Readers' Choice: Time For School

"Push me on the swing!"

"Look at what I drew!"

"Is it snack time yet?"

Can hearing that day in and day get annoying? You might think so, but ask any parent — or any teacher — and you might get a different reaction.

I heard all that a lot from 20 young children when I was a preschool teacher in Corte Madera about 20 years ago. That was one of the most wonderful jobs I've ever had. The kids were full of fun and joy … and questions.

The idea that somehow I could help make their lives better made my life better.

One other thing I heard a lot: "Thanks," from both the kids and the parents.

It can be intimidating trying to find the right daycare facility, preschool, or even babysitter for your kids. It's hard to leave them with someone you maybe don't know, but it's a decision almost all families are faced with at some time.

We're fortunate in our community to have so many incredible childcare facilities. That can make the choice easier, but in some ways, that also makes the choice more difficult.

Well, here's your chance to vote for your favorite campus. We listed most daycares and preschools that are open to the public. If you think we missed one, let us know as soon as possible so we can include it in the voting.

Here's the list, with links where available so you can get more details on each one:

• Bright Start DayCare
• Children's Cottage Cooperative Preschool
• Corte Madera Montessori
• Cuddle Time Daycare
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• Ezelda's Daycare
• Golden Poppy Preschool
• Kids Corner
• Kids on the Hill Preschool
• The Kids Place
• Lycee Francais La Perouse French School
• Magical Garden Preschool
• Marin Lutheran Church
• Marin Mom's Child Care
• Marin Montessori School
• Marin Primary and Middle School
• The Mountain School
• New Moon Daycare
• Ross Valley Nursery School
• Stretch the Imagination
• Sweet Sunshine DayCare
• Twin Cities Child Care Center
• Twin Cities Co-op Preschool

Good luck to all the schools. Remember parents, you have the power in deciding which school is named "The Twin Cities' Best Daycare Facility." Voting comes in a variety of forms: you can vote in the poll below, but the poll is not scientific and is not the sole consideration in choosing a winner. You also weigh in by writing in the Comments section below and by rating and reviewing the facilities on their Larkspur-Corte Madera Patch Places pages. Comments are bonus points in the final decision.

The poll is open through 9 a.m. Friday. The winner will be revealed Friday afternoon.

Thanks for voting.