Thoughts on Preschool?

Carolyn - posted on 01/24/2011

My son is 2 and I'm definitely going to be putting him in preschool come September (just a couple of hours a couple of times a week).

Elizabeth - posted on 01/21/2011

Preschool is a great experience for little ones, they're exposed to all kinds of things that we may not even think to teach them at home (like others mentioned spanish, music) and it's great for them to learn how to interract socially with other kids their own age. When they're little, kids really do learn more from other kids than they do from us. My oldest daughter is a very smart girl, but my second learned everything my oldest did about 6 months to a year earlier because she had her sister teaching her. I'd say if you can (financially, scheduling) and want to, go for it. My kids start Pre-k through the public school at age 4 because frankly we can't afford private preschool. Honestly the standards that they are expecting in the incoming kindergarteners these days pretty much require them to go to some kind of school at least the year they are 4 to get them ready. I remember when I was in kindergarten they taught us to write our names, letter recognition, calendar... basic stuff like that. Now they are expected to already recognize about 20 words on sight, know all their letter sounds, numbers up to 20, basic reading and reasoning skills, basic math and patterns. It's crazy! They've really raised the bar so that preschool is pretty much necessary now.

That said, I am a stay at home mom and I cherish these early years with my babies. Everything they need to know you can easily teach at home, if that is what you choose. She could probably even learn more at home because her teacher (you!) know her so well, her learning personality, and will be able to challenge her better and spend more individual time with her. It really is up to you, preschool is great, but if it's not for you then there is nothing wrong with learning at home.

Kayla - posted on 01/21/2011

I also didn't like the idea of sending my 3-4 yr. old to preschool, I wanted to keep them home with me, they'll have plenty of time for school, no need to rush it. I had time, however, to buy preschool booklets from Wal Mart and I'd sit down and work on a couple pages every day or so with my son. Some parents don't have that time though.



Do what you think is best for your child and you! =)

Keri - posted on 01/20/2011

So many daycare facilities follow a curriculum and are pretty much preschools starting around age 2 or 3. As for an actual "preschool", they may keep her BACK because of her age. She may be intelligent, but most facilities want to keep kids of similar ages together. My son has a friend who was put into the "older kids" room too soon BECAUSE of his intelligence and behavioral problems developed after that because he was trying to keep up with his peers in that room (who were older, bigger, etc.) I guess what I'm saying is check out the school thoroughly. Talk to the teachers/administrators about how they group kids (age, ability, etc.). Your daughter needs to continue to learn and grow and a facility that will keep her right where she is because of her age is not the place to put her.

Jennifer - posted on 01/19/2011

As a mom to a 2 year old daughter as your self, and former preschool teacher I believe the best place for a young child is at home. Preschool is not neccesary as long as you are willing to put in the effort at home to get them ready for kindergarten. There are alot of great curriculum books out their for preschool age that are very easy to follow. I do highly recommend being involved in a play group or going to music, dance or gymnastic classes so that they get to socialize with other children, but under your supervision. Only 10% of preschools are of quality and so many of the big chains spend more money on adverstising than they do on supplies for the children.

Jessica - posted on 01/19/2011

The things children learn in preschool go beyond ABC's and 123's. Things like sitting nicely through story time, walking in a line, and dealing with other children can't be taught in the home, but are skills that help make Kindergarten easier. Tour several places, there is definitely a difference between a day care and a preschool. What matters most in a school is the feeling you get when you go there!

Mayeya - posted on 01/18/2011

i sent my son to preschool when he was turned 3, i have seen alot of improvements in his speech, reading, identifying objects and writing. He turned four in December and am impressed because he is able to read and he wants to read whatever he sees either on Television or in books. I think the interaction with other children has really helped him. Go for it

Andrea - posted on 01/18/2011

I put my 3 year old (4 today) in preschool in September. She is extremely intelligent, knew all of her colors, abcs, could count to 10, knew her shapes, and recognized her own name. She did however have a speech impetement, so through the public school, she is receiving speech therapy and will be finished with that by kindergarten (a concern of mine). She gets to interact with the other kids. She loves it. I was like you really concerned about preschool, but it has been a good choice for our family. You have a while to think about it and you should definitely discuss it with the people you are close to including your child's pediatrician. Good luck! Its a tough decision!!

Ashley - posted on 01/18/2011

With a mother with all three of my kids in preschool I thought I should put my 2 cents in My oldest is going to be 5 in a few weeks is going to preschool everyday half days and my twins 3 and a half go two days a week half days. Now preschool is different everywhere but ours is with the school district and is in the same buildidng as every other grade we have a small school maybe 500-600 k-12. But they get to participate in school functions and learn great social skills. They expect ALOT from kids nowadays in kindergarden half the kids in my sons sec preschool class can read at 4 and they all can write there first and last name and recognize all letters and numbers and colors and everything in between. I personally think this is great for a 4 or 5 yr old. Iam so glad my kids are in preschool and think that its good for every child.

