WWYD? re:4y/o prek

la79al

DD1 is in the 3 y/o preschool this year.  She goes 2 mornings a week, 3 hours each day.  Next year the 4s class at the same place is 3 mornings a week, 3 hours per day.  The problem is that the school is 15 minutes from our house.  So til I transport next year, that would be 3 hours in the car for DD2 plus 3 hours worth of gas (in a minivan).  The cost of the school itself is reasonable and I don't love it but don't hate it.  DD will most likely not be going to kindergarten there.  Any other preschool we look at would probably be almost just as far.  She is in school this year mainly because I have a 9 month old at home, in addition to DD2 and I felt DD1 would appreciate some non-baby time.  Registration is open now and I can't decide whether to enroll her for next year.  WWYD?

Mrs Manners

Can you find another school with longer hours so she gets more time there (3 driving hours for 9 hours of school seems insane)? What about one with different hours that might allow your dh to do a drop off or pickup? Carpool with another parent?

smilejenn

We were in the same position. My son attends pre-k this year 5 days a week for 3 hours at a time. We're 15-18 minutes away. I honestly do not feel that the drive is that bad, even when I had an infant in tow (who's now 20 months). I balance working PT from home, so there is part of me that wishes I could have those 5 hours of drive time back each week. But I don't dwell on it and just look at it as time I need to invest so he gets his education. Once both boys are older and start after school activities and sports, the drive time will only increase.

livinitup

Yes, with no hesitation. Our program really benefits DD greatly.

karleegirl

I don't think that much driving is that bad. If your dd is getting benefits from it keep her in it.