is three too young to take your kid to school?

Leslie - posted on 08/01/2010

Developmental Psychologist believe that children at the age of 3 are very good learners. Putting a 3 year old in school can be very beneficial. A montessori school is a great option. It provides a child the freedom to choose from different learning activities. Whatever option you choose, remember that there are positives and negatives to both sides. You need to do what works for you child. Someone else child may not be able to handle school at 3. Good Luck

Jessica - posted on 08/01/2010

no way! my son is three and we start preschool 2 days a week in a month. it is wonderful to get them in a classroom and begin to learn the struture of school. there is nothing wrong with that!

Jennifer - posted on 08/01/2010

No its not too early I did it with my boy and hes smart hes 9 now and hes good at math and writing.Also if your child is using the toilet now go ahead sign him/her to school,if they allow 3 yr old to go then yeah go for it!

Charlena - posted on 07/30/2010

No age is to young to start learning , the earlier the better , my daughter starts preschool next month she is three and im so excited for her to go .

Elaine - posted on 07/30/2010

i think its too young to start school i was 4 when i started school and i thought that was too young, my boys wont be 5 until they start school which i think is better, maybe going to nursery at 3 like what happens in scotland but i do think school at 3 is far too young x

Brittany - posted on 07/30/2010

No way! We started our daughter in school when she was 2, & now she's, of course, 2 grade levels ahead of all the other kids her age. I don't think its ever too early to start.

Lindsay - posted on 07/30/2010

I don't think its too you. I put my daughter in at that age and she is better for it. I agree with what some other moms are saying, make sure its a program that is age appropriate. I put my daughter in a Montessori program and she has learned SO much more than if I had just put her in a regular program. Montessori is a way of teaching/learning. The teachers give the children choices of what they want to learn and it builds a desire for school and learning in them. The kids will push themselves beyond what society limits them too. Most of the kids that came out of my daughters school (it is preschool through kindergarten) were more advanced and learned things that public school won't teach till the 1st grade or more. (sorry for making this so long) basically research and find the right program for your child and you. good luck

Angie - posted on 07/30/2010

I think it depends a lot on the kid. We sent my stepdaughter to preschool at 3 because she desperately needed a dose of reality and socialization. She did great! Like I said though, it depends greatly on the child. Some are ready, some aren't. She happened to be ready. She's ready for kindergarten at 4 just as ready as her brother is at 6. They still won't let her in, so she'll go back to preschool one more year.

Casey - posted on 07/29/2010

I think 3 is way to young school, I don't know where you live but in Australia kids start 3's kinder here after there 3rd birthday and it's only for 3 hours twice a week and then they go onto 4's kinder which is full days twice a week and then the start school after their 5th birthday and some don't start untill after their 6th birthday depending on weather the parents feel they are ready or not.

Faviola - posted on 07/29/2010

not for pre-k.

Julie - posted on 07/29/2010

know honestly i want to put my 3 yr old in preschool and i found a great one but all kids are different. My 3 yr old used to go to a daycare for over a yr so she used to the separation. They do have different times that u can take your child and if your child is not ready for full day than they can go 1/2 day. That up to the parent.

Mildred - posted on 07/29/2010

I personally think its ok! my son is turning 3 in oct and I feel like if he need to learn to be around other children and away from me! he is a very smart and energetic boy, I really feel like if he would benefit from this even if its only for a couple of hours!

Mildred (24) Richard (28)
Anthony (2) Rosemary (3mths)

Michelle - posted on 07/29/2010

Look he is your kid. You know how developed he is. I would however make sure that where ever you put him it is age appropriate. I don't think you are ever to young or to old to learn. My kid new his alphabet before he started preK.

Angel - posted on 07/29/2010

My daughter started headstart at 4 and i think it was the perfect thing for her it prepared her for kindergarten even though her bday kept her behind

Carina - posted on 07/29/2010

there are different programs for different age groups. so its all up to you. where i live most preschools are ages 3/4 and then kindergarten is age 5.

Bernice - posted on 07/29/2010

my son just turned three and im def putting him in a child development center.