Gloria - posted on 01/18/2011

My daughter just turned 2 and she too knows how to count to 10 she learned her abc's at 10months, she knows her colors,body parts, and she knows 10 shapes also her speech is very good!!!! I also considered putting her in preschool but felt that she needed to be at home until i looked into some Montessori schools. She now attends for 3 hours and absolutely loves it! It has been giving her a chance to interact with other children her age since she is an only child and i noticed her vocabulary increased even more !!

Jessica Crawford - posted on 01/18/2011

I was in your position this past year. I decided to go ahead and send my son to 3yr pre-school. Its only 3 hours twice a week. I miss him so much when he is gone, but he get to play with other children his age, learn abc's 123's. He is only three and can read and write his own name and can spell half of the names of the kids in his class. plus he can read the name to you if you show them to him. He is a smart little boy, I think sending him was the best thing I could do for him. I debated about daycare, its just not the same. He learns how to behave, the proper way, he has a jump start on his education, He loves it! Every morning he wakes me up all excited. Mommy, mommy is it a school day? I say Go for it.

Becky - posted on 01/18/2011

Hi.. I'm American living in the UK and here they start school at 2.5- 3yrs.. I was never a big fan of that idea but after being here a while I think they have it right.. I'm dreading going back to the states because I know my daughter will so far advance for other kids her age and I don't want her to become bored in class, but don't want her in a class ahead of her because of the age difference of the other kids.. I would start her. With my DD I started her with 2 days a week for 3 hours each day and with each term I have moved her up an extra day, with her now attending two full days. She loves it and has learned so much! You as her mother knows what is best for her, so just listen to yourself :)

Karla - posted on 01/18/2011

My son was and is a smart kid and he only went to preschool at 4yrs. He had daycare to interact with kids. My daughter had zero interest in learning from me. Ask her to sing the alphabet song with me and she'd say 'no thanks!' Now that she is in preschool (3) she is interested. Likely from seeing the other kids do all those things. Because she didn't have daycare with me at home now she needed the social aspect too.

Carly - posted on 01/17/2011

I think it's a good start for them,even if only 1 or 2 days a week @ 3.My son went to daycare homecare when 1,and they didn't help @ all,but since we've had him in preschool he's getting ahead in leaps and bounds!! Granted @ first he din't like it,he'd cry and we had to only do half days but now he loves it,and we've noticed just how well he's coming on since then he's vocabulary,and he's more social tlaking to people he doens't even know and those he does so much better,he counts to 10 and can sing the alphabet with you! But it's absolutly upto the individial You the parent to decicde what's best for you little girl! Good Luck!

Nikkole - posted on 01/17/2011

My son just turned 3 and we are putting him in preschool this year! I think its good to get used to going so there not just thrown into all day kindergarten and they get to be with children there age and have fun!

Tabatha - posted on 01/17/2011

Well now a days your child needs to read before in kindergarten.I think preschool would be a great idea so your child is use to being around a bunch of other kids.Thats what I'm going to be doing with my daughter because she has a hard time adapting with other kids because I am a young mom and older moms kind of frown upon me.So I figured preschool would be best for her.My daughter is also smart for her age has been talking since 2months.But i also think it would help with them expanding what they already know.

Kara - posted on 01/17/2011

I understand your thinking - it can be tough when the parents have to work, the cost, child's well-being, etc.
We put our son into daycare at 1 yrs old because I was heading back to work - the two of us have to work...no question about it. Our boy is only in part-time (so 3 days a week). All in all, we see it as a positive experience. HIs socializing, development and comprehension is great and we've seen such a wonderful change in him. We love his teachers and feel comfortable with our decision.
I must admit its been a learning experience for us as parents too - with the positives come the negative - our lil' guy has been bit on more than one occasion and we've had other "incident reports" to fill out too. I suppose this is a part of life, but its not a great feeling knowing something has happened to your child.
Weighing the pros & cons is essential - ultimately my husband and I are happy and despite the cost, we feel good about our decision. In the end, you will do what's best for your child.

