Preschool Dilemma

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

OK - here's the deal. I have tossing the idea back and forth and I still can't come up with the answer so I am turning to all of you to help me.

My DD turned 4 in January and I am thinking of sending her to preschool in September. The question is should I???

There are many pros and cons about this some good things are she will get into a routine, learn to share, listen to other adults (teacher), and hopefully learn other things academically. The down side to this is it will cost us about $250 per month, I can probably teach her mostly what she will learn in preschool - ABC's, 123's (she already knows them as far as recognizing them and she can write most of them too - uppercase).

I don't want her to be behind when she gets to kindergarten if I don't send her to preschool. She has never been to daycare so she is not familiar with the whole routine outide of our home.

What do you think?? Send her or don't send her???

Thanks for your input.

Lisa

 

[preshi]

Oh what I would give to pay that much. Austin (4) is going to preschool now and we pay about $550. In Sept he's going to Pre-K and it'll be $615 yikes!

I think preschool is good because it gets them out and socializing, learning to respect authorities other than parents and also it wont be such a shock when they go from being home all day to being at school 5 days a week for 1/2 days at kindegarten.

 

[mommytotwo]

I may not send my daughter to preschool either. The reason why is cause I had taught at a preschool and with all the training that I have, I may just teach her at home maybe even with some other kids.
I think that it is important for kids to have interaction with other kids their age and to learn how to get along with them and such. If you are able to take your daughter to a playgroup, join a mom's club with kids her age, and do other things that will be learned in preschool, then it sounds like your daughter will be fine.
Not everyone sends their kids to preschool. There are certain parents who do send them cause they work and so their kids will get the needed learning and interaction experience, so don't feel pressured in sending her, especially if you're not able to afford the tuition.
If the tuition is the factor and you do want to send her, then try taking to the head of the preschool. They may have grants or other financial help.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Is that Preschool your only option? I think Preschool can be helpful, but I can understand not wanting to pay that much if you are a SAHM.

We have a preschool here that is a Co-op. Rates drop dramatically if a parent can volunteer to help in the classrooms once a week or so. I'm still not sure where I'll send my 3rd kid when he gets to be that age. Like you I would be reluctant to spend a couple thousand for material that I would rather teach him myself.

 

[CamColt]

I think what the kids learn in preschool really helps them socially, or at least, for my oldest son it did. He was really shy and wouldnt even look at people, but after 2 years of preschool he was the total opposite. We started out slow with 2 days a week/3 hr days for the first year(age 3 1/2 - 4), then 3 days the following year(4 1/2-5). I could have taught him the basics for kindergarten myself, but he(actually both my kids) will listen better and complain less with strangers than with me. I also liked the idea of getting him used to the idea of a classroom setting, paying attention to the teacher, following a schedule, etc....
It worked well for my oldest DS and now we are doing the same with my youngest(hes in his first year of preschool).

 

[Lewski709]

My son did not go and he is set for K this Sept. He truly isn't behind any other kids, but my daycare lady works with him as I do at home. You can find other activities for her, if you are a SAHM, that I personally would rather do. She will be in school soon enough full time. Enjoy what time you have now, all day, with her. That's my 2 cents. I am sure others will be along to say send her, send her, send her.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I wouldn't worry about sending him to preschool. KG is to prepare them for school.KG is not required and thats why it is half a day/.

 

[ShuisFan584]

I think you should send her to preschool. They do learn a lot of educational things but I think it's more about the socialization. Kids get to interact with other children their age, and it prepares them for when they start elementary school. I also remember that my preschool teachers made a whole sheet of things that were important to know at that age: like numbers, how to tell time, days of the week, your birthday, etc. They would evaluate for every student what they know well and what they need more practice with, so you would know what to work more on with them.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

In my aschool district, kindergarten is FULL DAY and is very academically oriented. children who have not been to preschool, or some similar activity where they've learned pre-k skills such as paying attention, following directions and proper interaction with other children, run into huge problems.

my kis were in daycare and preschool, and were sitting next to children were socially and academically unprepared.

I think the social aspects of preschool are more important than the academics. you can teach a child basic prereading skills at home, but the child needs some activity -- either preschool or a social group -- where they acquire the learning skills they need in school.

 

[kasar]

It seems like you should be able to find a nice 1/2 day program for 2 days a week for a better price than that (we're on the MA/RI border). It would give your DD the chance to experience preschool without costing you an arm and leg.

The co-op preschool option is good too. If not, you may want to look into the library or YMCA. They often have programs where preschoolers work with an instructor, sometimes without parents - she'll think she's in school! LOL

I'm not a big one for everyday preschool, but I did find that 2 days a week really made the transition to kindergarten much easier. But that's our family, I'm sure you'll do what you think is best - good luck!

