What age should a toddler start preschool?

[Mono~rail]

ITA, although I don't disagree with 4yr preK, especially knowing what they require in the PS K these days, K is full day etc.

My oldest DD is 14 now, and she went to a half-day Pre-K (started at age 4 and turned 5 shortly after starting). Her birthday is only a few weeks after the cut-off so I felt like it was time for her to go to school, but public school regulations wouldn't let her.

There are such a few short precious years before they go to kindergarten. It is that special time at home with mom and being able to play and have fun without the "responsibility" of school yet. They have an entire lifetime ahead of them to go to school and work. I want to let my girls have those few years before school begins to enjoy themselves because I remember the years being at home with my mom before I started school.

 

[sha_lyn]

ITA with you monorail. I just think that sometimes "throwing" them into full day K without any experience isn't a good idea. DD spent a total of 9-12 hrs a week in preK (3 days week for 3-4 hrs. Right now I forget if pickup was 11:30 or 12:30 LOL). We decided to homeschool her after that due to her age/size. she wasn't ready for full day K, but would have been bored repeating preK.

 

[gabbysmom04]

My DD wil start next year at 3. The program we choose is two days a week for 2.5 hours each day. The next year she will do three days a week for 2.5 hours. Then their kindergarden is full day five days a week. This is a private school so I don't know what the public school in my town does for kindergarden.

 

[wdwfanatic80]

My dd is 17 months and will turn two in the end of August. I already have people asking if I am going to put her in preschool. For me as of now - the answer is definitely no. Once you start school that's it - you go to preschool, then elementary, then middle, then high school, then college, then you enter the work force....I just want to have this time with her for as long as I can/ Now with that said, we are planning on more children and I am thinking that it might be nice to get the break, but as of now she is my baby and there is no way I am ready to think of her going to school...lol

 

[meloneyb21]

Wow, this is some great information. Thanks yall.

 

[Mono~rail]

ITA with you monorail. I just think that sometimes "throwing" them into full day K without any experience isn't a good idea. DD spent a total of 9-12 hrs a week in preK (3 days week for 3-4 hrs. Right now I forget if pickup was 11:30 or 12:30 LOL). We decided to homeschool her after that due to her age/size. she wasn't ready for full day K, but would have been bored repeating preK.

I guess I should have said I think anything before Pre-K at age 4 (or who turn 5 just after the Sept 31 cut off) is simply unnecessary.

**********************************************************

I realize that preschool is an individual choice for parents to make for their kids, but at the same time I understand the societal pressure that is placed on parents these days to put their kids in preschool programs. The choices I make in parenting my twins now that I'm in my 30's is much different than the choices I made for my oldest DD when I was in my late teens/early 20's. Now that I'm older and wiser, I realize that I don't have to do things just because "all the other parents" are doing those things too.

I won't get into that I'm considering homeschool anyway when the time comes for kindergarten.

 

[belle&beast]

I am a speech therapist in a public preschool setting and our programs start at 2. I sent my DD to preschool when she was 3 and DS when he was 2. I think it depends upon the child.

DD will have had 3 years of preschool before entering kindergarten in the fall and we waited an extra year to send her to kindergarten (that's another thread...) She separated easily from us, but was very timid with her peers, the kind of kid that was easily pushed around. She had the academic skills very early, but her social skills were lacking, and now I feel she is ready for kindergarten- even already beginning to read!

DS just turned 3 and needs preschool to keep him busy! He is really bright (IMO) and always looking for something to do, so preschool is perfect for him. Our school is a preschool- not a daycare- and they took him before he was potty trained.

I believe that preschool is really important to teach the foundations necessary for kindergarten- sitting and listening in a group, waiting for a turn and learning to negotiate with peers. If kindergarten was not so academic, like it used to be, I would have a different point of view, but at least in my area, preschool is very important.

 

[alloyd1170]

My son wasnt ready until he was 3. He showed no interest in socializing with other kids, sitting still for any length of time, or wanting to physcially learn something. Our daughter on the other hand will be starting in the fall just after she turns 2. She is ready....I think it's because she is a girl (they tend to be ready sooner, and I did read this somewhere) and she wants to be like her big brother. She picks things up quickly, is learning things we teach our son (numbers, letters, etc), loves to sing and dance, "read" books, and plays with other kids.

