Preschool Fair gives parents several options

Each year the pressure to enroll one’s child in the preschool of choice appears to come earlier and earlier. The third annual Preschool Fair presented by the MOMS Clubs of Pasadena attracted hundreds of anxious parents who wanted to make sure their toddlers made the cut.

On Saturday (Jan. 7) Pasadena’s Maranatha High School played host to more than 40 preschools at a free community event. A packet of detailed information on every school was provided to each registrant. No question was considered irrelevant, such as “Does my child have to be potty-trained?” The answers were there. To most schools it was “not mandatory.”

Starting to collect information early was mom Faith Mellinger of Pasadena. She carried son Daniel Mellinger, 4 months old, in a snuggly. “I’m checking out preschool options so he can get a good start, be around kids, share toys and learn how to work with others,” Mellinger said. Already enrolled in local preschools are Mellinger’s two other sons, Taylor Mellinger, 4, and Nate Mellinger, 2.

Former Pasadena residents Jim and Christy Suh came to the fair with their 1-year-old daughter Abigail Suh. Mom Christy just completed a master’s degree at Cal State Northridge in pupil personnel service and knows her stuff. “We’re looking for a developmentally appropriate preschool within an interactive facility that has outdoor space,” she said. In answer to why start so early, Christy answered, “We know it’s a competitive process with long wait lists.”

Bill and Jennifer Bond from Pasadena brought their 2-year-old son Alex Bond. The Bonds were leaning toward applying to a Montessori school in San Marino. There, children will be selected from a wait pool according to the “demographical needs of the class.”

Along with representatives from the preschools, there were also vendors that cater to preschool-age children. A popular booth was manned by representatives from 300 Pasadena — a company providing kids’ birthday party bowling packages. Sales manager Peggy Kelley said the company’s bowling theme is tied into children’s scores. “In school, it’s a 100. In bowling, it’s a 300.” Coupons for a free birthday child admission at a 10-person party were handed out by Amir Morgan dressed as a giant black bowling pin. The company is a full-service event facility that provides “fun for all ages,” Kelley said. The company, owned by AMF Bowling Centers, has had a booth at the fair for two years.

Representatives from a fair sponsor, the Huntington Pediatric Dental Group of Arcadia, were also present. Registered dental assistant Amy Lockwood handed out literature and explained the presence of a large, plush bear in the booth. “The bear makes kids comfortable in the office. They have something to hold on to; they have a homey feeling.” Front desk employee Sue Arias added, “We’re big on prevention.” Lockwood and Arias passed out to parents a copy of a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Highlighted was the information, “More than 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten.”

The Preschool Fair was sponsored by the Pasadena Outlook, the Huntington Pediatric Dental Group and Kohl’s.

Ruth Sowby may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.