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Hi - I'm trying to find a good dance school for my 4-1/2 year old daughter. She took beginning ballet through the park district over the summer and loved it, but now for fall all the classes are during the day. Does anyone have a recommendation on a dance school that has programs for preschoolers? Thanks!

I responded to the following query posted in one of our discussion forums, but wanted to highlight it here as I think a lot of parents wrestle with the same conundrum:   ''I'm the mom of an exceptionally bright 4 year old who just completed Preschool.  He enjoyed the socializing aspect of preschool but had to be ...

I'm the mom of an exceptionally bright 4 year old who just completed Preschool.  He enjoyed the socializing aspect of preschool but had to be challenged daily because he is so bright.  He has been reading for a year now and currently reads and comprehends on a 1st grade level.  He knows all the letters, letter sounds and can write ...

My son does all his English homework but it takes him a lot of time to understand the concepts. I believe if he worked one on one with a tutor it could help with his comprehension and confidence. How do you think I should approach him about needing a tutor? I am not just looking for a tutor to come in and help him with homework. I want ...

I'm looking for ideas for free or low cost assemblies for our school.  Last week we had an author come and speak to the kids.  It was a huge hit!  (orchestrated through Borders for anyone who is interested).   I'm trying to gather info for next school year.   Thanks! 

My family and I are moving to Chicago this summer from the UK - my husband has a new job there. He has only visited the city before through his job and therefore we have very little info on schools etc. His new company are helping with some advice but I wondered if anyone could help me with the following. I have never visited before, but he tells ...

I am the father of a just turned 5-year old who will be starting kindergarten next year.  He can read many simple words and can organize his thoughts into sentences.  Should I have him tested and go from pre-K to 1st grade instead?  Or do i put him in the local cathoilic school kindergarten (sorry i don't trust public schools) and ...

I want to hear from YOU!  I am working on a story and would love to include your thoughts and experiences.  Parents with special needs children:  YOU need to read this.  I need your input to help other parents just like us.  I lost this post in the crash of Chicago Parent, but had posted a hardcopy in my son’s OT ...

It’s the Little Things that remind me of how absolutely fortunate I am.  The Little Things show themselves in Little Ways, under the radar.  I will not say that I have fortune in the form of wealth or fame or material possessions.  I have fortune in my family and those who come along on the journey of our life, and those who just ...

Hi Everyone, I'm the author of a new parenting book from Broadway Books (Random House) called CAN I HAVE A CELL PHONE FOR HANUKKAH?  It's getting great reviews and is being embraced by Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike.  I thought you might like this excerpt from my chapter called ''Countdown to Kindergarten''.  The ...