What age for Preschool?

[Jenn Lynn]

I am new to the whole school thing with DD. She will be 2 next month so by next school year she would be 3.

I was just wondering if you go by age when deciding to start a child in school? What is the average age for Preschool and Kindergarten? Do they do some kind of readiness test for the child before they enter school? I know schools have a cut-off date for age-does that depend on the state/school district? And are most preschools independent? Or do school districts usually have preschools?

It might seem like I am looking into this early, but I really don't know the schools around here. And we will have a new baby in February so I would like to have a good idea of what we want to do with DD (if Preschool is right for her in the fall etc.)

Thank You for taking the time to read and answer my questions!

 

[Itsanalias]

Depends on the child and the school. Most of the ones around here won't take kids unless they're potty trained. My oldest went to preschool when he was 3 b/c he was ready. The youngest will be going next year (he's 4 now)...he wasn't ready for public viewing yet.

Good luck!!!

 

[JohnTBap]

I'm with Itsa - they want potty trained. We are planning on sending Mr Baby next year when he turns 3.

 

[Steve H.]

Depends on the type of school you're looking at. For example, we started DS at preschool around 2 years old, two 1/2 days a week. At that age, it's essentially organized daycare, but all the classes are taught by trained teachers with Master's degrees, etc. so he's learned quite a bit in school (aside from socialization -- the primary reason we wanted him to go).

This fall (he'll be 3), we're going to probably have him go 2 or 3 full days a week, now that he's a little older.

Edited to add: Here's where Cameron goes to school (it's a chain): http://www.goddardpreschool.com/

 

[Kermit]

Usually, preschools are private. Some start extremely early, but the earlier ones are usually the ones that are really more daycare than preschool. The ones that are really just preschools and not daycares usually start at 3 or 4. They may call it K3 and K4, meaning it's kindergarten for littler kids.

I've taught at preschool and daycare, and I think that the biggest thing to help you decide when or even if to send your child is if she seems like she needs it. Some kids thrive around other children and with other adults. Other kids aren't ready for it or just don't need it. Not going to preschool won't make a child be less successful in kindergarten as long as the child was learning at home. Of course, with two children, you have your own needs and the needs of the baby to take into consideration, too. If she seems fine with being away from home, and if you can find a program that you really like, it's completely fine to send her to preschool--it just isn't necessary.

 

[Pooh93]

Around here the preschools mandate that a child must be 3 by September 1 and potty trained.

 

[CamColt]

The preschool our kids have gone/are going to requires children to be 2 years, 9 months by the starting date(week after Labor Day). Kindergarten in our area is for children who turn 5 by 9/1.
We started DS#1 in preschool at age 3 yrs 9 mos, this meant he had 2 years of preschool. The first year he went 2 days a week for 3 hours and the following year he went 3 days. At first I was hesitant about sending him because he seemed so young but I was so glad he went at that age. It really helped him to come out of his shell so much! DS#2 will start in Sept at age 3 years 8 mos and he will follow the same schedule as DS#1 did.
Good luck deciding.

 

[bananiem]

It can really vary depending on where you live. I would suggest asking around about different preschools. Get an idea of what ones seem to be the better ones. Go and visit the preschools while they're in session and get a feel for them. I'd suggest going without Avery the first time and then taking her once you've narrowed it down.
People also don't realize they can call their state licensing department and find out about their history with the licensing.
The school districts around here have preschool special ed which the child has to be tested and proven to need the help before being enrolled. However many districts have an Early Childhood Family Education program where it's basically Mom and Tot classes and then an optional nursery school experience if you sign up for one class. They often have childcare for the baby or allow babies to stay with you.

 

[mrsv98]

DD's birthday is in April, which I really like because she is right in the middle age wise. This past year, she attended a transitional preschool. We started out going for an hour together. Then the class went for 1 1/2 hours with me going with her the first and the last 15 mins. Then, by Spring, she was going the whole time by herself. IMO, this was a great way to ease her into separation without any major trauma. This year, she will go twice a week to preschool, first for 2 1/2 hours and then for 3 hours by the winter. She will also go to Spanish emmersion once a week for 1 1/4 hours.

You are definitely not looking too early. I used to teach in a private JK-12th grade school and we would get applications for the next school year in Sept! I signed DD up for this year's preschool last December because we were returning. I know that the waiting list for some of the classes was pages long. Look around, see what you like. See if you can arrange for your DD to have a sample class (we did this with Spanish). Especially with the baby coming (Congrats, BTW ) you should try and get this arranged as soon as you can.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Our church has a pre-school that DH and I currently looking into and learning more about. I think a couple of mornings a week for DD would be great. She really thrives on being around other children and adults.

