Planning on preschool next fall? It's time to look now

While fall 2014 seems like months away (and, indeed, it is), now is the time to start picking preschools. I'm talking primarily about half-day programs for babies to preschoolers, which often are held at local churches. We have a big database of local preschools in the area. Click here to check it out.

I asked Go Ask Mom's awesome Facebook fans to find out when local preschools have open houses. Here's what they shared with me. If you know of others, please share in the comments below or email me the information (include "preschool" in the subject line).

One note if you're in Orange County: Be sure to check out the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Mother's Club preschool fair, which is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 18, at the Carrboro Century Center for lots of information about preschools in that part of the Triangle.

Stir Crazy Moms in Durham has some preschool open house information on its site too (check the right hand column of the page).

Pinewoods Montessori in Hillsborough will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 22.

Macedonia United Methodist Church Preschool in Cary is currently offering tours for the 2014-2015 school year. Appointments may be made by calling the preschool office at 919-859-9488. The registration period for the 2014-2015 school year begins the week of Feb. 3.

Cary Family YMCA preschool offers tours by appointment. Call 919-653-2371 or email clare.copperwheat@ymcatriangle.org. The preschool includes monthly field trips and monthly swim days or four-year-olds. Registration begins Feb. 4 for members and Feb. 18 for participants.

Greenwood Forest Children's Center offers daily tours. Registration begins this month.

Esteem Me Montessori & Creative Play in Cary will offer a free crafts and indoor play afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 15. The center is at Cary's Waverly Place and takes place during the shopping area's Snow Day program. That afternoon, parents can learn more about Esteem Me's preschool and summer programs.