Which preschools in Christchurch cater well for gifted preschoolers? We are looking for one that doesn't just talk the talk and we have no preference about which area it is in.
I know this is a bit late but Templeton Kindergarton is fantastic. I have just transitioned him from preschool. At the moment they are sessional but they are moving into a school day length programme over the next few months.
They accepted my boy and just let him roam at his own pace. They have a huge amount of space with fort, huge sandpit, a racing track and small grass rugby field (usually rugby)
Inside they have computers, art and craft, puzzles and all the normal things you would expect. The differences I have noticed is that the staff are older and have spent 15 - 25years in the early childhood field each. There is a huge amount of time for the kids and a lot of interaction, support and communication with parents as well.
I didn't give much insight into my childs abilities when I started but at the end of the first session I was approached and advised that they thought he was exceptionally bright and busy - and gave me examples of things that had stood out to them. I was sold. We are now working with the kindy to get harder puzzles (his favourite thing), computer programmes he can work with, and to extend him socially and introduce him into arts and crafts as well. They have brought up the idea of having him assessed as well.
So in my opinion they are definitely not just talking the talk but they have taken my son under their wing and are running with him. They also liase with the local school and have said they will approach them on his behalf later if needed
Hi i would highly recommend selwyn house preschool. Two of our children who are gifted attended- and loved it. The teaching is individual and they follow lines of enquiry that the children are keen on. they have 2 separate classes - age 3 and age 4.
They have boys and girls and amazing teachers. Good luck.
I am desperate to find a good, neat, attentive place with smart teachers for my 2-year old gifted daughter. From pre-school to pre-school, they are untidy, incompetent, arrogant, the kids are left to themselves on the excuse of "interest based education" etc. The kids spit, swear, hit each other without any reaction from the teacher and they are never listened to so they moan and scream. And that's the daycare that at least doesn't smell mouldy and the kids are not fed by "Heart Association Approved" food, which is the most inappropriate approval for a 2 year old I can think of.
Hi Vera. We eventually went with Selwyn House and we are very pleased with our decision. The teachers are smart and there is lots of interation betweeen them and the children. Spitting, swearing or hitting are definitely not tolerated. In fact there is a real focus on the children being responsible and being kind to each other. It's a safe and friendly environment. The programme is a nice mix of structured activities and supervised play. They use the facilities at the school for things like swimming lessons, art and computer related lessons. Their own facilities are lovely and are being upgraded over the summer. I think they take children from two and a half now.
Hi. I have two highly gifted children and they both went to Fairleigh Kindergarten in Garden Road and loved it. It was fantastic; very organised, very clean and with lovely attentive teachers. It had a mixture of organised activities, free play and a transition to school programme. I highly recommend it. :o)
I've heard only the best of Selwyn Preschool. We have visited them and had good impressions. Unfortunately we could't speak to the gifted-specialist teacher. Since they had no places left at that time, they are far from us and their hours would need quite a bit of adjustment for our work, we are at the moment trying to find an other place. However, it may very well happen that in half a year Izabella will end up there. Thank you for your detailed and informative description of that Pre-school.
Fairleigh Kindergarten seems to be a nice enough place, but that seems to be ideal for parents who don't work full time. Maybe with time I'll have the oppotrunity to try that one too.
I don't know what is available in Christchurch but a Montessori preschool sounds like just what you are looking for - if there are any in Christchurch you should arrange a visit to see how it works
