When they were aged 3-5, my kids both attended a "parent participation" preschool in my city (Victoria, Canada). It was very enriching for them because the school followed the "learning through play" philosophy and because the parents were very involved. The preschools were basically run by the parents who had to attend monthly meetings and take turns helping in the classroom. I met lots of parents who were very creative, dedicated, supportive, thoughtful and progressive people. I'm still friends with some of them! I really liked the way the parents made all the decisions about how the school was to be run (also a lot of work though). Instead of profits going to an owner, they were reinvested in equipment, etc.

For more info on parent participation preschools aka Co-Op preschools: www.preschools.coop/home.htm

Here's a link to an article and book about the learning through play philosophy: www.scholastic.com/earlylea...nplay.htm

Hope you find a terrific preschool!