Kingston - Post Report Question and Answers
Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
AISK has EYP (ages 3 & 4) but it's expensive. There are some good preschool options near AISK (Step by Step 7am-4pm) and Powell (CLC 7:30-3pm). They are affordable and offer good care. Many Jamaican preschools are half day but you can pay extra for after care. - Oct 2024
Yes, yes, and yes available, expensive, adequate not stunning. In my opinion the American School provides the best pre-K, K, and grade 1 experience on the island. - May 2022
I don't know anyone who sends their child to a preschool or daycare but I'm guessing they exist. AISK has a preschool. - Jan 2020
They are ok, and more affordable than those in the US. Jamaicans tend to focus on “academics†from a young age. It’s not unusual to sit toddlers down for a classroom lecture or assign them homework. - Jun 2018
Several different preschool options which people seem to be very pleased with. - Mar 2017
yes and most colleagues are happy with the preschools. Reasonable too. - Apr 2016
There are a handful of preschools in the area-CLC (near Powell Plaza), Step by Step and El Centro. My kids went to SBS and enjoyed it. It's in session from 8am-1pm so if both parents work you'll need a flexible schedule or hire a driver to pick up your child. - Oct 2014
Available, but we didn't use them. Nannies are very common and affordable, and tend to be quite good. - Dec 2013
A lot of people tend to use nannies - but there is the Rainbow Daycare Center I have not needed to use this - Sep 2010
I know it's available but do not know much about them. - Jul 2010
There is one at the American School. - May 2010
No personal experience, but all of my neighbors sent their children to Rainbow Land and all have said wonderful things about this school. Very academic focus I hear though. There is also a Montessori school, but I do not know anyone who attends. Stella Maris Catholic Church has a good daycare, prep school as well. Daycare is extremely cheap if you hire a helper/nanny. There are many options in this area. - Nov 2009
There are alot of preschool and daycares. My child is in Rainbow Land and loves it. The cost is about the same as any good city preschool. The teachers are great. - Jan 2009
There are many daycares, the best one is the one at the American School. - Jan 2009
Rainbow land, is supposed to be a good one. - May 2008