Zippy - posted on 07/29/2010

A lot depends on you and your child. what is the purpose of sending him/her to school? i am starting my daughter this fall at 3 because she needs the socialization and the stimulation of being around other kids. preschool is mostly about socialization and acquiring the skills they need for "real" school. if you feel that your child is getting everything he/she needs at home then wait another year. if you feel otherwise then send them to school

Rachel - posted on 07/29/2010

My son is 3 and I enrolled him into preschool for this coming school year. However, he will turn 4 in september. He is really excited, and has talked about going to school since he was barely 3. I think it will be great for him since he has been at home with me all his life so far. He loves playing with other kids. I think its based on your child. If they are ready then I think it will be great for them.

Rachael - posted on 07/28/2010

My son's daycare is a certified pre school and utilizes their curriculum with even the youngest infants in their care. I think that it is wonderful for children to learn in a structured positive environment. They are so eager to learn at that age that stifling that seems to be a disservice to the child. let your instincts be your guide, if your child shows a desire to learn and be exposed to new things/people, then I say go for it. If on the other hand your child does not seem to either you or the school to be ready then wait another year. good luck!

Lacee - posted on 07/28/2010

No, it's not to early. Just be careful of the program. Thery're are plenty of programs that focus on that age group as oppossed to focusin gon pre-k stuff. Just do your homework and your child shoul ddo just fine.

Jennifer - posted on 07/28/2010

Kindergarten will be full days in our neighbourhood by the time our 7month old is eligible. He's born in December so he'll be able to attend when he's 3 and be the youngest in the class but I think we'll wait until 4 because at 3 he will likely be having naps still and full days are a long time to go without one day after day. BUT... free daycare might be a deciding factor.

Andrea - posted on 07/28/2010

i dont my daughter was in preschool (with my mom) at 2

Rebecca - posted on 07/28/2010

I am also in Canada and in New Brunswick,where we just moved from, you have to be 4yrs old and it costs an arm and a leg and it's mon-wed-fri for either morning or afternoons. Now we moved to Manitoba and it's ages 3 and 4 as long as they are potty trained and it's much cheaper. You don't have to put them in pre-school. Kindergarten starts at age 4 or 5...depending on birthday i guess...

Nikkole - posted on 07/28/2010

i know where i live they wont take a kid into perschool unless they are 4.

Taya - posted on 07/28/2010

I live in Canada, and in certain provinces here its different. For example i am living in Toronto now and you put your kids into school when they are about 3ish for JK (Junior Kindergarden) You choose either morning class or afternoon and they got for about 3 hours. Everyday Mon-Fri. The following year they start SK (Senior Kindergarden) And its the same thing as JK with the hours. And the following year after that you start Grade 1
My oldest son is heading into Grade 1 in Sept, and with him starting school in JK at 3, he got to be with new friends, learn new things and overall just enjoy being a big boy. I think its the right thing to do. Also for my son he was put into a French school in SK so he can be more challenged and already he is complaining he wishes summer holidays were over so he can go back to school cause misses learning new things.

Veronica - posted on 07/28/2010

My husband and I have always been big on education so we teach as much as we can to our children. Our two youngest have been in a preschool since they were three and it has helped them adapt socialy but the program wants the children to stay on the same page and not advace. My two eldest never went to preschool and since we found it was necessary to teach them their letters, numbers, colors and basics for reading before they started kindergarten they became advanced students. Unfortunately, they are soo advanced that they hate school and are now going into a program that is suited for their needs. I am nervous that my younger two will not be as advanced when they grow up because I placed them in the education system but for now all the children are happy and are progressing so I am satisfied.

Erica - posted on 07/28/2010

I have twin 3 yr olds that are autistic. We have put them in school because that was what was needed for their development. They absolutely love it! I absolutely love it too. I now have time during the day to clean the house in peace and they are more worn out and less rammy when they get home. They are also nicer to each other because they are in seperate classes so they don't get to see each other all day.

