Opinions needed on pre-k option.

meghans30

There is a pre-k program @ the high I teach which is run by high school students learning about daycare management and child development. They are overseen by a certified teacher. The program is 4 days 2.5 hours per day. It costs like $500 per YEAR! My youngest turned 2 today and will not meet the requirement for K until his is close to 6 which means 3 years of pre-k. I'm thinking about enrolling him in the program at my school for a year and then a private pre-k for a year. He has been in daycare and needs the interaction. Would you place your child in this type of program? Would you be concerned having high school students working closely with your child? I've observed in the past and was always amazed that the students who caused me problems in the past worked so well with the the pre-k class.

JOEBunny

I would do that in a heartbeat, especially for a child under 5.  The whole point of Pre-k should be for kids to have supervised play and opportunities to explore.  I live by a daycare and I can say that some of the workers are not of the "caliber" that I would want for my child, and it is a good center.  I think energetic students who are excited about what they are doing would be better, as long as they speak well.  I can't take some of the "english" I hear from the daycare staff when they don't realize I am on my porch and can hear them.

oparcm

Yes, I would do it because they are supervised there.  I teach at an elementary school and we have vocational students who work at my school.  They are really great with the kids.  I have nothing but good to say about the teens coming to our place. 

bubu

My 3 yo DD just started going to a preschool just like this at the high school by my house and she loves it.  My DH and I didn't need any daycare help but we wanted her to socialize with kids her age.  The high school students seem very nice and the only thing I was concerned about was if the students would be helping the little ones use the bathroom and I was uncomfortable with that but only the teacher is allowed to help them go potty. Our program is M-Th for 3 hours and it's $150/mo which is awesome compared to what I know others are paying for day care. I think you should do it.

knmommy

there is a huge waiting list for that program by us.  I would definatley do that.  When I was in high school, I actually took that class and we worked with the kiddies.  Loved it!