So I've written about schools, preschools, after school programs and all that jazz lots of times before. It's the perpetual question of when to start? Where to start? What to start? How much is too much? Now that Tanner is approaching the 18 month mark it seems like it's time for me to really start buckling down and looking at what his education plan is....

Really? Well, I guess it won't hurt to search around Shanghai to see what options there are for such a small kid. I was surprised to find out that YCIS actually has classes for kids 18 months old! They offer a half day or full day program and a choice of how many days a week. For me, I guess I always thought that a drop off program at 18 months just seemed way too young. But talking to friends back home, I've realized that what we call "school" here in Shanghai is really just a developmental daycare facility back home. In that respect, I feel that we are pretty lucky over here in Shanghai that we can send our kids to a school "school" much like YCIS.

Kidtown has newly renovated and changed it's look to incorporate a drop off program for 18 month olds as well. They are still working out the program details and kinks, but once it gets rolling it should be a good program and doesn't cost as much as the "school" schools.

Pigeonland also offers the same type of program. They offer programs in Japanese, Chinese, and English. The small feel of their interior seems less scary than a large international school for kids that small. Much like Kidtown many kids are already used to their facility for play, so leaving them there is not as scary as a traditional school environment.

I'm still looking for more alternatives and places before I make the decision on what to do, so if anyone has any suggestions please leave me a comment!