My daughter is 4. Preschool this year or wait till kindergarten?

Manta - posted on 04/13/2013

I read every single comment and must say that if you can keep her home, then wait until kindergarten. For those saying that it helps with the transition to Kindergarten, I have to say it's no different with making the transition from home to Pre K. Today's world put so much pressure on children and making them start school when they're so young can add to stress. Social skills can be learned from simple playdates, park, church, etc. My oldest child (by the age of 2) already knew the alphabet, math (addition and subtraction), using the laptop computer and can put together puzzles, etc. etc., and is too advance for PreK. Being a stay at home mom helps with teaching at home. I will wait until Kindergarten and remember that every kid is different. So, it's really up to how you feel.

Barbara - posted on 11/08/2012

Today I think children need to go to preschool. There are lots of advantages for the child and socializing is a key one. You know your child best but I suggest preschool in today's world. They are learning so early and she might have a hard time adjusting in kindergarten. Try it and if she is not ready you can try 1/2 days but at least try and your child does not have to go every day. The days he is in school if you are home think of all the cleaning and laundry you can get done while she is in school and when he comes gone think of all the free time you will have to enjoy her.

Meagan - posted on 10/23/2012

I never did and I clearly remember my Daughter's Kindergarten teacher asking me at Parent/Teacher conferences "what preschool did you send her to" I replied, I am a stay at home Mother and never sent her to one, but I love the time I get to spend with my little ones and I teach them myself and take them to Library Programs, gymnastics class and they go to Church classes twice a week, so it just depends on how your life is and how active you and your little ones are!

Jessica - posted on 05/27/2012

I say its good to get them prepared for us the parent and child. It will give the child socializing time with kids there own age and help with us the parent adjust when they go off to school next year. The child will also learn a lot from it.

CINDY M - posted on 04/30/2012

start her at home because you dont wanna take away any free time you have with her now

because thts bonding time they dont have to go to pre school but they have ro go to kindergarrten. watch seasame street do do arts and crafts with her its the same thing that they would do in pre school any ways, teach her how to color, letters and numbers. Play dough is good for them to do as well it teachers them skills.

Jennifer - posted on 04/26/2012

Do what you feel is right. I did Pre-K at home with my son. I made play dates, taught him his colors, shapes, numbers adding and subtracting using Popsicle sticks and cheap work books, and I found free websites to teach him how to read. (www.FirstStepReading.com). I feel he is plenty prepared for Kindergarten and I did not have to pay for preschool.

Rionna - posted on 04/26/2012

Pre-K is a great way for them to get prepared for Kindergarten. It will let them make new friends and learn rules that will also be applied in kindergarten,,,My son loved pre-k and head start and it helped him alot

Philomena - posted on 04/21/2012

I think you should start her in preschool. She will learn things and also will learn social skills for next year. You are lucky you have the option. Here where I live, most of the school districts have cut preschool because of budget cuts. Education is always the first thing they cut. Screw the kids first, right? So, take advantage of the preschool where you are.

Robertha - posted on 06/03/2010

my son started preschool at two years and i was real impressed at the rate in which he started to learn

Nicole - posted on 06/03/2010

Pre K is so important. When kids start kindergarden they are expected to know letters, letter sounds, and counting. It also helps with social skills. My son is just finishing kindergarden this year. He was in pre k and still has struggled to keep up. For kids to pass kindergarden they must know how to read, add and subtract. Pre K will really help get her ready for kindergarden.

Kim - posted on 05/26/2010

My daughter went to a PreK program this year that was 3 days a week. It was VERY beneficial and she loved it and also loved the social part as well. She is ready and excited for Kindergarten. I think it is a great way to get them ready academically and socially. Good luck.

Carla - posted on 05/25/2010

I sent my 4yr old to young fives and I think it was the best thing. It gives them an extra year to get ready for kindergarten and she is now ready to go into kindergarten.