It is just really overwhelming not knowing anything or hardly anyone around here.

I would love to find something like what my High School had. We took an Early Child Development class and actually taught preschool 2 mornings a week. Our class was in 2 groups and we had to make lesson plans for arts and crafts, music, snack, etc. It was really a lot of fun and the kids loved it. The class was all H.S. girls and our teacher was great. There was a long waiting list for parents to get their child into that preschool.

 

[Melrosgirl]

We sent dd to preschool at 3 y.o.

 

[nonnymouse]

<b>I've taught at preschool and daycare, and I think that the biggest thing to help you decide when or even if to send your child is if she seems like she needs it. Some kids thrive around other children and with other adults. Other kids aren't ready for it or just don't need it. Not going to preschool won't make a child be less successful in kindergarten as long as the child was learning at home.</B>

I must disagree with this point - As a kindergarten teacher, I have usually been able to pinpoint the children who have had no prior experience with organized group activities. Being bright helps, but having coping and social skills is extremely important when a child begins kindergarten. In my school (private Lutheran school), Pre-school is age 3 by 9/1, Pre-K is age 4 by 9/1, and Kndg is age 5 by 9/1. HOWEVER, a young 5 year old is at a distinct disadvantage and many parents of children who have late July and August BDs often decide to give them an extra year's growth. The year we received a revised curriculum handed down from 1st grade and at the same time went to full day kindergarten, was the beginning of a more stringent and demanding program. Kindergarten is no longer sandbox and coloring. Our students depart in May, usually reading quite well. I totally agree with starting your little one ASAP and easing into a program a few hours at a time. It will be more beneficial than you will ever know! Good luck with your 2 yr old and with your new angel

 

[nuke]

We started my son out in a summer day-camp. It was twice a week for 2 1/2 hours. He loved it so much that we decided to start him in pre-school that fall. At first he went just two days a week and then he went for 3 days.
He starts kindergarten this fall and I gave him the choice of staying in preschool over the summer or staying home with mom. He choose mom so we are having fun this summer until school starts.
We are working on learning to tie shoes and printing his letters better.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

nonnymouse-The age thing is what I have a hard time with DD. Her Birthday is mid-August. That makes her young for her class. I was also young for my class and my parents ended up holding me back in 7th grade! We moved that year so no one knew a better.

Is the better to have her take more years of preschool? Or repeat Kindergarten? Or wait until she is 4 to start preschool? That just seems really late to me. I would rather have her be older than younger.

Thanks.

 

[Jenzebelle]

I've taught at preschool and daycare, and I think that the biggest thing to help you decide when or even if to send your child is if she seems like she needs it. Some kids thrive around other children and with other adults. Other kids aren't ready for it or just don't need it. Not going to preschool won't make a child be less successful in kindergarten as long as the child was learning at home.

This I have to disagree with from a socialization standpoint. All children that I know that skipped preschool, including myself, were at a distinct disadvantage in Kindergarten and elementary school. Not for academic reasons, but for social ones.

As far as what age is the best, it depends on the school. The preschool I worked for wouldn't allow children under 2yrs 9mos and they had to be potty trained. It would definitely be a good idea to look around at the schools you are interested in and just ask them questions and take a look. Good luck!

 

[nonnymouse]

<b>Is the better to have her take more years of preschool? Or repeat Kindergarten? Or wait until she is 4 to start preschool? That just seems really late to me. I would rather have her be older than younger.</b>

You are a wise mother, indeed! IMHO, girls are quicker to mature at this age. Boys seem to need more time, for some unknown reason, a verified fact through several recent studies. Since your daughter has a late birthday, it might be good to wait and see what her abilities are in the early spring when she is 4. I have seen parents elect to start kindergarten early, with the understanding that their child would be ready to repeat, if necessary. It can usually be set up with the school to have a different teacher for the second year, should this be necessary. This will leave your options open. If it's a choice between Avery having a mediocre school career vs. a brilliant one, an extra year in kindergarten might make the difference. Keep in mind, also, academics are only part of a successful student. Her ability to acclimate to new situations, make and keep friends, carry the work load, and feel GOOD about herself are key elements. Whatever you decide, I can tell that you are thinking of her best interests!