Preschool?

[TigerLily]

So, I'm considering sending A to a once a week half day preschool. Not because I don't love having her around, but I feel like she needs some extra enrichment and socialization now that I'm not as available to do fun things quite as much.
I'm a little nervous about the things she might come home with. language, attitude, colds, flus, etc... But I am probably one of the most over protective parents in the entire world. I'm also nervous that she will get made fun of or lose her innocence. I guess it's destined to happen at some point. I was kind of hoping to homeschool her through college and go with her everywhere for the rest of her life to protect her.
So, if anyone has any encouragement or warnings for me, that would be great.
Also, how can you tell if a preschool is ACTUALLY a good one? I've heard good things about one in particular, but I don't actually know anyone who has a child who goes there. And there are tons of preschools around here.

[v-girl]

Maybe try a Mothers Day Out program through your rev center or a church?

Or move here and she can homeschool preschool with Kenny!

[ides]

How old is she again? I had O do a 2hr playgroup once a week just as he turned two. I had heard good things about a place and it was gentle seperation program so I stayed for the first class then part of the time for the next two times. He didn't need me but I needed to stay for my own piece of mind. He loved going.

[Vishenka69]

Go and visit all the places you are considering. I liked that I could drop in at DD's daycare anytime (they actually incourage it). I also went with her before she officially started and we played there together for about an hour, so she could get used to the place. It also gave me an opportunity to observe the teachers.

[MrsK]

BabyK has been in day care since he was 3 months old. Yes, once he hit the toddler room there were episodes of pink eye or colds and there have been some biting incidents (he bites). But those things would happen in kindergarten if not now. I've read that kids who attend day care/preschool have fewer illnesses in kindergarten.

Socially, it's been good for him. He gets to play with paint and glue and other messy stuff that we probably wouldn't do at home. He has a couple buddies his age. He learns that his buddies won't play if he bites them. He's also learned jokes and games from his friends. Some good - like one friend with older brothers taught him how to throw a football. Some not so good - the "nose, ear, eye" practical joke." The day care caught it when the peditrician missed a vaccination; I wouldn't have known and it's good to have a safety net. The day care encourages BabyK to try things that I wouldn't have thought he could do - like drinking from a water fountain. They let me know if he's falling behind his peers and is there is something we can teach him at home. His teachers have been able to advise me through some rough patches and provide routine for him when I cannot.

Sure, there are some days that I'm really pissed at the day care but, our experience has been more good than bad. DrK feels so strongly about it that he wants to make sending the kids 2 days weekly a financial priority even if I'm now working outside the home.