Preschool & Room Assignments

Spin313

So, my son's preschool has two classes (a "little" kids class and a "big" kids class).  The "little" kids class is mostly 2-3 year olds, and the "big" kids class is mostly 4 year olds or 3 year olds who attended the previous year.  This is DS's first year there and he is one of the oldest kids in the LK class.  Recently, one of DS's friends was moved from the LK class to the BK class.  She's also new to the school, she's younger than DS, and doesn't speak/understand Spanish (it's an Immersion school), so I am kind of confused as to why she was the one picked. 

It's really been bugging me and I want to ask about classroom placement, but I don't want to be THAT parent.  What is the best way to approach this topic with the director...?

KathrynMD

I would just ask how they decide what kids to move up.

Its an honest question.

kmhunt11

You can ask for peace of mind, but I'm sure they had their reasons.  Not only that, if your DS isn't starting kindergarten next year, a year as the oldest in the younger class will do him a lot of good.  Leadership, self-confidence, etc, etc.  

UsedToBeGoldie

if you ask- just ask in general how they decide... it's none of your business why the other child moved up - and they shouldn't tell you why if you asked about her anyway... what matters is what your child is doing and that you feel he's in the right place for him.

franciscaz

I also would ask.  Maybe the parents are requesting it.

Wally3

Ask - but as an in general question. Not "you moved so and so up and my kids is older why didn't he move" type of question.

jlw2505

I think it is very fair to ask the director how the class assignments are done.  I know at my DD"s daycare/preschool, it is an age thing but if a parent requests that their child be moved sooner, they will try to accomadate if they agree with the move.  I do know that they keep a list based on age but if the time comes for a child to move and they don't feel they are ready (socially and based on a few other things) they will push some other kids ahead of that child.  For example, my DD moved from the toddler 2 room to the preschool 1 room early (toddler 2 is 2-2 1/2 and Pre1 is 2 1/2 to 3 and potty trained)(.  My DD didn't potty train until right around her 3rd birthday and she moved to the Pre 2 (3 year old) room pretty close to her birthday.  She is due to move to the Pre 3 (4 year old) room in March when she turns 4 but I have put in a request to have her moved up in Jan as she is bored in the current room and most of her friends have already moved up.  The director agrees with my request so she will be moved up to the next room ahead of some of the other kids based on my request and it gets written down in the files that she was moved early due to parent request in case it is ever questioned.

Spin313

Thanks ladies, I do think it's a valid question...but I wasn't sure how to bring it up without mentioning the other child.