Casey - posted on 01/17/2011

I put my 3 year old in preschool because he was haveing trouble playing with other children. Its help alot. M family has a track record with going to kindergarder more then once and I thought this would help. He loves goin to school and is doin alot better. Hes learning alot too. The only problem is most programs are kinda expensive but I think its worth it. Good luck

Erica - posted on 01/17/2011

i believe preschool needs to be mandatory....(This is just my opion so please no nasty comments!) Schools are expecting so much from the children in school and the earlier they can start they better. My youngest son is now in kindergarden and had 2 yrs of preschool. Preschool also teaches them how to them how to listen to other adults, and other great things needed during regular school.

Barb - posted on 01/17/2011

I want to send her to preschool like at 2, but only so she has interaction with other children. I wouldn't send her every day maybe like once or week or something and the rest of the time with me. Not compeletly sure.

Erin - posted on 01/17/2011

I am a huge sap and don't want my kids to go to school ever because I will have a hard time letting them go. However that being said I will be sending my son to preschool next year. In my town, its really small, you have to be 4 to go to preschool. My son who will be 4 in May is also very intelligent, he is also very tall for his age so lots of people think he's older than he is just because he talks and acts like a child already in school. So I personally am not really worried about him learning more in school, although I'm sure he will, but more the social interaction. My mom watches while I work so he only gets to interact with his little brother there. And only a few of my friends have kids which he does play very well with once he gets over his initial shyness. So I just want him to be able to interact and have some more friends.

Ashley - posted on 01/17/2011

There is nothing wrong with either option, but let me ask you this... how much exposure has she had with other children? I ask this because my son is 2 and I work at a daycare part time, and like your daughter he knows how to count to 3 by himself, can spell his name, knows 5 colours, and all of his body parts... but when I took him to the daycare he wasnt quite sure about other children, and how to share. So come september when he is 3 he is going to be put into a daycare, not because I dont want him at home with me but because he deserves to interact with other children and learn along side them too, I think this way it will be an easier integration to junior kindergarten when hes 4.

Doreen - posted on 01/16/2011

After being in schooling for Psychology for 2.5 years. I have learned from many different types of testing done on children, that have been followed from the age of 3-6. Thos who where in Preschool and those who did not go to till K. Turned out that the children who did not go to preschool, where able to be at the same level as the children and just as knowledgeable as childern who where in preschool. I believe it is the parents choice. Just to let you know if you spend much of the time one on one with her, she will be able to gain more from that type of stimulation. Rather than children who go to preschool are with classmates so this is good for her to be socialized, but she will not receive the one on one attention at all times like you may be able to give her. I hope you find my information helpful with your decision.

Jennifer - posted on 01/16/2011

Quality preschool focuses on the whole child. physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. If you live in Canada your child is suppose to be able to read books by the age of 5. Children can learn things so much easyer in the preschool years, and preschool programs present them and in such a fun way. Look at preschool programs as an oppurtunity not only for your child to grow and learn but for you. Peace of mind that your child is getting the best start, with individual curriculum created by trained professionals who ensure that your child gets the best start!

Danielle - posted on 01/15/2011

my daughter is 2.5yrs old. She goes to daycare every day that i work ( i work at her daycare). WE also have a preschool room at my daycare.

Preschool is great for structure and routine that prepares them for school. They borrow books, have book bags. Do school work. learn to tell the time and to write etc. They also learn to look after themselves, they DO NOT have nap times if they are 4yrs +. Its really just preparation for big school...
Although my daughter can name all body parts, including things like wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, jaw. Knows a few colours, and can count to 20+ and is toilet trained. Now she is learning to recognise letters and numbers through tracing....most of this was done with just me however daycare is helping with the recognising numbers and letters so that by the time she is 3 she might be able to write her own name...although i think they are being a bit hopeful,lol...

But yeah all in all i think preschools are a great idea. mainly i think it gets the children over their nerves when going to school because they have already been introduced into the routine so it is familiar to them :)

Medic - posted on 01/15/2011

My son went to a private school for 3-k and is now in public 4-k and we live in Texas. His birthday is Sept 1st so he is the youngest one in his class but he loves it. Going into 3-k he already knew his alphabet, could count to 20 could name all of the major body parts and he could name all his colors. That being said he does see a difference between what he knows and the other kids know but the socialization is good for him. He enjoys having friends and being able to go somewhere without us. Here they require that they are fully potty trained before they can go into any type of preschool program.

Laura - posted on 01/15/2011

I sent my son to preschool when he was 3. He knew his letters by the time he was 18 months and could count to 20 at 2 1/2. I was worried that he would be board but figured he needed the structure. They went Tuesday and Thursday for 2 1/2 hrs. and this year is Mon/Wed/Fri same time. I think it is great for social interaction, getting your child used to the structured environment, and overall learning. It's usually only and couple of hours and I know my sons school allows the parents to come observe/help when ever they want to. I don't think I would send her to an all day preschool but for just a couple of hours might be worthwhile. JMO Good luck, it sounds like you are raising a wonderful girl.

