Because of when my DD's bday is, she starts kindergarten at 5.5 so I can start her in pre-school at age 4 and she will still get a full year of it before kindergarten starts.
So I will have her home with me another year. I do take her on play dates (we're involved in mom groups/play groups) the library, church, and a scheduled class I sign her up for once a week.
I feel like she gets plenty of socializing with other kids, just not in a classroom setting but most 3yo's I'm noticing are doing a 2 or 3 morning a week program. Is it really necessary for a kid to be in a classroom setting at this age?
Re: Is your 3yo not in school?
This worked well for us and we will do the same with DD. We have a very active mom group, and still plan to do our play dates and activities.
Yes and no. My kids are both super social and love learning. DS is having an awesome time in kindy with no issues. The preschool he attended is a Spanish Immersion school and the amount he picked up the second year vs the first year was huge. But DH is a teacher, and I'm a former teacher, so we've always incorporated learning and the importance of school in our home. One year might have been fine, but two was better.
I think my main concern is if she'd be missing out on the structure of being in a classroom, if she needs it yet or not. She's good at sharing and waiting her turn but not sitting and listening, she's got jimmy legs lol
Really the least important part of a preschool program is the academic stuff. On the contrary I'd be on the lookout for a play based program. The benefit is the socialization without mom there, learning to listen to an adult outside of a sitter/family, and learning classroom rules. I don't think your child is doomed to be a socially awkward outcast who doesnt listen to teachers without two years of school but if you have the money two days a week really isn't going to hurt.
DS 3.12.08
DD 7.11.09
DD 8.01.13
This is a really really good point. In Our school district most kids do 2 years so I think it would have put my kids somewhat behind. FWIW a good preschool at this age is play based while still learning a ton. The are sponges right now.
C 7.16.2008 | L 11.12.2010 | A 3.18.2013
Montessori is a good example of play based, yes. We don't do Montessori but do a program that's similarly structured with mixed age classrooms, ample time for outdoor play/play with peers and self directed play at learning centers vs something more rigidly structured. I would advise you to tour a few, ask about a day in the life of a child there, and see what works for you.
C 7.16.2008 | L 11.12.2010 | A 3.18.2013
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
I think what you have planned sounds great. We do something similar, playgroup/playdates, library, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, t-ball. He does do some "drop-in" preschool classes our rec center offers too - once a month or so. I'm totally biased because I'm his mom lol, but I think he's just as good, if not better, at sharing, waiting in line, socializing, talking to adults etc. when compared to his friends who have been in preschool since age 2. Every kid us different!
I have also found that the preschools are very expensive, like $400/month. The cheaper options are coops but I cannot bring my baby (due in 3 month) when its my turn to volunteer. Aside from that issue, I do like the coop option.
We will have to pay it when she's 4, for that year which I'm ok with. I don't think there are free options here unless the child is special needs or family meets income requirements.
I just heard about the co-op idea from my aunt (my age with same age kids!) who came to visit recently. She's from Seattle. I've never seen a program like that here, but it's a great idea! We do have a few MDO kind of places. That's where he went over the summer at a church.
If the coop program interests you maybe see if you could make some connections there prior to enrolling. Maybe you could do a babysitting swap with one of the moms there where she watches the baby when its your turn to volunteer and you watch her kids for her another time to help her out in return.
Charlotte Ella 07.16.10
Emmeline Grace 03.27.13
DD1 has really grown socially, academically, and emotionally since starting preschool this past fall. It's amazing to see the transformation. She loves school and actually cried the one day she was sick as she didn't want to stay home. She can already read & spell certain words and can do basic math. As she still has one more year to go, I feel she'll be very well prepared for kindergarten when the time comes. We plan to enroll DD2 in the same preschool next fall and she will also complete two years.
While our experience with preschool has been extremely positive, all schools and children are not created equal. I certainly don't feel that preschool, especially 2 years of it, is necessary or that it is in any way right for every child.
It isn't my ideal scenario, but even with her starting this fall she will still get 2 years in prek. Thankfully we aren't planning on moving and DD2 has a summer bday so she can go when she is 3.
Goodbye little angel(7/22/2011)....see you in heaven
Goodbye my second angel (9/18/2011)