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Is your toddler ready for Kindergarten? In Manhattan, a parent has a wide range of options - public/private or gifted and talented? So, you moved to a great neighborhood years ago assuming since you are zoned to the best schools, your child would get one? Not quite so, getting a Kindergarten spot involves a process, like everything else in Manhattan. Mom to Moms is always on the look out for a product or service that would empower parents and we recommend you check out this movie 'The Kindergarten Shuffle' BEFORE you go through the process of securing a Kindergarten spot for your child:) 

The Kindergarten Shuffle is an entertaining and informative look at the New York City Kindergarten Process.

We interviewd the Dad behind the movie, Douglas Morse, a professor at The New School in the department of Media Studies and Film.

Douglas Morse is a professor at The New School in the department of Media Studies and Film. He has directed six feature films including three adaptations of classical work. His film, The Kindergarten Shuffle was made after surviving the grueling year of finding a kindergarten for his son in New York City.

 Douglas Morse and his wife with their son, Zeke

• How did life change for you after becoming a Dad?

I remember going everywhere with Zeke. He was either wrapped close to my chest in a baby Bjorn or on my back in an Ergo carrier. As he got older, days took on their own rhythm with half days of pre-school followed by trips to the Museum of Natural History, time in one of various parks near our home and the usual routine of feeding, bathing, teaching and playing. The rhythm of your life becomes the rhythm of the child, and now of course including the demands of school.

• You are an established producer and has produced many moves and continue to produce more. How do you, as the main caregiver for your son juggle your work commitments with the needs of your son?

Fortunately, my wife has a full time job as an English professor – yet her schedule, especially in the summer, has flexibility. Filmmaking, surprisingly, is also flexible. Writing, pre-production planning and post-production are surely the most time consuming aspects and take many, many months but are not schedule dependent. I have directed four films since Zeke was born and the most recent, an adaptation of The Jew of Malta was 16 days of shooting. For those 16 days, my time is completely committed. Outside of that, I can juggle. Pre-production and post production just take longer than they normally would. 

• Traditionally, society expects and accept a Mom to be the stay at home parent or work at home parent. Have you felt any stigma around you being the main caregiver for your son?

When we lived in Washington Heights, I found a community of stay-at-home dads. Many of us had outside pursuits in the arts, which we were able to maintain to some degree. A friend of mine directed a film, The Evolution of Dad that explores this subject. In fact, The Kindergarten Shuffle was supposed to feature three stay at home dads to examine this phenomenon. As I was writing, casting, and creating the film two of the main characters became women – including the one that was most autobiographical.

• What led you to produce The Kindergarten Shuffle?

I was standing in the playground thinking ‘what next?’ Filmmakers I admired, Fellini or Truffaut, made very personal films about their tumultuous personal lives. I thought that nothing so dramatic had happened. Then I realized the previous year of trying to find a kindergarten for our son was the most traumatic, dramatic, and stressful experiences we had been through in a long time. Our experiences, and those of my friends, would be a great subject for a movie and perhaps give parents insight into the very, very difficult process. 

In the following deleted clip, a Dad talks about giving a false address to secure a Kindergarten spot

• Why should every parent applying for a Kindergarten spot in Manhattan watch 'The Kindergarten Shuffle'?                                                                                                 

If there is one message in the movie, it’s that you have to explore every possible educational option for your child. You have to research, visit schools, and work with your spouse and child on finding the best fit. The movie, in a funny and moving way, shows parents going through the process. From local public schools, independent schools, and specialized programs such as the G&T, the movie is a great way to get an overview of the process. I also think it’s just a good story that even people who don’t have kids will enjoy.

• From where can you buy The Kindergarten Shuffle?

 It’s easiest to get it from my website. www.kindergartenshuffle.com I’ve also held screenings at various schools for informational events and fundraisers. People can contact me through my website.

• Are you available to be hired by families to produce amazing footage of birthday parties and family celebrations as well as marketing productions for small businesses? What other services do you offer?

 Sure. I’ve directed music films about Superspies from Outer Space (on my website), industrials about chemical Test Kits, and shot weddings and other events. It’s fun to get out of the house and do independent projects. I can be contacted through my website www.grandfatherfilms.com

•  What has been the greatest challenge to date for you in becoming a Dad?

It’s not surprising that as professors, education is at the forefront in our household. Our son excels in school and understanding his needs as an accelerated learner and meeting those challenges has been one of the greatest challenges. It’s one topic we explore in The Kindergarten Shuffle. He now is in an accelerated program at NEST+m 

• If you can give new parents of sons one piece of advice, what would it be?

I think it’s important that parents sleep with their child in the first year or two and that moms breast-feed. These things create a bond and a feeling of safety that will greatly increase a child’s independence later on. Breast feeding, from a health point of view, is also much better for mom and baby. 

• Tell us what you think about Mom to Moms Advisor and their dynamic team of professionals offering innovative and state of the art services to parents?

I was really impressed with your ability to truly match a family with a qualified Nanny and I’m intrigued with the other family support you offer.

Mom to Moms talks about Kindergarten Admissions in Manhattan