Any recommendations? I'm looking for somewhere that accepts 3 year olds (or 2 1/2 year olds)? Is the only base option the CDC 2 hours a day? Or do the elementary schools have a preschool program? Also, I'm not looking for anywhere that lets the kids walk along the busy streets as I've seen way too many times. 

My kids attend AI international. It is wonderful, and cheap! They have different hours and different classes! LEt me know if interested and I'll give you more info :). 

Where's that at? Any & all information would definitely be appreciated! I've got a few months until she's 3 so I'm trying to get everything figured out now so there aren't any delays. 

www.okinawahai.com has a section on preschools. There is tons of info, comments and some have the prices listed too. 

There aren't ever any up here though :( & I wanted to know people's opinions on them, like if it's really worth it to drive an hour to drop her off at school! But I do know all about okinawahai, I've read about the preschools, but I'm just looking for some more options. 

Ah, k :) I was thinking about Cherry Blossom, but I emailed asking if I'd have to pay the full registration and supplies fees since the year is over half done. I never got a response :( I was thinking I might be able to put my son there and then when my 1.5 year old turns 2 in May, I was going to put her in their other facility. I read on OkinawaHai that Cherry Blossom had a facility for 2 year olds. 

Banana, I would check out Kuwae Preschool - they offer 2,3,5 day preschool (half-day), morning or afternoon. The age range between 3-5 (affordable). They are located across from Lester Hospital. You may want to go into the school for a visit and request information on registration,etc. They will be doing registration soon for the next school year! My son goes and he is learning quite a bit and he only goes for 2 days (sometimes I wish he went more for the learning environment as well as social interaction :). They also learn Japanese (as well as some Spanish) along with English Primary. This is a nice option if you are not ready for full day but also want (structured) teaching involved instead of just daycare. Good Luck to you! PS- it is in an enclosed area. They do go outside for outdoor play time in their fenced off playground. 

Banana- Here is the link from OkinawaHai on the write-up about Kuwae. http://okinawahai.typepad.com/my_weblog/preschools_schools/page/2/ Scroll down a bit..you'll see it :) 

Banana, Here is a POC for Kuwae: Maribel Castro-Vincenty Education Director Phone: 645-8419 *I'm sure she will answer your questions. She did for me when I called the first time.. 

My friend took her son to little rhinos and he loved it, and she couldn't have have like it more! 

That's what I want is an all week, but part day preschool & hadn't found that anywhere. But unfortunately we're still working on potty training & I read in the comments on okinawahai that they refuse to deal with pullups. Is that true? How long is the wait? I didn't know there was a Catholic preschool here either. I thought I'd read all the reviews but maybe I'll have to go back & read them all tonight. Thanks 

See Little Rhino's is just around the corner from me, so I thought it would be a great option. The lady was nice. But I just can't leave school to come in & change my daughter's pull-up. I think I'm also hoping to find somewhere that prepares their lunches. & that isn't an hour drive from Courtney area. (I sound picky! I'm not, I just can't drive an hour each way just to drop her off for 2 or 3 hours) 

Oh sorry Banana, I didn't know you were coming from Courtney?! I wouldn't want to drive all that way either. I've heard of someone who had their child at Busybee near Gate 3 and they enjoy their child being there. 

I understand about the pull up thing. my friends son was 3 and didn't wear a pull up so she didn't have to worry. 

Can you find more info our from your friend about BusyBee? I'd really appreciate it :) I am willing to make the drive for the right school, you know? Price is also a factor too, if something down in civilization is well liked but not too expensive than I'm willing to think about it. 

The preschool on our base is through the elementary school but they have to be 4 to attend. I think before that age its really daycare and not preschool. 

the only way you child can go to pre school at 3 on post is if they have special needs and the normal program sure start is on a first come first basis and the child has to be 4 when enroling 

3 on base where other than the CDC? We're currently on the wait list for the 2 hour a day preschool program at the CDC in case I don't find anything else. What is classified as special needs when it comes to that? I know we meet a lot of the Sure Start qualifications, but she's almost 3..not 4. 

I dont understand how 2 hours is preschool? 

Is it just to get her used to other children for a social kind of thing? 

Well it's still a learning environment & it is VERY cheap. So it's worth a few hours of quiet time :) $15 a week. 2 hours/day So basically $15 for 10 hours of care, whether she learns much or not it's still a good deal. Except they want her to be potty trained to, but a friend was working there & she said they're flexible with that & will help with pull-ups. I'd prefer something a little longer, but not all day. Like 4 hours a day or so. The normal part-day programs back home. 

Yes, social & a little bit of learning. I'm already working on her alphabet & colors with her. But outside people can always bring a fresh perspective on things like that, you know. 

I hope she likes it. My oldest son went to preschool 2 years, he loved it. His birthday was in October so he couldnt start Kinder until he was 6. I do regret sending him at 3 though. Even though he really enjoyed it I think it sort of burned him out. Hes sooo smart and in all the advanced classes he can be in but hes bored out of his mind and hates school now. I just prefered to keep my other kiddos at home until they started kinder. There are pros and cons to anything though. I dont think 2 hours would burn her out. 

Thanks for the tips, yeah I'm not ready (& I don't think my daughter's ready) for her to be at school all day long, just a few hours. & a lot of it is the social aspect because none of our friends have kids her age, so I try to get her into hourly care when I can. But at least this way they may help out with basics. 

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