Preschool for a 3 yr old.....

[kpm76]

I am a SAHM and we have a 2 yr old DD. I am starting to think about preschool for next September. DD will be 3 in May, so she would only do one year of preschool before starting pre-K the following year. We are sending her to private school so pre-K will be all day and I think she needs a little transition before that (i.e. preschool next year). What have other families done in this situation? Do you send your kids a few mornings/week or a few full days/week? Thanks for your thoughts

 

[Macduffy]

We started with 2 full days a week and it was GREAT!!!! We moved up to 3 days when my YDS was born (to give me a bit of break LOL!)

 

[kpm76]

We started with 2 full days a week and it was GREAT!!!! We moved up to 3 days when my YDS was born (to give me a bit of break LOL!)

Thanks! I sort of feel like 2 half days is almost not worth it....by the time you drop them off, it's time to pick up so 2 full days makes sense. But I will be honest, it's going to be tough to send her since I have been with her all day every day. I know it's best for her though and she will really benefit from being with other kids and structure etc.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

We're starting out with 5 hours/week. DS3 started last week and loves it! He goes 2 days a week, 2 1/2 hours each. It's been good so far. I'll think he'll be fine transitioning into longer or multiple days when the time comes.

 

[snubie]

DD was 3 last year (June bday). She went to preschool 3 mornings a week. This year she is moving up to the pre-K program and will go 3 afternoons a week. Next year she will go full day Kindergarten 5 days a week. It is a nice transition for her and really it is not such a big deal dropping her off and picking her up a few hours later. It gives me time to grocery shop, run errands, etc.

 

[mjkacmom]

My 2 oldest started at 3, my next started at 2 1/2 (she had 3 years - the only reason I started her a year early was because I had twins to deal with), and my twins started "preschool" (actually a daycare) 2 mornings a week before they were even 2 (I needed a break!). They then attended preschool for 2 years. Go for it!

 

[princessmom29]

My DD5 started K5 monday. She went to 8-12 preK at 2 (she turned 3 in Oct of that year), 8-12 K3, and 8-12 K4 everyday. She loves school!! She really liked the structure as well as bing able to play with the other children. She left K4 reading one and two vowel words and short starter books, counting to 100 and doing simple addition/subtraction. I think any school you can give them to get a head star is a great thing. The more they learn, the better!!!!1

 

[kpm76]

Thanks everyone! I work with her at home, but it's not the same. We do Gymboree classes, which she loves, but again, not the same as preschool. I think she will be ready next year and so many kids go from daycare to preschool to school, I don't want her to be "behind" so to speak, especially socially. My DH thinks either 3 mornings a week or 2 full days would be great....we'll start looking into programs and see what works best......

 

[jen2207]

My 3yo DD started preschool today. T/TH from 8:45a-11:15a.

Than next year she has a choice of M/W/F 8:45a-11:15a or 5 day from 12:15p-2:45p.

Depends on the child's comfort level and how they do in the 2 day program as to how the preschool suggests which program would be best for them. But ulitmately the parent can chose whichever. I believe my DD will do the 5 day afternoon program next year because she is pretty social and very interested in going to school.

 

[Madzac]

My DS at 3 last year did three mornings a week 830-1130. We also had the option of three half days or two full. The mornings were enough time to be away, but not so long of a day he was exhausted by the end. Early in the year he was pretty tired by noon those days though. It was a good intro to concentrating in class. He looked so forward to his school days and would ask every day if today was preschool! He loved it!

 

[kpm76]

My DS at 3 last year did three mornings a week 830-1130. We also had the option of three half days or two full. The mornings were enough time to be away, but not so long of a day he was exhausted by the end. Early in the year he was pretty tired by noon those days though. It was a good intro to concentrating in class. He looked so forward to his school days and would ask every day if today was preschool! He loved it!

One of my concerns for 2 full days is that she will be exhausted. I am sure they have quiet time, but not sure there is a structured nap time. DD still takes a long afternoon nap. Of course, a year will make a big difference so who knows what she will be doing this time next year. If she is still napping though, I would hate to have her routine compromised on the 2 full days she's in school. She is a creature of habit and I have always been pretty strict with keeping a good sleep schedule. Hummm, I guess I will have to wait and see what next year brings.....

 

[laughinplace199]

My older two kids both started preschool at age 3. They did 2 mornings (8:00-12:00) per week. Then, when they were 4, they went 5 mornings (8:00-12:00) per week. At age 5, they started kindergarten, which was 5 full days (7:40-2:40).

My youngest will be 3 in Oct, so he won't go to preschool until next Sept. He will do the same program that my older kids did.

 

[Madzac]

One of my concerns for 2 full days is that she will be exhausted. I am sure they have quiet time, but not sure there is a structured nap time. DD still takes a long afternoon nap. Of course, a year will make a big difference so who knows what she will be doing this time next year. If she is still napping though, I would hate to have her routine compromised on the 2 full days she's in school. She is a creature of habit and I have always been pretty strict with keeping a good sleep schedule. Hummm, I guess I will have to wait and see what next year brings.....

Yes, that is exactly why I chose the mornings. They dont have a nap or quiet time here in the full days, as you can elect just mornings or just afternoons if you like. My DS reallly needs the down time, and often will still nap. I think half days are a great way to introduce school and then you can increase the time as they get older. Plus... it is easier on mom getting used to having them away imo!

 

[WantToGoNow]

Ok, my youngest is starting Kindergarten this year and I just have to ask this. What's the difference in Preschool and Pre-K? I thought Pre-K was for kids that were 5 years old that didn't go to Kindergarten for one reason or another. My dd went to preschool last year - MWF 8:30-11:30.