preschool--a few questions

MrsMommyQ

This past week had DD's 2 year old pedi appt. Everything was good--she's ahead in language, blah blah blah. The pedi asked about my plans for preschool. I was thinking I'd put her in next fall, right after she turns 3. He suggested I do it at 2.5 bc she's very advanced and not to be surprised if she gets bored at home.

I spoke to DH about it and we totally trust our pedi's opinion and decided to look into some preschools. But I'm wondering what others did/are doing.

When did you start your kids in preschool? What factored into your decision? How many days a week and hours a day did they go? 

ETA--although I'm sure it varies greatly by region, what are prices like?

 

frlcb

My son started at 2.5, 2 mornings a week from 9-12. My dd is about to start, at 16 months, 2 mornings a week from 9-12. I didn't think it could hurt them to go, and I liked they would be around other kids and learn to be okay with other adults without me being there.

Cbidt's girl

You ate only talking a difference of 6 months.  In reality that's a short time so it won't matter.  Your daughter won't be bored at home as long as you are providing enriching experiences which you can do if you want to.  She can socialize plenty if you schedule playdates or head to the park daily.   It all depends what your style is like at home.  If you run errands all day and keep her cooped in the carriage she'll be bored.  If you balance your time she'll be plenty stimulated if you engage her in conversation, give her art materials, let her explore instruments, play motor games etc...

klondikebar

My youngest DS is starting in the fall at 4. He's only going for 2 mornings a week. We want him to adjust to a school setting and socialize a little more. My other two children didn't go, but they aren't my little devil DS. I'm not worried about the academics so much. He's already reading, doing basic math and other stuff. Hopefullly he adjusts well and will have a good transition to K.

Karschingham

KlondikeBar:

My youngest DS is starting in the fall at 4. He's only going for 2 mornings a week. We want him to adjust to a school setting and socialize a little more. My other two children didn't go, but they aren't my little devil DS. I'm not worried about the academics so much. He's already reading, doing basic math and other stuff. Hopefullly he adjusts well and will have a good transition to K.

I always thought 4 or 5 was the age kid started pre-school, right before kindergarten...am I wrong?? I can't imagine having DD go to preschool so young...am I missing something?? lol do I need to start looking?! *mini panic*

IrishEyes0530

Karschingham:

KlondikeBar:

My youngest DS is starting in the fall at 4. He's only going for 2 mornings a week. We want him to adjust to a school setting and socialize a little more. My other two children didn't go, but they aren't my little devil DS. I'm not worried about the academics so much. He's already reading, doing basic math and other stuff. Hopefullly he adjusts well and will have a good transition to K.

I always thought 4 or 5 was the age kid started pre-school, right before kindergarten...am I wrong?? I can't imagine having DD go to preschool so young...am I missing something?? lol do I need to start looking?! *mini panic*

Technically, preschool is 3 year olds and pre-k is 4 years olds. At least that's how it was where I worked (Primrose). DS will go when he is 4, assuming I still SAH. If I go back to work, he will go sooner.

amberdl28

We are debating on sending our son to preschool this year. He turned 3 in june. It would be 2 days a week for 2.5 hours. Its between $100-$130 depending on what place. These are church based preschools. We have the option of church based or daycare based which are more expensive here and its just sending him to the daycare for a few hours a week.

Next year we plan on moving and pre k would be 5 days a week for 3 hours or 3 days a week for 5. I want him to get use to school but im worried about sending him. He has bad separation anxiety. Im hoping this will help but am worried about him crying the whole time.

I think you can keep her from being bored at home. Preschool is 5 hours a week so you would have to entetain her for the rest of the time anyway. But they get to learn and play with other kids at preschool too. Its a hard decision.

Karschingham

IrishEyes0530:

Karschingham:

KlondikeBar:

My youngest DS is starting in the fall at 4. He's only going for 2 mornings a week. We want him to adjust to a school setting and socialize a little more. My other two children didn't go, but they aren't my little devil DS. I'm not worried about the academics so much. He's already reading, doing basic math and other stuff. Hopefullly he adjusts well and will have a good transition to K.

