[preschool/mmo]
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If you’re like me, when you first had a baby, the last thing on your mind was “Where am I going to send my son/daughter for preschool”? However, 18 months later, I found myself with a dozen other women scratching my head wondering how I had dropped the ball on this all important childhood milestone. Not only did I discover that at many preschools in South Tampa have a waiting list a few years long, but that many parents “in-the-know” had signed their child up at three months of age. This left me grilling parents at Gymboree and playdates about which preschools were really worth the wait and what they did to secure a spot. Ultimately, I discovered that each preschool is like a mini community, with its own set of rules and expectations and certainly its own climate. Below are some guidelines and resources that you might find helpful in your search for preschools and/or moms-morning-out (M.M.O.) programs.
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Mom's Morning Out Programs
Your first question may be, “what’s the difference between a M.M.O. program and a preschool”? To oversimplify it, a M.M.O. program is essentially a glorified playdate, without the mothers. The programs typically are run out of a community center, church/synagogue or preschool. In many cases, children are placed in groups varying from 5-12 children. The program allows children to socialize with others their age in a classroom setting and on the playground, having snack together and reading stories/completing puzzles with the aide of the M.M.O. teachers. Some programs even include a more structured circle time, craft project and/or song time.
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Most programs begin with walking one-year-olds up to two or three years of age. Start of age depends on whether the program also offers pre-school and at what age their preschool program starts. M.M.O. programs are typically offered Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday and are three hours each day. These programs offer a welcome break for the weary mom of a walking pre-toddler. Enrollment in M.M.Os may also help you secure a spot for the preschool program. M.M.O programs are often a more reliable break than most sitters can offer and the dependable, weekly break helps you recharge and be prepared for some of those harrowing days.
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Preschool
A preschool is still what you have fuzzy memories of when you were young . . . ABC’s, 123’s. That was then, today, many preschools boast intensive math programs, reading readiness activities, Spanish language exposure and quarterly parent conferences. As a former public school teacher, this influx in readiness activities since my childhood surprises me none—after all, kids are now taking the SAT in middle school. Each school differs in their entry requirements and some don’t have any at all. Whether your child needs to be potty trained is also a requirement that is different from school to school.
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The following is a sampling of M.M.O. programs and preschools in South Tampa. This is by no means all that South Tampa has to offer in this department, just some of what I have personally been exposed to. Any programs excluded from the list in no way imply the program is not just as good if not better than those mentioned.
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Good Shepherd Early Education Center
501 South Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 870-2573
Director of Education: Mari Cilliers
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Mom’s Morning Out Program: Yes. Children must be 1 years-old and walking to enroll. Children stay in this class until they are old enough (2+ years old or before September 1) to transfer to 2’s preschool class. Up to 12 children in class with two teachers. The class is open Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 am. Children may enroll for two days a week Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs or for all four days. No pm hours available.
Highlights: “Nanny cameras” installed in M.M.O. room, playground and all preschool classrooms. Parents through the web with a special security code can access images. Snack time, circle time (including music and reading activities) and crafts are all part of this program.
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Preschool: Yes. Tuition varies by enrollment status. For all programs child must be said age by September 1st. includes a two-year-old, three-year-old and four-year-old program. For two-year-old class, enrollment can be for two days, Tues/Thurs, or for three days, Mon./Wed/Fri. half or full days. Children must be potty trained to enroll in three-year-olds class. Children may enroll five, three or two days a week half or full time. Four-year-old class is five days a week and is a VPK provider. For more information on VPK for any preschool visit www.vpkflorida.org
Highlights: The preschool offers a full day care option for part-time students at an additional cost per day. Can be arranged in advance or the morning of desired extended care. After every continuous 6 months of paid tuition, a child earns one week free (not for M.M.O. students). Child packs a lunch for school and Fridays is catered lunch day (for $3.00 lunch is provided by Chick Fil-A, Pizza Hut or Quiznos). Progress reports done twice yearly with parent conference days. Stretch n’Grow, and Dance are just two of the programs offered through Good Shepherd in addition to the regular curriculum.
Religious affiliation: Yes. Christian/Lutheran.
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Waiting list: Yes for both M.M.O. and Preschool. This school is not as old as some of the others in town, but its reputation has already created a waiting list for both programs.
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Palma Ceia United Methodist Day School and Day Care
3723 Bay to Bay Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 837-9580
Director: Diane Nicodemus
