If your LO goes to pre-school/nursery

Violet's Mommy

What age did they start and how did they do? I have pretty much never been away from DD. I didn't even go to any kind of pre school when I was younger but these days it seems to be more popular, especially around here. DD will be three in a month and we are being pressured to put her name in somewhere. On the one hand I'm nervous for both of us with the being away for the first time but on the other hand it would be a good way for her to make friends. Guess I sort of want to know firat off what its like for you when you sent them at first as well as how tthey coped. Also are there any things or questions I should consider when looking for a place?

MrsC17

DD started pre-school (2 days a week, 2 hours at a time) when she turned 2.  We had been going to Mommy/Me at a local temple and they offered to have a transitional class for our group since the 2 year old preschool class they already had set up was full and our 2 year olds were all JUST turned 2- so we all agreed.

Before that DD had never been away from me for activities but she didn't bat an eyelash at my leaving- she loves it there and runs into the classroom.  I think she's going to miss it terribly over the summer- in the fall she will start 3 days a week for 3 hours a day.  I think she'll love it since she'll get to eat lunch there with her friends (she talks about her teacher and school friends ALL the time).  There was really no issue of coping for us.  One or two kids cry for about 5 minutes during drop off but run away from their moms when they come to get them.

I found that temples/churches were much less expensive than daycare type preschools (Goddard/Montessori,etc).- depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.  My friends rave their kids get spanish lessons and yoga time at Goddard- which is great, but they (for the 3 day a week program) will pay thousands more and honestly, at this juncture, their kids aren't speaking more than mine or more social than mine.  Maybe they'll get some advantage when they're a little older but by then they'll all be going to the same local schools so I don't really know how much it matters (I guess time will tell).  Good luck!! 

amy5162

DS will be starting this fall, a couple of months before is 3rd bday.  I SAH and I want him to get used to a more social environment without me.  It would be good for your LO to start a couple days a week this fall.

superaunt

mine's been going to the same place (full time, M-F) since she was 9 weeks old. the transition to preschool (in the same center) was very easy for her and she thrives SO much in this setting. that said, if i could keep her home, i probably would. i miss her. i miss her a lot. BUT a school setting is SO good for them, i truly believe. SO good. (i will warn you that it will be very difficult at first during drop offs as most likely, your child, will not want to be separated from you. we still endure this some days but i'm told she's fine within a minute or two after i leave.)

waTracy

Preschool usually starts around 2.5/3 around here. I've seen a lot of moms these days doing preschool at home. You can google it and find so many resources if you decide to keep your little one at home. As a teacher, I think it's very important for preschool type learning to start happening around 3. In fact, I just recently read reports on how preschool exposure/headstart programs play such a vital role in how our kids will fare for the rest of their schooling. Even if it's preschool at home that you do, it's so important.

You've got to do what's best for you and your family.

Violet's Mommy

Thanks everyone for your input so far. As far as learning I definitley work with her and would do soso more if we didn't do school yet. The main reason I'm thinking of her going is because she has no kids her age to be around. I was just worried about coping with being away not to mention id miss her lol but that's just selfish of me lol.

Worcbride

DD turned 3 last May...I sent her to preschool that Sept.  It was good for us both as DS was 1 1/2 and had never had mommy alone time....which she had for the first 22 mos of her life.  She did great--no issues at all;  I'll admit it took me a while to get used to having her gone for those 2 1/2 hrs 2x/week but I really enjoy the time with DS and now I cant wait for DS to go a year from Sept so I can have some me time :-)

In terms of looking for a place, get recommendations.  Go on the tour.  You'll get a sense.  I dont think there's anything you can ask them that they wont go over before you ask it--after all, it is their job/they do it every day.  I like our place cuz it's close and I can visit without any notice.

LoCarb

Early pre-school starts at the age of 2 in Tx. DD has been enrolled f/t 5 days a week.

LadyNikon

CathlEen started this week she is 2 yrs 8 months.  She loves daycare/preschool.  She had grown out of having a babysitter and needed more stimulation and playmates.