Program:
6:30 pm: Doors open
6:45 pm: Brief introduction by Alayne Sulkin, editor of ParentMap newsmagazine
6:50 pm: 'Preschool Readiness' by Sharon Romppanen
7:05 pm: Meet the preschools!

Barefoot Books
7650 NE 125th Street, Kirkland, WA98034
(206) 619-9623; www.MyBarefootBooks.com/JenniferS
At Barefoot Books, we celebrate art and story that opens the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life, inspiring them to read deeper, search further, and explore their own creative gifts. Taking our inspiration from many different cultures, we focus on themes that encourage independence of spirit, enthusiasm for learning, and sharing of the world's diversity. Interactive, playful and beautiful, our products combine the best of the present with the best of the past to educate our children as the caretakers of tomorrow.

Bellevue Boys and Girls Club
209 100th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA98004
(425) 454-6162 x25
The BBGC Preschool has been providing a loving, secure,creative and developmentally appropriate preschool experience for the past 20 years. Our classes, for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds, are designed to develop a child's social, emotional, cognitive, physical and creative talents through fun, safe, and fascinating activities. In our Pre-K program we provide pre-reading skills, number and letter recognition, and scientific explorations - all integrated into the curriculum. We also go on five field trips each year in that class. Music and gym specialists teach once a week in each class.

Bellevue Christian School Preschools
Woodinville, Bellevue and Overlake
(425) 454-4402; www.bellevuechristian.org
BCS preschool offers your child an opportunity for a gentle, loving introduction into the Christian community and encourages his/her own personal growth within that community. Students are nurtured and guided by dedicated Christian teachers who feel called to teach children. Our program supports children as they grow in the following areas:Cognitive/Intellectual development, Physical Development, Social/Emotional development, Spiritual development.

Bellevue Community College Parent Education & Early Learning Program
Snoqualmie Valley, Sammamish, Issaquah, Bellevue, and Mercer Island
(425) 564-2365; www.bcc.ctc.edu/parent-ed
Parent and child enroll in a preschool that includes both an Early Learning teacher and a college Parent Education Instructor. Class includes parent leadership to the preschool and Parent Participation and Education. Children's curriculum includes preschool math and science, literacy development, creative art and music activities, large and small motor development and opportunities for socialization and problem solving in a caring atmosphere.

Bellevue Discovery Preschool
10463 SW 14th Street, Bellevue, WA98004
(425) 818-0849; www.Bellevuediscovery.com
Bellevue Discovery Preschool for highly capable children challenges and nurtures preschoolers who are bright, curious and original thinkers. Using research-based gifted education methods, our teachers develop individualized curriculum to support each child's social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Our small class sizes and low teacher-student ratio foster a joy-filled preschool experience with a strong sense of community.

Bellevue Montessori School
2411 112th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA98004
(425) 454-7439
We offer an accredited Montessori program for inquisitive children ages 3 - 6. Bellevue Montesori offers elementary grades first through sixth as well.

Bellevue School District Early Childhood Preschools
12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA98005
(425) 456-4030
A comprehensive preschool with curriculum tied to the Bellevue School District curriculum, preparing children for the Bellevue School District Kindergarten requirements. The program serves children that are age three to age five and reside in the region. We also have Head Start programs that are full-day and part-day and are available to Bellevue School District residences.

BK Play
710 NW Juniper Street, Suite #103, Issaquah, WA 98027
(425) 996-8761; www.bkplay.com
BK Play delivers a unique research-based Early Childhood Program, fostering first and second language acquisition through ample human interactions in Creative Arts and Literacy classes. In these classes, storybooks are woven into each activity to provide a meaningful context, as well as to assist children to experience how much fun literature can be. We offer programs in English, Spanish, and Korean. BK Play is a certified STARS organization in Washington.