Rebecca - posted on 07/28/2010

I thought the same thing, but find if the child is a mature 3, and yes there is such thing, then i think they should be able to go. Maybe not for 3 days a week but maybe just for 1 day a week and then when they are 4 go 3 days a week. It's a great learning opportunity and socialization as well as time for mommy to get some errands done. If my son was potty trained then he would be going 1 day a week but for now the wait is on for next year:)

Lauren - posted on 07/28/2010

I don't think so if your child is developmentally ready. My son has been in daycare since he was 6 weeks so he has had socialization and is used to a group setting. When he turned 3 I put him in a Montessori school 3 mornings a week (then he did their daycare in the afternoon). He was in a class with 4 and 5 year olds as well and he flourished. Montessori teaches to the child's ability and not necessarily their age. Now he does counting works and knows all his letters and their sounds. They also teach things like scrubbing a chair or washing dishes or making bubbles with an egg beater and soap....it has been great for him. I think children flourish when in a group setting as long as you and the teachers make them feel secure.

Julie - posted on 07/28/2010

3 is a perfect age IMO. I started taking my daugther to daycare when she was 2 and at 3 is when they started introducing letters and colors and other basics, I mean she already knew a lot from being in the school environment, but I say try it and see...Plus, it'll start getting your child used to not being with you at all times and help to socialize her/him with other children around the same age and in a structured environment.

Brenda - posted on 07/28/2010

My daughter went to preschool at 4 and i wish she could have gone at 3. She was excited to learn her abc's and 123's. She was sad went she couldn't go at 3. Now, my son is 3 and he's wanting to go, I don't want him to go but he wants to make friends and start to learn things like his sister did. In the end, I think it all depends on the child. If the child wants to go and has come up with their own reason to go (eg. they want to learn or make friends) then why not?!?!?! You can always pull them out if the is a problem.

Crystal - posted on 07/28/2010

I sent my daughter to preschool at age 3 and she loved it!! I would suggest you take her to your choice of school and ask them to let you watch her interact with the other children. If it doesn't work out then try again in a few months!!

Alecia - posted on 07/28/2010

i dnt think so, especially for kids of SAHMs like me. by three she should be around kids her age on a regular basis (i believe) and learn that its ok to be without me. plus it helps them learn to interact well with others and hopefully learn to love school. if a child attends daycare regularly then i dnt think it really matters if they go at 3 or not. its obvisiouly a personal desicion, but i plan on putting my daughter in preschool at 3.

P.S. it lets me go back to school sooner too, that way when she is going to school full time, i can have a job full time.

Schollin - posted on 07/28/2010

I think personally it depends on the child my son is three and I don't want him to go to preschool, however, he wants to. So needless to say he will be enrolled and get to go since I do believe it helps with confidence and social skills.If your child wantts to go definetely, if he/she doesn't then I'd wait for next year.

Amanda - posted on 07/27/2010

My son will be three and going to part time daycare/preschool. It is run by the high school and it is a class for them. So they get a high school credit while kids learn to socialize and play really cool games. Some of the high schoolers came up with pretty different ideas. It is one on one with a "Teacher" but they all play together. Depending on where you live some start at three. I know in Canada every province is different. Here in Manitoba they can't start preschool till 4, kindergarden 5 and so on but in Ontario they start prek 1 at three and it goes on from there. To me it seems young to start trying to teach reading and writing which our preschools do. Day care at three by all means it helps build social skills. Starting them too young can set them back. If they classes are not separated by age the older kids will know more causing your child to feel like they can't do it. But it is up to you it is your child.

Angela - posted on 07/27/2010

My son went to preschool at 3 years and I was so glad he did. I am a stay at home mom, so it was great to get him out around more kids and adults other than relatives. He learned so much and loves his friends and teachers. He will start kindergarten in the fall and I feel like he is well prepared. Preschool helps them learn alot about school structure, playing with others and even the basics; shapes, colors, numbers letters. My son's teachers made learning fun, let them learn at their own pace and never pushed them. But before you do meet with the teachers and talk about any concerns you have.