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Mom’s Morning Out Program: Yes. Days of operation include Mon., Tues., Wed., Friday. Program runs 9:00 – Noon. Ages: 9 months to 4 years old. Children can be enrolled for one, two or three times a week. Child to teacher ratio is one teacher for every five children under the age of two years and one teacher for every six children over the age of two years.
Highlights: Group circle time, story time, music and dance.
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Preschool: Yes. Tuition varies by enrollment status. For each class child must be said age by September 1st except for young three’s which child must turn three on or before December 15th. For all preschool classes child must be potty trained. Includes a young three’s, three-year-old, four-year-old and five-year-old program. Several readiness requirements for three-year-olds class including pre-reading (basic colors, shapes, letters), pre-math (counting objects), comprehension (retelling a short story in order), task orientation (follows directions, makes decisions), and self-awareness skills (identifies parts of body, familiar with different emotions). Preschool cost runs 9-12, 5 days a week. They also offer A.M. daycare from 7:30-8:50, Pre-nap 12-1:30 (this includes hot lunch and playground time), and full afternoon day care 12-5:30.
Highlights: Preschool offers “per diem” options for those not enrolled full time. Arrangements must be made in advance and is at a first come, first serve basis. Curriculum guidelines for each age level are provided. Music is part of daily curriculum and school has Spring and Christmas performances for parents. Computers are available for fours class and kindergarten transition students. Extra curricular activities are provided at a minimal additional fee. These include Spanish and Art.
Religious Affiliation: Yes. Christian/Methodist.
Waiting List: Yes. M.M.O. has a long waiting list. Must keep checking back and helps to know someone.
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The Amy Gail Buchman Congregation Schaarai Zedek Preschool & Child Development Center
3303 West Swann Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 876-4867
Preschool Director: Ian Bernstein
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Mom’s Morning Out Program: Program not designated, as M.M.O., but classes are not specified as ‘preschool’ until age three. Infant program for 5-12 month old children (must be five months old by start of program and must attend five days a week, 7am-6pm) Toddler Program for 12-24 month old children (must be one-year-old by September 1st), Program for two-year-olds (must be two years by September 1st). Both toddler program and two-year-old program run two days a week (9-12 or 9-3), M, W, F (9-12 or 9-3) or five days a week (9-12 or 9-3). Extended care (7am-6pm) available for all programs for additional cost.
Highlights: Story, circle and playground time all provided. Basic age appropriate skills introduced. Playgrounds are fenced off into different sections according to age appropriateness/developmental abilities.
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Preschool: Yes. Must be said age by September 1st. Preschool programs for three-year-olds, Pre-K program for four-year-olds, and Kindergarten program for five-year-old children. Preschool program includes the following options: two days a week (three-year-olds only) three days a week and five days a week (9-12 or 9-3), with the option of extended care (7-6).
Highlights: Judaic Specialist introduces weekly lesson with Toddler 1-Kindergarten classes. Children learn and sing Judaic songs and prayers as well as popular children’s songs with on-sight music specialist. School uses computer software, videos and books to encourage self-respect and respect for others. A philosophy of ‘universal concepts designed to include all and exclude none’. Scholastic Book Fair hosted here as well as special events such as ‘Date with Dad’ and Family Pizza and Pajama Parties.
Religious Affiliation: Yes. Judaism.
Waiting list: Yes. A good reputation and long South Tampa history makes for a lengthy waiting list for all programs even though school is on the larger side with several classrooms accommodating all age levels. To remain on waiting list from year to year can be expensive, as you must pay non-refundable fees each year to remain on list.
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Other Popular Pre-K Programs
Small Blessings
500 West Platt Street
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 253-5388
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This Pre-K, hosted by Hyde Park United Methodist Church, serves children 2-5 years of age. It is very popular with a long waiting list. It is recommended you place your child on the list soon after birth.
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Bayshore Baptist
3111 West Morrison Avenue
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 253-3411
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This pre-school ministry serves children birth-kindergarten. It is recommended to place your child on the waiting list a year or more before planning on sending them. They also host a Preschool for Mothers (MOPS) group out of their church which is a supportive groups where mothers can share the joys and trials of motherhood. Call the church to make reservations to join their next meeting.
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Palma Ceia United Methodist Preschool
3723 Bay to Bay Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 837-1541
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A day school licensed to accept children 2.5-5 years in age, they have hours available for children just attending for the morning hours or those parents needing to send their children all day (until 5:30). Again, due to small number in each classroom, it is important to think ahead when wanting to enroll your child.
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Beach Park School
4200 W. North Street A
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 289-3747
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A traditional Montessori environment that provides half-day and full-day programs for children three and up.