Bright Horizons
19 locations in the Seattle area and on the eastside from Kent to Everett
(866) 854-1958; www.brighthorizons.com
Bright Horizons' World at Their Fingertips Curriculum empowers children to become confident, successful, life-long learners and secure, caring people. The World at Their Fingertips is organized into comprehensive, developmentally based programs. Language Works, Math Counts, Science Rocks, Projections, Our World and Art Smart are enriched elements that infuse each program with all the necessary ideas and materials to ensure a rich comprehensive curriculum.

Las Manitas Montessori
22433 NE 12th Court, Sammamish, WA98074
(425) 836-4639; www.lasmanitasmontessori.org
Our program provides an in-home, part-time, Montessori preschool experience with an emphasis on Spanish language acquisition and having fun learning. We are located on the Sammamish Plateau and will open in the fall of 2007. Las manitasÖlittle handsÖhelping children learn by exploring the world.

Eastside Christian School
14615 SE 22nd Street, Bellevue, WA98007
(425) 641-5570; www.eastsidechristian.net
Serving preschool 3's through 8th grade, Eastside Christian School's mission is to "Educate children in the Christ-inspired, joyful pursuit of excellence."Our preschool provides a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where children explore, create, and discover the world around them. Our theme-based, interactive curriculum and subjects are oriented for optimal growth. Choose from a variety of half day classes.

Emerald Heights Academy
3850 156th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA98006
(425) 643-1671; www.emeraldheights.org
Our academic preschool schedule for Pre-K3: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. For Pre-K4: Monday through Thursday or Monday through Friday mornings. Essential and unique to Emerald Heights program is Integral Formation, which encompasses four areas:academic (intellectual and developmental), human (emotional and social), spiritual (religious), and apostolic (service to others) which complete the entire student.

Emmanuel Day School
4400 86th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA98040
(206) 232-5663; www.emmanueldayschool.org
Our mission is to nurture the emotional, spiritual, social, and academic growth of each child by providing stimulating experiences in a loving and respectful environment. Our program provides an environment for varied learning experiences led by trained teachers in a well equipped facility. A variety of art, music, creative and dramatic activities are explored.

Eton School
2701 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA98008
(425) 881-4230; www.etonschool.com
Eton School, founded in 1978, is an independent school offering a comprehensive education for the whole child. Our approach is deveopmental, as we assist the unfolding of each child's potential. We offer Eton Montessori for the student in pre-elementary through third grade and Eton Veladare Academy for the fourth through the eighth grade. Eton is accredited by PNAIS, the American Montessori Society and is recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

French American School of Puget Sound
3795 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA98040
(206) 365-0815; www.fasps.org
Our immersion program from preschool to fifth grade, enables the children to achieve fluency in both French & English. The unique program at the French American School of Puget Sound gives children new perspectives at an early age and allows them to develop their language skills during this optimal stage of mental development. Our dedicated team of teachers fosters the uniqueness of each child and encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and an appreciation of other cultures. Our faculty, staff and parents form a supportive caring community that nurtures our children. Please see our website for more information: www.fasps.org!

Harmony Early Childhood Education Center
225 Logan Avenue South, Renton, WA98057
(425) 255-8877; www.harmonyece.com
Help children become bilingual by learning Chinese as a second language and introduce them to a different aspect of the Chinese culture.

Highland Christian School
15022 NE Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA98007
(425) 746-9417; www.highlandchristianschool.com
Highland Christian School provides a beginning learning experience in a Christian environment where each child is nurtured, loved, respected and valued for his/her uniqueness. We seek to provide a balanced curriculum that focuses on the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of the young child.

The Jewish Day School
15749 NE 4th Street, Bellevue, WA98008
(425) 460-0229; www.jds.org
The Preschool at The Jewish Day School (JDS) strives to expand the world of our students by facilitating independence, teaching responsibility, fostering relationships and building a community. We encourage children to explore the world around them through a Jewish lens and promote a love of learning that is evidenced by children who are joyfully engaged in the classroom.

Jilli's Sprouts
20723 NE 2nd Street, Sammamish, WA98074
(425) 836-2563; www.jillissprouts.com
At Jilli's Sprouts we believe that every child can learn if they are given the right tools and opportunity. We focus on the whole child, blending the traditional Montessori approach with whole language learning. We give children a place to learn, play and be silly! Children explore their world tactily, as well as through imaginative play and cooperative learning.

