I'm thinking of starting pre school....

emathis2

What should I look for in a school?  DS is almost 2 and I think he will enjoy more structured activities and interaction with kids. We do so many activities and playdates but I think he might benefit from a group setting. 

I'm thinking of 2-3 half days.  Is that a good place to start?  How many kids are typical in a 2 year old room?

Any advice?  I am really torn about this since I SAH and I feel a little guilty about him being in school.  He also sleeps 3-4 hours in afternoon so I feel like i won't get much time with him at all if he's in school.   

JennaHope

I personally think it will be great for him. DS (5) goes to the Y and has been in their 5 day a week 2.5hr program. I would send DD (2.5yrs) 5 days a week for 2.5hrs if they offered it. Their 2yr old program is 2 days a week for an hour. The Y here will take a 2yr old into the 3yr old program if they are close to 3 when the school year starts. And the 3yr old program is 3 days a week for 2.5hrs. We've had a great experience with the Y and DS has learned a lot this past year. Plus the 3yr old program and up has gym and swimming once a week. Start contacting places to get an idea of what they offer and prices. Hopefully you will find something that fits your schedule.

mabma80

I think it's a great idea!  My DS#1 just finished up prek for 3's and he loved it!  He went twice a week for three hours. Next year he'll go to prek 4's, three times a week for three hours. Then on to Kindergarden.  

I would look and see if you have an ECFE program (Early Childhood Family Education) in your area.  That's where I started DS#1 when he was 2.  It was once a week for a couple hours.  The mom's went off to chat and the kids stayed with a teacher for an hour and a half.  DS#2 was still a baby so he was in their daycare.  He goes to a Catholic school now.  : )

I would also look at stand alone preschools that offer the times you want. 

almostjennifer

Age age two my DD went one morning a week to a 'tot time' program.  At age three she started 3 half days per week at a private montessori preschool and at age four she went five half days per week.  DD stopped naps at age 2, so she went in the afternoons so I could have a little break.

Start asking around to see what people say about your local preschools.  Then visit the schools you are interested in and talk to the teachers.  I relied heavily on my mom who has a M.Ed. in early childhood education.  She steered me towards the montessori philosophy, which has been good for my DD. 

I think preschool is important, even when you SAH.  I'm not a teacher, and I think she learned much more at school than I could have taught her at home.  Academically and also how to function sucessfully in a classroom (following rules, taking turns, paying attention, raising her hand, cleaning up her workspace, etc.) Kindergarten has become more rigorous and it seems a disservice to drop a child off at kindergarten without any prior classroom experience.  JMO.