By Alexis Ahrens

You've asked your playgroup friends for advice.  You've done research online.  You may have even visited a few preschools, but you're still not sure about the best place for your child's very first away-from-home learning experience.  Who would have ever thought that choosing a preschool could seem this overwhelming?

For those of us attempting to walk a more conscious path in life, the mainstream learning options may not feel like the best fit for our families.  We don't want our children to attend preschool just so they can learn to sit still, walk in lines and chant the alphabet.  We want a school environment that recognizes and honors the full spectrum of our children's gifts and abilities.  Some parents have asked us if The Unity Center is affiliated with any particular preschool program.  At this point, we aren't.  However, I thought I'd highlight two preschool options that are, in my opinion, the most aligned with Unity principles and the values of our community.

Waldorf Schools

I haven't found a better fit for Unity principles than Waldorf Schools.  Waldorf honors the whole child with their "head, heart, and hands" approach to learning.  They respect the developmental stages of the child in an incredibly nurturing and conscious environment.  I could go on, but I'll just send you to the website for The Waldorf School of San Diego:

http://www.waldorfsandiego.org/index.aspx.Tell me if you don't fall in love at first sight. 

Reggio-Emilia Preschools

The Reggio classrooms are beautiful, engaging spaces for young children, showcasing an emphasis on creative expression, collaboration, and imagination.  Reggio teachers hold a strong belief in the child as a competent learner, and therefore, the curriculum evolves according to the children's interests.  Children learn through interacting with others in a friendly, play-based learning environment.  To find out more, visit the San Diego Reggio Roundtable at http://www.sdreggioroundtable.com/.

If you have any questions or would like to talk more about alternatives to mainstream education, feel free to pop over to the Nursery on Sunday mornings before or between services.  I'd love to talk with you!

Alexis Ahrens, a former elementary school teacher, Alexis Ahrens is now a write-at-home mom and author of the blog, Taking The Lid Off The Sun, where she writes about her experiences raising a crystal child. (That would be Lucas, the mini guitar-player you see on stage Sunday mornings.)   She is also author of the book, Baby's Little Log Book.