Indecent Exposure Reported Near Hollow Reed Preschool in JP

Boston Police say that, according to witnesses, a man in jeans called to children and exposed himself at the fence surrounding the Hollow Reed Preschool.

A man walked up to the fence at Hollow Reed Preschool on Tuesday, tried to get children to talk to them, and exposed himself, according to Boston Police. Police say the incident took place about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The suspect is described as a short white man wearing blue jeans. He was trying to get children playing in the schoolyard of the Sedgwick Street school to talk to him. The man fled after exposing himself, witnesses told police. Police say detectives and the Sexual Assault Unit are investigating. They've alerted area schools and daycares. Anyone with information can contact detectives at 617-343-5628.  Anonymous tips can be given either by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME…

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Moms Talk

The Tale of the Drunk Teacher and Other Preschool Horror Stories

From preschool teachers who were drunk on the job to other bad fits, finding the right program for your child isn't always easy.

Last week we held a "Best Preschool" contest and the Mom's Council discussed what makes a great preschool. This week we take the other side of the coin. Add your own preschool horror stories in the comments, or ask our Mom's Council about preschool questions you may have. Deb Nam-Krane: One of our preschool teachers was drunk on the job. We started my oldest at a preschool in Brookline when she was 3.  It was in a nice location on Harvard Street right near a playground, and the staff was friendly and energetic about teaching my precocious three year old.  It also seemed like she wasn't going to have any trouble making friends. The good news was that she did make many fast friends; the bad news was that many of them left after being there …

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Readers: These Two Preschools Are Tops in Jamaica Plain

The programs at The Mosaic School and Pine Village Preschool share top honors in this week's contest.

The results are in and readers have had some great dialogue about the best preschool or day care in Jamaica Plain. Here are the vote totals for programs receiving votes: Thanks to everyone who voted and commented. In judging the contest, I mostly rely on the poll. But if it looks like there's any monkey business with the poll, I do take into account comments as well. In this week's contest, it's clear that the parents of Pine Village Preschool and The Mosaic School were especially energized to tell other parents how great those programs are. I'm declaring them co-winners of the contest. Both schools will be getting framed certificates from Patch. But I encourage parents searching for a preschool or day care not just to look at the top two …

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Moms Talk

JP Moms on What Makes a Preschool/Day Care Great

The JP Patch Moms Council weighs in on this week's parenting topic. Join in via the comments section.

This week the Moms Council tackles the question "What makes a great preschool/day care?" There's already a vigorous discussion of this on this week's "Best of Patch Readers' Choice" category. Deb Nam-Krane: If the preschool doesn't have good people, it doesn't matter how many other bells and whistles it has. In my family's experience, the difference between a great preschool and one my children can't stand is the staff.  Adults who want to help your children learn new skills, who are friendly and know how to speak to children without condescending to them can make the time away from mom and dad enjoyable instead of torment. If you don't have good people, it doesn't matter how many other bells and whistles you have.  However, great people …

POLL: What's the Best Preschool or Day Care in Jamaica Plain?

The second in our series of "Best of Patch Readers' Choice" contests. Vote in the poll, defend your choice in the comments, and come back Friday at noon to find out the winner.

Last week we started our series of week-long "Best of Patch Readers' Choice" contests. The first category was "Best Smoothie/Batido" and JP Licks narrowly triumphed over El Oriental de Cuba. This week the category is: Best Preschool/Day Care. Here's how it works. Vote in the poll below. Add comments supporting your decision and influencing other JP residents to see that you're right, after all. The poll closes at 9 a.m. Friday. Because this poll isn't scientific, it isn't the sole consideration in choosing a winner. The winner will be determined by the Patch editor (that's me, Chris Helms), based on poll results, comments on this story and reviews on Patch Places. Please vote only once per survey. And now, the nominees, along with links to…

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