Living In USA

There is such variation in preschools and nursery schools that it is best to wait until you arrive to see what is available in your neighborhood. Private nursery schools are often expensive, but there are also informal play groups, religious-affiliated nursery schools, YMCAs, YWCAs, or other less expensive possibilities in most communities.

Little children often attend these for only three to four hours, two or three days a week, but they start to learn about sharing, following instructions, and being part of a group. They also enjoy the companionship of other children their age, which is often hard to find in city living.

If you live in an area where there are many small children and an outdoor place to play, you probably will not need such an organized group. However, in impersonal apartment houses, children are sometimes lonely. In addition, you may want to give your children a little extra help in learning American ways and English before they start school, which can be a rough adjustment.

If you do not find a preschool that you like near your home, you may find that there are dance classes, art classes, gymnastics classes, swimming lessons, or other activities for little children, where you can bring your child into contact with playmates once or twice a week.

Large apartment units often provide day care or supervised play groups for little children during certain hours of the week. Mothers sometimes pool their resources and take turns with each other's children, partly to give themselves an occasional free afternoon and partly to give their children needed companionship.