Kid Magic Preschool/Kindergarten
3133 103rd Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA98004
(425) 739-6035; www.kidmagicpreschool.com
Kid Magic Preschool/Kindergarten serves children ages 3 through 5 in Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten. Our program promotes a social environment where children flourish in multi-age classes and skill grouping provides a supportive configuration for learners of varying ages. Art, Music, Literacy, Math, Social Studies, and Science activities offer an academically enriching curriculum that facilitates the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of children.

Monart School of Art
10020 Main Street, Suite 102, Bellevue, WA98004
2758 78th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA98040
(866) 519-ARTS; www.imaginartnow.com
Like learning the ABC's before reading, MONART students learn to see the world with five elements of shape and to develop the skills to translate that to paper. Monart is a directed, step by step method that teaches people how to see things and draw them. Since 1979, MONART has been taught around the world, achieving phenomenal results among children and adults, including those with learning difficulties.

Cougar Ridge Home Preschool/Playgroup
16761 SE 45th Street, Issaquah, WA98027
(425) 746-6378
Group 1: ages 2 yrs. to 3 yrs. meet twice weekly. Group 2: ages 3 yrs. - 5 yrs. meet 3 times weekly. Children enjoy meeting regularly to participate in arts and crafts, song and dance, storytime and playtime while learning the basics needed for Kindergarten.

Montessori Children's House
5003 218th Avenue NE, Redmond, WA98053
(425) 868-7805; www.mchkids.com
Montessori Children's House is an accredited Montessori school in Redmond. MCH is proud to offer Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood/Kindergarten, and Elementary programs. With certified teachers, a large farm-like campus, and beautifully equipped classrooms, we serve children from birth through nine years of age. Families come to us from Redmond, Sammamish, Carnation, Fall City and Duvall areas.

Rising Star Academy
14434 NE 8th Street, 2nd Floor, Bellevue, WA98007
(206) 763-3373; www.featwa.org
Rising Star Academy is an inclusive preschool and kindergarten for both typically developing children and children on the Autism spectrum. The ratio of children in the socially typical range to children outside the socially typical range is 3:1. The staff to student ratio is 4:1. Instruction is highly individualized and result-oriented.

Robinswood Barn Preschool/City of Bellevue Preschools
2432 148th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA98007
(425) 452-5219
At Robinswood Barn Preschool we believe that learning is a creative process. We recognize each child's uniqueness and are sensitive to children's abilities and learning styles. We strive to enhance each child's self-expression and creativity through open ended creative arts. Each child is encouraged to discover the joy of learning through daily themes in a happy and safe environment.

Seattle Area German American School
Issaquah and Seattle/University District
(206) 442-2023; www.sagaschool.org
The SAGA School, founded in 2005, is a 501c3 non-profit volunteer run organization, appreciating the support of the German-speaking community who see the value of a bilingual education beginning with its youngest citizens. We currently offer German immersion in Preschool, Kindergarten as well as a playgroup for toddlers with their parents. We operate two locations, in Seattle and Issaquah.

Samena Swim and Recreation Club
15231 Lake Hills Blvd., Bellevue, WA98007
(425) 746-1160; www.samena.com
Samena Preschool has created an environment to immerse your children in a nurturing surrounding. Emphasis is placed on providing a well rounded program including academics, socialization, self awareness and cooperation. Children are encouraged to engage in creative play using all five senses. Daily swim lessons are part of the curriculum; this is what makes our preschool unique from other schools.

Sammamish Christian School & Noah's Ark Preschool
4221 228th Avenue SE, Issaquah, WA98029
(425)392-7470; www.scsna.org
Christian values serve as the cornerstone of our strong, traditional curriculum which balances hands-on learning experiences with strong, goal-oriented instruction. Students learn faith-based values through devotion, prayer, Christian education and weekly Chapel. Music, Spanish, and Physical Education are taught as weekly specialty classes. SCSNA currently offers preschool through fifth grade. NAEYC Accredited.