Jen - posted on 07/27/2010

I have a December baby and I am strongly considering having her tested to start kindergarten at 4.5. She's only 2.5 now and she's doing kindergarten work. The only thing she can't do that a kindergartener can is trace and any other fine writing skills. She's been in day care since 4 months of age and I'm going to ask if they'll move her up to the preschool class in January after she turns 3. If you think your child will benefit from school, put them in. :)

Marijke - posted on 07/27/2010

I agree with Krystal,i live in Belgium and we have the same school system as the UK. And sometimes kids over here will not even reach the age of 3 before they go to school. My friends baby was born in December so when the schoolyear started he was just a little over 2,5. I think those 3 years teach them all the basic skills to make the transition to the first grade much easier.

Krystal - posted on 07/27/2010

i live in the United Kingdom, and all children start school at 3! although they only do half a day until they are 4! my children were more than ready to start, it has helped them with confidence and social / communication skills.

Medic - posted on 07/27/2010

My son went to 3 year old prek this past year and will start prek4 in August and he LOVED it and learned so much. He only went 2 days a week for 6 hours a day and it was a great experience seeing as he has only ever been home with me or family. I personally can't stand to see those kids that scream and cry on the first day of kinder because they have helicopter moms who never let them do things on their own and then the kids suffer at school. It gave my son a great since of independence and confidence and some really good friends.

Jessi - posted on 07/27/2010

daycare or preschool?

preschool they should be 4yrs, kindergarten 5yrs and 1st grade 6yrs. but if you're just talking about daycare then yeah it's ok...try finding a daycare that teaches preschool though to make it easier for your child to transition. my parents did that with my brothers and i; i am also doing that with my son. my son is going to the same school my brothers went to (kindercare) and i went to "mary lensmier".

Good Day! - posted on 07/27/2010

School is not a necessity at that age, but if you really want to put your child in school, I would suggest part time. Maybe 3 days a week or half days. Let kids be young as long as possible. There will be plenty of time to go to school later.

Racheal - posted on 07/27/2010

no i do not think 3 is to young for preschool. my son went when he was 2 and half almost 3. and he flourished! his preschool is sectioned into age appropriate "classes" and they have a curriculum that is by no means super strict but it definatly gets them prepared! he actually just had his graduation lastweek! its never to early to try and teach children something, plus it gets them on a great routine for us parents who are not routine(like myself) its better than just a babysitter who will just sit and watch them play, they are actually learning..dont get me wrong its not like they are sitting at a desk or anything

Emma - posted on 07/27/2010

no the sooner the better as it really develops there confidence! i know kids that have never gone anywhere but parents or family until they are 5 years old and they are painfully shy! im from the uk and my daughter is 3 and starts pre school in september as its quite usualk in this country for that to happen at 3 adn they can now go full time from the age of 4! it will help them with many things not just confidence and it will prepare them for school itsself! my daughter was in nursery at 6 mnths old only few days a week and she is now amazingly confident and very sociable! she now goes to a childminders 3 days a week as well as my twins aged 7 mnths as i have had to go back to work but i think 3 is a great age form them to start learning and socialising!

Casandra - posted on 07/26/2010

i don't think it too young.....it's helps them get adjusted to a school setting and it's quite fun for the child to be around others their own age and learning new and different things each day. the pre k programs that i've come across are wonderful. they understand that a child's attention span is very limited at that age so instead of making them sit in one spot and 'work' all day they make it a game to learn. i also think it's better than wasting money on daycare for ur 3-4 year old since most of them just let the kids run loose all day and not teach them anything at all. and ur child would get more attention in the program than in a daycare. that's just my opinion.........everyone might not feel the same way

Holly - posted on 07/26/2010

IMO I think if your child is developed enough to grasp what is going on and able to learn then you could give it a shot - but always keep in mind that it may be an information overload.

Heather - posted on 07/26/2010

For me personally I think its to young, if your talking kindergarten then the kid should atleast be 5 but for preschool I still think thats to young. I think you should wait until he/she is 4. But like I said thats my opinion