 

[Lewski709]

Originally posted by kasar
The co-op preschool option is good too. If not, you may want to look into the library or YMCA. They often have programs where preschoolers work with an instructor, sometimes without parents - she'll think she's in school! LOL

I'm not a big one for everyday preschool, but I did find that 2 days a week really made the transition to kindergarten much easier. But that's our family, I'm sure you'll do what you think is best - good luck!

ITA There are other activites (sports) which include socialization skills. You know your child best and if she needs to go.

 

[ValerieK]

I put our DD(3) in preschool this past fall. She is pretty shy and I wanted her to have experiences in a group setting. Her play dates and activities just weren't enough. It took her several months to get use to it, but now she loves it. My daughter goes 2 days right now and it is $301 a month. We are moving her up to 3 days a week next year and the price goes up to $450. She is at one of the best schools in the area with a low turn over rate and very good reputation.

 

[chrisney]

Have to stipulate that I am a preschool/primary school computer specialist. However, having said that, I must say that even if I weren't, my response would be the same. "Schooling" has changed since the days when preschool was considered primarily as a means for children to play and become socialized. Though this is truly one of the benefits to the child, it is far from the primary reason to provide your child with this experience.
Our four year olds experience a phonics program as well as a math program. They participate in movement, drama, art, science, and computer instruction provided by trained specialists. They learn to be somewhat self sufficient by assisting with setting the tables, passing out food and pouring for snack. They begin to learn cooperatively. All of these skills are now expected prior to enrollment in Kindergarten. They do these things in a warm and supportive environment, with a smaller class size than will occur in Kindergarten where there are typically at least 20 kids with one teacher. They've learned to deal with transitions in smaller, more structured ways than can be done in a Kindergarten class--whether those transitions be between home and school or between places within the school. And, they haven't had to deal with busses and worrying about their stops and dealing with the bigger kids, and all the issues that make Kindergarten such a stressful year for many kids.
Sorry to run on for so long, but I've seen kids come in to our kindergarten without preschool and have a much tougher time than those who have had previous school experience. These are not kids from undereducated homes, but rather kids whose parents felt that they didn't need preschool. It does, unfortunately, make a difference.
By the way, the norm in our area is a five day program. There aren't even options for fewer days. The options are for "enrichment" which is an afternoon program. It's available four days a week, and most families do opt for that many days. Way back when (my youngest is now 18), I was a rebel who only opted for three days so that I could have my kids two afternoons to do all those "mommy things" that I missed so much once they were in school full-time.

Enjoy every moment, as these years are so quick to pass, but also look to see what will most benefit your child both short and long-term.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by Jasminesmommy
I wouldn't worry about sending him to preschool. KG is to prepare them for school.KG is not required and thats why it is half a day/.

Our district is full day kindergarten. I think it varies by area.

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by chrisney
Have to stipulate that I am a preschool/primary school computer specialist. However, having said that, I must say that even if I weren't, my response would be the same. "Schooling" has changed since the days when preschool was considered primarily as a means for children to play and become socialized. Though this is truly one of the benefits to the child, it is far from the primary reason to provide your child with this experience.
Our four year olds experience a phonics program as well as a math program. They participate in movement, drama, art, science, and computer instruction provided by trained specialists. They learn to be somewhat self sufficient by assisting with setting the tables, passing out food and pouring for snack. They begin to learn cooperatively. All of these skills are now expected prior to enrollment in Kindergarten. They do these things in a warm and supportive environment, with a smaller class size than will occur in Kindergarten where there are typically at least 20 kids with one teacher. They've learned to deal with transitions in smaller, more structured ways than can be done in a Kindergarten class--whether those transitions be between home and school or between places within the school. And, they haven't had to deal with busses and worrying about their stops and dealing with the bigger kids, and all the issues that make Kindergarten such a stressful year for many kids.
Sorry to run on for so long, but I've seen kids come in to our kindergarten without preschool and have a much tougher time than those who have had previous school experience. These are not kids from undereducated homes, but rather kids whose parents felt that they didn't need preschool. It does, unfortunately, make a difference.
By the way, the norm in our area is a five day program. There aren't even options for fewer days. The options are for "enrichment" which is an afternoon program. It's available four days a week, and most families do opt for that many days. Way back when (my youngest is now 18), I was a rebel who only opted for three days so that I could have my kids two afternoons to do all those "mommy things" that I missed so much once they were in school full-time.

