When should I let Seth join preschool?

Karen - posted on 07/23/2010

Hi. As a mom of 3 kids, a former preschool teacher, and a person who runs a program that helps get kids ready for school and advocates early childhood education in my community for a living, I have to say this post sparked my interest. My middle child is 3 and is going to preschool this fall. My oldest is in elementary school, and my youngest will stay at the home daycare provider she's been at since she was 8 weeks old. The choice of where to put your child is entirely yours, so I advise you to look into the options around you and see what would work for your child. Are you looking for a more educational setting or one that will nurture him and provide some socialization opportunities? While I personally am all for early childhood education, I know I can teach my children the skills they need to head to school when Kindergarten rolls around. But I know they desperately need to be around other kids their age so they know how to share, take turns, etc. Most Kindergarten teachers will say to have your child be socially and emotionally ready for school, and they will worry about the education part. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best!

Claire - posted on 07/21/2010

Hi, my 17 month old daughter has been attending nursery 1 day a week since January & she thoroughly enjoys it. Her elder sister (now 4 yrs) started at nursery at 15 months once a week & her development is ahead of her peers who have only attended funded pre-school sessions.

Helen - posted on 07/21/2010

I'm very lucky to be a SAHM, but i still take our son to lots and lots of groups - most, but not all, run by our local SureStart Childrens Centre.

He loves the groups - other children and adults to 'talk' to, lots of different toys to play with (no way could anybody have the range of toys at home - to expensive and take up too much room to store), and different messy activities to explore. He also goes to the crèche when I'm doing a course - but thats once a week tops.

He is a very sociable little chap, and when we had to put him into day care for one day the other week, he settled in fine, even though he'd never been to that nursery before!

I would say that all children benefit from being taken to playgroups/crèches, both with and without parents staying with them, it makes the transition to nursery/school so much easier if they are used to being left and know that you will come back to get them, after they've had some fun!

Jenny - posted on 07/19/2010

My daughter is going to be 18 months on Aug. 1st. I'm a school librarian and fortunate enough to have been home with her for the first 7 months. She went to daycare and adjusted very well ... (Double edged sword)
I'm home with her now for the summer and have her in some park district programs to mix things up a bit. If your park district has toddler programs that would be my suggestion. At this age most are parent/care giver participation but the toddlers get to interact. Otherwise, the pre-school programs around me begin at age three. Some daycares might have a part time option which might give you what you are looking for.
Does the hospital you delivered at have any programs for moms and toddlers? My hospital had a group called FYI Moms to help new moms navigate their new role and get answers. The babies played. There's also a Toddler spin off created by some of the moms who wanted to continue the interaction.

Dawn - posted on 07/15/2010

I am pretty sure Kelina is right; it would have to be daycare, not preschool. Also, preschoolers need to be pottytrained to attend, as far as I know. I think socialization through storytime, playgroups and being in public is good for now. I also utilize the childcare at my gym, but I personally wouldn't pay for daycare at this point.

Meggy - posted on 07/15/2010

Seth is 17month old too. I do bring him to library sometimes and he gets to play with other kids, so I guess he's fine without preschool at the moment.

Kelina - posted on 07/13/2010

How old is he? my son is 17 months and at this age he's doing just fine with interaction and learning by going to the park and playing with his cousins and mommy and daddy. if he's around the same age you'll probably have to put him in a daycare as most preschools won't tke children under 2 1/2 at least in my area.

Meggy - posted on 07/13/2010

Megan: Thanks for replying. So, do you feel starting at age of 3 is early enough or you feel you could have sent her to preschool earlier?

Megan - posted on 07/13/2010

I have a three year old daughter that is starting preschool this sept. The sooner you can get them in the better unless you are going to teach them at home, but I like it for the fact that there are other kids in the class room which helps your child learn how to interact with others.