Tena - posted on 05/24/2010

I recommend pre-k. Kindergarten is nothing like it used to be and has very high expectations compared to before. Pre-k will get the child used to socializing with others, problem solving and readiness for school on an academic level. Also you might want to work on your own with helping to prepare for the kindergarten curriculum. My son just went to daycare and we were so unprepared with what is expected academically since my other son is about to graduate high school next year. It is no longer about learning their abc's and 123's - more like really reading on their own, phonics, writing, addition, subtraction, beginning multiplication and division etc (and about 15 minutes to a half hour of homework daily)

Gina - posted on 05/22/2010

Holly, Not only is Pre-K beneficial when it comes to learning, but it also helps for them to learn to be socially involved with other children. They make a lot of new friends and learn how to socialize with them properly. Loosen the apron strings a little and you may be pleasantly surprised at how well your child does.

Angie - posted on 05/22/2010

I think pre-k is the way to go. My son just finished pre-k and he has grown so much! It has really helped him mature and I know he will be ready for kindergarten in the fall. Besides the learning and social intereaction, pre-k is a great way to ease into school. My son's was 3 days a week and only half a day, so it wokred out good. The more prep for school the better!

Jodi - posted on 05/22/2010

My son has been in preschool since turning 3 and next year will be going full time. I cannot even tell you the changes they are wonderful! He is learning to relate to other kids, learning his letters and numbers, to trust teachers and respect them, understanding a classroom environment. My oldest didn't go and he struggled more. So I highly recommend it. If you find she doesn't like it or you feel uncomfortable with the school pull her out later and wait until kindergarten but I say give it a try.

Mariska - posted on 05/21/2010

As a pre-k teacher I would say yes. She would really benefit from it. School has changed so much and the expectations are higher why not give her them extra tools she will learn. Socially it will be wonderful I have seen many shy children start in my class at the beginning of the year and become very self assured by the end of the year. And it will give her the opportunity to be exposed to many different personalities of the children so she won't be so overwhelmed.

Allison - posted on 05/21/2010

i thought the same thing about my daughter. she had never really been with other kids her age cause she is an only child and never really spent much time at a daycare. I went a head and let her start pre-k this year. She did wonderful. she made friends and really blossomed into a very active social little girl. I highly recommend sending your child to pre-k. I think it really does help your child in more ways than teaching them school knowledge...she's learned to listen and follow rules so much better. she loves to show off all the things she learns. she has asked if next year she can go back to school...don't think she has quite figured out that school last a long time...lol

Jamela - posted on 05/21/2010

I also have an 4 daughter and she will be starting kinder this year, She knows her first and last name and is writing her first name. she also knows colors, shapes, numbers, and the abc. And is not an shy child so i feel she is ready for school. And has all this down because she was in preschool first.

Michelle - posted on 05/20/2010

I have four boys(6-2 yrs old) and so far the three older ones have taken three years of preschool. The first two years were two days a week for 2 1/2 hours and the third year is/was three days a week for the same amount of time. I think preschool helps them learn to get used to the parent not being around, adjust to a classroom environment, social skills, deal with other children, be just somewhere else, and a whole slew of other things. It was also nice to spend time with my youngest and do activities with them like waterbabies, run errands, grocery shop, etc. It was also nice to have a little break from all the kids.



I can tell you that in kindergarten they learn to read, have spelling tests, add, subtract,etc or at least at my children's school they do.



It ultimately is up to you, but it's not going to hurt having your daughter in preschool and probably will be a benefit to her.



If you do decide on a preschool check them out. Make an appointment, go watch, ask tons of questions, check out a variety. Some focus more on academics, others on social skills, others focus on other skills or a variety of skills.

