1. Preschool/Daycare
1.1 Types of Daycare
Daycare: This is an option for young children (from a few months to 5 years old). Daycare can be private or public. It usually provides full child care (play, meals, naps).
Preschool: This is a school preparation program that is usually offered to children ages 3 to 5. In such settings, children are taught the basics of reading, writing, counting, and social skills.
1.2 Finding Daycare
Bright Horizons: One of the largest chains of daycare centers in the United States.
KinderCare: Another popular chain of preschools.
Local Daycare Listings: Local agencies and websites like Care.com and GreatSchools.org can help you find daycare centers and daycare centers near you.
1.3 Cost of Daycare
Daycare and Nursery Schools: Costs vary by state and area. On average, monthly fees can range from $800 to $1,500 or more. In larger cities like New York and San Francisco, prices can be significantly higher.
1.4 Hours
Most daycares operate from early morning until late evening (e.g. 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM) to accommodate working parents. Extended day hours are an important factor.
1.5 Quality and Accreditation
Many daycares are NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited, which guarantees high quality education and child care.
2. Schools (K-12)2.1 Types of Schools
Public Schools: Free schools for all children living in the United States. Funded by taxes and run by states and localities.
Private Schools: Fee-based institutions that may offer more individualized instruction, smaller classes, and additional programs. Tuition can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year depending on the school.
Charter Schools: These are independent public schools that receive state funding but operate based on their own curriculum. In some areas, they offer specialized programs.
Magnet Schools: These are public schools that specialize in specific subjects, such as science, art, or math.
Home Schooling: In the United States, it is legal to homeschool children, but parents must follow state rules and laws to meet educational standards.
2.2 How to Find a School
GreatSchools.org: One of the most popular resources for finding schools, where you can see ratings and parent reviews.
School District Websites: School district websites provide information about available schools and the areas they belong to.
2.3 How to Choose a School
School District: Most children in the United States attend public schools that are tied to their place of residence (school district). When moving, it is important to consider the quality of schools in the area.
School Ratings: Schools are ranked on a number of factors, such as student achievement, average test scores, college acceptance rates, and more.
Curriculum and Extracurriculars: When choosing a school, it is important to consider not only the academic program, but also the availability of sports, music, and art clubs.
2.4 Cost
Public schools are free, but parents may pay for certain services, such as school lunches, trips, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Private Schools: Tuition varies, and financial planning or scholarships are often available for low-income families.
3. Important Points About Schools and Daycares3.1 Admission Documents
Birth Certificate: To prove the child’s age.
Immunizations: In the United States, certain vaccinations are required for admission to schools and daycares. Make sure your child is up to date with all necessary immunizations, such as MMR, tetanus, hepatitis, and other vaccinations.
Proof of Address: Public schools will require proof of your address (rental agreement, utility bills).
3.2 Programs for Children with Special Needs
IEP (Individualized Education Program): If your child has special educational needs, public schools are required to provide a special education program, known as an IEP.
504 Plan: This is a program for children with physical or medical challenges that may affect their learning. It includes learning adaptations (e.g. extra breaks, specialized equipment).
3.3 Extracurricular Activities
Many schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities: sports, theater clubs, robotics, bands, and more.
4. Support for International Families
4.1 Support for Bilingual Children
Some schools have programs for children learning English as a Second Language (ESL). These programs help children whose first language is not English will adapt to the learning environment more quickly.
4.2 Adaptation of children to a new school
Schools often hold events to support and adapt new students, including open days and "buddy" programs, where older students help new students adapt.
Conclusion Choosing a kindergarten and school in the United States is an important and responsible process that requires taking into account many factors: from the quality of education to the family budget. For younger children, you can choose daycare or preschool, and for schoolchildren - from public to private schools, depending on the needs and preferences of the family