South Bellevue Community Center (Lil' Bits Preschool)
14509 SE Newport Way, Bellevue, WA98006
(425) 452-4240
With a partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue, South Bellevue offers a variety of programs for your preschooler. Lil' Bits Preschool will handle your preschool needs. We also provide a variety of Kindermusik, ballet & tap and art classes. Check out the parent/child drop-in gym schedule and the Pee Wee pick up games for gym play out of the cold.

St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic School
4400 130th Place SE, Bellevue, WA98006
(425) 747-6770 x209; www.smsbellevue.org
Our program is specially created to help children acquire a strong foundation in skills and knowledge needed for school success. The flexible environment and thematic units nurture each child and inspire learning for the future in a welcoming and responsive way. Our uniqueness as a Catholic PK program allows us to offer this within a context of age-appropriate faith formation.

St. Thomas School
8300 NE 12th Street, Medina, WA98039
(425) 454-5880; www.stthomasschool.org
St. Thomas School develops students' full potential in a challenging academic environment that builds a foundation of basic skills and integrates technology, language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, foreign language, fine arts and physical education. Children develop proficient writing and speaking abilities and acquire solid technological skills. Students are encouraged to apply lessons from the classroom to the world around them.

Stroum Jewish Community Center
3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA98040
(206) 232-7115; www.sjcc.org
The Stroum JCC's approach to early childhood education is inspired by the theories and practices of the early childhood schools of Reggio-Emilia, Italy; often described as emergent curriculum. We at the Stroum JCC focus on curriculum concepts associated with problem solving, creative thinking, exploring, collaborative learning, and community building as the core structure to our learning.

Sunnybrook Montessori
1005 5th Avenue NW, Issaquah, WA98027
(425) 392-4087; www.sunnybrookmont.com
Sunnybrook Montessori provides children individualized learning experiences, which aim to develop the whole person. In the classroom or "prepared environment," the teacher acts as a "facilitator of learning" presenting lessons and providing the necessary resources and materials while individually tracking each child's growth and development. As the child observes the teacher acting as a role model, the child learns and develops critical thinking, problem solving, and social skills. The planning and execution of various educational strategies gradually become assimilated in the child's approach to learning. The child's education occurs through self-directed, self-motivated activities within this classroom environment. The result is a confident, independent, self-directed individual with a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.

The Children's Studio
14227 SE Eastgate Drive, Bellevue, WA98006
(425) 442-3182
The Children's Studio is a school for children age 3-5. Children attend school during the morning from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. The children and teachers learn together in a calm, nurturing and natural environment. The Reggio Emilia schools of Italy and their philosophy of education and information obtained through recent research about how children learn, both directly influence the curriculum, the view of teachers and children as co-learners and the environment of the school. An emphasis is placed on children learning through play and the use of emergent curriculum.

The Little School
2812 116th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA98004
(425) 827-8708; www.thelittleschool.org
The Little School offers extraordinary progressive education to ages pre-K through age 12. Our beautiful 12-acre campus and small classes foster an environment of curiosity, creativity, and community. Students are respected as individuals. Academic skills are grounded in hands-on experiences and enthusiasm for learning. Movement classes, foreign language, and field trips augment growth. Half-day/full-day options. Fully accredited. Summer camp available .

The Storybook Center
8028 132nd Avenue NE, Redmond, WA98052
(425) 881-1923; www.thestorybookcenter.com
We offer many hands-on infant, toddler and preschool classes focusing on speech, language, sensory, social and literacy skills. Storybooks are an integral part of every activity. Our Storybook based curriculum provides a strong, creative learning environment for children. All children are supported with individualized goals. We provide many additional services including assessments, home visits and sign language classes.

Three Cedars School
556 124th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA98005
(425) 401-9874; www.threecedars.org
A richness of direct experience, beautiful surroundings, oral storytelling, puppetry, and the natural world inspire interest - the first pre-requisite for effective education. Waldorf early childhood teachers live into the rhythms of the day, the week and the seasons, with their students so that children develop the faculties that will become persistence, drive, and follow through in adult life.