Tracy - posted on 05/20/2010

I am a preK teacher, so my opinion my seem biased but I would highly recommend preK before kindergarten. Your daughter will gain experience in social, emotional, academic, physical skills and be exposed to different themes or topics that you may not have thought of at home. In my classroom we cover science, social studies, math, etc. Very simple and very subtle lessons. She will realize that learning and school can be fun. The experience will also help with adjusting to being away from Mom and being okay. If you do decide to enroll her in a program, be sure to find a school or center that you are comfortable with. If you are anxious she will be able to tell and it will make her anxious about going. As a teacher you can tell who has prior school experience. Kindergarten is now more like first grade was when we started school.

Lorlyn - posted on 05/20/2010

at 4 years old child if i was you im enroll her in the kindergarden school.

Misty - posted on 05/20/2010

I think preschool is a wonderful time an great education My 4 year old has been in preschool at a local church since he was 2 years old an went to public preschool this year to get ready for kindergarten in august.. it is wonderful for him has has taught so much and has mad some wonderful friends... so i think that is a wonderful idea...

Annie - posted on 05/20/2010

You should put her in pre k. As hard as it might be for you to let your baby go, its good for her. In kindergarten now a days its really different from when we went to kindergarten. They are really advanced. My daughter is in Kindergarten now and she surprises me everyday with the new things she learns, Instead me me reading her a bedtime story, she reads to me :). Pre K will really prepare her for kindergarten. Good luck!

Betty - posted on 05/20/2010

Holly,It is always best to have at least one year of pre-school. It can be a little hard for her when she does start Kindergarten if she does not attend pre-school. It is amazing how they mature and change during the year they are in school. Your other option is to select some classes maybe through the park district that interests her. I hope that helps. Teaching for 10 years I understand your concerns .

Lisa - posted on 05/20/2010

Well I read all these comments about telling you to do it but I did it. I felt the same way you do. But I kinda wish I would have let her stay home. I dont feel she got a super lot out of it the only thing I think it was good practice. Before 5 long days in Kindergarden. Why are we makeing the children grow up so fast. Let children be children for as long as they can be. They have the rest of there lives to be adults. Let children be children for as long as we can. I say keep her home with you.

Kathrine - posted on 05/20/2010

I think this is a highly personal choice. I only have one child who went to pre-k. I felt that kids spend enough time in school and need to be able to be a kid. As for being more ready for school if in pre-k, that is NOT true! If you work with them at home that is enough. My youngest are now in 5th and 6th grades, did not have pre-k and have been straight A students since they began. Do what your heart tells you is right for your child and don't be influenced either way by others that don't know your situation or your child.
Good Luck!

Jodie - posted on 05/20/2010

When does your daughter start kindergarten and I presume you like in the US, and does preschool and main school cost money up there?
We live in the UK and preschool is free once the child turns 3. My daughter was 2 in November 2007 and started preschool in January 2008 and it was the best move we ever made. My son wasn't even 3 when he started preschool.

Crystal Lynn - posted on 05/19/2010

pre k for sure. it will make them be better adjusted in kindergarden and teaches them alot

Pam - posted on 05/19/2010

I am a kindergarten teacher and a mom of a 4 yr old! I would strongly advise you getting her in to a good pre-k in the fall. Kdg is sooo much more academic than it used to be. She needs some good preparation before she starts the following year. That is my two cents worth! Good luck!

Angie - posted on 05/18/2010

Since I was a SAHM I thought it was important for my children to go to preschool. They needed to learn how to work with adults other than their parents. Kindergarten has changed so mch in the last few years and children learn so much more than they did before. I think it's best if they are comfortable being with other adults...

Carrie - posted on 05/18/2010

I would suggest Pre K my Boys love it and they get used to being away from momy for a little while. They are also getting an idea of what school is about!! Good luck!!

Junie - posted on 05/18/2010

DEFENATLY PRE-K!!! I sent my two oldest to pre-school sence they were 3 yrs.old! Their kinder teacher told me the same that the teachers can tell which kid went to pre-k. I volunteered in the class and belive me I could tell who went to pre-k plus they are demanding so much from the kids now a days! Kinder is NO LONGER THE SAME....coloring,playing house,playing with blocks,painting.....no more!!!! it reading,spelling words,simple math!!!! It's alot more harder!

