For all you parents looking for a preschool that suits your kids, we’re hoping to add a little something to aid in your search. Parents of children who attend various preschools on island have filled out a series of questions about the schools for the benefit of the rest of us. We welcome more than one voice on each school since everyone has a different experience, so please feel free to add in your two cents in the comments.

wakabaphoto, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

CONTRIBUTED BY CINDY CROSBY

Name of School: Wakaba CDC Pre-Enrichment (1 other Kadena CDC has a similar program)

General Location: On Kadena closest to Gate 1, just past the Olympic Mall

Ages of Your Kid(s) in this School: son, 3 1/2

ADMISSIONS/ENROLLMENT:

What is the maximum number of students that your school has? 24 per class (2 teachers)

What is the current number of students? 20?

Is enrollment open/year-round enrollment or per semester? Regular school year enrollment with openings as children move

Does my child have to be potty-trained to attend? yes

Can I bring my child in for a pre-enrollment visit? not sure

DAYS & HOURS:

What are the school's hours? 8:30-11:00 T/TH or W/F or both

Is the school on a Japanese or American schedule? American - takes base school holidays off

How flexible is the school with pickup and drop-off times? Not flexible

COSTS:

What are the registration fees? None

What are the tuition fees? Based on military rank $40-$70/ month

If any, what are the assessment and school supplies fees? None

Are any discounts offered for referrals, siblings, volunteering, working there, etc.? not that I know of

Is there a late-pickup fee? They say $1/minute late.  I have not been charge for my 2 minutes a couple of times.  They can make the arrangement to move your child over to hourly care day care (if space permits) following school if you have some schedule conflict/need.

How and when does the school require payment (in yen, dollars, etc.)? Beginning of the month.  Cash, Check, Card

PARENT INVOLVEMENT & INTERACTION:

Are there parent/teacher conferences?[edited answer]: Yes

CLASSROOM STRUCTURE & SIZE:

How are the kids grouped? 3- and 4-year-olds combined

What is the school's educational philosophy?  Is the school program developmentally-based or does it have an academic focus? They provide several different play centers (drama, art, music, science) and allow free playtime, as well as daily "projects", and outside playtime.  They also encourage routines and independence with snack time (my child serves himself now) and circle time.

Is there a playground for the children to play on? Yes

Are there extracurricular activities or field trips? No

How does the school discipline children? They talk to the children and try to redirect.  They do not label even with positive terms like "he was good".  Instead they say "he listened" and "made good choices".

FINAL COMMENTS OR OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE SCHOOL:

For base-dwellers, the CDC pre-enrichment program is a close, convenient, and inexpensive pre-school option. My only complaint is that our favorite teacher, Miss Nari, (who is Japanese) left.  Despite this setback, my son LOVES school and is developing a very positive attitude toward learning.  He is becoming very creative and loves to talk about doing "experiments".  It has also really helped with his social skills.  Because of the short time and the children working independently, there isn't a very structured curriculum.