Pre-schools in New York

[abcde1]

We're moving to New York in August for a year. Don't know exactly where yet: hopefully UWS.

DD is almost 2, and we're looking at putting her into pre-school come January (new baby due February, plus it'll be great for her to socialise a bit). Not necessarily full-time, but maybe a day or two a week. We're not keen on starting her immediately come September since we think she'll need time to settle in first.

However I have no idea where even to begin with this. Does anyone have any advice on where/how to look, whether we've got a hope of getting her in this late, likely cost etc? Any/all advice welcome.

Thanks.

No advice but deeply jealous.

From what we have heard, preschool entrance can be very competitive in NYC. So once you know where you will be living you need to get your child registered ASAP. It's quite costly too.

That's what I feared... Yet another thing to add to my to-do list!

Start repeating to yourself now "I will not buy into this competitive crap", and repeat in the years to come. :o

My uncle and aunt have a 6 year old who I believe goes to school in Manhattan, though they live in Jersey. If you have specific questions I could put you in touch with them, or ask them. Let me know! :)

Figure out where you're going to live first. You want somewhere within a few blocks' walk, maximum, so there is no point looking at every nursery (or daycare, as it's called there), on the entire UWS as there are loads. Plus, NY winters are bitter and I can promise you won't want to be slogging for blocks in the sub-zero temps.