Holy Trinity Lutheran School
3712 West El Prado Blvd.
Tampa 33629
(813) 839-0665

Founded in 1958, this cheery school on El Prado enrolls students in pre-kindergarten three through fifth grades. With an emphasis on intelligence plus morality, character and spirituality this curriculum can help lay the groundwork for a healthy love of school.
Highlights
-A Fully Accredited School through the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA
-Low student-teacher ratio
-Religious Instruction (Christian)
-Spanish curricula starting in Pre-K 4
-Accelerated Reader (A.R.) Program
-Computer lab for K-5
-Library
-Physical education, Art instruction, Music and Drama programs
-Pre-K 3 programs offers ½ or full day instruction
-Extended Care available from dismissal until 6 pm as well as morning care at 7 am
-Sports programs and after school clubs also available
-Hot lunches in cafeteria
-Waiting list for Pre-K 4; no waiting list for Pre-K 3

St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School
906 South Orleans Avenue (lower school office)
Tampa, 33606
Primary School (813) 849-6200; Lower School (813) 849-5200; Middle School (813) 849-4200

St. John’s philosophy encompasses three guiding principles: Spiritual and Moral Formation, Academic Preparation and Life Competencies. Founded in 1951, this South Tampa gem offers Pre-K-8 education with state of the art facilities and a strong reputation of academic excellence in the area.
Highlights:
-Pre-K-8 separated into Primary School (PreK-K), Lower School (1st-4th) and Middle School (5th-8th), in three separate locations throughout South Tampa.
-Admissions requirements prior to acceptance which includes academic testing
-Most students attend chapel daily as part of the overall school experience
-Library and Computer lab
-Low teacher-pupil ratio
-Students consistently average in the top 20% of national achievement tests
-Competitive sports teams in the middle school
-Latin team, robotics team, math club, student council, drama club and more extra-curricular activities available.
-A ‘Green School’- students are actively involved in recycling and ‘green’ practices

Bayshore Christian School
3909 South MacDill Avenue
Tampa, 33611
(813) 839-4297

A Christian School which focuses on strong academics and a nurturing environment. Founded in 1971, this school services more than 350 students from pre-k2-grade 12 and has large 10 acre campus and updated facilities off of MacDill Avenue.
Highlights:
-Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and Florida Kindergarten Council
-Most teachers have a Bachelor’s Degree and many are certified by the state of Florida
-Preschool uses phonics-based approach, which facilitates learning to read in preschool
-Older students complete college-prep courses
-Arts, including drama, are emphasized throughout grade levels
-Charity projects organized throughout the year in order to reach out to the community
-Catered hot-lunch program
-Supervised before-and-after school programs
-Camp Bayshore (childcare for school holidays and summer)
-Standardized testing results per grade level available for review

Jewish Montessori School of Tampa
2001 West Swann Avenue
Tampa, 33606
(813) 735-4339
Email: jewishmontessori@tampagmail.com

Geared for excellence in Judaic and Secular studies, this quaint school off Swann Avenue focuses on the social, physical, intellectual, creative, emotional and spiritual development of its students. Children take an active part in learning about themselves and their environment through hands-on curriculum and discovery.
Hightlights:
-Offering Infant/Toddler (0-2 years old) and Elementary Level (3-6 years old)
-5 or 3 day programs
-Warm Judaic environment, celebrating the traditions of Judaism
-Strong teacher credentials
-Half day program runs 9-12 and Full day runs 9-3

School Systems
Hillsborough County
Pasco County
Pinellas County