Ultimately, you know your child best. Studies have shown that in most cases, it doesn't matter when a child starts preschool, or even goes-by the end of 1st grade (I think) most kids are on the same level.



alison

 

[Tink561]

I realize that preschool is an individual choice for parents to make for their kids, but at the same time I understand the societal pressure that is placed on parents these days to put their kids in preschool programs. The choices I make in parenting my twins now that I'm in my 30's is much different than the choices I made for my oldest DD when I was in my late teens/early 20's. Now that I'm older and wiser, I realize that I don't have to do things just because "all the other parents" are doing those things too.

I won't get into that I'm considering homeschool anyway when the time comes for kindergarten.

I agree, now that I'm a "new parent" again in my late 30s, I see things differently than I did before. I had my sons at 19, 22 and 23. I went along with things because it seemed like it was the thing to do.

My dd won't go to preschool and she most likely won't go to school either since I already homeschool her brothers.

 

[kribit]

realize I'm in the minority, but I don't see preschool for toddlers as necessary. My twins will start kindergarten when they are 5. Until then, I read to them and teach them colors, shapes, numbers, alphabet, etc. We play with the set of triplets (close in age to my twins) who live across the street, and we go to friends' houses and they come to our's. . . so plenty of socialization happening.

My acquaintances are constantly trying to sell me on some preschool program or another and they look at me as if I have a third eye when I tell them that my girls aren't starting school of any kind until they are 5 and it is time for kindergarten.

I must be in the minority as well. I do the same thing and my children are already more than prepared for Kindergarten next fall. I too, have received "the look" from other mothers but I don't care... However, if I were to offer advice on a good age for pre-school, it would be 4 years old.

 

[o2bacelt]

My DD (2 3/4) is in a program at our rec center that is a preschool prep, the kids go 2 days a week for an hour, there are 6 of them, and they have circle time, art projects, stories, etc. My DD loves it. The lady who is her teacher is the head of the preschool there. None of them have to be potty trained in that class.

We decided that we'd let DD go to preschool there starting in the fall. The 3's go twice a week for 2 1/2 hours, and the 4's go 3 times a week for 3 hours. They focus mainly on gross motor skills, art, and physical education. We decided that since we work with her at home on number, letters, etc. and she'll be getting that at preschool too that we'd just attend there.

The rec center is also where I work out and DD's there 3-5 times a week already in the kid care area. She loves the people there. It gives her time to play with her friends, burn off energy, and it gives me time to workout and take care of myself. Heck, I even get a shower without and audience!

Now we just have to get potty trained by Sept.

 

[jessica52877]

I feel no need for preschool. I am home with my son and can and do teach him any skill that is necessary. I cannot teach socialization at home well, but do by going out and feel that he will be perfectly fine learning it in Kindergarten. I did not have a child to send off for someone else to be with and teach all day long. Just my opinion.

I know others think that preschool is great. I think of it as a babysitter, no matter what is taught. If I was not willing to give my son 100% and devote hours a day to him teaching then I might feel differently, but as it is we do "school" everyday and I have all the time in the world for him.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I feel no need for preschool. I am home with my son and can and do teach him any skill that is necessary. I cannot teach socialization at home well, but do by going out and feel that he will be perfectly fine learning it in Kindergarten. I did not have a child to send off for someone else to be with and teach all day long. Just my opinion.

I know others think that preschool is great. I think of it as a babysitter, no matter what is taught. If I was not willing to give my son 100% and devote hours a day to him teaching then I might feel differently, but as it is we do "school" everyday and I have all the time in the world for him.