Deserae - posted on 05/18/2010

i put my oldest in pre k and my middle is going to go also in aug. i think it is better for them to get use to going and being away from home a lot of pre k classes have 1/2 day classes that may be better for u and her to get use to the change good luck

Patricia - posted on 05/18/2010

Definatley send her to preschool. Things are soo different now a days and if you do not think she is ready then to me that is even more of a reason to send her! otherwise she will be behind. If you find a good preschool they will work with her and catch her up to speed. You want whats best for your daughter you do not want to baby her too much and end up handicapping her. Kindergarten is First grade now kids really need preschool trust me!!

Teasha - posted on 05/17/2010

Preschool!!!! A child can never learn too much, both of my kids started at the age of 3...

Leah - posted on 05/17/2010

I did not send my son to preschool this last year. I did however have a discussion with his soon to be kindergarden teacher. She told me the things they were expected to know when starting kindergarden and he already knew most of them. We worked on the rest together and I got to spend a whole extra year with him. I think it is worth doing a little work yourself for the preparation, for the exchange of time with your child.

Jenn - posted on 05/15/2010

i did send my daughter to prek and found it to be very beneficial. She got used to the scheduled life school presents and also got used to being with other kids and not always getting her way at play time. However, i know prek can be very expensive. If you are going to keep her out my only suggestion is to find out what your states standards are for kindergarten and work with your daughter to make sure she doesn't start off behind. i'm in ohio and here kids are already expected to know the alphabet (saying and reading the letters) numbers to 20 and even reading some small words by day one of kindergarten. those who can't are considered to be behind.

Kizmect - posted on 05/15/2010

Well Holly, I have to agree with all of the moms! Preschool is the way to go. I have three children (2 grown and a 6 yr old). All of my children have been to preschool. It sets the motion for social, emotional, and play as was previously discussed! You must put the child's well being first! I'm a strong advocate for preschool. Head start is a program for low income parents. If you qualify you should certainly be looking for the program in your area. It's important to have the children up and ready for Kindergarten before the process starts! A lot of children fall behind because they don't get what they need to start them off! There's a lot more to teaching than play and emotions. It's the social skills that are the most important. They learn how to get along with other children and how to resolve conflict. Absolutely preschool! Good luck!

Heather - posted on 05/14/2010

If you can get her into Pre-k then I would. I have my 5 year old in Pre-k and he loves it and he has learned so much. So now he is really ready for kindergarten. It can help her with learning to work with other kids her age. If she isn't around kids her age then you should really try and get her into Preschool. It helps so much, I also loved the time with just my youngest baby.

Rionna - posted on 05/11/2010

My son has went to pre-k and head start for two years. It is a very beneficial program for the child!! They will help your child get ready for school plus get to be around other kids and allow her to work on social and emotional skills as well as learn and play!!! I highly recommend sending your child to pre-k!!

Jennifer - posted on 05/11/2010

hi holly, my son is 4 1/2 and is going to be finished with his first year of preschool at the end of May. he started at the begining of the school year just barley 4 and i think it was the best desition ever, he goes 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours, he absalutly loves it and getting to interact with the other kids. i'm going to keep him in preschool another year to make sure he is really ready for kindergarden (cause he would just be turning five when he would start) plus going to preschool were other people see him and interact with him helps him be more social and work on the things he needs help with that at home he wouldnt want to do. hope this helps!!

Pam - posted on 05/11/2010

I highly suggest pre-k. Talking with my daughter's kindergarten teacher, she tell me she can tell which children went and which didn't. Pre-k helps prepare them for the school environment and readies them socially in addition to giving them a jump start on what they learn in kindergarten so that when they transistion it isn't too hard for them.