School News: Preschool Admissions, Pre-K Applications, and new G&T schools

Yesterday, I wrote/ranted about the new Kindergarten registration process and didn't get to share some other important education news. Below find some quick links to news about pre-K registration, new G&T schools and private preschool admissions, plus a response on Kindergarten admissions from the DOE.

Pre-K Application Confusion
The DOE has put pre-K applications online, which should make things a lot easier, except that many parents can't figure out how to fill them out. NY School Help walks you through it:

I have gotten several confused emails from parents over the past week, who have been trying to apply online for preK. They have registered their older children in K for next year at their local schools and want the sibling priority for their younger children applying for preK for next year. On first look at the application it doesn't appear obvious how to do this. That is because there are hidden queries that don't appear until you answer the first basic questions.

Under the Sibling Priority section the first question is "Does this sibling currently attend a NYC public school in Grades K-4? yes or no. That is all it says. A parent, anxious about the new K registration and the PreK sibling priority, might panic. I know I would.

If you answer "yes", a drop down appears asking for the child's information including their school id number. If you have a child that is currently (08-09) in school you will know their id number or can get it at school. It is on the report cards and all official school documents.

If you answer "no" a drop down appears that asks "Will this sibling attend K in Fall 09? yes or no
If you answer yes, a drop down appears that asks for some simple information not including the Id number (they haven't been given it yet) If you answer "no" it tells you that you aren't eligible for sibling priority.

In general I think that the online app is a vast improvement over last years application, but if you are a new parent that is nervous about the system it is easy to become nervous when you don't immediately see the question that relates to your situation, but it is there. You just need to look for it.

New G&Ts Announced
The DOE has announced three new citywide G&T schools that will be open next year in Brooklyn and Queens. These are the first citywide gifted and talented schools outside of Manhattan (NEST+M, Anderson and TAG). Find out more about them at InsideSchools.org

Preschool Admissions
NY Family is hosting a seminar with preschool experts where parents can learn the ins and outs of the private preschool admissions process and ask questions of the panel of preschool directors and admissions experts. Find out more and reserve a spot here.

Kindergarten Admissions Update
InsideSchools has an update on the Kindergarten admissions issue with a "clarification: from the DOE. Of course, the clarification is more confusing that the original statement, but read the comments because I would follow the advice of one commenter who says:

My suggestion to you is not to wait, certainly do not wait for DOE. Join up with one of the many groups that are demanding the city add more seats for Septmeber. If you live in the UES join with the central community action group or parents leaders of upper east side schools. THen write letters to your local officials. Do not stop writing until the city adds enough seats in your part of the city.

I agree and I would also keep on top of your local school to see if a spot opens up.