Whoa! A bit condescending aren't we? I too am home and teach my children everything they need to know even other languages. You yourself said that you can't teach him socialization well at home. Yes, going out and doing things do help, but there is alot more to school than as you defined it as a "babysitter". Your son will have to learn to separate from you (it was much harder for me than for my son!) as well as follow direction from someone other than Mommy. He will also need to follow the group and not go off and do as he pleases because there are others to take into consideration and that is how things work. There are a myraid of reasons to send your child to pre-school and whether you chose to or not is no reason to imply that those who do are less of a parent and not giving 100% as you stated. Let me assure you that I do not need a babysitting service. In my opinion, and yes, I do have one, you are doing your son a disservice but not preparing him for all that kindergarten will be. I personally think you need to do a little research before making such a disparaging remark. I don't care if you send your child to pre-school or not, that is your choice, but no need to condem those who do, especially out of ignorance.

 

[jessica52877]

Whoa! A bit condescending aren't we? I too am home and teach my children everything they need to know even other languages. You yourself said that you can't teach him socialization well at home. Yes, going out and doing things do help, but there is alot more to school than as you defined it as a "babysitter". Your son will have to learn to separate from you (it was much harder for me than for my son!) as well as follow direction from someone other than Mommy. He will also need to follow the group and not go off and do as he pleases because there are others to take into consideration and that is how things work. There are a myraid of reasons to send your child to pre-school and whether you chose to or not is no reason to imply that those who do are less of a parent and not giving 100% as you stated. Let me assure you that I do not need a babysitting service. In my opinion, and yes, I do have one, you are doing your son a disservice but not preparing him for all that kindergarten will be. I personally think you need to do a little research before making such a disparaging remark. I don't care if you send your child to pre-school or not, that is your choice, but no need to condem those who do, especially out of ignorance.

WOW! This was NOT meant to HARM others or make them feel less for their choice, it is a personal choice! as I said this is MY OPINION! I CANNOT believe that on a board that is SUPPOSED to be a COMMUNTIY that someone comes back WITH THIS!

By saying I am able to give 100% DOES NOT mean that OTHERS CANNOT! IT simply means that I DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER OBLIGATIONS at any POINT in the day that must be met!

WOW! SORRY TO OFFEND! SIMPLY MY OPINION AS STATED! Didn't know stating my opinion would get me FLAMED! Guess I should have known if you don't agree with the group you aren't WELCOME! I SURELY DON'T FEEL WELCOME HERE ANYMORE! Thank you so much!

 

[Elmo888]

It is really babysitting/child care until they are 3. Preschool doesn't usually start until 3.

I didn't start DD6 until she was 3, and all of her little playgroup friends were in way before that. She just seemed like she needed more than I was giving her. Now, with DD2, I get questions all of the time, but I still won't start until she is 3.

A friend of mine talked me into sending DD6 to preschool. When she said that since every child in our area is either in day care or preschool, children without any sort of school setting experience go into kindergarten behind all of the other children. That made sense to me. Granted, this is specific to the area that I live in and doesn't apply everywhere. And I know at least one child that didn't attend any preschool program, and he's doing fine in the first grade.

I wouldn't have put DD6 into preschool if she weren't ready. People kept asking how she liked it and I kept saying that if she didn't like it, I would pull her out. I was determined that she go the year before kindergaten, but I would pull her out of the 3 year old class in a heartbeat if she weren't enjoying it. I know a woman who dropped her 2 yo off crying every day for 2 months to a 2 day a week program. We are SAHMs - why would anyone do this???

I just recently read that by second grade, the playing field is even for children that attended preschool and children that did not. So, whatever you decide, it will be fine. Just do what is best for you and your child, and, as everyone else has said, ignore the external pressures (easier said than done!).

 

[jodifla]

WOW! This was NOT meant to HARM others or make them feel less for their choice, it is a personal choice! as I said this is MY OPINION! I CANNOT believe that on a board that is SUPPOSED to be a COMMUNTIY that someone comes back WITH THIS!

By saying I am able to give 100% DOES NOT mean that OTHERS CANNOT! IT simply means that I DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER OBLIGATIONS at any POINT in the day that must be met!

WOW! SORRY TO OFFEND! SIMPLY MY OPINION AS STATED! Didn't know stating my opinion would get me FLAMED! Guess I should have known if you don't agree with the group you aren't WELCOME! I SURELY DON'T FEEL WELCOME HERE ANYMORE! Thank you so much!