Danielle - posted on 01/15/2011

At our local pre-school your child has to be potty trained-completley-and they are there all day (8-3). That being said, only 20 spots are available, and it's for low-income families. I don't think that we are/will be low income according to them, so my kids will have to wait until kindergarden. If I had a choice, I'm still not sure whether I would put them in Pre-K or not. It would depend on their development (social, intellectual etc). When I subed at the Pre-K it was basically a daycare...they colored and learned their ABC, 123 etc, but they also watched Sponge bob (not the best teaching cartoon). and had a 2 hr nap time! I'm not saying have no fun, but Spongebob, really?? They also spent 45 min in music, 45 min in PE, 45 min in art, and 45 outside at recess (oh and 30 min lunch and 30 min breakfast). If you can dedicate the time to teaching your daughter (and it sounds like you are) then maybe keeping her out would be better-unless you want her to have the social skills...good luck!

Allie - posted on 01/15/2011

I know at my sons school they don't have a potty trained expectation. I know that most kids at his school are potty traine by the time they're four. I have heard of some schools requiring being potty trained by age three though. I live in Tennessee so I don't really know how things are out in Arizon . Good luck! And like I said in my previous post, you can find accredited schools (naeyc is one kind but I'm sure there are many more) anywhere.

Debra - posted on 01/15/2011

I love the idea of my daughter being able to possibly learn Spanish. We live in AZ & I think that knowing Spanish would make it alot easier to live here. I want to learn myself (I know a little bit) & I think it'd be even more awesome if my daughter learned it too.
What happens if I choose to send her to preschool & she isn't potty trained yet? She knows what the toilet is for but doesn't use it. She sits on her little toilet but doesn't do anything. Does a child have to be potty trained to be in preschool?

Allie - posted on 01/15/2011

I put my son in a PRESCHOOL when he was two. There is a huge difference between daycares and preschools (I've worked at both) what you want to look for is N.A.E.Y.C accredited schools. They typically aren't full days, my son goes three days a week from 9-130. He LOVES it! They're teaching him spanish (he can count to 10 and say a few other words like colors and body parts and he's only 2.5!!!!) plus he gets to socialize with other kids.. play musical instruments and do arts and crafts that we don't have the supplies to do at home.

Ashley - posted on 01/15/2011

You always have to think of what is best for her, no matter what you would prefer. I say give it a shot (not just a day or so, but actually have her go quite a bit). I vote The earlier the better. You get them in a habit at a young age to get up early and go to school. She would be ahead of her class in Kindergarten and hopefully graduate sooner...

Nicole - posted on 01/15/2011

My daughter was the same. Very smart for her age. (but shes 5 now) she didn't go to preschool and when she started kindergarten she still knew more than what was expected of her. Just because you start her in preschool doesn't mean shes going to learn more than others. Everyone learns the same in the class its just a matter of how quickly they catch on. I like preschool for my son (he is 3) because of the child interaction that he needed. He was good academically but he didn't like playing with other kids. But after being in school since sept hes already over that issue. So in the summer we are going to start him in the judo class (the same thing his sister is doing now) for many reasons. One-its cheaper than preschool. Two-he learns stuff in judo that he wouldnt learn in school. Three-i teach him all the acedemic stuff he needs at home for free. Four-He gets the kid on kid interaction that he needs. Hes probably not gonna go to school when hes four unless i can get him into preschool for free (thru the state).

Meilan - posted on 01/15/2011

Hi! I live in Belgium and here ALL kids start going to school between 2.5 and 3 years old. And I absolutely think it's a good thing. If you think your child will benefit from it, go for it. I'm pretty sure by the age of 2.5 my girl will be longing for that academic push!

Liz - posted on 01/14/2011

I think that now a days teachers almost expect them to go to preschool before kindergarten. I myself never went to preschool, but I am going to send my twins this fall ( if they are potty trained by then) They will be three in June. We started sending them to school one day a week, and I've already seen so much difference. I mean I do teach them things, but I think it's good for them to interact with other people, and other kids than just each other and their little brother.

Danielle - posted on 01/14/2011

I agree with Sara, and its only for a few hours, its not like even as long as kindergarten. I think the best part would be thats its a preparation for kindergarten and just outing all together.

Good Day! - posted on 01/14/2011

I think you're doing a great job at home. Preschool is not a bad thing, but it would be for socialization and getting used to the school atmosphere (the rules and routines that happen during a school day). I don't think a preschool would do a better job than you are doing as far as academics go.