Any San Francisco parent with a young child knows that shopping for a preschool can be intimidating. The first challenge is where to even start: What options are available, and where?
To make that process easier, the San Francisco division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ family resource center, Parents Place, will hold Preschool Preview Night. The 21st annual event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park.
The largest preschool exposition in San Francisco, Preschool Preview Night brings under one roof representatives from more than 100 local preschools and children’s service providers. Exhibitors will bring information about their children’s centers and will be available to talk one-on-one with parents and answer questions.
“This one-stop shop works well for San Francisco’s busy parents, who may otherwise feel overwhelmed about navigating the maze of preschools in the city,” said Mechele Pruitt, director of Parents Place in San Francisco. “It’s also a great opportunity for preschools and other child-oriented businesses in San Francisco to showcase their unique services.”
Preschool Preview Night will include representatives from many of the city’s Jewish institutions — including Congregations Beth Sholom, Emanu-El and Sherith Israel, and the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco — as well as secular schools.
“We are very fortunate to offer hundreds of high-quality preschools in San Francisco,” noted Pruitt. While “each one is unique,” she said, “all must follow the guidelines for ratios, safety, space requirements and director and teacher qualifications, mandated by the state and county.”
Children ages 2 to 5 can enter preschool. But these days, with two-working-parent families as the “norm,” Pruitt said, “more families are finding it necessary to enroll their children earlier.”
Among parents’ top considerations: a good fit for their child, teacher qualifications, program content, safety and cost.
Preschool Preview Night draws as many as 1,200 participants each year, according to Pruitt, with attendance rising annually. The event “offers parents a little ‘peace of mind’ as they navigate all of the choices that they have to choose from.”
Preschool Preview Night is co-sponsored by Bay Area Parent magazine, First 5 San Francisco, Parents’ Press, ScholarShare and J. and supported by the Golden Gate Mothers Group, Red Tricycle, Kid Admit and Urban-Sitter.
Parents are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Admission also includes complimentary snacks and beverages.
Preschool Preview Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, San Francisco County Fair Building, Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way, S.F. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Children are free.
Information and to preregister: www.parentsplaceonline.org/san-francisco or (415) 359-2455.