You should reread your post. It came off as pretty antagonistic to parents who send their kids to preschool.

We sent DS at 20 months. He was home with Grandpa and his daddy, and he just needed the outside stimulation. For us, it was very good for my son, who really needed the socialization with kids his own age, not just a 75 year old Grandpa.

I don't know anyone who doesn't send their kids to preschool for at least one year of kindergarten. Kindergarten USED to be like preschool, now it's like 1st or 2nd grade. So basically, you're sending in your child well behind the curve if you choose to do that.

 

[jessica52877]

You should reread your post. It came off as pretty antagonistic to parents who send their kids to preschool.

We sent DS at 20 months. He was home with Grandpa and his daddy, and he just needed the outside stimulation. For us, it was very good for my son, who really needed the socialization with kids his own age, not just a 75 year old Grandpa.

I don't know anyone who doesn't send their kids to preschool for at least one year of kindergarten. Kindergarten USED to be like preschool, now it's like 1st or 2nd grade. So basically, you're sending in your child well behind the curve if you choose to do that.

Maybe it is viewed that way by others that don't agree. But I am on several boards and have never had a reaction like this one. Just because a child doesn't go to preschool doesn't mean they will be behind. My best friend sends her child to preschool, she is 4 going on 5 and isn't potty trained, doesn't know her letters or #'s and isn't nearly as socially adjusted as my son. Each child is different and only a parent knows what is best for their own child. As originally stated, it is ONLY MY OPINION that preschool is not needed.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Maybe it is viewed that way by others that don't agree. But I am on several boards and have never had a reaction like this one. Just because a child doesn't go to preschool doesn't mean they will be behind. My best friend sends her child to preschool, she is 4 going on 5 and isn't potty trained, doesn't know her letters or #'s and isn't nearly as socially adjusted as my son. Each child is different and only a parent knows what is best for their own child. As originally stated, it is ONLY MY OPINION that preschool is not needed.

Just so you know it has nothing to do with agreeing with the group. I think having different views and opinions is interesting. Your post just came off as very rude.

 

[jessica52877]

Just so you know it has nothing to do with agreeing with the group. I think having different views and opinions is interesting. Your post just came off as very rude.

I have already apologized and can do nothing more. I find it very hard to get a tone of how something comes off when typing. I was typing with just a different way of looking at things. I appreciate those responses when I am viewing a subject as I know my thoughts differ. AGAIN, I was trying to give a different opinion. Lesson learned... again sorry. And sorry that this has hijacked an interesting conversation and not needed so in any way shape or form!

 

[MSSANDRA]

I so agree that every parent has to make the decission that is best for thier family. Just a few things to think about. Make sure that the decission is what is best for your child and not just for yourself. I really had no desire to send my little one off to preschool that last year before he went to school (he was 5 as i held him back a year) and because of the school I chose even his 3 day a week tuition was a bit much for a SAHM family but I really thought it was what he needed and it made such a difference in him.
While it is so ture that most kids even out by third grade, preschool makes that transition so much easier for the vast majority of kids that go to a group setting kindergarten. I see no need to send children that are going to be homeschool to pre-k though we have had quite a few at our school. SO if you choose not to send your child to Pre-K, please be sure that you do some of these things to make it easier for him or her to go off to all day school.

- Get a list of the requirments and recomendations from your local school's kindergarten progam. Preschool do this and you might be quite surprised to see what is on that list.

-Be sure you teach it right- Check with the local kindergarten to see what style of writting they use. Yes, there are more than one way to teach manucript and it will be no fun to have to relearn.

-Look for ways to give your child time away from you in a group setting. Look for story time at the library that does not allow moms to go in with the children. look in to sunday school or bible school at your church. Play dates are not the same. I can not image how heart breaking it would be to have to drop your child off the first day of kindergarten knowing they have never been alone before in a group setting.

-Alllow your child some independence at home. Can he open his own juice box, take care of his own bathroom needs, pack his own bag to go somewhere such as the park? Preschool things you might not think about.

Again every parent has the right to decide just be sure you are well informed as you make the decission.