News: Preschool Admissions, NYC Celebrity Tours, Contests, End to Classroom Aides, and Too Heavy Backpacks

7/22/09 - By Anna Fader

It's that time of year again when parents with children of a certain age need to start panicking about getting their kids into preschools. Find out about resources to help you get through it, plus this other news: Parents can't pay for classroom aides, Celebrities are giving City tours, how to know if your child's back pack is too heavy and what can you do about it. And there's some fun contests going on that could win you a free birthday party or some cash. And of course, don't forget to enter our Dinner Party Giveaway. We've given away three dinner parties for 10 and we've got 7 more to go!

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The common practice of PTAs paying for classroom aides to counter over-crowded classrooms will come to an end this year as the city (pushed by the teacher's union) puts the kibosh on this practice. There are lots of sides to this story. [NYTimes]

Big Apple Greeter offers free personalized city tours led by New Yorkers. Now some celebs are joining their volunteer ranks, like TIki Barber and Sopranos star Dominic Chianese. [1010 WINS]

Consumer Reports finds NYC kids in 6th grade are carrying loads upwards of 20 pounds, while the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids shouldn't carry more than 10-20% of their own weight to avoid back pain. See their recommendations for the best backpacks by height. [via NYTimes]

Preschool Admissions help: NY Family is offering a preschool admissions seminar where leading experts will share their insight on the admissions process and answer questions. You can also take a look at our Preschool Guide where I share my jaded perspective and we have many preschool listings.

Contests:

Win a free birthday party at the Scholastic Store. All you have to do is tweet about the contest to be entered.

Think your kids could have the Best Lemonade Stand in America? Send in your story and your kids could be featured on TV and win cash prizes.