I always thought 4 or 5 was the age kid started pre-school, right before kindergarten...am I wrong?? I can't imagine having DD go to preschool so young...am I missing something?? lol do I need to start looking?! *mini panic*

Technically, preschool is 3 year olds and pre-k is 4 years olds. At least that's how it was where I worked (Primrose). DS will go when he is 4, assuming I still SAH. If I go back to work, he will go sooner.

Ok this helps me, so I SAH now so I can just wait until pre-K at like 4 years old, I just think that fits us better and I like that idea better but I didn't want her to be behind or something...she seems pretty smart, but I am a little biased...haha

IrishEyes0530

Karschingham:

IrishEyes0530:

Karschingham:

KlondikeBar:

My youngest DS is starting in the fall at 4. He's only going for 2 mornings a week. We want him to adjust to a school setting and socialize a little more. My other two children didn't go, but they aren't my little devil DS. I'm not worried about the academics so much. He's already reading, doing basic math and other stuff. Hopefullly he adjusts well and will have a good transition to K.

I always thought 4 or 5 was the age kid started pre-school, right before kindergarten...am I wrong?? I can't imagine having DD go to preschool so young...am I missing something?? lol do I need to start looking?! *mini panic*

Technically, preschool is 3 year olds and pre-k is 4 years olds. At least that's how it was where I worked (Primrose). DS will go when he is 4, assuming I still SAH. If I go back to work, he will go sooner.

Ok this helps me, so I SAH now so I can just wait until pre-K at like 4 years old, I just think that fits us better and I like that idea better but I didn't want her to be behind or something...she seems pretty smart, but I am a little biased...haha

Personally, I think pre-k does help, but I don't tho k its entirely necessary for all kids. If you have time to teach your kid the basics, abc's, counting, etc and provide plenty of arts and crafts and educational activities, they will be fine without it. The only upside to pre-k is the prep for a classroom setting. But, all kids are different. If your kids is awesome at following directions and a schedule, skip it. If not, it could help a lot before school starts to "count'. I had more to say but I'm exhausted and it's not easy typing a book from my phone. :P

klondikebar

IrishEyes0530:

Karschingham:

I always thought 4 or 5 was the age kid started pre-school, right before kindergarten...am I wrong?? I can't imagine having DD go to preschool so young...am I missing something?? lol do I need to start looking?! *mini panic*

Technically, preschool is 3 year olds and pre-k is 4 years olds. At least that's how it was where I worked (Primrose). DS will go when he is 4, assuming I still SAH. If I go back to work, he will go sooner.

Everything here is just preschool. I've only heard of pre-K from the bump. Is how it's classified a regional thing? Doesn't really matter, I suppose.

klondikebar

IrishEyes0530:

 Personally, I think pre-k does help, but I don't tho k its entirely necessary for all kids. If you have time to teach your kid the basics, abc's, counting, etc and provide plenty of arts and crafts and educational activities, they will be fine without it. The only upside to pre-k is the prep for a classroom setting. But, all kids are different. If your kids is awesome at following directions and a schedule, skip it. If not, it could help a lot before school starts to "count'. I had more to say but I'm exhausted and it's not easy typing a book from my phone. :P

I do agree with all of this. Two of my children did not attend preschool and did well in K. This last one has a different personality than them. I reallty think he is going to benefit from the classroom setting. He tends to get bored and cause trouble.

frlcb

KlondikeBar:

IrishEyes0530:

Karschingham:

I always thought 4 or 5 was the age kid started pre-school, right before kindergarten...am I wrong?? I can't imagine having DD go to preschool so young...am I missing something?? lol do I need to start looking?! *mini panic*

Technically, preschool is 3 year olds and pre-k is 4 years olds. At least that's how it was where I worked (Primrose). DS will go when he is 4, assuming I still SAH. If I go back to work, he will go sooner.

Everything here is just preschool. I've only heard of pre-K from the bump. Is how it's classified a regional thing? Doesn't really matter, I suppose.

Preschool here is from 1-4 and then pre-k is at 4.