Enjoy every moment, as these years are so quick to pass, but also look to see what will most benefit your child both short and long-term.

I agree.

OP-er, you should find out what is expected of kindergartners in your school district before making a decision. I'm sure the K teachers will offer some valuable input. I have a long list from our school district of what is expected of children when the enter kindergarten and what they will be expected to do when they leave kindergarten.

All school districts are different. Our's is a full day kindergarten. Children are expected to READ when leaving kindergarten in our program.

Some children don't "need" pre-school, others do. My sister did not send her 3 boys to pre-school. Boy, did they have trouble "catching" up to those kids who did attend.

In the end, only you as a parent can make the right decision for your child and your family.

 

[Disney Ella]

Although I certainly could have taught my kids the same things they learned in preschool, they were very clingy and did not separate easily from me. I wanted them to get used to a school setting and being on their own for a few hours. The first few days of preschool were rough, but they quickly got into the routine. I was very glad I had sent them to preschool when I saw how difficult adjusting to kindergarten was for the few kids in their class who had never gone to preschool.

I'd look for a cheaper preschool too. Church-affiliated ones are usually less expensive.

 

[peg2001]

If you would enjoy keeping DD at home and playfully working with her on preschool skills, I'd advise keeping her at home!

Not all socialization is good socialization; something that people rarely mention. Would you rather your DD model YOUR behavior or the behavior of other preschoolers?

Who knows, you may enjoy keeping her at home and learning things together so much that you keep her home for K and beyond!

Peggy

Edited to add - just think of all the fun activities, field trips, and mini-vacations you can take if you aren't giving it to the preschool!

 

[kadaten]

My DD currently attends a Montessori preschool 3 days a week. She is 3 years old, but due to a late birthday, is considered to be in a 2's program, although the one she attends is a multi-age classroom, 2 1/2's through Kindergarten, 23 children with 3 teachers.

I put her in preschool for several reasons:
1--to give me a little time (my husband is active duty military and we live away from family who could give me some time by keeping the kids a few hours),
2--because in spite of me working with her on skills, games, etc (I am a former teacher) she was getting bored at home since she had no friends around, and
3--my DS could be the model for the book "Parenting the Fussy Baby" and he was taking all the time away from DD and she needed some time away from him and something that was hers and hers alone, and
4--she is a very social person and seems to need the interaction of people besides our small, immediate family.

She absolutely LOVES preschool, and asks to go every morning! She's happy to come home with me at lunchtime, but really enjoys being able to go to school, "do her work" (a montessori thing), and play with her friends. She loves the activities and is learning quite a bit. (She knows all her letters and letter sounds, can write most of them, is beginning to string sounds together to sound out words, can count to 100 by ones and 10's, and has learned lots of different things in the fields of science, art, music, etc., in addition to learning how to get along with kids her age and other adults. She was pretty good at that already, though...she's really a social butterfly type and needs the social stimulus.

I'm currently trying to decide between 3, 4, or 5 days for the fall. She wants to go every day, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that! Her 3 day program will be $250 in the fall, and I think it's $340 or $350 for 5 days if we do that. It's expensive, but with all she's learning and how much she enjoys it, I think it's well worth it.

I've been looking into home-schooling, too, just in case we ever need to pursue that due to qualtiy of the schools, but I hesitate because she really seems to need the social interaction. DH and I are both "loner" types content with a select group of a few friends and acquaintances, but she seems to be the opposite, and I don't want to short-change that.

Good luck in your decision....it really is a personal one to see what's best for you and your child.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by peg2001
If you would enjoy keeping DD at home and playfully working with her on preschool skills, I'd advise keeping her at home!

Not all socialization is good socialization; something that people rarely mention. Would you rather your DD model YOUR behavior or the behavior of other preschoolers?

Who knows, you may enjoy keeping her at home and learning things together so much that you keep her home for K and beyond!

Peggy

Edited to add - just think of all the fun activities, field trips, and mini-vacations you can take if you aren't giving it to the preschool!

Children need to be able to socialize with their "peers" Parental socialization and peer socialization are two totally different things.

I take you are a homeschooler though, so you probably see things differently than I do.

 

[shortbun]

I could see a big difference in my son's K class between the
preschool attendees and the nons. Now, in 2nd grade-all are
equally socialized and oriented. I sent my son 3 days a week
but I kept him out of school alltogether until a year after most
kids to. I am a big advocate of letting children go slow. They only have one childhood. The biggest problem most of the non
preschoolers had in K was separation. Luckily, our school allowed
parents to stay and transition their children. Some do not.
There are lots of issues to consider when making this choice.
Don't let one point lead your thinking.