
What else would you want another parent to know about this daycare center? They are very patient with new parents and will conform (as much as possible) to families' needs.
Written by Sara Alexander
St. Francis Children’s Center
6700 North Port Washington Rd. Glendale
(414) 351-8851
www.sfcckids.org
When do classes meet? Since St. Francis Children’s Center functions as both a preschool and Daycare, the center is open from 7:30am-5:30pm, it offers great flexibility from Part time, to full time half days and full days.
What makes this school special/unique? The school also serves as an area Birth to Three center, where children with special needs can receive therapies for delays and disabilities. A unique aspect of SFCC is that children with special needs and children who are typically developing have the opportunity to grow, learn and play together in the same classroom. This program is designed to focus on the development of the whole child, addressing social, emotional, academic and physical growth. Classroom staff is supported by an on-site psychologist, speech and language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and mentoring administrators.
Why was this preschool a great choice for your child? The positives are that they are the only place I can find that would take a child for only one day a week, most places have a 2-3 day minimum.
What else would you want another parent to know? The care is outstanding here! The negative is that there is usually a waitlist to get in. The indoor playspace is so amazing that I’d want to go there!!
UW-Milwukee Children’s Center
P.O. Box 413
2114 W. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee
(414) 229-5384
www4.uwm.edu/ccc/index.cfm
UWM-CC Offers early childhood care and before and afterschool care to school-age children of UWM students, faculty, staff, UWM Alumni Association members, and Hartford University School users (on a space-available basis).
When is the Childcare Center Open? Monday-Friday, 7:00am – 6:00pm
YMCA Dunwood Child Care Center
217 West Dunwood Rd., Fox Point
(414) 351-9622
www.ymcamke.org/YMCA/participate-child-care.php
When is the Childcare Center open? Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 6:00 pm. Also offers Summer Programs.
What makes this program Special/Unique? YMCA Dunwood runs its programs out of the Dunwood School, but also provides before and aftercare in several area schools, including Stormonth Elementary.