Mindspring/Northern Lights Montessori
14434 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, WA98007
(425) 753-8783; www.mindspringmontessori.com
A non-denominational, multi-cultural learning environment where compassion, unity, mutual respect, inner discipline and trust prevail and each child's creative and academic potential is nurtured to the fullest.

KidsQuest Museum
Bellevue/Factoria
www.kidsquestmuseum.org
Come explore, play and learn together at KidsQuest Children's Museum! Enjoy hours of delight and discovery at this innovative hands-on museum for children and families designed to engage kids from infancy to age ten. KidsQuest is a unique place for fun and exploration. Art, science, technology and daily life experiences are integrated in world-class exhibits with strong ties to the Pacific Northwest. Bring your family to KidsQuest to stimulate imaginations, unleash creativity and share memorable experiences.

Art of Pediatric Dentistry
914 140th Avenue NE, Suite 101, Bellevue, WA98005
(425) 401-1147; www.bellevueteeth.com
First Year + First Tooth = First Visit; Our mission is to provide a fun and caring environment for our patients. We are committed to empowering our patients and their families to make healthy choices for a lifetime.

Giggly Wiggly Preschool
605 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA98027
(425) 417-7356; www.gigglywigglypreschool.com
Giggly Wiggly preschool offers hands-on learning with a thematic curriculum for students 2 1/2 to 5 years old. We provide a safe and loving environment to explore with all five senses. Each student is encouraged to discover the joy of learning to provide growth in social, emotional, physical and cognitive domains. We emphasize individual attention to our students.

Creative Garden Preschool
3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA98004
(425) 822-2194; www.creativegardenpreschool.com
Creative Garden Preschool is a nonprofit preschool program. Our philosophy is that children learn by being actively involved, by participating in hands on activities and by having a choice in what they learn and how they learn it. Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate and theme based. We have a highly qualified staff and low student to teacher ratios.

Joyful Heart Christian Preschool
22116 SE 51st Place, Issaquah, WA98029
(425)392-6628; www.joyfulheart.com
Joyful Heart Christian Preschool creates a loving, positive environment where your child will enjoy activities designed to nurture their academic, social and spiritual development. The curriculum is specifically tailored to your child's need and taught by certified teachers (since 1988). For Fall 2007, we will be operating a 3-day program with the option for extended care.

Coffee and Condiments compliments of Tully's Coffee in Eastgate.

Thank you to KidsQuest Museum for sponsoring ParentMap's Premier Preschool Preview Night!

Keynote Speaker: Sharon Rompannen

Sharon has been involved in the Bellevue Community College Parent Education program since 1989, first as a parent in the BCC cooperative preschool program and then continued as a children's teacher and parent educator. She has her Bachelor of Science in Education from Wheelock College in Boston, MA and has been a parent educator with the Toddler, Creative Development Lab and Cooperative preschool programs for the last 6 years.

"I discovered my love for the program with my own children, got hooked and continue my passion through working with incredible teachers and wonderful, caring parents. I feel honored to be part of our families journeys through the
parenting experience."

Here are 10 tips that may help you in your search for a preschool that fits for your child and for you!

• Size - How many students in the class?
• Location - How close to work? How close to home?
• Cost -Is the cost going to fit into your budget?
• Visit! - Always see for yourself
• Adult/Child ratio - At least 8-10 children to 1 adult
• Teachers & Admin experience - degree in education, how long at job
  interaction - are children & adults respected, how are issues like separation, discipline, social skill building addressed by staff
• Parent Involvement - are you welcome to participate?
• Format - is the schedule, environment developmentally appropriate- free play, snack, group times & activities. Outside Play, is the environment more child- directed rather than teacher directed?
• Safety - uncluttered, toys & equipment in good order, secure?
• YOU - your comfort level -is your child ready... are YOU ready?

Attendees - Take our survey on the Preschool Preview Night in Bellevue! CLICK HERE to take survey.